Star Marked Tyres on X Drive Models - Square set up.
Discussion
Just double checking before I throw away hundreds of pounds....
On X Drive models, as I understand it, Star Marked (BMW approved) tyres v important for staggered set ups to maintain rolling radius between front and back and prevent issued with the transfer box.
For a square set up, Star Marked tyres not needed.
I mention this as I'm keeping the X5 on the smaller square set up 18s (255/55 R18) and just ordered Michelin Cross Climate SUVs tyres.
Am I right in the above thinking?
On X Drive models, as I understand it, Star Marked (BMW approved) tyres v important for staggered set ups to maintain rolling radius between front and back and prevent issued with the transfer box.
For a square set up, Star Marked tyres not needed.
I mention this as I'm keeping the X5 on the smaller square set up 18s (255/55 R18) and just ordered Michelin Cross Climate SUVs tyres.
Am I right in the above thinking?
JNW1 said:
Depends whether you believe star marked tyres are made to tighter tolerances than their non-star equivalents. From a trading standards perspective I've never been convinced they are as I can't imagine tyre manufacturers would be allowed to sell tyres which weren't to the specification stated (size, load rating, etc) and hence I think the star mark thing is over-hyped (to put it politely!).
As you say, the key with X-Drive is to make sure the rolling circumference front to rear is close enough to prevent issues with the transfer box; a square set-up obviously achieves that and with a staggered set-up it's easy enough to work out (and if you stick to BMW's recommended sizes you shouldn't have a problem anyway). But I would argue all that can be achieved with tyres that aren't star marked - providing they were the right size and load rating I would't have a problem fitting Michelin Cross Climates to my X-drive BMW even if they didn't carry a star mark.
If I was going staggered set up, I'd do the Star Marked tyres tbf. There was a thread (can't remember here or another forum) where someone measured the difference between Star and non-Star tyres of the same size and there was a measureable difference. X-Drive is clearly a v sensitive system. As you say, the key with X-Drive is to make sure the rolling circumference front to rear is close enough to prevent issues with the transfer box; a square set-up obviously achieves that and with a staggered set-up it's easy enough to work out (and if you stick to BMW's recommended sizes you shouldn't have a problem anyway). But I would argue all that can be achieved with tyres that aren't star marked - providing they were the right size and load rating I would't have a problem fitting Michelin Cross Climates to my X-drive BMW even if they didn't carry a star mark.
However I want a more comfortable ride + cheaper tyres, hence the decision to stick to the 18s. Sods law, will have a puncture and damn myself for not choosing RFTs. Being 'darn sarf', don't expect to get caught in too many snow drifts, so hope the CrossClimates will provide good all year ability with some summer bias but also winter ability if needed.
E-bmw said:
Do you really think a trashed transmission and the mahoosive bills it can generate are worth the chance?
There have been MANY well reported issues with using non-star rated tyres on X-drive models, I personally wouldn't risk it.
My understand was the issues surrounding the XDrive was to do with the difference between the front and rear and the strain it causes on the transfer box. This could be caused by: different tread patterns or rolling radius (either from factory or owing to wear).There have been MANY well reported issues with using non-star rated tyres on X-drive models, I personally wouldn't risk it.
As mentioned, if going staggered, I'd be using Star Marked.
wyson said:
https://youtu.be/-JLvNj3z3oY
Definitely a difference with star marked tyres. I’d go for them too.
Having driven many Golfs on many different tyres, I noticed the OE tyres had the best set of compromises.
I’ve tried aftermarket sportier tyres which made the car handle better but the suspension made more thumping noises and the ride got worse over broken surfaces. I tried after market comfort orientated tyres and the ride improved, but the car felt a bit lead footed and wasn’t as incisive in the corners. The OE tyres best balanced these traits.
No doubt the BMW * tyres are the same, developed specifically for the suspension tune of your car.
The only all season BMW OE option I can find is Pirelli Scorpion Verde and Goodyear Eagle LS2. Both are RFT.Definitely a difference with star marked tyres. I’d go for them too.
Having driven many Golfs on many different tyres, I noticed the OE tyres had the best set of compromises.
I’ve tried aftermarket sportier tyres which made the car handle better but the suspension made more thumping noises and the ride got worse over broken surfaces. I tried after market comfort orientated tyres and the ride improved, but the car felt a bit lead footed and wasn’t as incisive in the corners. The OE tyres best balanced these traits.
No doubt the BMW * tyres are the same, developed specifically for the suspension tune of your car.
I'd consider the former, but tbh wanted to avoid RFT.
Moreover Michelin CCs, hammer the Pirellis for performance in pretty much every single category: https://alltyretests.com/pirelli-scorpion-verde-al...
Edited by g3org3y on Monday 9th May 21:44
To throw another factor in the mix - just noticed Michelin have launched the Crossclimate 2 SUV version earlier this month.
I notice Blackcircles doesn't stock the size I'd need....
Camskill have the size in stock though, so am assuming will be more available in the upcoming weeks.
I notice Blackcircles doesn't stock the size I'd need....
Camskill have the size in stock though, so am assuming will be more available in the upcoming weeks.
Edited by g3org3y on Tuesday 10th May 06:42
JNW1 said:
I fitted a set of CrossClimate 2's to Mrs JNW1's Cooper S last year and they seem very good; no downside compared to the Primacy's they replaced in warm weather but more reassuring in cold conditions. The best deal I could find was actually through Asda tyres who arranged fitting at a local garage - it all went very smoothly and I'd use them again if they had availability and the price was competitive.
