Advice on making x5m OK for ski season

[Mick_87]

Just got a 2017 X5 M... its pretty sweet. Had it about a month now. I traded my 16’ X3 35i M Sport, also pretty sweet but man this car is like driving a race car to work every day.

When I went to the dealership I intended to get just the 50i but all the only one they had was white and for a littttle more... Well the reason I wanted the 50i is because it comes w/ all season tires..the x3 had summer tires (20s), in the rush of getting this amazing new car I didn’t even think that it would also come with summer tires (I know I know stupid).

Seen lots of posts on here about the winter/summer tire issue w/ this car, seems the solution often suggested is to get a set of winter rims and winter tires and switch them out 2x yr. I live in San Francisco so space is limited (and not cheap). This isn’t a practical option...also I am kinda cheap too. Is there really no other option? The only tires that fit this car on Tire Rack are the summer ones (1800 bucks...i thought they would be cheaper than the X3 because they are not run flats).

My X5M has the 20” staggered rims. Am i crazy or is there no other option than to purchase the rims? Another stupid question i know - can I not just put chains on it if summer tires are the only option?

Finally one more question Seems that the roof rack made by BMW isn’t available for the X5M - they make it for the X5 but not the M. Does anyone know if the non-M cross bars will fit? I saw the car is an inch wider... Anyone recommend an option cheaper than what Thule sells?

Thanks!!!

[Iaro]

I'm in the same boat mate. No all season RFT available in our size :. I'm keeping my 20" for winter but in spring I'm going to purchase a new set of wheels (21") and summer tires.

[WI_Rob]

Ask your CA if he will store the off season wheels without charge for you. Do it in person with a dozen fresh bakery pieces for the shop guys (& gals). Then buy the right setup.

Bonus: having a double setup makes your summer set LAST!

[E70M]

Originally Posted by Mick_87

Just got a 2017 X5 M... its pretty sweet. Had it about a month now. I traded my 16’ X3 35i M Sport, also pretty sweet but man this car is like driving a race car to work every day.

When I went to the dealership I intended to get just the 50i but all the only one they had was white and for a littttle more... Well the reason I wanted the 50i is because it comes w/ all season tires..the x3 had summer tires (20s), in the rush of getting this amazing new car I didn’t even think that it would also come with summer tires (I know I know stupid).

Seen lots of posts on here about the winter/summer tire issue w/ this car, seems the solution often suggested is to get a set of winter rims and winter tires and switch them out 2x yr. I live in San Francisco so space is limited (and not cheap). This isn’t a practical option...also I am kinda cheap too. Is there really no other option? The only tires that fit this car on Tire Rack are the summer ones (1800 bucks...i thought they would be cheaper than the X3 because they are not run flats).

My X5M has the 20” staggered rims. Am i crazy or is there no other option than to purchase the rims? Another stupid question i know - can I not just put chains on it if summer tires are the only option?

Finally one more question Seems that the roof rack made by BMW isn’t available for the X5M - they make it for the X5 but not the M. Does anyone know if the non-M cross bars will fit? I saw the car is an inch wider... Anyone recommend an option cheaper than what Thule sells?

Thanks!!!

I use a Thule aeroblade setup that seems to work well on my E70 X5M with the flush mounted roof racks and a Thule roof box for my ski's -- picture below -- not certain it's the same but would imagine they would have a similar product if not? There is a specific mounting pedestal kit for the cross bars, the Thule site was very easy to use.

In regards to winter tires/wheels I wouldn't drive mine in inclement weather without a non-staggered setup. This is the second 'wife wheel' x5 I've had for year round use in the northeast (stage 2 tuned 50i previously) and the smaller diameter, matched winter setup has been the number 1 investment I've made for either of them. I prefer non RFT tires and currently have a set of 298M 19" wheels wrapped in Nokian Haakapelitta R2 tires and the truck is unstoppable going up the mountain in any weather.
Plug -- I have a set of OEM 18" style 209 wheels that I powder coated a flat black color that I'd be willing to unload at a decent price if interested, TPMS for a 2011 X5 and not sure they would fit a new style but just the same worth throwing out there.

Let me know if there is anything else I may be able to chime in on, I truly do use this car year round and it is a complete blast in winter with the right setup!

[nyalpine90]

slap on some winter tires on 20"

[Rotzy]

Just a thought: You can use the same tires that come on the F15 with the 469M rims. The tires that come on those rims will fit the 611M rims on your F85. The only size difference between the 469M rims and the 611M rims is that the rear 611M rims are 1/2" wider. They are 11.5" compared to 11" for the 469.

If you look at the specs for the Continental Extreme Contact DWS06 on TireRack , you'll see that the 275/40ZR20 and 315/20ZR20 for the F15 will fit the rim width of your F85. If you can deal with a slightly smaller width tire, you can run these highly regarded all season tires instead of the Pzeros. Those tires should easily handle the occasional snow you may encounter driving into the mountains around CA.

[RED_Y_]

Advice from Tahoe local person- if you planning on 2-3 trips a season,plan right,check the weather and road conditions,drive daytime and get chains (there is a set for sale right now http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1424160 ) just in case. If you are chasing the powder and want to use your gold pass every weekend-just go one size lower to 19X9 inch wheels and set of Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 255/50R19. Set of tires will cost you about 700$ and you can find used OEM wheels or cheap aftermarket once for about the same price. For 1500-1600$ you will feel confident and drive in snow conditions without any problems,this is way cheaper then getting your car totaled on 80 one day.

[Yaw]

Not sure there is a 19" wheel that will fit over those brakes. Have seen 20" wheels not have enough clearance.

[RED_Y_]

Ahhhh,good catch totally missed the M part of it.

