Winter Tire Recommendations - Official BMW Recommendations
 

After trying to get some kind of "official" BMW recommendations on winter tires from BMW NA (no luck whatsoever... ask your dealer was the reply) and several BMW dealers (answers ranging from call tire rack to whatever we have in stock, but we're not a tire dealer) I came across a pdf document on the BMW Canada website. Seems like they have their shit together. Wish I could say the same for BMW NA.

I'd like to upload it, but it's too large by 4kb. Any way someone can help me with this? I'd like to make it available to everyone.

The short point is that they officially recommend:

X3 - Double Spoke Wheels 112 18" with Dunlop SP Winter Sport winter tires

X5 - Star Spoke Wheels 74 18" with Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow winter tires

X5 (4.6is & 4.8is) - Spider Spoke Wheels 99 18" with Pirelli Scorpion Ic & Snow winter tires

X5 (2007+) - Star Spoke Wheels 209 18" with Dunlop Grandtrek WTM3 run-flat winter tires

Some interesting choices. Since Canada gets pretty decent snow I can only assume these recommendations actually mean something.

Shoot me the PDF and Ill try to reduce the file size.

If the PDF is on BMW Canada website then you should be able to just post the link. Right click on the PDF link and copy shortcut.

BTW, BMW recommendations are best practices only. I have seen style 58, style 74 and few other 18" wheels on 4.8is. When I called the dealer few years ago for winter wheels for 4.8is I was told only style 99 fit 4.8is and no other styles will fit. :tsk:

I can't post the link because the page on the site where I found it keeps crashing my internet explorer for the past 2 days.

I can't comment on the best practices thing or what X5's have been equipped with in the past. All I can say is that it pisses me off that BMW NA cannot, or will not, put together at least a list of recommendations for things like tires. Talking to individual dealers is pure agony. Half the time they have no clue and the other half they are making up an answer. BMW has an official TSB with oil recommendations for it's engines (i.e. M engines get a very special grade of oil, etc.) why can't they do the same for tires and even more perplexing, why can BMW Canada do it and BMW NA cannot. The X5 forum is awesome in many ways but the most frustrating thing is that there doesn't seem to be any official representation on it from BMW NA or BMW AG and with that there is frequently no "definitive" answer, only opinions. Can you imagine how awesome it would be if there was! No more useless threads on what's the deal with the A/V connector on the rear center console of SOME X5's and how the pin-outs work for it, etc. We would have a final answer, it could be posted on the main page and that's it. This would apply to a huge number of topics and questions. It would take X5 World from 80% effective to 110% awesome.

Honestly even with the BMW CA winter tire recommendations I am a little surprised, because I have been lead to believe that narrower tires are optimal in snow and so the narrowest is the best (for any individual car that is). This would mean that 17" tires would be ideal for the X5. That seems to be supported with the fact that BMW only sells snow chains for the X5 (3.0 & 4.4) in 17" size and if you look at the ETK it only lists winter tires in 17" size (unfortunately those are so out of date that they are not even being produced anymore!).

Size matters?
 

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong but I thought Xs with a 4.4 or bigger came equiped with bigger brakes as well so the minimum size rim you can run would be the 18". Take it from me, snow tires make a huge difference. Not only on snow and ice but on cold dry pavement as well. "All Season" tires turn hard in cold temperatures and give you about as much stopping power as being on ice.

Other good choices are the ultimate winter tire, Nokian Hakkapelitta SUV
they also make a true All Season tire (the Nokian WR) that is severe weather rated and comes with a mileage warranty, unlike true winter tires. An option if you don't want to be swapping tires twice a year.

X5 3.0 and 4.4 come with the same brakes - 13.1 front and 12.8 rear. The 4.6is and 4.8is come with the same size rear brakes (12.8) but larger front brakes (14.0). You can run 17" 18" 19" on the 3.0i and 4.4i. The 3 recommended tire options are 235/65R17, 255/55R18, or 255/50R19 F & 285/45R19 R.
The 'is models came with 20" wheels and tires. I don't know if you can safely run 17"'s on them but I wouldn't bet on it. At least from what BMW CA states, you can run 18"'s.

My 2001 4.4 came with a 235/65/17 spare tire, so I knew that 17s would fit on it, in place of the stock 19s.

I run 245/65/17 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 in the winter, mounted on a set of factory BMW double spoke rims (don't know the style number, they were standard on some of the later model X5s). The 'ideal' size is 235/65/17, this tire is exactly the same diameter as the stockers, but I chose the 245s because I don't like the way the 235s look, a bit too narrow. The 245s are 0.5 inch taller than stock, but that little amount doesn't harm anything, other than my speedo being about 1 mph more off.

I also have the 17 inch spare in my 04 4.4, I hav the sport pack so in summer I have 19 inch Diamaris and in winter I run 18 inch Pirelli Scorpions. I find that they are almost as quiet and the ride is a little softer.

