BMW with xDrive and tyre choices

[///Dees]

Guys I have been keen on an X3 30d xDrive (F25) until I read up on common issues and it seems that fitting non star rated tyres could lead to vibrations, odd noises and ultimately transfer case issues.

What has been your experiences replacing tyres especially with the staggered setup? This for me would be a deal breaker if I had to only fit star rated tyres from BMW that's limited to specific brands.

 

[Riaad]

This concern applies to all Xdrive models.

I wouldn't say the tyres have to be star rated, but rather the same brand/condition across axles.

with staggered fitment, you need to remain with 1% rolling diameter front and rear (there are a few online calculators available)

Xdrive systems seem to be robust otherwise, there has not been many failures reported in the newer models (f series)

 

[modocrat]

Thanks for bringing this up @///Dees.

So my F25 requires tyres, the fronts are more urgent than the rear, which brings me to my question. The current set (Michelin) cost me around R16k in 2020, current pricing around R24k, just crazy.

I'm planning on going with Goodyear as its around R16k for the set. I know they are not the best of tyres but the car is basically used for school rounds and thats about it.

So my question.. I plan on fitting the Goodyears on the front some time this week and run the rear with the Michelin for about 2-3000km until they require replacing, will I have any issues with this setup?

 

[Riaad]

Thanks for bringing this up @///Dees.

So my F25 requires tyres, the fronts are more urgent than the rear, which brings me to my question. The current set (Michelin) cost me around R16k in 2020, current pricing around R24k, just crazy.

I'm planning on going with Goodyear as its around R16k for the set. I know they are not the best of tyres but the car is basically used for school rounds and thats about it.

So my question.. I plan on fitting the Goodyears on the front some time this week and run the rear with the Michelin for about 2-3000km until they require replacing, will I have any issues with this setup?

unlikely...provided you maintain the tyre profile (and thread pattern ...to be on the safe side)

Goodyear rfts are the worst though...they are known to bubble on the slightest of road imperfections (which are plentiful on our roads)...the initial cost saving will be a moot point if you need to replace them again in a few months

 

[modocrat]

Thanks @Riaad. Tyre profile will remain the same, I just to need to check on the tread pattern.

 

[KevM]

Rather change all 4. It is very strange that your rears are not worn on the inside. Even with the alignment properly done (at TWT) the inner rears seems to wear first. Just make sure you have a close look. The cost saving of 2-3k km is not worth the piece of mind of new tyres. I fitted the Good Years on my X3 (19") after 2 sets of Michelins. I can't say I feel any difference and they now on 30k km...will probably get to 45k km which would be the same as the previous 2 sets.

 

[r0ckf1re]

I've tried the Good Years after being on P Zeros.
Went back to the P Zeros after a few months. Has same issues as mentioned above. I'll stick with P zeros going forward.

Sent from my SM-N986B using Tapatalk

 

[MR_Y]

Regarding replacement brands, my Macan S diesel came with Hankook Ventus tyres and I was shocked. Porsche explained that Hankook is one of the preferred OEM suppliers for the Macan and are N certified (Porsche approved). I have had no issues with the Hankooks, even though they seem about 40% worn since the previous owner ran them for a few years. Handles high speed cornering well and seem well planted in the wet too.

I figure they may need replacing next year and I may stick with the same brand again.

 

[m0lt3n]

Thought I would share what I did

As I am a cheapskate and driving some rather bad roads with the F25 this is what I did....
I got cheap X5 rims, repainted them (should have made them black in hindsight)
dumped the runflats
old Msport rims were 19, these are 18s,
I fitted 255/55R18 all round and running at 1.7bar the car now feels awesome even on gravel roads.
All four fonkong tyres were R8k. Bargain.

 

[mathias]

Thought I would share what I did

As I am a cheapskate and driving some rather bad roads with the F25 this is what I did....
I got cheap X5 rims, repainted them (should have made them black in hindsight)
dumped the runflats
old Msport rims were 19, these are 18s,
I fitted 255/55R18 all round and running at 1.7bar the car now feels awesome even on gravel roads.
All four fonkong tyres were R8k. Bargain.

View attachment 15103

Hi Molten

I have an x3 30d with 245/50/18 which is the stock tyre size the car was released with, have you had any transfer case issues changing to a larger diameter tyre? Id like to go for some 245/50/19 front & 275/50/19 rear but have read conflicting info on the net about x-drives and dont want to damage the transfer case. would be interested to hear if you have had any issues with the 10mm increase in diameter? the wheel arch is pretty big as is so im not to worried about any rubbing.

 

[AshG108]

Hi Molten

I have an x3 30d with 245/50/18 which is the stock tyre size the car was released with, have you had any transfer case issues changing to a larger diameter tyre? Id like to go for some 245/50/19 front & 275/50/19 rear but have read conflicting info on the net about x-drives and dont want to damage the transfer case. would be interested to hear if you have had any issues with the 10mm increase in diameter? the wheel arch is pretty big as is so im not to worried about any rubbing.

Ask @FiRi@Rennzport - he did tyre changes on his 30d and he changes wheels like more often than his undies...he got some good insights.

 

[m0lt3n]

Hi Molten

I have an x3 30d with 245/50/18 which is the stock tyre size the car was released with, have you had any transfer case issues changing to a larger diameter tyre? Id like to go for some 245/50/19 front & 275/50/19 rear but have read conflicting info on the net about x-drives and dont want to damage the transfer case. would be interested to hear if you have had any issues with the 10mm increase in diameter? the wheel arch is pretty big as is so im not to worried about any rubbing.

Hi Mathias.

I have had no issues
BUT, I used the same size front and back. And if you check your OEM sizes front and back, even if the profiles are different the width of the tyre will compensate and your previous staggered setup will be the same diameter as well.
the size you quoted, wont be the same diameter. You mustnt do that, the car will go into limp mode (hopefully) or break.

I am going to copy and PM you this as well, hopefully you didnt go ahead in the meantime....