There***8217;s a lot of information and opinions out there regarding tires. Not a lot specific to the F25 X3 ***8211; probably because most folks haven***8217;t had to replace their tires. I***8217;ve reviewed Tire Rack, Consumer Reports, Bimmerfest, and others.
I***8217;m looking at non-Run Flat Tires because I don***8217;t believe there are RFTs that are as good as Blackwall/standard (correct me if I***8217;m wrong). Debating between summer vs. all-season, but am leaning towards summer. My priorities are: ride, handling, hydroplaning (not), and noise. I don***8217;t want the tire to be done after 15K miles and a speed rating of H or higher is fine. I***8217;ve been told not to stray from my existing tire size: 245/45-R19.
The ones that are on my current list (alphabetical order):
Summer:
Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position
Continental ExtremeContact DW
Continental ContiSportContact 3
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
All-season:
Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus
Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS
Continental Extreme Contact DWS
Goodyear Eagle GT (W-Speed Rated)
Hankook Ventus S1 noble2
Michelin Defender
Michelin Primacy MXM4
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus
Pirelli P Zero Nero All Season
Yokohama ADVAN S.4
It's still a pretty big list, which is why I really appreciate any feedback.
On my E83 X3 with 17" tires, I tried Pirellis and MXM4 Michelin. The Michelins gave me a better ride, handling and wear on that E83. I have also purchased my tires at Discount since they have outlets across the US.
I cannot comment on what will work best on my new F25 since it has less than 500 miles on it. But when the current RFTs get thin, I, too, will be seriously considering replacing them with regular rubber.
I will agree that summer tires in the summer and winter tires in the winter are the best choice to maximize ride and handling. However, I have never wanted to spend the money to keep two sets of tires/wheels and to take the time to swap them each season...and when is that exactly in Colorado???
So I have opted for a good all season. The MXM4s did not lose grip on wet pavement, provided good handling through curves on public roads as fast as I wanted to take them and would handle deep snow going up my driveway (.25 mi long, 200 ft vertical change) in the Colorado winter.
Did you mean 245/45-R19's? The 35i without the m-sport or sport activity came with 18's and if you have the Sport activity package or M-sport you should have 19's. Even the previous generation didn't have 15's.
Any concerns for my tires having a load rating of 98 instead of 102? The Michelin MXM4s are 98, but 102 is recommended. A load rating of 1,653lbs vs. 1,874lbs (per tire) / 6,612lbs vs. 7,496lbs (per four tires) doesn't seem like a big deal to me as I can't imagine even coming close to loading the X3 that much. The Michelin MXM4 is also off-program (not BMW tested) but that also doesn't seem to be a big deal and shouldn't impact the warranty. And, any thoughts on going to a 255/45-19? I'm fine increasing the width but I don't want to mess with the height of the tire, even if it's just 1/4". That's assuming it fits ok (it was Discount Tire's recommendation).
Any concerns for my tires having a load rating of 98 instead of 102? The Michelin MXM4s are 98, but 102 is recommended. A load rating of 1,653lbs vs. 1,874lbs (per tire) / 6,612lbs vs. 7,496lbs (per four tires) doesn't seem like a big deal to me as I can't imagine even coming close to loading the X3 that much. The Michelin MXM4 is also off-program (not BMW tested) but that also doesn't seem to be a big deal and shouldn't impact the warranty. And, any thoughts on going to a 255/45-19? I'm fine increasing the width but I don't want to mess with the height of the tire, even if it's just 1/4". That's assuming it fits ok (it was Discount Tire's recommendation).
It just came back to me when I was checking the inflation in my tires yesterday.
The load rating on the tire is at the maximum inflation as stated on the tire. If you inflate to less than that maximum, then the load rating is proportionally less.
Good Year Eagle that came with my 2013 X3 -19 inch wheels just suck in snow. Anything over 3-4 inches and they do not handle too well. Only have 3200 miles on my vehicle right now, so when I get to that point where I have to replace them. I am going over to Discount Tires and will stay with Michellin. If I go with non RFT's any recommendations on a portable air compressor/pump which can plug into the rear or front power sockets (lighter sockets) without blowing a fuse? Thanks
Thanks for the feedback! There are a lot of posts about tires here in bimmerfest.
I ended up purchasing Michelin Primacy MXM4 245/45-19 and am having them installed later this week.
I also considered Michelin Pilot Super Sport, my first choice, but those would have to be size 255/45-19. While that would be a small change in overall diameter (1.28% acc'd to 1010tires.com), I decided I shouldn't mess with the stock size on an X3 with various sensors and electronic controls. Tire Rack said don't change the size. My service said it'd probably be ok, but... Hopefully I made the right choice!
I'm never going to leave cell phone coverage, haha! I have seen three options that do not include roadside assistance:
1. Tire repair in a can. I've seen ones that claim to be safe for TPMs. I'm not sure if they'll ruin the tire/void warranties, but they do claim to clean up with water.
2. Onboard repair kit: compressor and liquid latex sealant.
3. A mini spare wheel/tire and tools -- I haven't researched this much.
I like the mini spare idea since it is the only sure thing. If you have a blow the tire can be ruined before you can come to a stop.
The question is can you find a mini spare that fits an x3?
I'm going to do some research since I plan on also getting a set of MXM4 Michelin's.
I di nbot know the specs on the Bimmer Zone spare.
The mini-spare provided by BMW on the E83 X3 was sized for car - the outside diameter of the spare was about the same size as the otuside diamter of a regular tire. The Book said you could run on it either 50 or 100 mi at less than 50 mph with no hard cornering. I used it a few times during the life of my e83 and never had a problem with the x-drive. Note: I did not abuse the privilege
The real question is where to you stow the spare & tools? The only solution I have seen is to place it inside the cargo compartment...and there goes your cargo space....
An update! Replaced my Goodyear RFTs with Michelin Pilot Super Sport (255/45-19). They're not broken in as the install occurred yesterday, but my initial impression is the X3 drives like a totally different SAV. The ride is smooth and quiet!
Good feedback and your change in size, as you were assured, should not impact xdrive or the electronic assist systems. As long as all four corners are the same (and nothing rubs) you are good to go. I imagine the slightly more aggressive look is a little bonus -- can you post photos?
My personal rule on summer tires (and I am running Pilot Super Spprts on two cars) is don't drive under 40F. Once in a blue moon I will cheat a little and drive in slightly colder temps IF it is bone dry and not forecast to rain/snow.
I am also considering non run flats form my 2013 X3, I bought Michelins for my 2008 328i and they are much quieter so I am leaning towards Michelins for the X3 as well. I don't like the winter tires that came as original equipment.
2013 X3 XDrive28i Mineral Silver, SAV Package
2008 328i Premium/Sport - Sparkling Graphite
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