Buying New Tyres for Your BMW X5

The BMW X5 has found favour as an SUV with great performance and low running costs. Solidly built with all the safety features you’d expect from a BMW, the X5 comes in several different models. When buying new tyres, you need to be sure that you’re choosing the right ones for your specific X5.

Run-flat Tyres

One of the safety innovations that comes with the BMW X5 is a new kind of tyre technology. Run-flat tyres allow you to carry on driving even after you get a puncture. The specially reinforced sides protect your wheels from damage for a significant distance – giving you plenty of opportunity to get the punctured tyre repaired. Run-flat tyres mean an end to dangerous roadside tyre changes. They also obviate the need to carry a spare in the boot of your BMW, cutting down on weight and leaving you with more space for luggage.

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While its possible to replace your run-flat tyres with standard tyres, its not really advisable. Run-flat tyres increase your cars safety, are more convenient and allow you to run your car more efficiently. Replacing just one or two out of four tyres with a non-flat-run tyre could also make your car much less safe to drive.

Tyre Load Rating

Any replacement tyre must have the same tyre load rating as the previous tyre. Like all cars made since 1973, your BMW X5 will have a tyre placard fitted that tells you the load rating you need to buy.

In some cases, a tyre offered as less expensive may prove to have a lower load rating than the one that you need. You need to check that the tyre youre being sold has a sufficiently high rating. Purchasing a tyre that has the wrong load rating can be very dangerous. It makes your car less safe and may invalidate your insurance, leaving you uninsured in the event of an accident.

Tyre Matching

As well as ensuring that your tyres have the correct load rating, tyres need to be properly matched. If one or two of your tyres are significantly different to the others, this can compromise your vehicles safety. Matching tyres correctly is particularly important if your vehicle is one of the permanent four-wheel drive models.

Different Models

The BMW X5 is available in several different series. Specifications also change from year to year. You need to be certain that the tyres you are buying are appropriate not just for an X5 but for your X5. For example, if your vehicle is a 50i Sport Wagon, you should look for high performance tyres such as Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport or Dunlop SP Sport Maxx. These will provide the extra grip that your vehicle needs to live up to its full performance. Note that in the case of 2013 models, the range of recommended tyres is more limited.

Considerations

For older model BMW X5s, you may find it difficult to obtain suitable tyres from many garages. In this case, you might consider turning to specialist suppliers online.

Key Takeaways

* Dont replace your flat-run tyres with standard tyres.

* Match your tyres carefully.

* Check the load rating of your new tyres before you buy.

* Pick the right tyres for your year and series.