Snow Driving F16 XDrive i35

Mdlooker · 01-13-2019, 09:29 PM

So I've been turmoiling whether to get the BMW 20" Winter Tire set since my vehicle has the Dunlap SP Sport Maxx Summer set, offset 285/35R21 (front) and 325/30R21 (rear) during this winter storm that rolled into the DC/MD/VA area.

Accumulations are definitely over 8-9 inches and that's probably a bit modest but of course not that way on the plowed roadways. Neighborhood roadways are less than desirable.

So I wanted to justify spending a few K on a new rim/tire set since it's not possible (to my knowledge of research) to get all-seasons at my current rim size and for such road conditions that will last no more than 72hrs. I decided to go for some salt for the walkways and take a drive. Boy, I was pretty impressed! Drove through snow mounds from ploy buildup and through neighborhood-road without any issue. Drove through county roads and interstate highways without even the slip light coming on. I didn't know the XDrive would perform so well. So though I won't make it habit to drive on those tires during such cold temps and in climate weather, it is good to know I have the ability.

cmyx6go · 01-14-2019, 07:25 AM

Do yourself a favor and park your X until you either get different tires or the temps rise. You're asking for trouble. I can't even imagine the "without any issue" statement. You're putting yourself at risk, but worse you are putting others at risk.

Cimbs off soapbox

Kzang · 01-14-2019, 08:14 AM

When you slide around and hit another car you will then realize a couple of thousand dollars is peanuts compared to what the cost would be to repair yours and others damages.

brevets10000 · 01-14-2019, 08:15 AM

Like I always tell my wife in snow - don't worry about me, rather the other guy on the road......

The Libertine · 01-14-2019, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

Do yourself a favor and park your X until you either get different tires or the temps rise. You're asking for trouble. I can't even imagine the "without any issue" statement. You're putting yourself at risk, but worse you are putting others at risk.

Cimbs off soapbox

There was a thread a while back, if I recall correctly, of a member posting pictures (damage from) driving in winter conditions with summer tires. Not worth the risk. Not at all.

Wah · 01-14-2019, 09:08 AM

summer tires are hockey pucks in the winter... yeah maybe with xdrive you won't be completely stuck, but when you need to stop, AWD isn't going to help you.

alphaod · 01-14-2019, 09:26 AM

You don’t need to buy rims. You can just buy tires and change twice a year.

Kzang · 01-14-2019, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wah

summer tires are hockey pucks in the winter... yeah maybe with xdrive you won't be completely stuck, but when you need to stop, AWD isn't going to help you.

I drive my X5 with summer tires in the winter cold temps and the tires are fine. If it snows even a dusting that's when I drive my other awd.

Wah · 01-14-2019, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kzang

I drive my X5 with summer tires in the winter cold temps and the tires are fine. If it snows even a dusting that's when I drive my other awd.

OP was talking about driving in the snow... that is what I was referring to.

Kzang · 01-14-2019, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wah

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kzang

I drive my X5 with summer tires in the winter cold temps and the tires are fine. If it snows even a dusting that's when I drive my other awd.

OP was talking about driving in the snow... that is what I was referring to.

Oh okay. You mentioned winter.

pits200 · 01-14-2019, 02:52 PM

So funny how people think winter traction only equates to being able to make it up slopes. 100 times out of 100, I'd rather be going up a steep hill in the winter than down one.

Just because I hit when I have a 19 in blackjack and pull a 2, it doesn't mean it was the smart decision. Play the odds, there is a reason you don't base decisions off a small sample size such as so many people do with summer tires in the winter.

pits200 · 01-14-2019, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brevets10000

Like I always tell my wife in snow - don't worry about me, rather the other guy on the road......

Great words. I tell my wife to look for the sporty looking cars/suvs with fancy looking rims and keep an eye out. More than likely it's a person who has more money than car sense and probably doesn't even realize they have summer tires on their vehicle.

X5M50D · 01-14-2019, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mdlooker

So I've been turmoiling whether to get the BMW 20" Winter Tire set since my vehicle has the Dunlap SP Sport Maxx Summer set, offset 285/35R21 (front) and 325/30R21 (rear) during this winter storm that rolled into the DC/MD/VA area.

Accumulations are definitely over 8-9 inches and that's probably a bit modest but of course not that way on the plowed roadways. Neighborhood roadways are less than desirable.

