Winter is just around the corner, and with it comes the question of the right tires for your 5 Series BMW. Winter tires are not only legally required in many regions, but also a crucial safety factor in snow, ice, and slippery conditions. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about winter tires for your 5 Series BMW – from choosing the right tire size and the importance of tire age to useful tips for buying and installation.
Winter tires for BMW 5 Series
Why are winter tires so important for your 5 Series BMW?
In winter, road conditions are different than in summer. Cold, wetness, snow, and ice significantly affect your vehicle’s handling. Winter tires are specifically designed for these conditions and offer crucial advantages compared to summer tires:
- Better Grip: The special rubber compound of winter tires remains flexible even at low temperatures and adapts better to the road surface. This ensures significantly better grip, shorter braking distances, and more stable handling on snow and ice.
- Higher Tread Depth: Winter tires have a deeper tread with numerous sipes and grooves. These ensure better water displacement and prevent aquaplaning.
- Improved Handling: The tread design and rubber compound of winter tires enable more precise steering and better handling, especially when cornering.
Measuring the tread depth of winter tires
Finding the right tire size for your 5 Series BMW
You can find the correct tire size for your 5 Series BMW in your vehicle registration document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) under points 15.1 and 15.2. All approved tire sizes for your vehicle model are listed there.
Tip: Look for the “M+S” (Mud and Snow) marking or the snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall. These markings indicate that the tire is suitable for winter use.
Tire Age: An Important Safety Factor
Not only the tread but also the age of the tires plays a crucial role in safety. With increasing age, the rubber compound loses elasticity, which can lead to poorer grip and longer braking distances.
Experts recommend replacing winter tires after six years at the latest, even if the tread is still sufficiently deep. A renowned tire expert, Dr. Ing. Markus Schmidt, from the Institute for Vehicle Technology in Munich, confirms: “Even if a tire still looks good visually, aging processes in the material can negatively affect driving performance.”
BMW Winter Tires 5 Series: What should you consider when buying?
When buying winter tires for your 5 Series BMW, you should pay attention to the following points:
- Tire Type: Choose between premium, quality, and budget tires. Premium tires usually offer the best performance but are also the most expensive.
- Tire Manufacturer: There are numerous tire manufacturers on the market. Pay attention to well-known brands with a good reputation.
- DOT Number: The DOT number indicates the tire’s date of manufacture. Look for tires that are as new as possible.
- Price Comparison: Compare prices from different providers before deciding to buy.
Conclusion: Safe and comfortable through the winter with the right winter tires
Winter tires are an indispensable component for safe and comfortable driving in winter. With the right tires for your 5 Series BMW, you are well equipped for snow, ice, and slippery conditions.
Do you have questions about winter tires or need help choosing the right tires for your vehicle? Do not hesitate to contact us. Our experts at AutoRepairAid are here to help you with advice and assistance.
More interesting topics about your 5 Series BMW:
- Tire Manufacturer Date: How to decipher the DOT number and determine the date of manufacture of your tires.
Visit our website AutoRepairAid.com for more helpful tips and information about the maintenance and repair of your vehicle.
