Snow Tires on 20" Wheels

[KJ]

Hi Guys,

I did some research today and I thought I'd share my findings with you.

Since I only intend to drive the X6 in the winter (and it snows here in Toronto) and I don't like how the way the X6 looks with the smaller wheels, I needed to find a snow tire that fits on the 20" wheels that come with the X6's Sports Package.

There is no direct fit Snow Tire for the X6 20" wheels, so I found a set of snow tires that are narrower but will still fit the X6's 20" wheels.

The overall diameter front & rear both get higher (it is good when snow tires have higher sidewalls for more grip) but since they both get higher by the same amount, it won't mess up the AWD system. The tire is also V-rated (149mph) which is good enough for the X6 50i which is top-speed limited.

The ONLY tires with sizes suitable for the X6's 20" wheels are as follows:
Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow
265/45VR20 XL - Front (Fits a 10" rim which is the X6's Front Rim Width)
295/40VR20 XL - Back (Fits a 11" rim which is the X6's Rear Rim Width)

The whole set can be had for about $1,044 from Tirerack.com which is a great deal.

So if anyone is looking for snow tires on their 20" X6 wheels, these are the ONLY ones right now!

- KJ

[xDrive50i]

Originally Posted by KJ

Hi Guys,

I did some research today and I thought I'd share my findings with you.

Since I only intend to drive the X6 in the winter (and it snows here in Toronto) and I don't like how the way the X6 looks with the smaller wheels, I needed to find a snow tire that fits on the 20" wheels that come with the X6's Sports Package.

There is no direct fit Snow Tire for the X6 20" wheels, so I found a set of snow tires that are narrower but will still fit the X6's 20" wheels.

The overall diameter front & rear both get higher (it is good when snow tires have higher sidewalls for more grip) but since they both get higher by the same amount, it won't mess up the AWD system. The tire is also V-rated (149mph) which is good enough for the X6 50i which is top-speed limited.

The ONLY tires with sizes suitable for the X6's 20" wheels are as follows:
Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow
265/45VR20 XL - Front (Fits a 10" rim which is the X6's Front Rim Width)
295/40VR20 XL - Back (Fits a 11" rim which is the X6's Rear Rim Width)

The whole set can be had for about $1,044 from Tirerack.com which is a great deal.

So if anyone is looking for snow tires on their 20" X6 wheels, these are the ONLY ones right now!

- KJ

Thanks KJ, I was going to look into this soon... I haven't figured out if I am going to get the style 275 rims or not... that would mean I have the style 259 rims left over and could use those for winter driving and have them switched for the style 275 for summer driving.

Here are some info's on the style 275:

X6
21" STAR SPOKE 275
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
285/35 R 21 W, Front
325/30 R 21 W, Rear
MSRP: $5,800

The MSRP is in CAD.

[Deda]

Originally Posted by KJ

Hi Guys,

I did some research today and I thought I'd share my findings with you.

Since I only intend to drive the X6 in the winter (and it snows here in Toronto) and I don't like how the way the X6 looks with the smaller wheels, I needed to find a snow tire that fits on the 20" wheels that come with the X6's Sports Package.

There is no direct fit Snow Tire for the X6 20" wheels, so I found a set of snow tires that are narrower but will still fit the X6's 20" wheels.

The overall diameter front & rear both get higher (it is good when snow tires have higher sidewalls for more grip) but since they both get higher by the same amount, it won't mess up the AWD system. The tire is also V-rated (149mph) which is good enough for the X6 50i which is top-speed limited.

The ONLY tires with sizes suitable for the X6's 20" wheels are as follows:
Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow
265/45VR20 XL - Front (Fits a 10" rim which is the X6's Front Rim Width)
295/40VR20 XL - Back (Fits a 11" rim which is the X6's Rear Rim Width)

The whole set can be had for about $1,044 from Tirerack.com which is a great deal.

So if anyone is looking for snow tires on their 20" X6 wheels, these are the ONLY ones right now!

