tires

[cavx5]

hi everyone..need some advice..i would like to put new all season tires on my x.. i want to go to 18 inch from the 19 inch staggered diamaris...i already have oem 18 rims...went to tirerack and best tire seems to be michelin latitude hp but they are really expensive..$244 per tire..i have been hearing alot about toyo proxess..any comments or advice...my x is a 2005 sport/prem package...thanks rob

[X5rolls]

One thought is to keep both sets of rims and get snows for winter. You compromise less and still have performance for warm weather.

I use the Mich Latitude HP's - 315's on the back and 275's up front all on 20's. I'd say they are a 7.5 out of 10 in the snow - pretty good but probably better in a narrower width.

[dkl]

The old proxes were loud as they where out. Toyo just came out with a new proxes ST2, but unfortunately, the staggered 19 sizes are not yet available.

I just put on the Latitudes and they are alot narrower compared to the Bridgestone Turanza and Pirelli Scorpion Asym. The Bridgestone and Pirelli had broader shoulders, which makes a larger contact patch. As a result, the Michelin seems to have lower rolling resistance since the car feels less drag and the braking distance has increased a bit.

If you want all season, Pirelli Scorpion Asym are a bit less expensive and performs much better than the Michelin Latitude. But they do wear out a bit quick for a 420 rating tire (I only got 20k miles out of my last set).

FYI...the Latitudes are back ordered from Michelin for at least a few more weeks. So if you want them, find someone who has them in stock! I had a hell of a time searching for just ONE tire to replace a non-repairable puncture I had 3 weeks ago.