Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwarg
Does anyone know if there are any all season non-RFT tires on 20" rims that work well enough in the snow? I live in California, so it doesn't make sense to have dedicated winter tires to swap out. But I'd like to occasionally drive up (a few days a year) to Lake Tahoe where I'm bound to find some snow.
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bmwarg,
Here's what you should do:
- keep what you have (RFT on the staggered 20 inch wheels). Why? Because you cannot have a spare with the 3rd row. Your RFT are new and should serve you well for the first 10K miles or so, as long as you maintain a proper alignment.
IMPORTANT! If the shop did an alignment just before you bought it, post the alignment results and I'll tell you if the tires will last 10K miles. If not, go back, or have it redone at another shop ... about $100! You also don't want to get involved in mounting and re-mounting of RFT tires. Very bad for the sidewall and tire bead and they can/will damage the TPMS. Plus it will cost you up to $200 each time you mount and balance tires!
- then buy a second set of 18 or 19 inch wheels (OE or aftermarket) for winter use, with a good set of snows or all season (Conti DWS, Pirelli, Michelin or Bridgestone Blizzak). Why? Much better selection of tires and OE wheels in 18" or 19" are readily available and affordable. You should be able to get a complete set for around $1,000 to $1,500. Takes just as much time to switch wheel sets, no mounting and balancing and you preserve your 20" set.
Remember to get a set of TPMS for your winter wheels!
And don't let anyone tell you that the 18" or 19" wheels will look funny with your wheel flares. Safety is more important and it's only temporary ... If you must, you can always buy a set of $100 spacers (
plus bolts!) for the rear if the look bothers you ...
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E70-X5_...ers/ES2550798/" rel="ugc" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://www.ecstuning...ES2550798/</a>
See, problem solved!