For those with WINTER TIRES ..HELP ASAP!!!

BM2006i · 11-09-2006, 11:03 PM

Just wanted to know a few things..
1) what brand of winter tires have you guys used?
2) Does everyone put on 4 winter tires? Some people told me that we only need 2 for the rear.

thanks

DDTAN · 11-09-2006, 11:08 PM

4 tires, never just 2.
Look at Tire Rack. The ones they suggest for the 3 series are the Blizzak LM22 I believe.

GregL · 11-09-2006, 11:22 PM

I've been driving on the Dunlop Winter Sport M3 DSST for the past few weeks, great tire, very stable and relatively quite at highway speeds. And yes you need all 4. 2 will do fine on the rears for a rear wheel drive car but it will totally mess up your handling and especially braking.

GregL · 11-09-2006, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDTAN

4 tires, never just 2.
Look at Tire Rack. The ones they suggest for the 3 series are the Blizzak LM22 I believe.

Continental also has a winter tire that is BMW OE approved.

BM2006i · 11-09-2006, 11:37 PM

rear is 225/45/17. front is 255/40/17. I was wondering if I just use 255/45/17 on all 4 wheels. Is that ok? or must I use 255/40/17 for the front?

GregL · 11-09-2006, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BM2006i

rear is 225/45/17. front is 225/40/17. I was wondering if I just use 225/45/17 on all 4 wheels. Is that ok? or must I use 225/40/17 for the front?

That doesn't sound quite right...you must mean 225/45/17 front and 255/40/17 rear? A change of 3cm or so would adjust the profile figure by a unit of 5. I assume you have the sport package.

Yes 225/45/17 on all 4 is perfectly fine, most people infact mount the same on all corners for their winter set. Are you looking at tires and rims, or just tires for your existing rims?

Edit: Narrower tires perform better in the snow too, they slice through the stuff as opposed to floating over top of it.

BM2006i · 11-09-2006, 11:51 PM

yeah. i switched them around i meant 225/45 front, and 255/40 rear.. . what about spare tire? I know that they do come in RF. how many people here are driving on snow tires without RF? and no spare?

Also, one question about sport package.. are the 161 and 162 the same dimention? 17x8 and 17x8.5 and 18x8 and 18x8.5 respectively?.. so that means they could be swapped with no problem right?

GregL · 11-10-2006, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BM2006i

yeah. i switched them around i meant 225/45 front, and 255/40 rear.. . what about spare tire? I know that they do come in RF. how many people here are driving on snow tires without RF? and no spare?

Also, one question about sport package.. are the 161 and 162 the same dimention? 17x8 and 17x8.5 and 18x8 and 18x8.5 respectively?.. so that means they could be swapped with no problem right?

Sorry can't help you on the rims, the sport package on my 330xi uses 17" 158s so I'm totally oblivious to the RWD ZSP rims. As for the non-RFT snows, I assume a good number of people here are driving on them with no spare, but most certainly at the very least carry an inflation and sealant kit in the trunk. BMW sells it officially as the M Mobility Kit, but you can find them from Continental and Dunlop among others for less money. The non-RFT variant of a winter tire will save you about 3lb of unsprung weight per corner, personally I like the convenience and peace of mind that runflats provide.

Chuck_IV · 11-10-2006, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregL

Continental also has a winter tire that is BMW OE approved.

Yea, I believe it's the Continental ContiProContact SSR.

I got a set of these(16") just this week from tirerack(got them in 1 day) and am having them installed tomorrow.

DDTAN · 11-10-2006, 09:53 AM

I would strongly suggest that you buy the tires mounted on wheels, rather than swapping tires on your existing wheels twice a year. People will say that it is doable to swap, but it costs more to mount the tires each time. Plus I have personal experience that mounting and demounting the tires takes it toll on the bead over the life of the tire.

bimmer4me · 11-10-2006, 10:15 AM

Dunlop Winter Sport M3 here.

I got mine from Tire Rack with the rims. It takes me about 90 minutes to switch the tires, but I also clean the heck out of the wheels when I switch them too. It's very easy to swap them yourself and probably saves times then driving somewhere to have it done for you. Just get a decent jack.

Getagrip · 11-10-2006, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BM2006i

yeah. i switched them around i meant 225/45 front, and 255/40 rear.. . what about spare tire? I know that they do come in RF. how many people here are driving on snow tires without RF? and no spare?

Me

Jaws · 11-10-2006, 01:01 PM

^and me

, with a mobility kit.

BM2006i · 11-10-2006, 01:29 PM

well. this is my story.. I'm riding on OEM 162s w/RF now.. I just purchased a set of OEM 161 w/RF tires from e90 member. What I'm planning to do is SWAP the RF on 161s with Snow tires for the winter. The 161s will always be winter wheels, once spring/ summer comes.. my 162s will be back on the car.