So I wanted to justify spending a few K on a new rim/tire set since it's not possible (to my knowledge of research) to get all-seasons at my current rim size and for such road conditions that will last no more than 72hrs. I decided to go for some salt for the walkways and take a drive. Boy, I was pretty impressed! Drove through snow mounds from ploy buildup and through neighborhood-road without any issue. Drove through county roads and interstate highways without even the slip light coming on. I didn't know the XDrive would perform so well. So though I won't make it habit to drive on those tires during such cold temps and in climate weather, it is good to know I have the ability.

Off topic - what are the Dunlop SP Sport Max like as I need to swap my 21" P Zeros for the summer?

Mdlooker · 01-14-2019, 10:24 PM

I appreciate all of the feedback. When I was in a "snow city" for some years, we had the Lake Effect snows of 12 or more inches. I had my Tahoe w/4 wheel drive and this felt the same. I was literally shocked at the handling as the X even climbed hills slowly in the neighborhood. I don't know, maybe it's just my experience.

Mdlooker · 01-14-2019, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5M50D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mdlooker

So I've been turmoiling whether to get the BMW 20" Winter Tire set since my vehicle has the Dunlap SP Sport Maxx Summer set, offset 285/35R21 (front) and 325/30R21 (rear) during this winter storm that rolled into the DC/MD/VA area.

Accumulations are definitely over 8-9 inches and that's probably a bit modest but of course not that way on the plowed roadways. Neighborhood roadways are less than desirable.

So I wanted to justify spending a few K on a new rim/tire set since it's not possible (to my knowledge of research) to get all-seasons at my current rim size and for such road conditions that will last no more than 72hrs. I decided to go for some salt for the walkways and take a drive. Boy, I was pretty impressed! Drove through snow mounds from ploy buildup and through neighborhood-road without any issue. Drove through county roads and interstate highways without even the slip light coming on. I didn't know the XDrive would perform so well. So though I won't make it habit to drive on those tires during such cold temps and in climate weather, it is good to know I have the ability.

Off topic - what are the Dunlop SP Sport Max like as I need to swap my 21" P Zeros for the summer?

They ride really well, and handle really nicely. They stick to the road and provide the handling that is expected of BMW.

Mdlooker · 01-14-2019, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alphaod

You don't need to buy rims. You can just buy tires and change twice a year.

For the dimensions of my rims, I need to get another set of rims unfortunately.

X5M50D · 01-15-2019, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mdlooker

They ride really well, and handle really nicely. They stick to the road and provide the handling that is expected of BMW.

Sorry again off topic

With the 21" what is the wear like - got 15k miles out of the P zeros

As the Dunlops in the UK are cheaper than the P Zeros seriously looking at these RFT once the winter boots come off.

alphaod · 01-15-2019, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mdlooker

For the dimensions of my rims, I need to get another set of rims unfortunately.

They do sell winter tires in that 21" staggered.

Mdlooker · 01-15-2019, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alphaod

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mdlooker

For the dimensions of my rims, I need to get another set of rims unfortunately.

They do sell winter tires in that 21" staggered.

They do?!

I've looked everywhere.. NTB, Good Year, Tire Rack, BMW, Etc. - nothing. Where can I find them?

alphaod · 01-15-2019, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mdlooker

They do?!

I've looked everywhere.. NTB, Good Year, Tire Rack, BMW, Etc. - nothing. Where can I find them?

TireRack I found front and rear Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow

Front:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes

Rear:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes

So not exactly the cheapest tire (actually it's quite expensive), but they do offer them if don't mind changing tires twice a year instead of buying another set of rims.

Mdlooker · 01-15-2019, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alphaod

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mdlooker

They do?!

I've looked everywhere.. NTB, Good Year, Tire Rack, BMW, Etc. - nothing. Where can I find them?

TireRack I found front and rear Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow

Front:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes

Rear:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes

So not exactly the cheapest tire (actually it's quite expensive), but they do offer them if don't mind changing tires twice a year instead of buying another set of rims.

Life-Saver!! I'll order them tomorrow. Thanks!

ErockBMW · 01-24-2019, 03:35 PM

If you haven't ordered yet, one thing you might want to consider is looking at the Member's Classifieds section on here. When I bought by F16, first thing I did was search A/S and winter tires. I decided on AS since I didn't have to worry about snow most of the time. I joined this site to sell/see if there was any in interest in my Summer RFT's. I discovered I could've bought a whole dedicated set of winter tires/rims for a few bucks more from member's on here. I also saw someone selling the exact same tires I bought (Conti DWS06s) locally, and I could've saved a few hundred dollars.

