I run 205/50/R17 Michelin X-Ice XI3s on OEM Silex rims. It has been worth every damn penny in snowy and icy conditions. The extra impact absorption on late winter frost heaves and potholes is icing on the cake.
I’m running my winters on 18” wheels with Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4. It’s Michelin’s performance-oriented snow tire. 235/40-18. Loving it.
Only downside I can see is that now I can't give it the business merging in 2nd gear, as it will just blow through the tires (and I've already upgraded them to a Michelin Pilot Sport since I felt the factory Hankook rode very rough).
I prefer the x-ice over the blizacks. I found they last longer and maintain their grip as they wear better. But I must admit I am partial to Michelin in general.
Spend the money on a really good set of fronts. Nexen SUR04
First thing going on my project s2k is a fresh set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4s. Things that make constant contact with the ground should not be substituted for a cheaper, inferior replacement.
The Michelins Xice are so good I rarely buy anything else. Hardly notice they are on in dry conditions. The big van gets BFG KO2 tires and those pretty much rule as well
I purchased a set of X-Ice for my old Audi A6 years ago and had great tire life - over 8 winters - and still only half worn when I sold the car with 144,000 miles on it. Super traction on Ice - Packed Snow - and every day cold weather wet driving in Seattle. Took a trip in CA national parks in December and never got stuck. So when I got my Alltrack SEL - I saved the 17 inch wheels from my Buyback TDI - and bought another set of Michelin X-Ice to fit the 17's and though only driven one winter I think they are great. They are not noisy and a great ride - better then the Conti's on 18 inch Wheels actually.
I've sold a ton of Nexen tires and used them on all my loaner cars. I never buy the N5000's though. I stick to the Classe Premier line so CP641 and CP672 tires. I use them on my mother in law's Jetta and I have the Nexen Rodian HP on my Wife's MB R350. Decent tires. Not the best but for the price, they work very well.
one of the michelins on my car blew at about 14,000 mi. it had a slash/crack on the sidewall not covered by any warrenty......It could have been a slasher or road hazard but I had driven out of my driveway and down the road a couple of miles and then it blew.......if someone knifed it it seems it would have been flat before I left..........I don't recall any debris on the road that could've caused the cut........other than that they seemed ok....
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