Are 214s impractical for a daily driver?

[Brad_p]

I would say, lose the runflat tyres. Will make a huge difference.

[Juanted]

Originally Posted by Texas5

Loki,

Nothing wrong with the 20" setup as a daily driver. Problem is the OEM runflats might last 12-15K miles, and it will run you $1,500+ for a new set. You might factor that in to your decision. Yeah, summer tires might grip a little better, but anyone who really cares about handling isn't driving a 5500 lb SUV.

I bought an X5 because I needed a family car, but DO care about handling. I'm willing to bet that handling, performance, and braking are the reasons most of us bought this "5500 lb SUV." This is why the X5 and the Cayenne are so popular. If we did not care about handling or performance, we'd all be driving Lexus or Buick SUVs.

Back to the question at hand. I have 20" summer run-flats with the 214 wheels. No problems at all. Love the setup, as a matter of fact. I live in the south, so I don't even change my tires in the winter. I've never had a problem.

Juan

[Texas5]

Originally Posted by Kaefer

I bought an X5 because I needed a family car, but DO care about handling. I'm willing to bet that handling, performance, and braking are the reasons most of us bought this "5500 lb SUV." This is why the X5 and the Cayenne are so popular. If we did not care about handling or performance, we'd all be driving Lexus or Buick SUVs.

Juan

Sorry Kaefer, didn't mean to step on anyone's toes. My point was more about the cost of staying with the OEM tires - they simply don't last many miles. We X5 drivers are already making a big sacrifice in handling/performance (vs. say a 3- or 5-series) in order to get more practicality/space/luxury. Switching to a more practical tire just isn't a that large big dropoff in performance.

[Juanted]

Originally Posted by Texas5

Sorry Kaefer, didn't mean to step on anyone's toes. My point was more about the cost of staying with the OEM tires - they simply don't last many miles. We X5 drivers are already making a big sacrifice in handling/performance (vs. say a 3- or 5-series) in order to get more practicality/space/luxury. Switching to a more practical tire just isn't a that large big dropoff in performance.

You did not step on anyone's toes... it's an opinion, and that what an internet board is all about. No biggie.

Obviously, the X5 sacrifices some handling and performance when compared to a 3 or 5 series. And I do agree that the drop-off in performance may be minimal when switching to a more practical tire -- if you're a "normal" driver. So, if you're using your SUV for a kid-mobile, soccer practice, grocery shopping utility, the tires won't much matter. If, however, you're like me, and you WANT performance and handling, but you MUST have a family car... and if your car never sees the right lane... if your X5 gets used to "cruising" at 95 MPH... if your MPG IMPROVES after driving 600 miles at an average of 85 MPH... then, tires matter.

[y5choi]

one thing i do think about is tread-wear. i mean i realize that 220 tread-wear rating isn't so great in terms of longevity, but the alternative Michelin non run flat performance tires isn't even so much better (240 i believe).

As I only use the summer set half the year and switch to my winters, i figure it will last me good two or tree years (basically equivalent to 1.5 years running on them continuously? correct me if i'm wrong)

If i decide to switch to all seasons, they do have much better tread ratings but I'll be running on that one set of tires all year and in terms of time, it could end up being about the same for replacement. not to mention lost safety in winter.

So i figured they are worth it! Only time will tell if they truely are, but they sure look darn good and I wouldn't live without them