I'm guessing the CC2's won't be star marked but, as I say, that wouldn't bother me; providing the size and load ratings are correct IMO you won't go wrong from a manufacturer like Michelin.
I had CC+ on my E36 328i. They were decent, unfortunately never got to test them in the snow.I'm guessing the CC2's won't be star marked but, as I say, that wouldn't bother me; providing the size and load ratings are correct IMO you won't go wrong from a manufacturer like Michelin.
CC SUV is available in the correct size and load rating for the 18 inch option on the (E70) X5.
E-bmw said:
I wasn't saying there are reports of non-star tyres causing issues, I was saying "is it worth the risk" as X-drive has PROVEN to cause many such issues wrt tyre selection?
Also, that I personally wouldn't risk it.
As I mentioned, if it was a staggered set up, I'd be buying Star Marked.Also, that I personally wouldn't risk it.
It's because I'm keeping the square, I feel I can deviate from this (as all 4x corners the same). Plus, reading the tyre reviews out there, it seems as though the CrossClimates do outperform the majority of the other options, especially those considered BMW OE fit.
JNW1 said:
g3org3y said:
As I mentioned, if it was a staggered set up, I'd be buying Star Marked.
It's because I'm keeping the square, I feel I can deviate from this (as all 4x corners the same)
As I said at the start of the thread, I think that position only makes sense if you believe star marked tyres are made to tighter tolerances in terms of size than their non-star equivalent. I don't buy that personally but it's your money and I respect your choice! It's because I'm keeping the square, I feel I can deviate from this (as all 4x corners the same)
I note this from another thread:
bunchofkeys said:
Bit of a thread revival, but I've been looking around to try and find out more about these * tyres, and i think that it's necessary to have them fitted to an X drive BMW.
I recently bought a MY2010 e70, which was fitted with 3 x Continental ContiSport5 SSR and one Bridgestone Duler (on the rear), all with the * mark. The car would drove without any issues with these fitted.
With the "winter snow, beast from the east" approaching, i thought i would invest in some winter tyres.
So i bought into 4 WinterContacts TS860S, non *, and had then fitted.
Whilst driving about town, i did notice that there was a bit more of a vibration felt in the cabin, and that tight turns would (for lack of a better word) scrub the tyres on the ground.
Worst of all though was when accelerating there would be a jerk/judder throughout the car, much like slipping the clutch in a manual.
Had the X5 checked through by an BMW indy, and then measured the circumference of the front and rear tyres, which were the correct size for the 20" oem staggered alloys.
Turns out that the front were 25mm larger in circumference than the rear and the transfer case needed to adjust different size tyres, hence the jerk when pushing on.
Thankfully i still had the old tyres, so i have the local fitters swap them back over, and the jerky driving/judder/vibrations have now gone.
Seems like i've spent quite a bit on tyres that i can no longer use, which i'm a bit pissed off about (guess i will dump them on ebay), but lesson learnt.
The * mark is a necessity on at least the X drive BMW, and having non * marked tyres can be a costly mistake.
Although i doubt that any BMW, which is not an X drive, would be bothered by the * marks on the tyres, as they are only rear wheel drive.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...I recently bought a MY2010 e70, which was fitted with 3 x Continental ContiSport5 SSR and one Bridgestone Duler (on the rear), all with the * mark. The car would drove without any issues with these fitted.
With the "winter snow, beast from the east" approaching, i thought i would invest in some winter tyres.
So i bought into 4 WinterContacts TS860S, non *, and had then fitted.
Whilst driving about town, i did notice that there was a bit more of a vibration felt in the cabin, and that tight turns would (for lack of a better word) scrub the tyres on the ground.
Worst of all though was when accelerating there would be a jerk/judder throughout the car, much like slipping the clutch in a manual.
Had the X5 checked through by an BMW indy, and then measured the circumference of the front and rear tyres, which were the correct size for the 20" oem staggered alloys.
Turns out that the front were 25mm larger in circumference than the rear and the transfer case needed to adjust different size tyres, hence the jerk when pushing on.
Thankfully i still had the old tyres, so i have the local fitters swap them back over, and the jerky driving/judder/vibrations have now gone.
Seems like i've spent quite a bit on tyres that i can no longer use, which i'm a bit pissed off about (guess i will dump them on ebay), but lesson learnt.
The * mark is a necessity on at least the X drive BMW, and having non * marked tyres can be a costly mistake.
Although i doubt that any BMW, which is not an X drive, would be bothered by the * marks on the tyres, as they are only rear wheel drive.
Chlorothalonil said:
g3org3y said:
Staggered set up?
No.E-bmw said:
I just wouldn't take the chance on either set up if it were me, quite simply, why risk it.
Others may have done it & not had an issue, but that would be no comfort if it were to cause an issue.
Because the tyres I want (Michelin CrossClimate) seemingly knock any of the BMW OE equivalents out the park for performance.Others may have done it & not had an issue, but that would be no comfort if it were to cause an issue.
Appears I'd need to fit inferior tyres because of the sensitivities of XDrive. I can accept that with the staggered set up given what I've researched on various forums - annoying but what can you do. It seems to me on a square set up, the risk is minimal.
Edited by g3org3y on Wednesday 11th May 18:57
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