- KJ

Good info,thanks!

[Palbay]

Originally Posted by KJ

Hi Guys,

I did some research today and I thought I'd share my findings with you.

Since I only intend to drive the X6 in the winter (and it snows here in Toronto) and I don't like how the way the X6 looks with the smaller wheels, I needed to find a snow tire that fits on the 20" wheels that come with the X6's Sports Package.

There is no direct fit Snow Tire for the X6 20" wheels, so I found a set of snow tires that are narrower but will still fit the X6's 20" wheels.

The overall diameter front & rear both get higher (it is good when snow tires have higher sidewalls for more grip) but since they both get higher by the same amount, it won't mess up the AWD system. The tire is also V-rated (149mph) which is good enough for the X6 50i which is top-speed limited.

The ONLY tires with sizes suitable for the X6's 20" wheels are as follows:
Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow
265/45VR20 XL - Front (Fits a 10" rim which is the X6's Front Rim Width)
295/40VR20 XL - Back (Fits a 11" rim which is the X6's Rear Rim Width)

The whole set can be had for about $1,044 from Tirerack.com which is a great deal.

So if anyone is looking for snow tires on their 20" X6 wheels, these are the ONLY ones right now!

- KJ

Appreciate the research! Thanks.PalBay

[Anteater]

Thanks KJ - great info - I thought I was going to have to buy a new rim and tire package for the Chicago winter. This should save me a few $$$.
Cheers, Anteater.

[KJ]

Originally Posted by Anteater

Thanks KJ - great info - I thought I was going to have to buy a new rim and tire package for the Chicago winter. This should save me a few $$$.
Cheers, Anteater.

I was thinking the same, but I refused to believe there were no snow tires out there that would fit.

Turns out there is ONE snow tire that will fit AND it's priced very well too!!!

- KJ

[xDrive50i]

Just came across this info while doing some research for winter tires for my wife's car:

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 4X4 with UNI-T tires that should fit the Style 259 rims:

255/40RF20 97V Fits 8.5-10.0 rims
285/35RF20 100V Fits 9.5-11.0 rims

For reference, here are the specs on the original tires:

Star Spoke alloy wheels – Style 259
20 x 10.0 front, 275/40R-20
20 x 11.0 rear, 315/35R-20
run-flat all-season tires

The advantage of these tires in comparison to those that KJ posted above, is that the aspect ratios (side wall height) are the same as those of the high performance summer run-flat tires!

Here is a link to the actual overview of all available tires in the Blizzak LM25 4X4 range:

http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tires...roduct_ID=1117

Here is a link to the PDF version of that page:

http://productcat.bridgestonetire.co.../pp_900109.pdf

[KJ]

Originally Posted by xDrive50i

The advantage of these tires in comparison to those that KJ posted above, is that the aspect ratios (side wall height) are the same as those of the high performance summer run-flat tires!

Actually, the ones you have choosen are shorter than stock by more than mine are taller than stock.

Stock Sidewalls:
275/40R-20 = 110mm Front
315/35R-20 = 110mm Back

Yours Sidewalls:
255/40RF20 = 102mm Front (8mm too short)
285/35RF20 = 100mm Back (10mm too short)

My Sidewalls:
265/45VR20 = 119mm (9mm too tall)
295/40VR20 = 118mm (8mm too tall)

That being said, the much more important measurement is OVERALL DIAMETER. Although you can calculate the height of the sidewall using the specs on the tire, sometimes they aren't totally accurate. That's why overall diameter is the best measurement as it eliminates the manufacturer to manufacturer variances.

Stock Diameter (SP Sport Maxx RunOnFlat):
275/40R-20 = 29" Front
315/35R-20 = 29" Back

Yours Sidewalls:
255/40RF20 = 27.9" Front (1.1" too short)
285/35RF20 = 27.9" Back (1.1" too short)

My Sidewalls:
265/45VR20 = 29.4" (0.4" too tall)
295/40VR20 = 29.3" (0.3" too tall)

It is better to have taller sidewalls for winter tires as the rubber sidewall grips snow better than say an aluminum rim.

Although a narrower tire is normally better for the snow, having a tire that's too narrow will mean that the tire is "stretched" onto the rim more meaning the sidewall won't be as flexible, which leads to less grip as the tire can't conform to the road as well.

That being said, the Blizzak is another possible choice for a winter tire. All else being equal, I would choose a Bridgestone tire over a Pirelli tire. However, in this case, the Pirelli's are much closer in overall diamter than the Bridgestones.

- KJ

P.S. When I checked today, I noticed that Pirelli now makes a front tire the EXACT same size as the stock front. However, if you were to go with that tire, the front tire would be shorter than the back tire leading to potential issues with the AWD system's differential.

[Deda]

Originally Posted by KJ

Actually, the ones you have choosen are shorter than stock by more than mine are taller than stock.

Stock Sidewalls:
275/40R-20 = 110mm Front
315/35R-20 = 110mm Back

Yours Sidewalls:
255/40RF20 = 102mm Front (8mm too short)
285/35RF20 = 100mm Back (10mm too short)

My Sidewalls:
265/45VR20 = 119mm (9mm too tall)
295/40VR20 = 118mm (8mm too tall)

That being said, the much more important measurement is OVERALL DIAMETER. Although you can calculate the height of the sidewall using the specs on the tire, sometimes they aren't totally accurate. That's why overall diameter is the best measurement as it eliminates the manufacturer to manufacturer variances.

Stock Diameter (SP Sport Maxx RunOnFlat):
275/40R-20 = 29" Front
315/35R-20 = 29" Back

Yours Sidewalls:
255/40RF20 = 27.9" Front (1.1" too short)
285/35RF20 = 27.9" Back (1.1" too short)

My Sidewalls:
265/45VR20 = 29.4" (0.4" too tall)
295/40VR20 = 29.3" (0.3" too tall)

It is better to have taller sidewalls for winter tires as the rubber sidewall grips snow better than say an aluminum rim.

Although a narrower tire is normally better for the snow, having a tire that's too narrow will mean that the tire is "stretched" onto the rim more meaning the sidewall won't be as flexible, which leads to less grip as the tire can't conform to the road as well.

That being said, the Blizzak is another possible choice for a winter tire. All else being equal, I would choose a Bridgestone tire over a Pirelli tire. However, in this case, the Pirelli's are much closer in overall diamter than the Bridgestones.

- KJ

P.S. When I checked today, I noticed that Pirelli now makes a front tire the EXACT same size as the stock front. However, if you were to go with that tire, the front tire would be shorter than the back tire leading to potential issues with the AWD system's differential.

Man,you are TYRE MASTER!RESPECT!

[yyzx6]

I've heard that the RFT are not recommended for removal and reuse. So can I still remove my summer RFT and use the rims for the winters?

[Suzie's Dad]

My experience is that Blizzaks are great for the first couple of winters but they 'fade' quickly after that. The Pirellis do not have the same ultimate snow grip as Blizzaks but they are better in highway conditions (packed snow and ice) and tend to keep their performance longer. Just about every BMW and Mercedes dealer around here recommends them.

I just ordered a set of 20-inch OZ Canyon wheels, Pirelli Scorpion tires, and TPM for my new Mmm... (you know.... not X6!) and the price from a local speed shop was the same almost to the penny as Tire Rack's: Cdn$4,150 including all taxes vs US$3,995 including shipping and Cdn taxes. Nothing against Tire Rack, I love 'em, but if I can buy locally where I will obviously get better service if anything goes wrong, then I will. You guys in TO may want to shop around a little.

[xDrive50i]

Originally Posted by KJ

Actually, the ones you have choosen are shorter than stock by more than mine are taller than stock.

