1LEThumper

Ok so I need to find some new tires for the SQ sometime this winter. The factory Pirelli's are just about shot (11k miles). There is almost no choice of a tire in the stock 255-40-21's. Anyone go slightly wider to a 265-40-21? I know that will make it slightly taller, but there are far more choices when it comes to tires in that size than the 255's.

Want something better as an all around tire. Would love to have a Michelin on it, almost couldn't believe how bad the Pirelli's were last winter.



On a side note....any suggestions for alignment settings? It has been aligned once over the 11k and drives straight but it is eating the outside front edge of the tires off....would point to more camber needed. didn't know if anyone has seen the same on theirs.

Jazzy

I have noticed the same. The outside edge of the tires is wearing. Anyone else?

Transfer

Where do you live and what is your winter weather like? Under 50F and wet and summer tires go out the window.

1LEThumper

Grew up in the midwest, currently in Dallas.

With that being said I grew up driving rwd muscle cars (Camaro's, Mustang's, Vette's) through much worse snow than what we get here. Last winter we had a decent amount of snow/ice fall and honestly the SQ5 is one of the worst I have driven in winter weather. My '08 Z06 with Michelin Super Sports was far more predictable and maneuverable in that weather than this.

So...yes I do understand winter tires would be the way to go, but for as little bad weather that we get, I don't see a point in it for here. If it was farther up north I would.

Just need something decent for a daily driver...I would settle for it to be as good in the winter as the Vette was. The three choices of tires in the 255-40-21 are not really it. The Pirelli's that are on it give it no chance to clear the snow from the tread, the Dunlops don't appear much better and the new Conticontact Sport 5's look like a cup tire.

There is a Michelin in the 265 size that they run on the Macan that I figured might do pretty decent as an all around tire without giving up to much traction in the summer....but lets face it I'm not going to be tracking the car, just don't want it to feel like throwing a mattress around on the highways.

Transfer

It's probably the weight you're feeling the most when comparing lightweight + summers to fatass + summers. I would probably go with the Michelin Latitude Sport 3 in 265 if it were my rig. Either that or get some new wheels that fit the tire you want. This is the main problem with the OEM 21s. They're beautiful, but a terrible narrow size. They should have been 21x10 like the Q7 S-line wheel.

Just for kicks, here are some sizes that are a good match for the OEM diameter that I would consider buying new wheels to match:
265/45/20
275/40/20
285/40/20
295/40/20
265/40/21
275/40/21
285/35/21
295/35/21
305/35/21

285/35/21 is the sweet spot if you ask me. Supposedly PSS are coming out in this size for the new X5M, X6M front tire.
BMW X5 M (F85) and X6 M (F86) [Official Thread] - Specs, Wallpapers, Photos, Videos

1LEThumper

How wide can you actually fit on it, with out sticking out past the fenders?

Transfer

I don't really know but I would guess at least 285s. I have 255s with effective offset 15 front, 5 rear and it works. There is quite a bit of room at the strut but the fronts are at their limit for pushing the fenders.

Jazzy

Use this link and compare: Custom rims, wheel tire packages for your ride - RIMSnTIRES.com

You'll want to know your wheel width and offset. I'm running the S8 21x9" wheels at 35 offset; it looks like the 285/35 would be a good match WITH the esthetic benefit.

The problem is -- tire brand/product options. You don't want to sacrifice overall treadwear to for the esthetic either, so it becomes a balancing game with what's available out there for sale currently.

hilld

Don't also forget the weight. The more weight you add to a tire/wheel combo is detrimental to handling. This is the unsprung weight.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/....jsp?techid=98

Granted, one tire size larger won't make that much of a difference, but if you are trying to go as large as will fit on the wheel and inside the fenders, it might be another story. Don't sacrifice handling for looks.

MP4.2+6.0

And having lifted them repeatedly back to back against my 20" A8 W12 wheels in dealing with storing wheels for snow set ups, even the Q5/SQ 20's with 255/45's are already total boat anchors. Much heavier than my already heavy D3 W12 wheels with 275/35's, though those are factory forged. Major unsprung weight, on top of the already weighty front rotors. Q5 wheel weight even in 20's remind me of the family's prior Toyota AWD minivan wheels with the really heavy run flats. Another non-performance set up.