BMW X5
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-07-2023, 10:34 AM   #1
flatland
New Member
11
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 50e
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Before I pull the trigger, question on wheels/tires on e50

Hello everyone,

this is my first posting over here.
As I'm about to pull the trigger on an e50 (config here), I wanted to address a topic I'm not very familiar with: wheels and tires.
I've seen in the following thread that 21" are to be avoided due to difficulties to get the right tires. Could someone give more explanation on this?
My preferred 22" designs right now are 747M and 742M bicolour but I want to make sure I find the right balance between driving comfort and tire nightmares. Note that I'm in Belgium, in case tire sourcing depends on country.

Thank you
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2023, 11:53 AM   #2
mmm50i
Captain
mmm50i's Avatar
374
Rep
602
Posts

Drives: '22 X5 M50i & '23 Model Y
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: BC

iTrader: (0)

I'm not sure why the 2 people in that tread mentioned lack of options because the 21" tires have much more options than the 22" tires.

If you're looking for more comfort, then I would suggest 21" tires that aren't RFT.

22" tires pretty much have 3 options for summer tires and 1 option for A/S tires. Pirelli's, Conti's, Nitto's are the only 3 brands I'm aware of.
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2023, 11:59 AM   #3
915M
Private First Class
80
Rep
197
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 50e
Join Date: Feb 2023
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mmm50i View Post
I'm not sure why the 2 people in that tread mentioned lack of options because the 21" tires have much more options than the 22" tires.

If you're looking for more comfort, then I would suggest 21" tires that aren't RFT.

22" tires pretty much have 3 options for summer tires and 1 option for A/S tires. Pirelli's, Conti's, Nitto's are the only 3 brands I'm aware of.
There is only one option for 21" if you wants to go with factory spec non-RFT All season tire, Pirelli Verde.

If you want to increase sidewall profile(No problem reported with this setting so far), then there are multiple options.
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2023, 12:07 PM   #4
Heavyd
Major
Heavyd's Avatar
822
Rep
1,250
Posts

Drives: 2024 X5 50e
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hellhole

iTrader: (0)

I have 22" 742" on my 45e and I choose them again on my 50e. No complaints concerning driving comfort and availability. The car looks best with 22".
Appreciate 2
swainbmw508.50
      06-07-2023, 02:45 PM   #5
mmm50i
Captain
mmm50i's Avatar
374
Rep
602
Posts

Drives: '22 X5 M50i & '23 Model Y
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: BC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 915M View Post
There is only one option for 21" if you wants to go with factory spec non-RFT All season tire, Pirelli Verde.

If you want to increase sidewall profile(No problem reported with this setting so far), then there are multiple options.
Likewise for the 22" tires. Only 1 A/S tire available and 3 options for summer tires. For 21" summer tires, I'm confident that there are more than 3 options, although I haven't done any research myself
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2023, 06:45 PM   #6
jad03060
Major General
United_States
3127
Rep
6,728
Posts

Drives: X5 45e
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

The larger the wheel, the less sidewall to cushion things. How well a vehicle rides is dependent on the tire/wheel selection, the suspension, and the quality of the roads. Many feel that looks may override any other considerations and feel a 22" tire versus a smaller diameter is required on the X5.

Choosing a RFT versus a normal one is also a consideration. A RFT's sidewall will be stiffer to be able to hold the vehicle up safely if it loses air. From what I've seen, at least in the USA, not sure about elsewhere in the world, the only non-RFT options on the X5 are summer performance tires, which often may require two sets of tires to accommodate the cold. That can also limit your tire choices. Some places outside of the US may also require that you purchase a BMW approved tire to retain your warranty, so you need to check on that prior to making your decisions. As you go up in wheel size, the market is smaller, so fewer and fewer options are available. Getting the BMW star o a tire is more than a marketing ploy...the tire manufacturers and BMW work together to optimize the tire design for that specific vehicle. This is not to say some other choice may not work, but it may not have the attributes BMW chose as important. That may not match up with your priorities. Note that if you drive where tire chains may be required, BMW does not allow them on 22" wheels. What you do is up to you. Personally, I have 19" wheels on mine with RFT, and it rides decent with the air suspension. I've not noticed a lack of handling capacity for the way I drive. I cannot see the tires/wheels while driving, so looks aren't a big deal to me. I've owned some less than stylish vehicles over the years which follows that thought as long as they function well.
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2023, 10:38 PM   #7
eelnoraa
Brigadier General
United_States
1973
Rep
3,630
Posts

Drives: G05 X5
Join Date: May 2022
Location: SF Bay Area CA

iTrader: (0)

I think the limited option comment only apply to those want to replace factory summer tires to all season tires. If you are ok with summer tires, I don’t think choice is an issue.

In my case, I need all season as it is family go everywhere car, so I opted to 20 only. But I do love 741, 742 and 747. All are beautiful.

