Hi all...

My stock tire size is 255/35/20...I am looking for a set of winter tires and rims...Any suggestions of what would be a good fit for my XJR? Thanks!

 

I went with Bridgestone Blizzaks. I've used them for years on all my large rearwheel drive European cars. I would also downsize to an 18" wheel for the winter.

 

this months consumer reports rates winter tires...I'll post up there recommendations for 18"+ tires

 

top 3 are...

Winter:
Michelin X-ice XI 2
General Altimax Arctic
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5

All Season (S and T speed ratings):
Michelin Hydroedge
Hankook Optimo H727
Pirelli P4 Four Seasons

Performance all season (H speed Rating):
Michelin Primacy MXV4
Falken Ziex ZE912
Nokian WR G2

Performance All Season (V speed rating):
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S
Firestone Firehawk GTv
Bridgestone Turanza Serentity

 

I ran Bridgestone Blizzaks in the winter last year on my '05 XJ8L (I got the car only last year). I did downsize the rims from my stock 19" to 17" rims. My dealer had told me that the '05 XJ8/XJ8L would take S-Type wheels, so I had a choice in getting rims - I wanted OEMs so I got a set at detroitwheels; was also checking finishlinewheels, but detroitwheels was able to get me a full set before finishlinewheels, and I needed it fast :-)

 

I do a tire swap on the stock 18's. The tire is Dunlop's Z rated "what ever". I can't think of the model but it is their only one. No issues when I remounted the Conti's last spring. I actually found the Dunlops on Craigslist. They were used one season and like new for $225 delivered for the set!

I was hoping for another set of wheels with tires to come around over the winter so I could've kept the snows mounted, but no good deals were around on OEM Jag stuff.

 

Get the smallest and narrowest wheels that will clear the brakes and then get proper tires for that wheel size while keeping the diameter as close to stock as possible.

 

I'd say that this fits with conventional wisdom, at least in snow (v.s. just cold). The narrower tire cuts through the snow.

I believe the issue with smaller diameter wheels is that it introduces errors into the speed your speedometer displays.


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Yes to the above, but make sure the smaller wheels have the proper off-set as well.

Twotone