Tire options for 2007 X3 with Sport Package

[jperry]

I purchased a 2007 X3 with the M Sport Package recently, and will be ready for new tires soon. To my surprise, it appears that the options are very limited. The vehicle now has Pirelli PZero Rosso's, with 235/45/19 on the front and 255/40/19 on the rear. Ideally, I would like more of an all-season tire that would perform better during the winter months when my wife and I travel periodically to our condo in the mountains of North Carolina. To that end, I am thinking that a tire with a slightly larger sidewall might perform better as well. Any suggestions? Thanks

[samger2]

Do you like how the vehicle handles now? If so, I wouldn't start messing with the tire size and going to a larger sidewall, that will certainly affect your handling characteristics. The smaller the sidewall, the more performance oriented the tire is. So again, if you're pleased with the handling characteristics don't adjust the main component between you and the road.

[jperry]

I agree with your comments about not changing the performance and handling characteristics of the vehicle. I am generally pleased in that regard, but was simply looking for something that might perform a bit better in light snow. Certainly, nothing in a low-profile option will be great in inclement weather. The bigger issue that I have is the limitation to only one or two tire options, and the hefty price of the PZero Rosso's for a tire that is considered a high-performance summer tire. I spent some time reading through the forums yesterday and learned that 245/45/19 on all four corners is an option. Because of the larger rear wheel, there is a small aesthetic sacrifice, but certainly nothing major. I confirmed with my local BMW dealer that this option will work. The primary benefit is that there are suddenly more tire choices at varying prices, and I now have access to a few all-season options such as the Michelin Pilot All Season Sport. Thanks for your input.

[samger2]

The height of the sidewall has nothing to do with snow performance. What does have to do with snow performance is the width of the tire. Think of it in terms of skis...think of how skinny your skis are...that way they cut through the snow and there is less surface area hitting the snow thus less snow you have to push out of your way. Same thing with tires, the more narrow the tire, the less snow the footprint is coming in contact with, therefore the better it will do.

So having said all that your option of using a 245 should be just fine, it's more narrow than the original rear tire size, but the front isn't so much wider that you'll really notice anything.

[lbg36]

I also have a 2007 x3 sport and need new tires - what did you end up putting on the car and has it worked out for you?