Last edited by eelnoraa; 06-08-2023 at 12:44 AM..
Appreciate 0
      06-08-2023, 12:34 AM   #8
Heavyd
Major
Heavyd's Avatar
822
Rep
1,250
Posts

Drives: 2024 X5 50e
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hellhole

iTrader: (0)

I have 22” summer tires and 20” winter tires.
Appreciate 0
      06-08-2023, 02:19 AM   #9
flatland
New Member
11
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 50e
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Many thanks everyone !
I'll keep my setup as it is and get 20" winter tires just like Heavyd
Appreciate 0
      06-08-2023, 03:56 AM   #10
GHolif
Enlisted Member
23
Rep
48
Posts

Drives: X3
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: Be

iTrader: (0)

That being said, in Belgium we don’t have anymore a really winter season…
Maybe 1 day par year of snow but that’s it. I am sure with the summer tires is enough
Appreciate 0
      06-08-2023, 04:17 AM   #11
Heavyd
Major
Heavyd's Avatar
822
Rep
1,250
Posts

Drives: 2024 X5 50e
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hellhole

iTrader: (0)

No. But it can be mandatory in other countries. For example if you go to Germany.
Appreciate 0
      06-08-2023, 09:51 AM   #12
eelnoraa
Brigadier General
United_States
1973
Rep
3,630
Posts

Drives: G05 X5
Join Date: May 2022
Location: SF Bay Area CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Heavyd View Post
No. But it can be mandatory in other countries. For example if you go to Germany.
Are you sure? I did European delivery twice, both in Winter time (Dec and Jan), both cars has summer time in them. If it was legally mandatory to have winter tires,, bmw won’t let me drive them out of their factory, right?
Appreciate 0
      06-08-2023, 10:02 AM   #13
e61it
Private First Class
85
Rep
180
Posts

Drives: bmw 545it
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: pnw

iTrader: (0)

In winter it's not only snow that should drive tire choice. Below freezing temps can seriously affect summer tires adhesive capabilities.
Appreciate 1
tooloud10699.00
      06-08-2023, 10:22 AM   #14
Heavyd
Major
Heavyd's Avatar
822
Rep
1,250
Posts

Drives: 2024 X5 50e
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hellhole

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by eelnoraa View Post
Are you sure? I did European delivery twice, both in Winter time (Dec and Jan), both cars has summer time in them. If it was legally mandatory to have winter tires,, bmw won’t let me drive them out of their factory, right?
Germany: 'Situational obligation': Winter tires are required in freezing temperatures and/or winterly conditions.
In Austria mandatory.

https://www.uniroyal-tyres.com/car/t...yres-mandatory
Appreciate 0
      06-08-2023, 11:18 AM   #15
flatland
New Member
11
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 50e
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by e61it View Post
In winter it's not only snow that should drive tire choice. Below freezing temps can seriously affect summer tires adhesive capabilities.
A friend of mine who used to work at a BMW dealership shop told me winter tires should be used below 8°C.
Appreciate 1
      06-08-2023, 11:36 AM   #16
arRod1981
Major
arRod1981's Avatar
United_States
900
Rep
1,187
Posts

Drives: 2022 BMW X5 45e M-Sport
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: San Antonio, TX

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by eelnoraa View Post
Are you sure? I did European delivery twice, both in Winter time (Dec and Jan), both cars has summer time in them. If it was legally mandatory to have winter tires,, bmw won’t let me drive them out of their factory, right?
Yes, it is mandatory in Germany to have dedicated winter tires. I lived there for a little over 6.5 years, and from October 1st thru April 1st you had to have dedicated winter tires on. Though being American military and falling under SOFA (Status or Forces Agreement) we were allowed to have AS, Germans were/are not.

If you got into an accident and didn't have the proper tires, your insurance didn't have to pay, even if you weren't at fault.
Appreciate 0
      06-08-2023, 11:49 AM   #17
rabbit1986
Private First Class
83
Rep
103
Posts

Drives: 2005 M3, 2016 D3 biturbo
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Heavyd View Post
I have 22” summer tires and 20” winter tires.
How do you compare them, when it comes to ride comfort. I have 22 inch coming my way. But I also consider 20's for the winter.
Appreciate 0
      06-08-2023, 11:56 AM   #18
Heavyd
Major
Heavyd's Avatar
822
Rep
1,250
Posts

Drives: 2024 X5 50e
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hellhole

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by rabbit1986 View Post
How do you compare them, when it comes to ride comfort. I have 22 inch coming my way. But I also consider 20's for the winter.
I like the 22" more. They feel sportier and more responsive, but IMO I don't have less ride comfort.
Appreciate 0
      06-08-2023, 06:07 PM   #19
jad03060
Major General
United_States
3127
Rep
6,728
Posts

Drives: X5 45e
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

There are probably at least 5 different 'classes' of winter tires that optimize things according to different parameters such as:
- high performance, may not be great in ice or snow, but handle the cold well
- Nordic winter tires, work best in ice and snow covered roads, okay on dry roads
- intermediate between the above two

And others, optimized for different conditions.

So, characterizing all 'winter' tires as the same is both wrong, and may not give you the best and safest situation for your use.

Because the winter tire's rubber is softer, it could ride better than a summer tire that partly relies on the heat to keep the rubber flexible so it can provide traction. It usually is a bit noisier, but that depends on the optimization.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:02 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST