Snow Show...

[iconoclast]

For the members on here who live in areas that receive more than their fair share of snow can you post photos of your X5 and comment on how well (or not) it performed in severe winter conditions? (Please post wheel & tire combos as well.) Having missed out on two opportunities to get into another vehicle I may wind up sticking it out in this vehicle for another season or possibly two and would like to read actual owner opinions on the vehicles and not car reviews from a magazine that only had the vehicle for a short period or on a closed course.



Pics for clicks but photo credit to Atomic80.
https://www.instagram.com/atomic80/

[pragueX5]

brrr cold lets have more summer please.

great shot!

[cmyx6go]

Many blizzards and substantial snow falls over the past 16 years of X5 ownership going back to 2001. Crossed over to the X6 in 2010. I have always had dedicated winter set ups, normally 19" square. Tire of choice has been Pirelli Ice and Snow, Pirelli Winter and Blizzaks. I know many here run staggered due to the looks but narrower is better for snow. I'll sacrifice looks for a few months.
Needed to go to 20s for my current ride but still do square.

I have always felt very confident in bad weather. No issues getting around.

[iconoclast]

I do dedicated summer and winter set up as well... I would not do anything else and would most likely do 469M wheels.

[crackerjack15]

It doesn't matter what vehicle you own, it's all about the tires! Obviously awd is going to make it slightly easier. I can cruise comfortably 60-70 mph when completely snow covered. For me, there is only one tire and that's the bridgestone blizzack. A little soft in the dry, but I'll sacrifice for snow capability. I've also had Michelin x-ice, which were excellent. Honestly, I bet if you purchased any of the top brands of dedicated snow tires, you would be happy. I dropped down to 19" wheel and I think only 8" or 9" wide, can't remember.

[iconoclast]

this guy has the right idea:

[MysticBlue]

Yup, it's all about the tires. I have Pirelli Scorpion Snow and Ice mounted on 469M's. Been through 2 winters and it has done great. I have had the chance to compare previous vehicles with all season tires and snow and ice tires and have learned a few things. After spending a lifetime driving on all season tires, compared to modern snow and ice tires they are nearly useless in snowy and/or icy conditions. I would rather have a two wheel drive car with snow and ice tires on it than an all wheel drive car with all season tires. Also, modern digital stability control/traction control helps a lot (compared to the old days). But far and away, the biggest factor is the tires. So when I got the X5 in the fall of 2014, I didn't hesitate, I got a second set of 469M's and mounted the Scorpions on them. No regrets.

[pragueX5]

true true true!!! all about tires

any RWD with good winter tires is much better and safer to a 4x4 on summer tires.

[Deep Powder]

Vey interesting to read, I have ordered 20" 468M with BMW RFT friction winter tires (yes, studs are allowed in Sweden) for delivery with my 2017 X5 40d. Tire spec to be confimed.
Have been quite hesitant on the 275 & 315 width mixed with snow but finally decided to go for 20" instead of 19. I hope I did the right choice...
Winter pictures to come:-)

[NOVA99]

Former E70 50i did excellent in snow. Original staggered 20's Style 451 with Conti DWS. This was a fun day...

[spike5150]

X5 does just fine with 19" all seasons in Denver snow. Pirelli scorpion verde (stock 19") are my winter setup with 20" 451's for the sun.

[Alan l.]

I ran my 20" 469's with Pirelli Snow and Ice winter tires on my F15 35i and i plan to run the same tires on my F85 with oem 20"s as well. This was why i got my X5M with 20"s even though the 21"s were a no cost option! I didn't want to render my 20" snow tires I had useless.

No issues getting around with these tires at all. There are enough tests out there that proves just how much better snow tires are compared to all seasons in acceleration, turning and braking. Under normal driving conditions one can get by with summer or allseason tires if there isn't too much snow on the ground. Its when you have to perform some evasive maneuvers or emergency braking that will get you in trouble fast.

I had a RWD F10 550 in a huge snow storm 2 years ago and it had zero issues getting up and around. I went up a decent hill without even any wheel slip while most cars were fish tailing out of control. The reason? Bizzaks snow tires were installed on that car.

I'm a firm believer in snow tires going forward. If they save me from even one fender bender they already pay for themselves.

Alan

[Ninjaoz]

Here are some shots at our recent ski trip at Mt Buller!

[MysticBlue]

Originally Posted by Deep Powder

Vey interesting to read, I have ordered 20" 468M with BMW RFT friction winter tires (yes, studs are allowed in Sweden) for delivery with my 2017 X5 40d. Tire spec to be confimed.
Have been quite hesitant on the 275 & 315 width mixed with snow but finally decided to go for 20" instead of 19. I hope I did the right choice...
Winter pictures to come:-)

You should be just fine. I stayed with the staggered setup with my winter tires and it's done great.

[alphaod]

The Dunlop summer tires are downright deadly. Switched to Continental DWS06 since I do not space to store so many extra tires, they are perfect. I spent 30+ days last season going through heavy snow and icy roads. Some with snow chains as well. The only problem is since the X5 clearance isn't exactly stellar (and we can't adjust it), I got bogged a couple times in deep snow

[mynameisplayer]

Originally Posted by Ninjaoz

Here are some shots at our recent ski trip at Mt Buller!

What?! X5 at the snow with 20's, and no roof racks or thule box??

[BXdriver]

Nooo!

SNOW. I hate it. Being it September now...I already look forward to April and spring. I have to say it again - I just hate winter and snow.
That said...I live where I do, and just have to drive.

Pleased with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV.
I believe some of the very best, but this IS the car that starts to slide/loose grip faster than any car I have owned in my life.
I have gotten used to it now, and believe it must be due to the weight (or weight distribution), so I am fine with it.
Just have to calculate a bit more distance to the car in front and slow safely down in curves.




All best,
Bent

[iconoclast]

i love autumn and winter not just for personal reasons but because it's finally turbo season. i have never said this for a bmw before. usually this was the time the audi vehicles came alive and not heat-soaked, robbed of power and that quattro you paid for finally comes to use.

[Lee]

Does anyone use the same wheels for summers and winters? I've always had two sets, but with my new X5, I wanted to look at possibly using the same wheels.

[iconoclast]

I did in the past for other vehicles and it was a pain. Far better to just have second set for dedicated use but if you don't mind the time and effort it takes to swap wheels along with the costs it is doable.

[Stinkyxy]

Originally Posted by Lee

Does anyone use the same wheels for summers and winters? I've always had two sets, but with my new X5, I wanted to look at possibly using the same wheels.

Do you mean all season tires for all year round use or 2 sets of tires and 1 set of rims. Agree, 1 set of wheels is too much of a hassle.

A number of people are running 1 set of tires - DSW06s.

[UnhappySwede]

Sweden!