3s-a-charm · 11-10-2006, 03:09 PM

I have the 161's with Michelin Pilot PA2 winter tires on them now. Great tire so-far. I notice a slight difference in handling around corners at higher speed but otherwise performance is great.

I replaced my RFT with the same size winter tires on the 161's (so they are still staggered).

Purchased them at Costco and everything went well. The price ended up to be about the same as ordering from TireRack, having them shipped to Canada, installed, etc... but with a lot less hassle.

I still have my RFT Bridgestones and I'm not sure what to do with them now as I will be upgrading my wheels/tires for summer.

ase2dais · 11-10-2006, 03:22 PM

Ive just switch to Michelins Pilot Alpin Winter(159s) set today, my second season with it. Got the Psi 32F/35R, and I cant even tell my running Winter tires. I love these Michelins

... summers are Sport Pilots AS too

RodyP · 11-10-2006, 03:31 PM

i have the dunlop wintersport M3

Boondoggler · 11-10-2006, 03:39 PM

I've got Michelin Pilot Alpins on ASA-JH3 17" Rims. They've been great on dry and wet so far. I can't get over how much smoother the ride is with non RFTs. I also have the ContiComfortKit in my trunk in case of a flat. Got everything from TireRack.

stressdoc · 11-10-2006, 10:00 PM

Conti TS810 S, Dunlop M3s, Pirelli sottozero, and Michelin pilot alpins are all excellent winter performance tires.They will get you around fine in the snow, and yet handle well in the dry.

remmib · 11-11-2006, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BM2006i

yeah. i switched them around i meant 225/45 front, and 255/40 rear.. . what about spare tire? I know that they do come in RF. how many people here are driving on snow tires without RF? and no spare?

Also, one question about sport package.. are the 161 and 162 the same dimention? 17x8 and 17x8.5 and 18x8 and 18x8.5 respectively?.. so that means they could be swapped with no problem right?

What you are saying about 161 and 162 are correct, they also have the same offset

remmib · 11-11-2006, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BM2006i

well. this is my story.. I'm riding on OEM 162s w/RF now.. I just purchased a set of OEM 161 w/RF tires from e90 member. What I'm planning to do is SWAP the RF on 161s with Snow tires for the winter. The 161s will always be winter wheels, once spring/ summer comes.. my 162s will be back on the car.

You can fit 225/45/17 all around on the 161.

BTW always use 4 wintertires!!!!!!!

gerapau · 11-11-2006, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregL

I've been driving on the Dunlop Winter Sport M3 DSST for the past few weeks, great tire, very stable and relatively quite at highway speeds. And yes you need all 4. 2 will do fine on the rears for a rear wheel drive car but it will totally mess up your handling and especially braking.

Always a bad idea to only put two winter tires on. That said, if you have to have two tires with better grip then they always go on the back (doesn't matter if you have a FWD or a RWD or an AWD).

