New tires for X
 

Hey all,

I need new tires for my X5. I am currently running 255/50 R19 front and back. I have a buddy at Firestone who can get me tires at cost but everyone tells me to get the tires from BMW because it is hard to switch tires on BMW and they could screw up or break the TPMS sensors.

What are your thoughts?

And what do you all recommend for a good all around tire? I dont want summer/performance. All my miles are highway. Looking for good traction and smooth.

Thanks

Most of the tire shops these days know how to handle wheels with TPMS sensors as most cars come with them (this is a new federal requirement, even if for regular non-RFT tires), so I would not worry.

I am not aware of Firestone making a tire with a load rating for the X5. Also, unless you have a spare tire, you may want to stick with RFT's.

Firestone sells Bridgestone brand...

Is your X leased? If so, you will need to have RFT's when you return the car back to BMW.

If you live in Boston, I assume you would see some bad winters?
If so, I recommend Continental DWS. I've had them on my Acura RL and they have been excellent, very quiet and good grip on all weathers.

If I decide not to with 20" upgrade, I will probably go the DWS route and call it a day.

Michelin man summer and winter.
 

Just purchased my new winter tires as Michelin Alpin V 255/50R19's, to address the problem of limited tire availablity for the BMW 19x9 wheels all around for winter in Minnesota. Running the Michelin Latitude Tour H rated run flats for summer only tires I have noted they really are stiff with or without the BMW Sport settings on the X5. In the Mn. temperature below 50F degrees. Found the all around performance, wear and ratnigs to be very accurate for the X5 in the 100 degree temperature variations we experience in the Icebox of Lake Wobegone as well. The Michelin website and TireRack reviews give you a good rating and reveiw feedback and seem accurate to me. We need to get more access to the spare tire option kits available in BMW aftermarket too. As our Mn. roads provide more options for the risky wheel emergency wheel changes on winter roads. Tire hazards and flats seems to occur for most of us once every 10 years or so. Plus faily safety is the top priority when away from the cities for work and the home front is moving around such as... when the wife is out with the Grandkids.

Got my tires at Discount Tire Direct (Ohio) and Wheels from Midwest Wheel and Tire (Mike in Mi. ) . Beru TPMS with new valve stems for assured fitments equal to BMW specifications. If you want great winter tires, they are now or near the end of availablity. Big snows usually hit in Mn in December, sometimes earlier.