Winter tire questions.

[ksa]

So I have to get winter tires for my X5M and I would like to get a set that fits the OEM 20" rims it came with. The tires on it currently are 275/315. I understand for winter tires though it's better to go with a square setup?

I am wondering if I can fit a square setup of winter tires on the OEM 20" tires? If so, what size of tires exactly should I be looking for?

Thanks

[badge1]

Originally Posted by ksa

So I have to get winter tires for my X5M and I would like to get a set that fits the OEM 20" rims it came with. The tires on it currently are 275/315. I understand for winter tires though it's better to go with a square setup?

I am wondering if I can fit a square setup of winter tires on the OEM 20" tires? If so, what size of tires exactly should I be looking for?

Thanks

I don't think this makes sense. If you are asking if you can fit a square setup of winter tires on your OEM 20" rims...no.

I have style 87 wheels on my summers (275/315) and the OEM 299 style M wheels on my winters (also 275/315) with no issues.

[Poppyboy]

Sure you can. Several members on here have, including me. The rears look a little stretched, but that's OK. You can check the Tire Rack website to check the rim width tolerances for your make/model of tire.

[badge1]

Originally Posted by Poppyboy

Sure you can. Several members on here have, including me. The rears look a little stretched, but that's OK. You can check the Tire Rack website to check the rim width tolerances for your make/model of tire.

Yikes!! So if the OP is concerned about performance in snow, how does having a 275 tire stretched to fit on a 315 wheel perform better than a 315 tire on a 315 wheel?

[ksa]

That is what I am trying to figure out. Thanks for the input guys.

I will get 275/315 winter set if I need to but if I can get away with a square 275 or 285 (or whatever) setup then that's better. I just keep hearing mixed opinions about square is better for winter than staggered.

[094.8x5]

It's best to get a diff vehicle for the winter,,it's a shame tp put an X5 thru winters....

[ksa]

Haha seriously? It's an AWD SUV, I think it's kinda meant for winters. The M just adds a little more oomph for winter fun. I have other vehicles but can never let the one I like the most sit as I start getting the itch to drive them.

Drove my C63AMG as well as my one of one (brass metallic paintworks) E92 M3 through winter with the winter tires. I am thinking this one will be a lot easier than those lol.

[Poppyboy]

Originally Posted by badge1

Yikes!! So if the OP is concerned about performance in snow, how does having a 275 tire stretched to fit on a 315 wheel perform better than a 315 tire on a 315 wheel?

Some argue that a narrower contact patch in the snow is better than a wider one. I would say the difference between 275 and 315 is negligible. Other than that, it's just cosmetic.

[ksa]

So does the square 275 setup fit on OEM 20" rims? Or should I go with 285 or something?

[Poppyboy]

See post #3. Obviously, the rears will look more factory as you approach 315 since they are staggered, but several on this board have put 275s on the rear, including me, with no issues.

[theaudir8fan]

Originally Posted by Poppyboy

See post #3. Obviously, the rears will look more factory as you approach 315 since they are staggered, but several on this board have put 275s on the rear, including me, with no issues.

+1 to this, also all of you are forgetting to mention availability of tire choices with 275/315 where as 275 square will net you way more choices and at a much more reasonable price

[ksa]

Okay thanks guys. 275 all around it is! I just wanted to make sure that it'll fit on the rear rims. I don't need the staggered look for winter I don't think.

[ksa]

To clarify, the exact dimensions I need are 275/40/R20 for all 4 rims correct?

Also any opinions on the following brand/tires

Nexen - Winguard Sport

Minerva - S220

Imperial - SnowDragon SUV - 275/40R20 106V XL

Multi-Miles - Extreme Grip MX

Sailun - Ice Blazer WST1

All of these are fairly inexpensive. I.e. the most expensive of them all is about $200 per tire.

I am thinking of ordering a set of aftermarket rims as well if I decide to keep the stock set with its 20's performance tire as it is for the summer. Found these matte white ones I like. Only thing is they are 20x8.5. Will the 275 tires fit on that?

[ksa]

My questions;

1) If I go with an aftermarket rim set 20 x 8.5 and 20 x 10.5. Will the 275 winter tires fit on the front and back of that set?

2) Is the rear 10.5 big enough to fit a 315 tire that my stock rims has if I decide to run the aftermarket set in the summer as well?

Thanks

[Schom]

I was in the same situation. I just purchased 275/315 Pirelli winter carving edge's for my oem rims....

will then buy a separate summer set up

[StatenEye]

Yea i'm going to purchase a staggered setup. Not going square. Ill let you know how she does.

[ksa]

Decided to get an aftermarket white rim set as well in 20 inch. Thought would be good for winter and if I like the look enough I will swap the rubber out and have that in summer as well. Going with 275 winter tires all around. Should fit the new white Niche rim I am thinking about as well as my stock if I decide to switch them.

[Schom]

I had the 275 square set up on a 2007 x5. worked very well. I also think the tires had a lot to do with it. I started on the Pirelli scorpion ice tires and they were really pretty bad. swapped to the Pirelli winter carving edge and that made an enormous difference. however, the small tire looks pretty small in that wheel well.

so, picked up the carving edge staggered set up. looking forward to seeing how it does.

[ksa]

Originally Posted by Schom

I had the 275 square set up on a 2007 x5. worked very well. I also think the tires had a lot to do with it. I started on the Pirelli scorpion ice tires and they were really pretty bad. swapped to the Pirelli winter carving edge and that made an enormous difference. however, the small tire looks pretty small in that wheel well.

so, picked up the carving edge staggered set up. looking forward to seeing how it does.

Thanks for your input.


Also, I am wondering if the 19" OEM rims with 255 square winter tire setup fit on the X5M or if that is only for X5's?

[gan23]

Here's the info from the kit from like 7 years ago.

Not all 19" wheel will fit. It's hard to clear the caliper.

[X5MFan]

I recommend that you do a search for winter tires or winter rims in this forum as there are some really good information from extensive previous discussions.