Which 20" wheel/tire setup?

335xray · #1 10-12-2010, 03:54 PM

Question for the group...

I have ordered an X5 50i M-Sport with 20" wheels and need to get real winter wheels/tires as I live in Ohio and we get some snow and it is fairly cold for most of the winter making the summer RFTs very dangerous.

Currently the two options I am considering are both 20" wheels since I do not really want to down size the wheels due to vanity...

I can either go with Staggered X6M reps at 9.5" and 10.5" sizes with the Pirelli Scorpio winter tires in the 275/40/20 and 315/35/20 sizes with TMPS and shipped for ~$2600...

OR

I can do the same wheel in a non-staggered setup 9.5" all around and get Blizzack LM-25s 275/45/20 for about $2100 shipped with TPMS. I would probably have to add a 3cm spacer in the rear so the rears arent tucked under the fender flares too much. That adds ~$200 for a total cost of $2400.

Thoughts? $200 less to run a smaller size in rear for "better" snow traction but then I have to deal with taking spacers on and off every winter and spring...

Also, are the LM-25s discontinued since they are discounting them? That would be a pain if you got a flat...

Thanks for your thoughts,
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cmyX6go · #2 10-12-2010, 04:00 PM

Lose the vanity. The smaller, narrower tires are best for snow. If you're going to stick with the 20s, do not go staggered.

Good luck.

motordavid · #3 10-12-2010, 04:10 PM

I'm with L..."coolness looking" for winter is for those that live in warm climes
and occasionally head for the mtns skiing. If I lived in Oh H Ten, I would pick
the 2nd batch.
GL, mD

335xray · #4 10-15-2010, 09:15 AM

OK...no coolness for me

I have made a decision based on performance, looks and fitment. I having been messaging back and forth with Ray from wheeltechtuning on ebay. He was recommended by someone here on the outpost and has been very patient and helpful.

I have decided to go with the X6M 300M style rep wheels in a non-staggered fitment 10" all around with Michelin Alpin tires 275/40-20 size. That way I keep stock tire size, there is minimal tuck in the back and the tires are not being discontinued like the LM-25s are. That keeps me from having to buy 4 new tires if I get a flat this winter.

I thought about going the Y-style 214 reps, but they are 9.5" diameter and have a different offset which would tuck my rears in almost 3cm. I didn't want to have to buy and mess with spacers if I didn't have to.

I will post picks when I get them and they are on the X5 I have ordered.

X

rh71 · #5 10-15-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335xray

I thought about going the Y-style 214 reps, but they are 9.5" diameter and have a different offset which would tuck my rears in almost 3cm. I didn't want to have to buy and mess with spacers if I didn't have to.

They are 20x10 here with no fitment issues... unless if used for the rears it's different for some reason?

2008 BMW X5 Wheel - OEM Replacement # ALY71177U | WheelsAndCaps.com

ring007 · #6 10-17-2010, 09:31 PM

Alpines are great. I used this same setup for the 3.5d on 4x 10" (fronts) #214's all around.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335xray

OK...no coolness for me

I have made a decision based on performance, looks and fitment. I having been messaging back and forth with Ray from wheeltechtuning on ebay. He was recommended by someone here on the outpost and has been very patient and helpful.

I have decided to go with the X6M 300M style rep wheels in a non-staggered fitment 10" all around with Michelin Alpin tires 275/40-20 size. That way I keep stock tire size, there is minimal tuck in the back and the tires are not being discontinued like the LM-25s are. That keeps me from having to buy 4 new tires if I get a flat this winter.

I thought about going the Y-style 214 reps, but they are 9.5" diameter and have a different offset which would tuck my rears in almost 3cm. I didn't want to have to buy and mess with spacers if I didn't have to.

I will post picks when I get them and they are on the X5 I have ordered.

X

335xray · #7 10-18-2010, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ring007

Alpines are great. I used this same setup for the 3.5d on 4x 10" (fronts) #214's all around.

Ring,

Good to know, thanks. I have used Blizzaks exclusively on my last few cars and have been very happy. Good to know the Michelins work well too.

Btw, nice little stable you have

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MRV99 · #8 10-15-2010, 07:33 PM

Here is what I did. Purchased a set of 211's off a guy in las vegas. The rims were in excellent shape and it cost $250 a rim shipped. Purchased some Pirelli Scorpions from Discount tire becasue they matched Tirerack. $1123.35 so 2123.35 for a winter set. My E53 set lasted me 3 winters before I sold them.

example:
BMW X6 X5 19" OEM Factory Wheels Tires: eBay Motors (item 110598635934 end time Nov-13-10 12:46:50 PST)

sell the rubber on craigs list for $100-$125 a tire.