20 inch square setup for winter/snow tires?

[Mr.47]

Anyone have setup or run 20 in square winter tires/wheels? I currently have 20in OEM staggered, I looked at some 19 in oem winter wheels but the M sport brakes caliper/rotor are cutting really close to with 19 in wheels.

[Violator]

Yes, BMW offers this exact thing for the F15/16/85/86.
“BMW 20" Style 611M Cold Weather Complete Wheel and Tire Set
Driving with confidence this winter doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Introducing the style 611M Winter Complete Wheel set for the F85 X5M and F86 X6M. This high performance 20 inch wheel set is fitted with BMW Approved cold weather tires to make sure you get the most out of this winter driving season.
Includes RDCi sensors, valve stems, mounted and balanced on Pirelli Scorpion Winter r-f* (Non Run-Flat) high performance winter tires – Just install and go!
This kit is sold pre-assembled for easy installation and the wheel and tire combination is approved by BMW for the F85 X5M and F86 X6M.
Wheel Set Dimensions
Wheels: Style 611M Front - 10Jx20 ET40, Rear - 10.5Jx20 ET32
Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Winter r-f* (Non Run-Flat) 285/40R20 108V”

Even though the rear is .5” wider, the tires are all the same size/square.

There are a couple sets listed in the classifieds.

[swainbmw]

Originally Posted by Mr.47

Anyone have setup or run 20 in square winter tires/wheels? I currently have 20in OEM staggered, I looked at some 19 in oem winter wheels but the M sport brakes caliper/rotor are cutting really close to with 19 in wheels.

Dealer said 19 will work with m brakes . 19 will be better in snow

[Violator]

Curious how 19” is better in the snow?

[CatalinP]

Because 19" tyres are narrower and narrow is better in snow...

[Violator]

How much narrower?
Isn’t it possible to get the same width tire both in 19 and 20”?

[CatalinP]

19" winter setup in Europe is square 255, while the 20" is staggered 275/315.

[Violator]

The OEM BMW winter set for F85/86 is 20” square with a 285. I’m aware of the non-winter sizes.
I just can’t see how 1” can make a significant difference. The 611 Winter set was created by BMW for the SAV, I’m sure they considered a 19” option and opted to use 20”.

[CatalinP]

I read your post above, but, fitting the same tyre size on a 10" and on a 10.5" J rim does not seem so great idea... The tyre on the 10.5"J rim will stretch more, the overall diameter of the wheel will be less, therefore giving potential problems for the transfer box.

[Violator]

I get that, but wouldn’t BMW engineers consider all of that when making a dedicated set for a specific vehicle?
Not being a smartass, I really can’t fathom that an inch would cause such a difference in performance. I also can’t believe that BMW didn’t consider all factors when making the dedicated winter set for their ///M SAV.

[fnunez164]

Originally Posted by CatalinP

I read your post above, but, fitting the same tyre size on a 10" and on a 10.5" J rim does not seem so great idea... The tyre on the 10.5"J rim will stretch more, the overall diameter of the wheel will be less, therefore giving potential problems for the transfer box.

Wrap those 611M's in Conti DWS06 staggered setup and call it a day. You won't regret it!

[CatalinP]

Originally Posted by Violator

I get that, but wouldn’t BMW engineers consider all of that when making a dedicated set for a specific vehicle?
Not being a smartass, I really can’t fathom that an inch would cause such a difference in performance. I also can’t believe that BMW didn’t consider all factors when making the dedicated winter set for their ///M SAV.

I don't think BMW engineers ever considered driving an M car on snow covered roads.

[Violator]

Yet they made a winter performance set?
“Driving with confidence this winter doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. Introducing the style 611M Winter Complete Wheel set for the F85 X5M and F86 X6M. This high performance 20 inch wheel set is fitted with BMW Approved cold weather tires to make sure you get the most out of this winter driving season.”

[menelaos]

For what is worth, I use Blueearths 21'' this year, and I see no difference w/my 19s in terms of traction and car stability.
Obviously, I know how to drive on snow and will not try to sprint or anything.
Driver is the key in this case...

[CatalinP]

Look at a WRC stage on tarmac and on snow... See how narrow the snow tyres are...

For sure they choose narrow tyres because of the lack of skills...

[Violator]

Yeah, let’s agree that 19” are superior and put this to bed. Geez.

[Mrjjbmwx5]

Searched the forum. And I still would like to see pics of 285/40 20 square setup. I drive a lot of miles and want to do a full rotation for better tire wear. And, Taller wheel might fill in the wheel more. 15mm spacer for rears prob

Anyone have pics and could share if this worked for them?

[Violator]

Did you use the search feature? Plenty of pics of the 611M Cold Weather wheel/tire set.

[ems328i]

Not exactly the same but to give you an idea:
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...48&postcount=4

[florei0916]

I purchased from the dealership directly and they advised I don’t “need” winter tires and should be ok with all season run flats. Can anyone confirm from experience? I live in Ontario Canada and currently have 19” all seasons on my x5

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by florei0916

I purchased from the dealership directly and they advised I don’t “need” winter tires and should be ok with all season run flats. Can anyone confirm from experience? I live in Ontario Canada and currently have 19” all seasons on my x5

All seasons do OK in winter. Snow tires definitely better, but not necessary. All season and drive sensibly and you'll be ok.

[1norseman]

Originally Posted by florei0916

I purchased from the dealership directly and they advised I don’t “need” winter tires and should be ok with all season run flats. Can anyone confirm from experience? I live in Ontario Canada and currently have 19” all seasons on my x5

You will be OK with all seasons, but who wants to be just OK?
If you want shorter braking distance on slippery winter roads, and better grip when accelerating, go with dedicated winter tires.
Not as big difference as it used to be, but there is definitely a difference.