How are the runflats in the snow compared to nonrunflats?

[rexus300]

Hi guys,

I have a 2015 BMW x5d with the 255/55R19 Michelin Latitude Tour HP ZP tires and I don't like runflats in general despite the smooth ride of the X5d on the dynamic dampers/rear air suspension due to poor longevity, slightly firmer ride in colder weather, and decrease snow traction.

I am getting mixed opinions as for the new X5 on the all seasons runflats with some saying its great in snow and others saying its fair or poor. My 2012 BMW 5 did horrible in snow with runflats so I got regular all season tires and same with my 2008 BMW 3 coupe.

I do use winter sets on my Audi A8L and A7 sedans and they are vastly superior to any cars with AWD and all season tires of course BUT for the X5 we just want to keep the all season tires and I am debating to switch them off and get the 255/45R19 Michelin Premier LTX nonrunflat tires which are the newer version SUV tires from Michelin before this winter or just drive through this winter and replace them in the spring. I have a spare wheel in the trunk ordered straight from factory.

Either way my SUV is leased and I will have to put the runflats back on at end of lease. The SUV will do 25k miles a year so I doubt the runflats would even last more then 30k....

Any opinions? Anyone like the X5 with the regular tires and can give their impression on the performance in winter time vs the runflats?

[MattBianco]

Find a good set of used original BMW 18" or 19" wheels, consider buying a set of TPMS and you are golden for a fast swap.

Many people swap out to 20-22" and sell the 18" and 19" in great condition. All the ones on the last series X5/X6 (E70/E71) and the current ones fit.

Then, look into Nokia Hakkapeliita R2, 7s and 8s. Available in both RFT and conventional. They are one of the best winter ties you can get and come in both studded and non.

[rexus300]

Matt,

I would like to get a separate winter set for the X5 but since I am doing the for our A7 and A8, I will go with some good non-runflat Michelin Primacy LTX A/S tires as they have good reviews and a new ever grip technology that still keeps traction as the tire is wearing.

I dont want to wait last minute and decide that the current runflats are not to my expectation in the snow and just go ahead and swap them out before December.

[turboawd]

runflat vs non-runflat doesnt make much of a difference in snow. some snow tires are sold in both variations.
the big thing is the tread. snow tread is best, all season is ok, and performance summer tires are the worst in snow.

[MysticBlue]

Originally Posted by turboawd

runflat vs non-runflat doesnt make much of a difference in snow. some snow tires are sold in both variations.
the big thing is the tread. snow tread is best, all season is ok, and performance summer tires are the worst in snow.

I agree. If you're talking about all season, I don't see that it would make much difference whether it was runflat or not as far as performance, as all seasons suck at being snow tires anyway. However, whether I went with all seasons or winter tires, I would (and did) go with runflats. I don't want to be out on the side of a slick road in winter conditions changing a flat tire.

[MattBianco]

Originally Posted by rexus300

Matt,

I would like to get a separate winter set for the X5 but since I am doing the for our A7 and A8, I will go with some good non-runflat Michelin Primacy LTX A/S tires as they have good reviews and a new ever grip technology that still keeps traction as the tire is wearing.

I dont want to wait last minute and decide that the current runflats are not to my expectation in the snow and just go ahead and swap them out before December.

Since you have the spare kit, I think you are golden with non-runflats. The Nokian line is mostly non-run flat. worth a look and review check. Finland made, and make for ice and snow.

[rexus300]

Originally Posted by MysticBlue

I agree. If you're talking about all season, I don't see that it would make much difference whether it was runflat or not as far as performance, as all seasons suck at being snow tires anyway. However, whether I went with all seasons or winter tires, I would (and did) go with runflats. I don't want to be out on the side of a slick road in winter conditions changing a flat tire.

You are right that all seasons will never be as good as snow tires on my sedans.

As for the runflat vs nonrunflat comparison, the harder sidewalls with the additional layer of support in the runflat makes the tire less flexible in colder temperatures so its decreases the traction a bit when making a turn or braking since the tire cannot grip the snow as well compared to the nonrunflats. Some cars do well despite that but some really do poorly like my previous BMWs. I rarely ever gotten a flat or stranded, either way I have a spare in the trunk and can bolt that on if needed with the regular tires.

I read some great reviews on the X5 owners on tirerack in regards to the Michelin non-runflat Premier LTX and Latitude Tour Hp and they all unanimously said they are far better then the runflats so I will do that. I will keep you guys posted in how they turn out.

[rexus300]

Originally Posted by MattBianco

Since you have the spare kit, I think you are golden with non-runflats. The Nokian line is mostly non-run flat. worth a look and review check. Finland made, and make for ice and snow.

I have considered Nokians for my Audi before and currently have the Michelin XICE XI3 on the A8 and Bridgestone LM32 on the A7. The XICE XI3 is simply amazing and reviews have said they are superior then the studiess Nokians in a Finish test.

[MattBianco]

Originally Posted by rexus300

..... The XICE XI3 is simply amazing and reviews have said they are superior then the studiess Nokians in a Finish test.

Wow. Good to know. Thank you.

[barcelona]

Recent Finnish Report
It does not specify RFT, hence maybe test is Non-RFT.
From various reads, both Hakka and X Ice Xi3 are excellent.


http://www.tyrepress.com/2015/09/nok...ish-tyre-test/