Just got them, but by the time they arrived here all snow melted... Will keep you updated on X-Ice2 performance once it snows.

 

what's the size of those wheels? They look huge.

 

I have the X-Ice on mine as well. I find they work great at speed but lack in the slow moving department. They are nice at highway speed on snow and ice, but in the snow in stop and go traffic I find I really really have to be careful when it comes time to stop behind other cars.

All of my prior cars have had ice tires studded and non studded and never felt so uncomfortable at slow speed as I do now. Maybe its just me getting use to the lighter car in the snow.

I don't think the X-Ice self clean well at slow speed, maybe a more agressive snow tire would be more suited but then we gain noise and loose comfort. Depends on the driving you do, I think they are a good all round winter tire but for the cash I expected better.

 

they are 225x50x17. unfort u cant get em in 205. There are bunch of Performance Winter tires in 205, but i wanted smth more hardcore like studless. Will keep you updated on my results.

 

I have the same rims with 225/50R-17 with X-ice 2. I find them to be excellent and would buy again. My experience is that they have been great in 3-4 inches of wet snow. I think they are excellent at slower speeds and good all around.
Nothing is as good as metal studs on ice but these things are great. One great benefit is they are extremely quiet! Quieter than my 18" run flats.
Fyi go to Grafxwerks.com and buy some 2.188" center caps overlays with liquedome......they can print them with "MINI", and install on your center caps. Looks so much better!

 

how well snow tires work totally depends on the conditions. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Goodyear Ultragrip GW3s because they're perfect for what I'm normally driving in: freezing slush and cold wet roads. They're less perfect for deep standing snow. My husband runs the X-ice on his RX-8 and detests them mightily... except in deep standing snow.