Stock Sidewalls:
275/40R-20 = 110mm Front
315/35R-20 = 110mm Back

Yours Sidewalls:
255/40RF20 = 102mm Front (8mm too short)
285/35RF20 = 100mm Back (10mm too short)

My Sidewalls:
265/45VR20 = 119mm (9mm too tall)
295/40VR20 = 118mm (8mm too tall)

That being said, the much more important measurement is OVERALL DIAMETER. Although you can calculate the height of the sidewall using the specs on the tire, sometimes they aren't totally accurate. That's why overall diameter is the best measurement as it eliminates the manufacturer to manufacturer variances.

Stock Diameter (SP Sport Maxx RunOnFlat):
275/40R-20 = 29" Front
315/35R-20 = 29" Back

Yours Sidewalls:
255/40RF20 = 27.9" Front (1.1" too short)
285/35RF20 = 27.9" Back (1.1" too short)

My Sidewalls:
265/45VR20 = 29.4" (0.4" too tall)
295/40VR20 = 29.3" (0.3" too tall)

It is better to have taller sidewalls for winter tires as the rubber sidewall grips snow better than say an aluminum rim.

Although a narrower tire is normally better for the snow, having a tire that's too narrow will mean that the tire is "stretched" onto the rim more meaning the sidewall won't be as flexible, which leads to less grip as the tire can't conform to the road as well.

That being said, the Blizzak is another possible choice for a winter tire. All else being equal, I would choose a Bridgestone tire over a Pirelli tire. However, in this case, the Pirelli's are much closer in overall diamter than the Bridgestones.

- KJ

P.S. When I checked today, I noticed that Pirelli now makes a front tire the EXACT same size as the stock front. However, if you were to go with that tire, the front tire would be shorter than the back tire leading to potential issues with the AWD system's differential.

KJ you are absolutely correct. I was going to check the details in more depth today as it was already very late when I posted my previous post. And you are right that the overall diameter of the wheel is probably the most important part when shopping for tires. If you get tires that are larger or smaller than the stock tires, they will also affect your speedometer and odometer unless you get that re-calibrated for the new tires.

One other thing I noticed this morning is that the Blizzak tires do NOT seem to be RFTs!

I think I'm just going to get a complete new set of wheels for winter driving anyway.

[KJ]

Originally Posted by yyzx6

I've heard that the RFT are not recommended for removal and reuse. So can I still remove my summer RFT and use the rims for the winters?

You can remove and reuse RFT tires, but it may leave "marks" on the edge of your rims. If your installer is REALLY careful, you'll be ok. In my experience, MOST installers are NOT careful, not even the dealers who charge extra.

The best places to go to are the places that mount tires on expensive luxury wheels on a regular basis. They're used to babying wheels.

- KJ

[Suzie's Dad]

Originally Posted by yyzx6

I've heard that the RFT are not recommended for removal and reuse. So can I still remove my summer RFT and use the rims for the winters?

No way I would have tires mounted and demounted twice a year! Apart from the cost and inconvenience, you risk damaging either the wheel or the tire every spring and fall. Much better to buy a set of winter wheels.

[Deda]

Originally Posted by Suzie's Dad

No way I would have tires mounted and demounted twice a year! Apart from the cost and inconvenience, you risk damaging either the wheel or the tire every spring and fall. Much better to buy a set of winter wheels.

I agree with you 100%!

Only new set of alloys and winter tyres!

[KJ]

It is more inconvenient, but in the end, you do save a fair bit of money.

Mounting tires onto rims only costs $80 each time. You do it once in spring and once before snowfall, so $160/year. If you lease the car and drive it only 3-years, the total cost would be less than $500 for labour. The tires would cost about $1,200 for the set so $1,700 total for 3-years of use. Which is substantially less than say $4,150 for a winter "rim and tire set".

You get to drive on the "nice wheels" all year round instead of having a "winter set" that's not as nice.

It's definitely not an option for everyone. But if you want to save some cash and drive on the "nice wheels" all year round, then it's a better option for some.

