What winter tyres?

[satans worm]

Hi, I have a BMW X3 (2007) and need to purchase some winter tyres for it (im based in Switzerland)
Am ordering these via a internet web site to save some cash (prices here are pretty steep if you goto a garage direct) and need some advice
firstly, do i need special SUV or 4X4 tyres?
I do not plan to ever go off road (intentionally anyway!) these are so i can go down the mountain roads easier and to be legal here in case of an accident.
I was looking at Falken HS 439, but there are 3 types, 97v, 101H XL (with rim protection) 101V XL BLT (pretty sure this does not come with a free sandwich).

Can anyone advise if they would be suitable for the X3 (they are the correct size being 235, 50 18's) or if i have to buy 'special' (read expensive) tyes for it?

I have continental contacts at the moment, not run flats.

Thanks

[satans worm]

Sorry to bump so quick, but wanted to order today and hoped for confirmation from a random stranger to tell me i dont need specialist tyres

[y2blade]

Have a look here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Hugo a Gogo]

reifen.com

fill in vehicle details, recommends which ones you need

[satans worm]

ahh, the thing is i actually need the winter tyres for insurance reasons in Switzerland so nothing to discuss on the forum on that point (my opinion for what its worth is that unless you live in the mountains then you can do without them) , its more of a question, can 4X4(BMW X3) just have car tyres, (IE the ones i mentioned) or do i have to have special tyres for being a heavy SUV brick with 4 wheel drive? Once again noting i am not going to use this off road, ever!
A numpty question i know, just want to make sure before i buy

[mrmr96]

No, I don't think you need special "4x4" or "SUV" tyres as such. You just need to make sure that they're the right size, the right speed rating and the right load rating I think.

[Bill]

You're looking at the load and speed rating, so try to match what is on there at the moment (or look in the manual). The speed rating is the less important of the two.

[satans worm]

Perfect, thanks for the advice , will check accordingly

[Bill]

And before the naysayers turn up...