Generally, in up to about 4 inches of snow I like a narrower tire because it is less likely to sit on top - it will actually spin down and get to pavement. With all the traction aids on the X5, if you want to do that you have to shut off the DSC, knowing that I had X-drive I figured that it was ok to take the wider tires - imho they look better

Here are the original documents giving the 2005 and 2006 recommendations from BMW Canada. Thanks go to John Wilburn for shrinking the 2006 doc down to size.

Thanks for posting the pdf.

I wouldn't go so far as to call them official recommendations. They are offers. Not bad information, but there is nothing there that makes these choices better than equivalent tires from other tire manufacturers that didn't co-op the advertising budget.

I'm not sure what you mean by "offers." The document looks pretty official to me and certainly far more so than a rep at tirerack or a local dealer who says "uhhhh whatever we have in stock is what we recommend, I think." According to BMW CA it is official.

You can put everything down to marketing and advertising dollars, but at some point BMW is responsible for their choices in terms of safety and performance. Otherwise why not put any tire on the cars, or better yet, any size tire. For one thing people would quickly say the cars handle like crap and they're not buying BMW anymore. At the least I think 50% of any decision by a company has to do with science and perhaps 50% to marketing.

By "offers" I meant an offer to supply tires, ie a sales promotion. The document may look official, and I am pretty sure that the tires they are offering will fit, but I think that is as about as far as it goes. AFAIK BMW Canada does not have an engineering department, let alone a science lab. They don't design or manufacture cars, they distribute them to dealers.

I think the real motivation for the brochure was to remind BMW owners with all season tires that their X Drive vehicles would do even better with winter tires. Three representative tires were shown, from three major tire suppliers. I don't for a moment believe that each tire shown has been matched to the handling characteristics of each model. Rather, these are suitable, representative tires. All are the right size. All are approved by Transport Canada. All have suitable speed ratings and load ratings for the vehicles in question. That's about it. Tire Rack (as an example), or someone reading the owner's manual, could reach the same conclusion as to which tire to fit.

Is this the link you talking about?

Yes, that's the link. I already uploaded the document in the thread. Maybe one of the administrators can put it on the main page under Body, Wheels & Styling?

Woohoo I'm glad it worked!

Here is the BMW brochure for the 2007 recommendations - Pages 1-12 out of 18.

Part 2. Pages 13-18.

Here is the BMW brochure for the 2008-2009 recommendations - Pages 1-12

And the link to the current one (2008-2009) (in case you want to download the pdf for yourself):

http://www.bmw.ca/ca/en/_teaserpool/...rflyer_Eng.pdf

The main page for the winter tires is very well done for those that want a little more info:

Welcome to BMW Canada

Hello All,

Many thanks this is excellent information exactly what I was looking for.
I really appreciate your help.

Very happy to help.

I think I know which dealership you are referring to ... did you try the new one in the area ? I have and the difference is night and day ...

Which dealerships are you talking about?

Here are 3 more official recommendations for the E53 X5 from BMW.COM which include 17" and 18" options.

Here are 4 more official recommendations for the E70 X5 from BMW.COM which include 18" and 19" options.

Hi
Yes I ended up getting the Star Spoke 209 18" wheels with the Dunlop Grandtrek WT M3 ROF RSC per BMW CA recommendation and they are great!
Again Many Thanks for your Help mgruber!

For 2010 BMW Canada has made a few changes to their recommendations. Here is a summary:

X3 - Double Spoke Wheels 112 17" with Continental TS810S SSR run-flat winter tires. (Previous recommendation was Dunlop SP Winter Sport winter tires)

X5 3.0 & 4.4 (E53) - Star Spoke Wheels 74 18" with Continental 4x4 WinterContact run-flat winter tires. (Previous recommendation was Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow winter tires)

X5 4.6is & 4.8is (E53) - Spider Spoke Wheels 99 18" with Continental 4x4 WinterContact run-flat winter tires. (Previous recommendation was Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow winter tires)

X5 (E70) - Star Spoke Wheels 209 18" with Dunlop Grandtrek WTM3 run-flat winter tires. (No change in recommendation)

X5 M Sport Edition (E70) - V Spoke Wheels 223M 19" with Continental 4x4 WinterContact run-flat winter tires. (No change in recommendation)

X5M (E70) - Style 298M 19" wheels with Continental 4x4 WinterContact run-flat winter tires.