If you buy winter rims and tires, you can spend an hour to mount them yourself (make sure to invest in a torque wrench), or you could pay someone $40 to do it. In the end, you still fork out cash for labour.

That being said, paying $80 to have someone mount the tires onto the rims is only $40 more. Either way, you gotta leave your car at a shop. You're not doing the work, so the inconvenience isn't that great. It's more of a pain for the shop than it is for you.

- KJ

P.S. I would rather get the dealer to swap the stock tires for snow tires on the stock 19" wheels and then spend some money on aftermarket 20" or 21" wheels with performance tires. That way you get a fancy set of 20's or 21's. I'd rather spend money on aftermarket wheels for the summer, instead of spending money on wheels just for winter.

[Deda]

absolutly true!

[Anteater]

Anyone have any thoughts about just buying a set of stock-comparable 19" rims and winter tires together and switching them out from the summer 20"s?
I've got the 20" 214's currently fitted but it's relatively easy to buy a set of 255/50-19 tires and aftermarket rims that match the 'non-sports package' standard 35i setup than new 20" rims and tires for front/back separately (due to width differences).

Interestingly, the stock 19" BMW package has 9" wide rims - most aftermarket 19" rims seem to come in either 8.5" or 9.5" width. Anyone know if this is likely to be an issue? It's MUCH cheaper to buy a set of anfermarket 19" rims and tires to get to the same wheel circumference as stock 19" (even including new TPMS fittings) than buying the winter wheel packages from the dealer.

Thoughts?

Cheers, Anteater.

[Deda]

good question...i am also planing to get 19 inch for winter...

[Anteater]

TireRack are offering an 18" winter tire & wheel package alternative for the X6:

18X8 Sport Edition TK1 Bright Silver Paint for 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i
In Stock 012345678 $159.00 each

235/60R18 Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3 Blackwall for 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i
In Stock 012345678 $134.00 each

433MHZ TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR for 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i
Not Available 012345678 $42.00 each

REQUIRED VALVE for 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i
In Stock 012345678 $8.00 each

Hunter Road Force™ Mounting and Balancing FREE!

Total: $1,372.00 + Tax

Sounds pretty good to me other than the TPMS is not currently available.... may be able to find an alternative rim however...

Cheers, Anteater.

[Deda]

that is a good price,but i think that dealer in bmw told me that starting rims size for x6 is 19 inch...now,i am not sure.

[olks]

Originally Posted by KJ

It is more inconvenient, but in the end, you do save a fair bit of money.

Mounting tires onto rims only costs $80 each time. You do it once in spring and once before snowfall, so $160/year. If you lease the car and drive it only 3-years, the total cost would be less than $500 for labour. The tires would cost about $1,200 for the set so $1,700 total for 3-years of use. Which is substantially less than say $4,150 for a winter "rim and tire set".

You get to drive on the "nice wheels" all year round instead of having a "winter set" that's not as nice.

It's definitely not an option for everyone. But if you want to save some cash and drive on the "nice wheels" all year round, then it's a better option for some.

If you buy winter rims and tires, you can spend an hour to mount them yourself (make sure to invest in a torque wrench), or you could pay someone $40 to do it. In the end, you still fork out cash for labour.

That being said, paying $80 to have someone mount the tires onto the rims is only $40 more. Either way, you gotta leave your car at a shop. You're not doing the work, so the inconvenience isn't that great. It's more of a pain for the shop than it is for you.

- KJ

P.S. I would rather get the dealer to swap the stock tires for snow tires on the stock 19" wheels and then spend some money on aftermarket 20" or 21" wheels with performance tires. That way you get a fancy set of 20's or 21's. I'd rather spend money on aftermarket wheels for the summer, instead of spending money on wheels just for winter.

Hey KJ, do you have any idea which store will charge $80 in the GTA area? I am very interested to know, since I got some quotes from the Markham area, which is very expansive for 20" runflat tires, they average charge $200