Winter tires
 

Alright, I've done a bunch of research on this - got a few clarifications maybe somebody here can answer.

Blizzak has two options for the X5 - the LM-60 RFT and the DM-V1 non-RFT. It appears the LM is the performance oriented option, and the DM-V1 seems to be a more true "winter" tire (R speed rating). Is this correct? Any particular recommendations one way or the other? I have the spare, so I'm open to doing a non-RFT, the DM-V1 is much cheaper. Also don't mind losing some handling for better winter performance.

Any other recommendations? The Continental WinterContact looks interesting, but I haven't found many reviews. Also seen some mention for the Michelin Alpin, just not sure how good their ice/rain performance is. Most important is hydroplane resistance and ice handling. Not as worried about snow or dry weather handling.

Did you check out the closeout LM-25? Unless you plan on driving in several inches of snow covered roads, you should go with a performance snow tire. I'm probably getting the LM-25. What rim are looking at over at TR?

BTW, stupid question, but I also ordered the optional OEM spare--it does come with a jack, wrench, etc...I thought I read somewhere that it might just be the donut tire.

The spacesaver spare is a donut tire, only supposed to hit 50mph with it on.

I bought 18" OEM rims off eBay - $750 shipped, including TPM sensors (worth around $200). I didn't see any rims I liked on TR.

I saw the closeout LM-25, but wasn't sure of its ice performance. I'm in Oregon, and we get some nasty ice each year. Also was wanting to try something that isn't a RFT to see if the ride improves, might switch over the all seasons to non-RFT if it goes well.

It's tough to find much info on these - most of the reviews on TR are just, "I really like this tire!" And a lot of the more official comparisons are 2-3 years old.

Yes, a donut tire, which also comes with a jack, wrench, etc... correct?

Yup, all the goodies.