I have also driven the 4.6is on the snow and yes it can get pretty scary. Accelerating really isn't the problem and turning is ok too as long as you're going slow. But, trying to stop if you are on even the slightest downgrade is almost impossible. One time I was driving maybe 10-15 mph and came up on a crosswalk. I hit my brakes and the car just wouldn't stop. So we waiving at the people not to cross. It was pretty scary but also kinda funny. It reminded me of the scene from Austin Powers when he's driving the steam roller and waiving at the security guard to get out of his way even though he's only moving at about 1mph.

In any case, I'll most likely be taking my X5M, after I get it, up to Mammoth at some point. I'll have to test it out and see how much better it performs. :-)

i can agree with taking turns a bit to fast in snow (seeing as you from LA) driving in Running Springs can be a trip these days. 6 inchs and i nearly spun out making a simple right turn.... only had 2 chains on (stupid idea)

had one time in Green Valley, i went a bit off the main road and ended up on a non plowed steep... and i mean steep downhill road with no chains and bare tires... Hill Desent saved me. counting the brakes were to the floor, i didnt stop.

I just hope the M can do better. ( i dont see anyone going full out like the test mules :) )

So my SA told me that BMW is recommending style 298m wheels for a winter setup... does anyone have good pics of them...he sent over a scanned doc that does not show them very well.

Is the hub diameter the same for the std E70 and the X5///M?

Also, what diameter are those rims he's suggesting? I don't know for sure, but based on the size of the brake caliper, it doesn't look like 18" or maybe even 19" diameter wheels will clear the brakes.

:dunno:


FWIW, I just ordered snows - std. sizes.

these are 19's. My SA said that the hub is the same as other e70's. I don't love the look though, so i decided to just put snows on the stock wheels and went with the pirelli scorpions (just ordered them 5 mins ago).

See post 27 in this thread for pics.

Thanks LeMans, I should have thought to to look there.... meh, I decided to just get the pirelli tires on the stock rims.

Nice guys !!! I can only hope you get tired of them quickly so I can buy a pre-owned X5M some day soon.

Just an FYI, I put the pirelli scorpions on my x5m on the stock rims today... and of course the shop managed to scratch each of my rims (a couple of spots on the very edges where they scratched off the clearcoat). I have yet to raise the proper hell.:tantrum:

The ride seems a smidge softer and handling seems fine (have not gone fast or taken any hard turns yet).

I hope it does ok when the snow comes. In the past I changed the wheels and tires to a dedicated snow setup and since the scratching incident, I am kinda regretting not doing that again.

Cheers

The scratch-stuff is a bummer.. A good tire shop is hard to find.

I'd have done a dedicated snow setup too, but the only option I could determine was a $6K set of ///M wheels + tires and then you're still looking at 20" x 275 width minimum.

I'll hope you/we have good luck on the full size Scorpions.