What to do with 19" takeoffs?
 

I'm getting an X5 35d with sport package and its 19" wheels. I plan on putting on 20" 214's for most driving in southern CA. When driving to the mountains in winter, I figured I'd put on the 19's.

I'm new to the idea of driving an SUV in snow.

Questions:

Should I get snow tires?

Will I likely need chains even w/ snow tires?

If chains are required w/ snow tires, should I not even bother with changing the tires at all and use what came on the car w/ snow tires?

If you're planning on installing 20's for the summer then yes definately you need a second set for the winter! The oem 20's are a strict summer performance tire. Absolutely not recommended for winter driving. I know from experience and you WILL slide all over the place even with a touch of snow! Keep the 19's with some winter tires on them such as the Pirelli Scorpions. No you don't need chains. I live in snow country and have never had to use chains even in a snow storm. There is a day and night difference when you throw on the winter tires...

Your traction may be good enough with snow tires that you may not need to put on chains, but the California Highway Patrol still required that you carry chains no matter what. You'll get turned around if you can't produce a set of chains to them.

Wow, really?? Cali laws are always more stringent! Again, I live in Canada and nobody gets more snow in North America unless you go higher up to the Yukon...and chains are illegal here as they damage the roads. I've never seen anyone use chains here except for going off roading in the snow, and even then they're usually on the ATV's! :rofl:

It is pretty strict. In Arizona as well, if you are driving up north and they have posted signs saying "Chains required" if you are stopped by highway patrol and you dont have them there is a BIG fine. Some times they post "Chains or 4 wheel drive." In that case we are good to go without the chains.

what tires are you putting on your new 20s? Summer or all-season? If latter, you may be fine on snow as I have been as long as it's not deep or frequent. The last thing I wanted to do is swap twice a year.

I'll be using the Dunlop Super Maxx. Definitely not for the snow.

Looks like I'll do dedicated 19" snow tires and have the chains in the car to satisfy CA CHP and/or if needed.

I'm also in SoCal and have the 35d. Probably hitting the snow 6-8 times a season. I opted for 214 rims with slightly over-sized 275/45-20. I LOVE how it looks and drives, and this will be just great for Mammoth. Of course you'll still need to bring the chains.

As far as wheel size, while this setup is technically over-sized compared to OEM, I checked my speedometer yesterday and it still shows that car is going 0.5-0.75 MPH slower than the actual read by GPS. I posted a pic but check out HHR's posting of his vermillion red X5 with similarly sized wheels (only diff is his rims are 9" wide vs 10" on mine).