11-09-2006, 11:03 PM	#1
BM2006i Second Lieutenant 96 Rep 272 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	For those with WINTER TIRES ..HELP ASAP!!! Just wanted to know a few things.. 1) what brand of winter tires have you guys used? 2) Does everyone put on 4 winter tires? Some people told me that we only need 2 for the rear. thanks
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11-09-2006, 11:08 PM	#2
DDTAN Private First Class 2 Rep 130 Posts Drives: 07 335i E90 ZSP Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Gig Harbor iTrader: (0)	4 tires, never just 2. Look at Tire Rack. The ones they suggest for the 3 series are the Blizzak LM22 I believe.
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11-09-2006, 11:22 PM	#3
GregL Brigadier General 98 Rep 3,618 Posts Drives: 2016 CLA45 AMG Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: GTA iTrader: (4)	I've been driving on the Dunlop Winter Sport M3 DSST for the past few weeks, great tire, very stable and relatively quite at highway speeds. And yes you need all 4. 2 will do fine on the rears for a rear wheel drive car but it will totally mess up your handling and especially braking. __________________ 2016 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 2013 Mercedes-Benz B250 - Gone 2010 Mercedes-Benz C350 4Matic - Gone 2006 BMW 330xi - Gone 2001 Infiniti QX4 - Gone
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11-09-2006, 11:37 PM	#5
BM2006i Second Lieutenant 96 Rep 272 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	rear is 225/45/17. front is 255/40/17. I was wondering if I just use 255/45/17 on all 4 wheels. Is that ok? or must I use 255/40/17 for the front? Last edited by BM2006i; 11-10-2006 at 12:02 AM..
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11-09-2006, 11:51 PM	#7
BM2006i Second Lieutenant 96 Rep 272 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	yeah. i switched them around i meant 225/45 front, and 255/40 rear.. . what about spare tire? I know that they do come in RF. how many people here are driving on snow tires without RF? and no spare? Also, one question about sport package.. are the 161 and 162 the same dimention? 17x8 and 17x8.5 and 18x8 and 18x8.5 respectively?.. so that means they could be swapped with no problem right?
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11-10-2006, 09:53 AM	#10
DDTAN Private First Class 2 Rep 130 Posts Drives: 07 335i E90 ZSP Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Gig Harbor iTrader: (0)	I would strongly suggest that you buy the tires mounted on wheels, rather than swapping tires on your existing wheels twice a year. People will say that it is doable to swap, but it costs more to mount the tires each time. Plus I have personal experience that mounting and demounting the tires takes it toll on the bead over the life of the tire.
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11-10-2006, 10:15 AM	#11
bimmer4me Captain 52 Rep 996 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Dunlop Winter Sport M3 here. I got mine from Tire Rack with the rims. It takes me about 90 minutes to switch the tires, but I also clean the heck out of the wheels when I switch them too. It's very easy to swap them yourself and probably saves times then driving somewhere to have it done for you. Just get a decent jack. __________________ 2006 330i Monaco Blue \| Grey \| Walnut ...Manual \| Sports \| Premium \| Cold \| Nav \| Comfort Access \| PDC \| Sirius \| Sunshade ...M-Tec Steering Wheel \| M-Tec Shifter \| TLC ...Performance Center Delivery \| Oct 14, 2005
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11-10-2006, 01:01 PM	#13
Jaws Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,738 Posts Drives: 2006 325i mt Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Edmonton iTrader: (0)	^and me , with a mobility kit. __________________ 2006 325i - Sparkling Graphite 2000 S2000 - New Formula Red 2007 Chev Silverado crew cab Z71
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11-10-2006, 01:29 PM	#14
BM2006i Second Lieutenant 96 Rep 272 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	well. this is my story.. I'm riding on OEM 162s w/RF now.. I just purchased a set of OEM 161 w/RF tires from e90 member. What I'm planning to do is SWAP the RF on 161s with Snow tires for the winter. The 161s will always be winter wheels, once spring/ summer comes.. my 162s will be back on the car.
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11-10-2006, 03:09 PM	#15
3s-a-charm Major 135 Rep 1,328 Posts Drives: 2017 Tesla Model X Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Calgary, Canada iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW X5 [0.00]	I have the 161's with Michelin Pilot PA2 winter tires on them now. Great tire so-far. I notice a slight difference in handling around corners at higher speed but otherwise performance is great. I replaced my RFT with the same size winter tires on the 161's (so they are still staggered). Purchased them at Costco and everything went well. The price ended up to be about the same as ordering from TireRack, having them shipped to Canada, installed, etc... but with a lot less hassle. I still have my RFT Bridgestones and I'm not sure what to do with them now as I will be upgrading my wheels/tires for summer. __________________ 17 Tesla Model X 90D (I've been converted!) PAST: 14 Tesla Model S P85D, 16 X1, 13 X5 M-sport, 04 M3 Cab, 08 E92 M3, 08 535xiT, 07 X5 4.8i, 06 E90 325i, 87 E30 325i, 85 E30 318i
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11-10-2006, 03:22 PM	#16
ase2dais //Mdicted 347 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	Ive just switch to Michelins Pilot Alpin Winter(159s) set today, my second season with it. Got the Psi 32F/35R, and I cant even tell my running Winter tires. I love these Michelins ... summers are Sport Pilots AS too __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies
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11-10-2006, 03:31 PM	#17
RodyP Captain 61 Rep 616 Posts Drives: 19 Bmw M5 Competition Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands iTrader: (0)	i have the dunlop wintersport M3
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11-10-2006, 03:39 PM	#18
Boondoggler Lieutenant 72 Rep 402 Posts Drives: 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2016 340i xDrive [6.50]	I've got Michelin Pilot Alpins on ASA-JH3 17" Rims. They've been great on dry and wet so far. I can't get over how much smoother the ride is with non RFTs. I also have the ContiComfortKit in my trunk in case of a flat. Got everything from TireRack. __________________ 2023 G01 LCI X3 M40i My Garage \| Phytonic Blue \| Black Sensatec \| Carbon Fiber Trim \| Parking \| Premium \| Remote \| Wireless \| Harmon Kardon \| 19" 887M Bi-color Midnight Grey
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11-10-2006, 10:00 PM	#19
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Conti TS810 S, Dunlop M3s, Pirelli sottozero, and Michelin pilot alpins are all excellent winter performance tires.They will get you around fine in the snow, and yet handle well in the dry.
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