New Tyre time. 1st set question

[b_kennedy]

Hi guys. I have searched the net continuously and I'm sure by the sounds of it you guys will be fed up with yet another question about tyres. However...

I know Budget tyres cant be used (I normally do as I only do 6000 miles a year) due to the transfer box. Or can budget be used if I change all 4?

My question is due to having a staggered set do I have to change all 4 or can I just do 1 axle for now? Second of all I have Michelin Diamaris on there now but hear that Toyos seem to be that bit cheaper and have a longer life. My question is I cant find the same type for all 4 wheels. I can find 'Toyo T1 Sports' for the front and for the back 'Toyo Proxes ST'. Can I use these 2 types as they are the same manufacturer or does it really have to be same model of tyre too?

Many Thanks in advance and go easy on me. Im still learning. Only had it 2 months 

[fenj66]

im not convinced by stories that budget tyres can't be fitted because it hurts the transfer box. especially if a complete set is fitted new and of the correct sizes.
i personally only fit premium tyres to mine as its the only thing holding the car to the road and not worth scrimping on.
By the way i got over 40,000 miles from my last set of front diamaris 255/50/19. so i wouldnt say they wear badly either!
ive had new fronts on mine with rears down to 3mm and had no ill effects and vice versa.  but of course thats just my own experience.
although i do like to keep a similar tread depth across the same axle.
hope this helps..

[AW8]

I don't subscribe to the concept of budget tyres damaging the transfer box.

If switching to toyo I would go ST all round.

You could get some part worn diamaris with similar depth to your best axle then all 4 will be due for replacement at similar time - you can then re-evaluate brands/types shortly beforehand

[Nat]

Hi,

You can mix ( read thats as it is acceptable practice ) different tyres accross different axles. I E the two fronts have to be the same and the two rears have to be the same .
Its my Personal choice that dictates I dont like doing it.
However as for budget tyres comments etc etc, regret I don't subscribe to that either.

Regards
Nat.

[graemeX5]

Hi when I got my x5 the 19" wheels had michelins on which were due replacement by the time I looked at tyres and refurb the wheels I ended up with a set of 20" wheels and new Bridgestone dueller which seemed fine and price for them was good. A reasonable ride, fairly firm as any 35 profile tyre is likely to be firm, but very little wear showing so far.

Having recently bought some Yokohama advans for a set of 22" and was told they give good mileage but too early to tell although they have a nice pattern and were approx £200 each which is not anymore than what you pay for 20" michelins.

I have found cheap tyres can be a false economy and it may be better spending a little more and get a tyre that last longer and better grip / feel as some are less good in wet weather, others have used falkerns, toyos rather than michelins which are pricey but last well, but it may just depend on your budget.

Also I have been told by a friend iirc that there are in fact only 3 tyre companies and all the tyre brands are made by them. So again its down to your budget you either go for the high end michelins or the lower end of the market.

[acarty]

In my past experience I have always fitted midrange tyres to my beamers, Falkens in particular. I found that they are good value for money and give good performance (being said tyres are the most
Important thing you can buy for your car).

That said, I have recently had some transfer box and gearbox issues (a loud whining and grinding feeling in the transfer box aswell as the dreaded lurch on the gearbox) and I have been expecting the worst (replacement of both). After a genuine conversation with the service guy at my local dealers who said the first thing to do is fit bmw star rated tyres all around, I was thinking yeah yeah. For what it was and with my rear tyres bald on the inside edge due to the camber on the Xs, I thought it would be worth a try. Best decision that I have ever made. No transfer box noises (unless I really floor it) and hardly any gearbox lurch (expect a smooth transition from 2nd to 1st when I'm in crawling traffic which I guess should happen anyway?)

Either way after my experience and the dealer explaining the transfer box wind up issues to me as star rated tyres have a different rolling road circumference, I will only ever fit these to my beloved X5. I have Bridgestone ER30s all around. Some may call me stupid for overpaying on expensive tyres, but for me it has been well worth it!