So here I am first winter storm in MI and I got stuck in my drive way

I need some help to decide should I put winter performance tires on my original rims or should try to downsize and get 18 or 17 inch rims with regular winter tires??????

First thing first, when i TRIED TO EXPLORE first option by getting winter performance tires I ran into some interesting situation. I stopped at costco and talked to tire shop manager. here is what I found out : he claims that even they are offering performance winter tires that would fit my rim size ( which is 245/45/19 fronts and 275/40/19 rears ) based on him he says those tires are NO GO for my car. He claims that load rating of these tires is not good for my car.
And tires we are talking about here are : Pirelli SOTTOZERO 3 245/45/19 98W and the rears 275/40/19 101W. OR Blizzak LM-32 245/45/19 102V XL and 275/40/19 101V


That being said if there is a difficulty finding new model winter performance tires that would fit our load rating I would gladly consider of putting 18 or 17 inch rim with normal winter tire. But I am having difficult time finding any specs on smaller rims that would fit our cars.

 

Not sure on your exact model, but here's my take on winter tyres....
You may be able to find winter tyres to suit your 19" rims, but, in all honesty you'd probably be better downsizing to 18" perhaps even 17" rims for winter.

The ideal is a smaller dia rim and also narrow width tyres, usually with a much bigger profile. The narrower width combo with winter tyres and their specialist sipes will cut through the snow with greater ease. The softer rubber compound will remain much more flexible too in the colder conditions.

Assuming you have a really nice set of rims in great condition, the other upside is keeping them that way.
A slip or slide here n there and before you know it you have kerb damage or worse. That's over and above the harsh road salt that will probably be used in abundance.

I would recommend looking at a 2nd set of rims in 17" with narrower width, higher profile tyres that will soak up the bumps and deal with any snow / ice you encounter much much better
Just my 2c worth and all stuff I'm sure you already know
Good luck and hope to hear

 

I always downsize or minus one for winter tires and prefer Michelin Artic Alpins or Bridgestone Blizzaks. Thin is in for winter driving.


2004 JAGUAR XJ8 OEM Factory Wheels and Rims

 

Will a 17" wheel clear the front brakes? It seems like it'd be pretty close.

 

One of the important factors is the offset, very important to check that for clearing the calipers and also how they sit on the car, affect the stance

 

I've always run 225/60. 205/50 is going to link downright dinky on the sidewall

 

A few thoughts in no particular order :

1) I wouldn't ask a Costco employee for advice on anything.

2) Have you read the vehicle handbook? Mine has comprehensive information on wheel and tire sizes, speed ratings, and so on.

3) Is it a secret what exact model and year your vehicle is?

The handbook for my 2015 says that 18" was an option, but only without AWD and with standard brakes. No mention of 17".

 

This thread is almost 4 years old. Presumably the OP doesn’t have this problem anymore.

 

Probably not. On a side note, my 2012 XJL Portfolio has 18 inch. At first I was wondering if the previous owner had downsized the rims, but the rims are original Jaguar, so I think that is what they came with.

 

i had an o4 xjr and blizzaks on it in winter here in michigan. really do not help. these cars do not like snow

 

While that may be true, others may have joined the "Jaguar family", and are wondering the same thing, now that fall is approaching. IMHO, downsizing to an 18" wheel MIGHT be possible, but on the front, due to the large brake calipers, the clearance between the inner "barrel" of the wheel and the outer perimeter of the brake caliper will be quite close. The rear won't be a problem, as the brake calipers are much smaller, so there's plenty of clearance.

Then, you'd still have to find tires that are close to the OD of the original tires. Traction control, active handling, ABS, and transmission shift points all pull their operational parameters from being keyed into the stock tire size/overall diameters. Get too far away from those dimensions, and you'll have drivability issues. However, as mentioned in a previous post, narrower, more aggressively treaded tires, are the way to go, for winter driving.....

 

My intention was not to squash resurrecting old threads. If the goal of the new post is the enhance the understanding of the community, great. But if it is to help troubleshoot a 4-year old problem, it probably has less value. I think the related topics scroll feature resulted in a lot of old threads being treated as new. It doesn’t matter greatly to me either way.

On the original topic my understanding is that XJs with the smaller brake package can accept 18” or larger OE rims, while the large brake kits can only accept 19” or larger OE rims. I don’t drive in snow, so can’t contribute to tire recommendations.

All the best.

 

Hello All,

I recently purchased my first Jag after 6 consecutive BMW vehicles. I am very happy with my new cat, but I am looking ahead to Winter. Living in Michigan, I have a set of 18inch wheels and Blizzak snow tires that I have used on my most recent BMW.

My question is this: would it be possible/advisable to use anadapter plate to change the bolt pattern from BMW 5x120mm to the 5x108mm on the Jag. I see such products exist, which would theoretically eliminate the need for new wheels and tires.

What is the opinion with regards to component stress, wheel well fitment, common sense?

I appreciate the feedback, as well as any insights!

 

I can understand your desire to use your existing wheels, and save yourself some hassle and money. However, as a long time car enthusiast, I've never been all that fond of wheel adapters. While the car's lug studs are pressed into it's hubs, which are generally pretty robust, the studs on an adapter are only pressed into the adapter itself, which, depending on the thickness of the adapter, might not be as strong. Yes, I know, that the adapters are readily available, I'd just be wary of using them. Secondly, the adapters will push the wheels/tires further out from the hubs, which might put the tires in contact with the fenders, especially during cornering, as the Jag doesn't have large, gaping fender openings.

 

Does anyone know if 17 inch wheels will fit on the x351? I am very interested to find out... Please do share what you know.

 

No, smallest is 18" because of brake calibers. Note: Not all 18" wheels will fit. My local tyre shop let me test 18" rims on their shelf to find out what model will not touch the front calibers, when i was purchasing winter tyres for my XJ. Lucký they had one model what worked, leaving about 1mm space between caliber. Note2: If you have bigger brakes (V8 SC engines) then smallest one you can fit is 19".

 

Thank you very much - that is helpful. Much appreciated, Vasara.