[MRV99]

I don't have a X5m but do have an M3 and X5 50 with winters. I have a staggered Michelin Alpines on the M3 and Square 255/19 Blizzaks LM25(used to have Pirelli ice &Snow) on the X5. The X5 is incredible in the snow with the winter setup. Yes looks a bit odd going from 275/315 to 255 but I am more concerned with the performance.

Starting: I have been in all conditions: ice, slush, packed snow, 6 inches and the car just goes. I do turn on DTC (not sure if X5M has that or another M specific version) which does allow for a bit of tire slip. I have NOT been in any situations where I have had trouble leaving like the pavement was dry.

Stopping: This is where the winters really shine. Ice and snow: they really bite and stop the car, some ABS but usually pretty minimal. When the snow gets deeper, you will have extended stops but that is expected because you are stopping on snow and not pavement. The car is always in control and i have not had those "OH SHIT" moments.

Corners: This is where I feel the winters shine as well. In Ice and slush conditions, you will find that the car will turn just like on dry pavement. Essentially you will be able to take most corners at normal speed with confidence. In snow covered, you will still get very good turns by like any AWD car, you may experience some under steer. Since I drive with DTC on when in the winter, I always find that i can simply use a little gas to counter act the under steer and take the corners with no issues.

Changing lanes in snow covered roads: When the snow starts to accumulate you will end up with driving lanes with snow mounds in the middle and in between lanes. When you switch lanes you will be crossing from pavement, to snow/slush, back to pavement. This can cause the car to float or feel squirely when you do this. With winters, you will have much more confidence that when you are make lane changes, you will essentially plow right through those mounds and you will not get that loose and out of control feeling. Yes you will not eliminate that feeling when the snow gets deeper but the sense of control is there.

If you do have DTC(X5) maybe MDM(M3) on the X5M then I really recommend driving with it on. Depending on your experience with car control, you may find that you can control the X5 much better with your ability to introduce more slip angle. Like I mentioned above, turning corners is where it really shines. With DTC off, and you have any under steer conditions, you hit the throttle there is no responses due to the traction control and you are stuck with just the tires biting to correct itself.. DTC/MDM on you can get the car to throttle up and correct the over steer. DTC/MDM DOES NOT eliminate traction control 100%. It is still active when driving and when going around corners. If you get too much slip, it will feel the individual brakes working to straighten you up. The DTC/MDM will give you say a foot of tail before it starts to intervene.

If you want to see the difference, hit a snowy parking lot and experiment. It won't take much for you to understand the difference.

Good Luck.