Winter Setup
 

So i got this...04' 4.4
Now, im just going locally and to mammoth. Should i...
1. get a new set of snow tires for the 19"s?
2. get a whole different 18" set w/ snows?
3. chains?
4. Or will the michi diamaris be adequate for now.

Thanks.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g9...1/IMG_3799.jpg

You will need to carry chains if the snow really gets deep. I like Z-Chains.
Next time you need tires check out the Pirelli Zero Asimmetrico's. I've got them on my sport 19" wheels and am happy with their year around and snow performance.

Diamaris + snow = :scared:

My 2001 X5 I bought from the 2nd owner who used it to go skiing - He sold it rather than buying a separate snow tire setup - the Diamaris have virtually no grip in snow because the grooves fill up too quickly with snow and become "racing slicks" - the wider tire also has the car floating on the snow, not digging in as a narrower snow tire would - basically it becomes a 4 wheel toboggan - your 4.4 can take a 17" wheel, but if you want to later opt for aftermarket (bigger) brakes, you will need 18" wheels for clearance - and I'd still get the chains also

Winter Setup
 

This is what I got for the 20's

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...-biathlon.html

We have a very limited season in Oz and this was a better alternative to a 2nd set

Can get a second set for the back if required

Schanck

Number 2.

Yeah definately dont go with 18"s if you are getting a complete new set up. Go 17's. Narrower tire = better for snow.

I'd also sugges #2. I have Pirelli scorpion ice and snow tires on 18 inch rims, the ride is better and the grip is better thand the Diamari's tires on 19.

I live inLA and have some Z chains for sale. They are easy on and off. Send me a PM if interested.

+1 :iagree:

You do NOT want to get those Diamaris or any summer tires close to near freezing temperatures. I attempted getting up to Big Bear last year on my summer Bridgestones (no snow, just wet roads at about 40F), needless to say that the X skid all over the place and I had to quickly turn around.

I don't know how often you go up to the mountains, but if you do it often enough, snows are much recommended as others have pointed out. In any case, you're required to carry chains regardless (at least to show the CHP) even if you have all-wheel-drive.

#2 - or you could even go for 17s, which you can find dirt cheap used - OEM BMW wheels with all-season tires under $400.

I've got the pirelli ice&snow on 19"s and they work great.

Dude, get a set of used 17" X5 wheels from eBay, and put a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks on them.
You will spend the same amount of money for the used rims and the new Blizzaks as you will for a set of 19" snow tires. And you won't have to have the tire shop mount and dismount the snow tires from your rims, which, incedentally, will wreck your tires after a few mountings. And cost you a bunch of money

Everything I've heard about the Diamaris is they suck. Get the Blizzaks.

If you don't think I'm qualified on the subject of snow tires, look at where I live. :nanana: I drive on ice and snow 6 months a year. And we don't use salt on the roads. They are just covered in packed snow and ice all the time.


Lambeau has some good pics of his X5 on Blizzaks driving through snow that he posted a few weeks ago.

agree with X5inAK

craigslist always has tires and rims cheap!