I stand Corrected....Run Flats Sux Donkey BA*&

[indianapolisX5]

BMW dealers should, and in my experience always have, advised buyers of sport package models (whether 3, 5, 7, X) that performance tires simply are not safe and should not be used in cold, snow, or ice. My dad bought a 540i 6-speed in 2001 and his sales advisor didn't just recommend, but rather insisted that he buy a dedicated set of Blizzaks for winter.

If you think that buying a bespoke set of snows is ridiculous and unnecessarily expensive, then opt for all-seasons. If you think it's a hassle to change tires twice a year and want an all-weather tire, BMW makes that option available. You will compromise extreme handling at both ends of the performance spectrum, but ultimately that should be and is at the customer's discretion.

Lastly, take some personal responsibility. Chances are the same set of staggered 20-inch Sport Maxx's aren't going to get you through a blizzard as well as they get you around the Nurburgring. An extreme example, but then again so are summer and winter tires, respectively. 214's are an awesome looking wheel on the E70, but for three months of the year I'd sacrifice them for the safety and peace of mind that come from a set of dedicated snows.

[335xray]

Tim,

I think most others have covered the point pretty well that it is the tire compound that determines your traction especially in the cold and snow/ice. I guess I figured you would have known that living in Denver and having owned several BMWs.

As for my 2 X5s with 20" wheels, I knew what I was getting into before I purchased both trucks and had a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires ready before the trucks where even delivered. My dealer made sure I was aware that the tires coming on both trucks were NOT meant for winter time, just as they did when I upgraded my 335xi sport package sedan to the 18"s with summer only tires. I had a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires then too.

I have seen the difference dedicated winter tires make first hand when I had a buddy with a RWD 325i get stuck on a tiny incline coming out of the hospital garage in his summer only tires. My friend luckily had a set of winter tires/wheels for sale and brought them to the garage where we swapped them out for his summers and he drove right out of the garage and home without a hiccup. He and I were both stunned at how different the car handled.

I have a young child I want as safe as possible and a job where I can't miss work just because the weather is bad. My wife is in a similar situation so I made sure on my "100k+ in BMWs" I spent $2100 each on a dedicated set of winter tires. Now I have the best dry and wet summer handling, and the best winter handling.

...back off soap box....

X

[midwest x6]

Originally Posted by 335xray

Tim,

I think most others have covered the point pretty well that it is the tire compound that determines your traction especially in the cold and snow/ice. I guess I figured you would have known that living in Denver and having owned several BMWs.

As for my 2 X5s with 20" wheels, I knew what I was getting into before I purchased both trucks and had a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires ready before the trucks where even delivered. My dealer made sure I was aware that the tires coming on both trucks were NOT meant for winter time, just as they did when I upgraded my 335xi sport package sedan to the 18"s with summer only tires. I had a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires then too.

I have seen the difference dedicated winter tires make first hand when I had a buddy with a RWD 325i get stuck on a tiny incline coming out of the hospital garage in his summer only tires. My friend luckily had a set of winter tires/wheels for sale and brought them to the garage where we swapped them out for his summers and he drove right out of the garage and home without a hiccup. He and I were both stunned at how different the car handled.

I have a young child I want as safe as possible and a job where I can't miss work just because the weather is bad. My wife is in a similar situation so I made sure on my "100k+ in BMWs" I spent $2100 each on a dedicated set of winter tires. Now I have the best dry and wet summer handling, and the best winter handling.

...back off soap box....

X

Well said...I bought my 17 year old son a 2004 325xi that came with all seasons...I could have left them on year-round and saved some $$$$...But (like you) I wanted to get him as safe as possible and swung for a dedicated set of Dunlop Winter Sport 3D's...I love that little E46

I hope the OP doesn't feel like we're all piling-on and being critical??

Tim -- spring for some dedicated Winter Wheels and tires -- put the 20's back on in Spring...Be safe and have a great new year!!

[wpr]

all this is very interesting and seemingly accurate, but - i have 20s, and the Dunlap RFTs, and have been getting around in the snow just fine.

yes, i can tell a difference - and yeah it's the temp more than the white stuff, BUT, having learned to drive in Ohio, in the snow, etc, the X does just fine on main roads, even snow/ice covered. YMMV

granted I know there are limitations, i.e. where and when i cannot drive, so I guess the bottom line is really - if you know what you're doing you should be able to get around just fine on these tires, but if properly outfitted with snow tires, you can likely go anywhere.

[rh71]

at a kid birthday party gathering this weekend I came across someone else with an AW E70 with 214s (MY2011, brand new). Pulled up right next to me at the house - pretty funny. We got to talking and he mentioned he didn't realize he wouldn't have a spare so he's stuck with those runflats. This is a Connecticut winter... not good with summer tires... I didn't know whether to tell him or not that he should be buying 4 new tires. BMW is partially responsible for not educating their buyers about the summer-only tires at purchase time. But really, do these "performance tires" really help a big truck anyway?

[335xray]

Originally Posted by rh71

at a kid birthday party gathering this weekend I came across someone else with an AW E70 with 214s (MY2011, brand new). Pulled up right next to me at the house - pretty funny. We got to talking and he mentioned he didn't realize he wouldn't have a spare so he's stuck with those runflats. This is a Connecticut winter... not good with summer tires... I didn't know whether to tell him or not that he should be buying 4 new tires. BMW is partially responsible for not educating their buyers about the summer-only tires at purchase time. But really, do these "performance tires" really help a big truck anyway?

Yes, the big truck will stop in the shortest distance in the wet and in the dry and go'round the skip pad pulling more G's above 45 degrees or so with the performance summer only tires than with all seasons. Several good tire rack articles on the differences and one on edmond.com.

X