[Yaw]

Specifically, these:

https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Whee...ver&tab=wheels

[Mick_87]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

Advice from Tahoe local person- if you planning on 2-3 trips a season,plan right,check the weather and road conditions,drive daytime and get chains (there is a set for sale right now http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1424160 ) just in case. If you are chasing the powder and want to use your gold pass every weekend-just go one size lower to 19X9 inch wheels and set of Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 255/50R19. Set of tires will cost you about 700$ and you can find used OEM wheels or cheap aftermarket once for about the same price. For 1500-1600$ you will feel confident and drive in snow conditions without any problems,this is way cheaper then getting your car totaled on 80 one day.

Tahoe local!!! Awesome. Hello. Yes, once there’s snow I use the heck out of the epic pass, typically go up min 2-3x per month. I had some close calls in the X3...I’m swaying more towards getting the winter wheel package.

[Mick_87]

Originally Posted by Yaw

Specifically, these:

https://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Whee...ver&tab=wheels

Hey thanks - ok so now I am looking for wheels i think i will just buy a winter set. On tire rack, it is suggesting for my 2017 model 19” rims, but I saw you and a few other ppl say that the large brakes are an issue... do you happen to know the min. Size/spec that fits? Is tire rack wrong?

[Mick_87]

Originally Posted by E70M

I use a Thule aeroblade setup that seems to work well on my E70 X5M with the flush mounted roof racks and a Thule roof box for my ski's -- picture below -- not certain it's the same but would imagine they would have a similar product if not? There is a specific mounting pedestal kit for the cross bars, the Thule site was very easy to use.

In regards to winter tires/wheels I wouldn't drive mine in inclement weather without a non-staggered setup. This is the second 'wife wheel' x5 I've had for year round use in the northeast (stage 2 tuned 50i previously) and the smaller diameter, matched winter setup has been the number 1 investment I've made for either of them. I prefer non RFT tires and currently have a set of 298M 19" wheels wrapped in Nokian Haakapelitta R2 tires and the truck is unstoppable going up the mountain in any weather.
Plug -- I have a set of OEM 18" style 209 wheels that I powder coated a flat black color that I'd be willing to unload at a decent price if interested, TPMS for a 2011 X5 and not sure they would fit a new style but just the same worth throwing out there.

Let me know if there is anything else I may be able to chime in on, I truly do use this car year round and it is a complete blast in winter with the right setup!

Nice ride looks clean. Sounds like 18” wont fit w/ the brakes...

[Mick_87]

Originally Posted by WI_Rob

Ask your CA if he will store the off season wheels without charge for you. Do it in person with a dozen fresh bakery pieces for the shop guys (& gals). Then buy the right setup.

Bonus: having a double setup makes your summer set LAST!

Thanks - from that, I interpret that if I currently have 20”, i can use 275/40/20 or 285/40/20; in terms of the wheels - do you (or does anyone) know what the other specs need to be? If i wanted to get 4 20” wheels of the same size w/ winter tires - i.e. 35mm offset, width, bolt pattern? The wheels suggested on Tire Rack have various sizes for each, and it is giving me doubts. Thanks!!!!

[alphaod]

Also get set of snow chains if you head up to Tahoe. If you put in spacers it can give the chains more room inside as well which was an unintented side effect for me.

Got a “R3” equivalent road conditions last year, my friends though we were gonna need to spend the night on the side of road. Little did they they know my whole winter season up to Tahoe seasoned me to always carry chains in the winter when heading into snow territory.

[Yaw]

This is what I have. Very happy with snow, ice, slush performance.

OZ SUPERTURISMO DAKAR
Size: 20x10
(O.E. Diameter)
Offset: 40mm

OZ SUPERTURISMO DAKAR
REAR
Size: 20x11
(O.E. Diameter)
Offset: 35mm


PIRELLI
SCORPION ICE & SNOW RUN FLAT
Front: 275/40R20
Run Flat
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Load Range: XL
Serv. Desc: 106V

PIRELLI
SCORPION ICE & SNOW RUN FLAT
Rear: 315/35R20
Run Flat
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Load Range: XL
Serv. Desc: 110V

[Mick_87]

Awesome thanks!! Do you have the F15/F85 body style or the one before that? Thank you!

[Mick_87]

I went to the dealership and they recommended this as well.

[Delooney]

You can find a gently used set of hakkapelitta's (studded and non-studded) for a really good price on craigslist or facebook marketplace. I bought my studded set NEW for $1,200 installed which is better than $1,700 at the BMW for the snow and ice. Same tire specs.

However the Hakka's are not RFT

[MochiEater]

Originally Posted by Yaw

This is what I have. Very happy with snow, ice, slush performance.

OZ SUPERTURISMO DAKAR
Size: 20x10
(O.E. Diameter)
Offset: 40mm

OZ SUPERTURISMO DAKAR
REAR
Size: 20x11
(O.E. Diameter)
Offset: 35mm


PIRELLI
SCORPION ICE & SNOW RUN FLAT
Front: 275/40R20
Run Flat
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Load Range: XL
Serv. Desc: 106V

PIRELLI
SCORPION ICE & SNOW RUN FLAT
Rear: 315/35R20
Run Flat
Sidewall Style: Blackwall
Load Range: XL
Serv. Desc: 110V

This is my exact winter setup. Works really great for cold dry/wet tarmac and snowy/icy roads. The one caveat is in deeper fresh snow and slush, I've noticed the wider rear tires can feel floaty at higher speeds (40+ mph). If you don't like that sensation, then maybe a square tire setup will keep the rear tires more planted.

[Yaw]

Originally Posted by Mick_87

Awesome thanks!! Do you have the F15/F85 body style or the one before that? Thank you!

2015 35d. Originally 19"s so no fender extensions, looks great, not likely to add the extended arches.

[TheRealSterCity]

F15 with f85 body