Some interesting and strange choices. Basically BMW Canada has changed their recommendations for the X3 and E53 X5 to run-flat winter tires. This is probably a good thing, however their recommended 18" Continental 4x4 WinterContact tires for the E53 X5's are not even available yet! Officially those are the "255/55R18 109H TL XL FR Continental 4x4 WinterContact SSR" and they are listed on the Continental Tires website as "in preparation," "for BMW models." In addition, the recommended tires for the X5 E70 M Sport Edition and the X5M also are not available yet (same notation: "in preparation," "for BMW models"). Those tires by the way are the "255/50R19 107V TL XL FR Continental 4x4 WinterContact SSR." See link:

Continental Tyres -Runflat tyres - dimensions

Of note Tire Rack does have the non run-flat version of the Continental 4x4 WinterContact in 18" size for the E53 X5 in stock for $401 each. WOW!!! I don't know why BMW Canada opted to not just recommend the Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow RFT winter tires (run-flat version) which are readily available and cost (just!) $197 each from Tire Rack.

Here are the relevant links on the BMW Canada website:

X3: BMW X3 Winter Tire Package - Double Spoke 112 | BMW Canada

X5 3.0 & 4.4 (E53): BMW X5 Winter Tire Package - Star Spoke 74 | BMW Canada

X5 4.6is & 4.8is (E53): BMW X5 Winter Tire Package - Spider Spoke 99 | BMW Canada

X5 (E70): BMW X5 Winter Tire Package - Star Spoke 209 | BMW Canada

X5 M Sport Edition (E70): BMW X5 M Sport Edition Winter Tire Package - V Spoke 223M | BMW Canada

X5M (E70): M Series Winter Tire Package - Style 298 X5 M | BMW Canada

In case anyone was curious, across the entire BMW model range BMW Canada recommended: 9 Dunlop, 8 Continental, 6 Michelin, 4 Pirelli, 1 Bridgestone, and 1 Goodyear winter tires.

BMW recommends tires... oh come on! it's just marketing... Why would a tire suite a car more than the other? When you read the reviews of tires, they don't tell: on an X5 it scores 4.3/5 and on an MB ML it scores 3.6/5... it's nonesense... just like the "BMW recommends Castrol" on the oil cap: Mobile or Dukhams or Motul will kill the engine now? or is it some $$$ between BMW and Castrol? please! just do your research about each item you want to but for your car, and buy the one that seems good enough for you... we're not driving space shuttles after all... my 2 cents..

I'm now into my 5th winter running Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow tires on 18" Star Spoke 74 wheels. Whether BMW continues to recommend this package or not...I highly recommend it. :thumbup:

If they ever wear out, I'll buy them again.

Then ignore it.

Hey Meister,
How you been, where you been ??

Foomph

Going to pick up a new set of Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow for the X5. Should I buy the 109H rated or the 109V N0 (Porsche) rated ones? I don't think they make 109V without being N0.

I use the 109V N0 (Porsche) ones for my Cayenne but the price difference is only $14 per tire so I was thinking of just buying the V rated and use them on the X5 too.

I have the Pirelli ice and snows in my garage new and ready to replace the dunlop wintersport m3. I am using 255/55/18. i left the dunlops on last spring because i thought they were too worn for this winter. I will update when winter comes.

Chris

Nice, which speed rating did you buy and where did you buy them?

I bought them from a tire dealer on ebay. I will have to check the speed rating. i normally like the q rate ones because of the softness is so good on ice and snow (stink for dry roads but that is not why I put them on).

Chris

I just checked and they are 109H.

Chris

Cool thanks. Maybe I will go with the 109H.

Chris, any update on the tires?
need to buy some new ones for my staggered factory 19's and am looking for advice.

I have run the these tire for about 2k so far, and they have been fantastic. They seem to handle very well on snow and ice. They have made winter driving fun again. If you have anything specific you want to know just ask.

Chris

p.s. mine are the 255/55r18

The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 are outstanding in cold weather, snow, ice, etc. Highly recommended for the E53 X5.

I've used the Blizzak DM-z3 (which is the predecessor to the DM-v1 posted above), with nothing but good things to say about them. They can get a bit noisy on dry surfaces but the traction on snow/ice is outstanding. I've heard good things about the Dm-v1, and thus will be switching to that once my current Blizzaks are toast.

Some advise needed
 

I bought now tires for my m3 originally and my rear fit front didn't but I wanted to know if 245/45/19 square setup is okay on my car it's a 05 4.4i non sport

Anyone confirm if style 69 wheels can clear 4.6is brakes?

In this area just run All season tire as our daily temps are over 40F.
Problem is Michelin has discontinued more options for our monster meats.

If the 8"x18" Style 99 wheel can be offered & mounted on the 4.6is as an 18" alternative...I don't see why the 8.5"x18" Style 69 wheel could not fit as well.

If anyone knows beyond doubt...speak now or forever hold your peace. :)

Yea I dont see why not either, just want someone to confirm. I found a nice set of Style 69 with Nokian winter tires. I could use them for winter daily use along with heading to PA mountains at the end of the month for skiing.