01-13-2019, 09:29 PM	#1
Mdlooker Private 20 Rep 71 Posts Drives: F16 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	So I've been turmoiling whether to get the BMW 20" Winter Tire set since my vehicle has the Dunlap SP Sport Maxx Summer set, offset 285/35R21 (front) and 325/30R21 (rear) during this winter storm that rolled into the DC/MD/VA area. Accumulations are definitely over 8-9 inches and that's probably a bit modest but of course not that way on the plowed roadways. Neighborhood roadways are less than desirable. So I wanted to justify spending a few K on a new rim/tire set since it's not possible (to my knowledge of research) to get all-seasons at my current rim size and for such road conditions that will last no more than 72hrs. I decided to go for some salt for the walkways and take a drive. Boy, I was pretty impressed! Drove through snow mounds from ploy buildup and through neighborhood-road without any issue. Drove through county roads and interstate highways without even the slip light coming on. I didn't know the XDrive would perform so well. So though I won't make it habit to drive on those tires during such cold temps and in climate weather, it is good to know I have the ability.
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01-14-2019, 07:25 AM	#2
cmyx6go Colonel 15763 Rep 2,043 Posts Drives: 2022 X6///M Comp Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: NYC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2019 X6 ///M [10.00]	Do yourself a favor and park your X until you either get different tires or the temps rise. You're asking for trouble. I can't even imagine the "without any issue" statement. You're putting yourself at risk, but worse you are putting others at risk. Cimbs off soapbox
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01-14-2019, 08:14 AM	#3
Kzang Major General 3240 Rep 5,066 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 35i Msport SG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	When you slide around and hit another car you will then realize a couple of thousand dollars is peanuts compared to what the cost would be to repair yours and others damages. __________________ 2015 F15 X5 35i Msport Space Grey M Performance parts MPPK, MPE
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01-14-2019, 08:15 AM	#4
brevets10000 Private First Class 79 Rep 100 Posts Drives: F15 2015 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Southeast iTrader: (0)	Like I always tell my wife in snow - don't worry about me, rather the other guy on the road......
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01-14-2019, 09:08 AM	#6
Wah IG@i.am.wah 2779 Rep 3,815 Posts Drives: M2 CS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2022 Tesla Model Y ... [0.00] 1974 BMW 2002 [0.00] 2020 BMW M2 CS [0.00]	summer tires are hockey pucks in the winter... yeah maybe with xdrive you won't be completely stuck, but when you need to stop, AWD isn't going to help you.
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
Snow Driving F16 XDrive i35

01-14-2019, 09:26 AM	#7
alphaod Mmmmm… 1150 Rep 2,426 Posts Drives: F15 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW X5 xDrive50i [10.00]	You don’t need to buy rims. You can just buy tires and change twice a year. __________________ 2015 BMW X5 xDrive50i BMW CCA 509766
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01-14-2019, 02:52 PM	#11
pits200 Colonel 547 Rep 2,590 Posts Drives: 09 335i X-Drive Black Sapphire Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (1)	So funny how people think winter traction only equates to being able to make it up slopes. 100 times out of 100, I'd rather be going up a steep hill in the winter than down one. Just because I hit when I have a 19 in blackjack and pull a 2, it doesn't mean it was the smart decision. Play the odds, there is a reason you don't base decisions off a small sample size such as so many people do with summer tires in the winter.
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01-14-2019, 10:24 PM	#14
Mdlooker Private 20 Rep 71 Posts Drives: F16 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	I appreciate all of the feedback. When I was in a "snow city" for some years, we had the Lake Effect snows of 12 or more inches. I had my Tahoe w/4 wheel drive and this felt the same. I was literally shocked at the handling as the X even climbed hills slowly in the neighborhood. I don't know, maybe it's just my experience.
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01-24-2019, 03:35 PM	#22
ErockBMW New Member 2 Rep 18 Posts Drives: F16 XLine AW / F32 M Sport OB Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: EastCoast iTrader: (0)	If you haven't ordered yet, one thing you might want to consider is looking at the Member's Classifieds section on here. When I bought by F16, first thing I did was search A/S and winter tires. I decided on AS since I didn't have to worry about snow most of the time. I joined this site to sell/see if there was any in interest in my Summer RFT's. I discovered I could've bought a whole dedicated set of winter tires/rims for a few bucks more from member's on here. I also saw someone selling the exact same tires I bought (Conti DWS06s) locally, and I could've saved a few hundred dollars.
	Appreciate 0 Quote