Snow tires on 18's, question?
 

I have as set of 18's ready for snow tires.
My question is there are 2 sizes one can go with.

235/60/18 or 255/55/18.

Or mix the 2 sizes
front 235/60/18 rear 255/55/18.

Yes the narrow would be the best for snow.

What have you all done?


Thanks :thumbup:

I have 255/55/18 on all 4 corners.

narrow :thumbup: - serious 4-wheelers know its tall narrow tires that get you thru deep snow - this is from someone who has owned Ford Broncos from '79-'01 :) - it all depends on what you plan to do, driving strictly plowed roads or beating everyone (& the plows) to the slopes :D - word of caution, 4-wheelers play in 2-wheel drive and get themselves out of 'stuck' with 4-wheel drive - not possible with the X5

my setup is 17" rims - which is recommended if you ever need to use chains

Like Jeff, I also went with the 255/55/18's all around. I chose Pirelli Scorpions and am very happy with the dry pavement and snow performance. Braking is excellent. Here's a few old pics of the setup with 18's.Pics

Did you need spacers or did you do that for looks? :wow:

Thanks

ncx:

Thanks for the great pics and information. Like "jditom" I am wondering about the spacers. My BMW dealer is quoting an 18" package with the Dunlop Winter Sport M2 tires (265/55-18) and BMW rims, but did not mention anything about spacers.

I had a 4.4 and traded it for the 4.8is, and I'm debating whether or not to put a winter package on it, since it only needs to get me to work and back. The roads are generally plowed soon after a snowfall, although still snow covered and slippery. Was thinking maybe all the traction control thingy's might get the job done. On the other hand, I hate to subject the 20" rims to Wisconsin winters.

Dave

Hey guys....
I ONLY used the spacers for looks and no other reason. On a 4.6/4.8, the rear flares are there to compliment the wider 10.5" rims. But when you move to a less-wide rim for winter, they look really 'sunk in' in the rear. So I added the 30mm spacers to bring the wheels out a little. There would be no big reason to do this on a 4.4 or 3.0 since your flares are not exaggerated. Does that make sense?

If I was in Wisconsin I would definitely consider getting a winter rim setup. Even if you aren't going to drive in the snow a lot, fat Dimaris (or any fat all season performance tire) are just not designed for snow. Besides the salt and other debris, hard winters would be rough on your nice 20's. I'd look into getting a used set of rims for the harshest months of winter.

Dave,
You probably do not want to hear this but the summer tires will be cold and hard in the winter along with the width of the 4.8 tires will make them down right dangerous. No grip, lots of float and no stopping. Even with AWD. Protect your investment, life etc. and get some snow tires. :thumbup:

I have a great pair of Bridgestone Blizzak's available - make me an offer :thumbup:

http://www.xoutpost.com/showthread.php?t=284

To all,

Thanks for the information and good advice. I am reminded of what driving Mustangs, Camaros and Trans Ams was like in winter, when I was young and adventurous...er, stupid. Of course, that was in the days when SAVs/SUVs did not yet roam the earth...

Dave