Tyre change. Does it HAVE to be 91W or can I go V ?

4jbl7

I thought this would be simple !

BMW 2015 Active Tourer 225i Xdrive and the oem run flat Bridgestones are coming to replacement time so thoughts naturally turned to replacement normal tyres. We live rural and in the past (Subaru/Mitsubishi) I have found all season tyres are just the job.

So I want to do the same on the BMW and replace 205/55/17 91W with all seasons.

Here lies the problem, there is virtually no choice in this size if I stick to the 91W rating. The sort available are old design and tread/grip etc have since improved.

There is a more modern choice if I go with a  95 V speed rating but of course this is not the original spec and I rather think it may be a no/no if I contact the insurance to ask and run a risk in using them and remaining quiet.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

Brian.

Herzlos

Technically, a V tyre is only rated to a sustained 149mph (W is 168mph) and your car can only do 146mph.
So it's within spec and isn't going to cause you any problems, there may be a fight proving that if there's an accident your insurers attribute to the tyres.
I'd probably risk it though but would only be able to advise you look for a W.

chrisw

There are plenty of W rated premium tyres in the size you're looking for. I would have thought an 'older' design was more effective than reducing the speed rating, particularly with X drive.

I think if you go with the V rated you'll always have a bit of a niggle that it's not quite the right tyre. Will the insurers question it if you don't stop in time? Your current insurers might be happy with it but what about your next ones on renewal? I don't think it's worth the potential hassle.

https://www.justtyres.co.uk/brands/?a=&range=premium

AdrianC

There's plenty of decent 91W... but the showstopper appears to be all-season. Plenty of full winters, though.

If you want all seasons, then you're going to be dropping down to 95V, yep. Which brings CrossClimate+ in... Job jobbed.
https://www.camskill.co.uk/m140b0s8838p0/

HansOndabush

Herzlos said:

Technically, a V tyre is only rated to a sustained 149mph (W is 168mph) and your car can only do 146mph.
So it's within spec and isn't going to cause you any problems, there may be a fight proving that if there's an accident your insurers attribute to the tyres.
I'd probably risk it though but would only be able to advise you look for a W.

The tyre rating is not only for maximum speed but for the load handling during acceleration and braking. The car has been specified as needing a W rated tyre and if you fit anything less you risk invalidating your insurance.