Which 20" wheel/tire setup?
 

Question for the group...

I have ordered an X5 50i M-Sport with 20" wheels and need to get real winter wheels/tires as I live in Ohio and we get some snow and it is fairly cold for most of the winter making the summer RFTs very dangerous.

Currently the two options I am considering are both 20" wheels since I do not really want to down size the wheels due to vanity...;)

I can either go with Staggered X6M reps at 9.5" and 10.5" sizes with the Pirelli Scorpio winter tires in the 275/40/20 and 315/35/20 sizes with TMPS and shipped for ~$2600...

OR

I can do the same wheel in a non-staggered setup 9.5" all around and get Blizzack LM-25s 275/45/20 for about $2100 shipped with TPMS. I would probably have to add a 3cm spacer in the rear so the rears arent tucked under the fender flares too much. That adds ~$200 for a total cost of $2400.

Thoughts? $200 less to run a smaller size in rear for "better" snow traction but then I have to deal with taking spacers on and off every winter and spring...

Also, are the LM-25s discontinued since they are discounting them? That would be a pain if you got a flat...:(

Thanks for your thoughts,
X

Lose the vanity. The smaller, narrower tires are best for snow. If you're going to stick with the 20s, do not go staggered.

Good luck.

I'm with L..."coolness looking" for winter is for those that live in warm climes
and occasionally head for the mtns skiing. If I lived in Oh H Ten, I would pick
the 2nd batch.
GL, mD

OK...no coolness for me ;)

I have made a decision based on performance, looks and fitment. I having been messaging back and forth with Ray from wheeltechtuning on ebay. He was recommended by someone here on the outpost and has been very patient and helpful.

I have decided to go with the X6M 300M style rep wheels in a non-staggered fitment 10" all around with Michelin Alpin tires 275/40-20 size. That way I keep stock tire size, there is minimal tuck in the back and the tires are not being discontinued like the LM-25s are. That keeps me from having to buy 4 new tires if I get a flat this winter.

I thought about going the Y-style 214 reps, but they are 9.5" diameter and have a different offset which would tuck my rears in almost 3cm. I didn't want to have to buy and mess with spacers if I didn't have to.

I will post picks when I get them and they are on the X5 I have ordered.

X

They are 20x10 here with no fitment issues... unless if used for the rears it's different for some reason?

2008 BMW X5 Wheel - OEM Replacement # ALY71177U | WheelsAndCaps.com

Here is what I did. Purchased a set of 211's off a guy in las vegas. The rims were in excellent shape and it cost $250 a rim shipped. Purchased some Pirelli Scorpions from Discount tire becasue they matched Tirerack. $1123.35 so 2123.35 for a winter set. My E53 set lasted me 3 winters before I sold them.

example:
BMW X6 X5 19" OEM Factory Wheels Tires: eBay Motors (item 110598635934 end time Nov-13-10 12:46:50 PST)

sell the rubber on craigs list for $100-$125 a tire.

Alpines are great. I used this same setup for the 3.5d on 4x 10" (fronts) #214's all around.

Ring,

Good to know, thanks. I have used Blizzaks exclusively on my last few cars and have been very happy. Good to know the Michelins work well too.

Btw, nice little stable you have ;)

X