Has anyone just gone ahead and used the 20's in the winter?

[mazinkaizer]

There is an all-seasons 20" non-run-flats tires you can get, if you live in the area that doesn't snow that much, it should works just fine during winter.

Check out this thread.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...-20-shoes.html

[Tainui]

I have the factory 20's and dunlop sport maxx's and twice had more than 6" of unplowed snow in Vermont this winter. No problems with the set up. Better (winter) tires will stop quicker but driving within both the vehicle's and your abilities you'll be fine.


If there is ice, it doesn't matter wether you're on snows or not. Many people will say the sportmaxx's were terrible on an inch of snow. My experience is that the initial snow fall melts to form ice and then the inch of snow accumulates on top. Very bad. Take it easy and you'll be fine.

[brian5]

Originally Posted by Tainui

I have the factory 20's and dunlop sport maxx's and twice had more than 6" of unplowed snow in Vermont this winter. No problems with the set up. Better (winter) tires will stop quicker but driving within both the vehicle's and your abilities you'll be fine.


If there is ice, it doesn't matter wether you're on snows or not. Many people will say the sportmaxx's were terrible on an inch of snow. My experience is that the initial snow fall melts to form ice and then the inch of snow accumulates on top. Very bad. Take it easy and you'll be fine.

I disagree very strongly with what you've posted about "driving within ... abilities" and "take it easy and you'll be fine". Those 20" summer tires are NOT safe in a winter with ice or snow.

I'll leave it at that...

[rh71]

I've heard numerous times from numerous people saying the 20" summer tires were basically sleds in the snow. As in your life would be in danger type of useless. Do what a lot of people have already done and don't order the 20s from your dealer. Do it aftermarket where you can get all-season 20s on and drive with them full-time. Swapping twice a year = pain in the friggin rear.

In contrast, I've heard from more than a handful of 20" all-season owners that they are perfectly fine in the snow. I was debating this myself for quite a while. You want Michelin Latitude Tour HPs or Toyo Proxes S/Ts. One other benefit (in my opinion) is that these non runflats give a MUCH softer ride (coming from runflat 19s).

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by brian5

I disagree very strongly with what you've posted about "driving within ... abilities" and "take it easy and you'll be fine". Those 20" summer tires are NOT safe in a winter with ice or snow.

I'll leave it at that...

[DumboX5]

Hey Guys - The Toyo's look like they are directional tires vs. the Michelins....With a staggered setup and directional tires, we wouldn't be able to rotate....However, the Toyo's are quite a bit cheaper...Essentially, you can get 4 tires for about $900 on the Toyo and the Michelins are about $1200 for the set.

[HaroldC]

Originally Posted by brian5

I disagree very strongly with what you've posted about "driving within ... abilities" and "take it easy and you'll be fine". Those 20" summer tires are NOT safe in a winter with ice or snow.

I'll leave it at that...

I also agree with this, the OEM Dunlop run-flats are summer tires only. Yes, you could possibly get away with using them if you get caught in sudden snow, but if you live in a climate where snow is an annual occurance, get a set of all-season tires or a 18/19 inch snow tire setup.

It's not the size that's the probelm, but rather the compound and tread pattern. Summer tires turn hard as a rock when the temps dip below 40 degrees F, which makes them very very slick not only in the snow, but on dry pavement as well. Once they're up to temp, then there's more traction, but cold, they're aweful.

I would urge anyone who is considering the 214s or any 20 in wheel/tire combo to get all-season tires or a dedicated snow setup, not only for your safety, but for everyone else on the road as well. I've lost track of accidents that I've seen where cars with inadequate tires for the snow. Even up in Maine, where you would think they would know how to drive in the snow.

[rh71]

Originally Posted by DumboX5

Hey Guys - The Toyo's look like they are directional tires vs. the Michelins....With a staggered setup and directional tires, we wouldn't be able to rotate....However, the Toyo's are quite a bit cheaper...Essentially, you can get 4 tires for about $900 on the Toyo and the Michelins are about $1200 for the set.

The Toyos are directional but they should still be swappable from side to side if you take the tires off the rim. More work done, but still rotatable.

You're right about the Michelins being non-directional though.

[mellow_sparky]

Our sales person has an X5 with 20's and he said don't even think about taking them up in the snow for skiing.

We've had our 3.0si sport package wheels (19" with 255 all weather tires) up on snow covered dirt roads in the back country for cross country skiing - not a single problem. The car performed perfectly.

Now, of course, the tires were brand spankin' new. That also makes a difference. 20's with brand new rubber may be passable in some snow conditions; but tires that are a couple years old? no way.

[KEF]

Originally Posted by PUZZ

How did you justify the extra cost for snow tires and wheels after already paying extra for the 20s'?

The justification is rather simple, you can't drive on the Sport tires in the snow...

I did the same a Brian, tried it - you can't turn or stop with any consistency.

Cheers,
KEF