Will I have a problem with 19" wheels in the snow

[batznballz]

I am looking to purchase a 2007 X3 with the sport package. I have found 2...one has 18inch wheels, the other has 19 inch wheels. I need the vehicle to travel in the snow up and down a few nasty hills with a few nasty bends. The salesman told me I shouldn't have any problems but I really need to be sure before laying out the money. Thanks for any advice!!

[ericbell1]

Also live in the 'burgh (Sewickley area)... we have non-sport with 18" and survived last winter with no problems whatsoever.... I'd go with the 19's - much nicer looking in my opinion, can't speak to their driveability in snow... you could always get a set of snows

[b-y]

It depends on what is important to you. Here in California, it never snows near the coast where I live, but there are heavy snows on the main routes and side roads in the Sierras--and I ski. There is a stage between "snow tires or 4-wheel drive required" and "road closed" in the mountains. The CHP has a "chains required" condition, and when it applies they have control points to check every car and truck for chains or they turn you back. I have the factory 17-inch wheels with the all-season tires on my new X3 and had the same set-up on the 2004. I carry a set of Koenig euro chains for the rear wheels on every ski trip. My understanding is that the is no possibility of using chains for the 19-inch wheels. (You should check that.)

Having said all that, I should add that I have been caught in blizzards twice with the old X3 and got out safely both times without needing to put on the chains. Shifting manually into 2nd with the Steptronic and driving smoothly does wonders.

[batznballz]

Thanks for the advice. I had heard that the tires on the 19" wheels were performance tires and would not be good on snow covered roads. There are often times when I have to travel before the road crews clear the snow.

[X3 Skier]

If they are performance tires, they definitely will be terrible in snow and in cold weather. In fact, its against the law in Germany, home of your car, to have performance tires on your car in the winter.

I have the stock Scorpions on my 05 and spend the winter in Steamboat Springs where I have had no problems in up to 2 feet of new snow.

Cheers

[AzNMpower32]

If the tires are performance tires (regardless of size), they will NOT work in snow or ice. Not only does it present issues with getting stuck, but stopping and cornering are also severely hindered due to the lack of traction provided with soft summer rubber that don't have the tread design and rubber compounds to cope with snow and cold weather.

And yes, it is illegal in Germany to operate a vehicle in the winter with summer tires. Even our rental car, a BMW 118i, had a small label warning "Dieses Fahrzeug hat Sommerreifen" (This car has summer tires).

[batznballz]

Thanks again, that is what I thought. I will have to double check to see if they are perfomance tires on the 19" wheels. If they are not performance tires do you think I will be ok on the snow on the 19" wheels?

[archrenov8]

Well, the 19" tires will naturally have a lower profile than 18" or 17", and that lower sidewall height generally reduces your performance in the snow, from everything that I have read over the years.

I think that is why people with larger rims and performance tires seasonally go to smaller rims with snow tires when snow performance is important.

[AzNMpower32]

Thanks again, that is what I thought. I will have to double check to see if they are perfomance tires on the 19" wheels. If they are not performance tires do you think I will be ok on the snow on the 19" wheels?
You'll be okay for mild snowfalls. However, don't expect optimum traction and control unless you downsize.