Winter Tires - Is there a such thing..
 

I'm new to the X5. I have a 2004 4.8is (yes I've read the post about what trouble I can expect). While I have many questions that I'm accumulating (after my search), I wanted to ask this one now. Is there a such thing as a 20" snow tire? I hear (read) people on here all the time about putting on their winter wheels/tires. I'm wondering if there is a true 275/40 and 315/35 20" tire can be put on versus changing the whole wheel. If so, then why go to the 255/65/18s that seem to be the norm?

Thanks.

Pirelli Scorpion have 20" snow tires matching the front and rear summer 20s. Check tirerack.com. I do not recommend swapping tires on wheels every 6 months as it will compromise the integrity and life of tire. That's why the need for tires on separate set of wheels. Also, 20" matching front and rear cost around $1600+ on the car. Therefore a separate set of 18" or 19" wheels for winter make sense.

Ah...didn't know that it wasn't good for the tire. Didnt think it would make any difference. Thanks. How is the handling with 20" snow tires? Would it be better to go smaller (thinner) anyway? I've never owned a vehicle with such huge tires.

It is generally better to have a taller sidewall when it comes to snow. All depends on how much snow you expect or typically have.

Having tires switched on the same rims (and balanced) can cost 80 or 90 per swap. Vs 15 or 20 per swap if you have the tires on separate rims.

Thats true. would be easier to just swap out the whole thing. I can do that myself. Thanks.

I live in Chicago. So while technically we are under abt a for of snow at this time of the year, we're enjoying a mild winter. While I don't understand the geometry of it, it is what it is.

18" or 19" winter wheels plus tires combination are a relatively cheap option.

This winter, I went to 20" Pirelli Scorpion snow tires and we've had no snow to speak of!!! Only one day with 6" snow the whole winter so far (I'm not counting Halloween because I didn't have the snow tires on yet).

So I can't tell you if the 20" tires are going to work as well as my former 18" snow tires did. I'm going to some testing (in a safe area) as soon as we get some decent snow...

If I had 'summer 20s', I would hunt here, and other sources, for 18" & 19" wheels and have dedicated snow tires mounted. The 18"/19" wheel size offers up many more possibilities of tire brand, sizing and, less cost. The swapping out of wheel sets is a 30 min DIY job twice a season. I would rec'd a winter wheel set over mounting winter tires on your current wheels, and back again.
GL, mD

I have never used 315s for snow but 275 are ok. Thinner width of tire is better in snow, otherwise you just making it easier to slide. There are few people here who have 275 all around for winter. I use 19" for winter.