Winter Tires: Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 or Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D?

MyE92 · 12-07-2010, 11:26 PM

Hey guys,
I'm looking for a winter set asap... Debating if I should go with Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 or Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D. Any suggestions? I'm in the tri-state area (NJ/NY/CT), so we don't get a ton of snow.

Also, what do you guys think of using my stock 189's (18's) as snow wheels.

Thanks!

RX7guy · 12-07-2010, 11:31 PM

i have stock 189s with LM-60s. They work great. Only thing to consider is the BMW wheels are a half inch wider in the back (8" front and 8.5" rear I believe) so you can either run a staggered winter setup.. or...

do what I did , and run 225's all around . Wider tires in the rear actually hurt traction in the winter. The only thing to consider when running 225 all around on the 189s is that the rear wheels will stick out a bit past the tire, making them more prone to curbing and it looks a *little* strange, but to be honest I am probably the only one that notices.

spiike32 · 12-08-2010, 12:23 AM

I'm running LM60's and they are good in dry. My subdivision doesn't plow and my car is like a snowmobile through it. It's quite nice.

02themax · 12-08-2010, 01:18 AM

Dunlops have worked great for me and are not squishy like the Blizzaks

MyE92 · 12-08-2010, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RX7guy

i have stock 189s with LM-60s. They work great. Only thing to consider is the BMW wheels are a half inch wider in the back (8" front and 8.5" rear I believe) so you can either run a staggered winter setup.. or...

do what I did , and run 225's all around . Wider tires in the rear actually hurt traction in the winter. The only thing to consider when running 225 all around on the 189s is that the rear wheels will stick out a bit past the tire, making them more prone to curbing and it looks a *little* strange, but to be honest I am probably the only one that notices.

Yeah, I think I'm going to go with 225's all around. Damn, I didn't realize the wheels would stick out. I guess I'll have to be more careful

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiike32

I'm running LM60's and they are good in dry. My subdivision doesn't plow and my car is like a snowmobile through it. It's quite nice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02themax

Dunlops have worked great for me and are not squishy like the Blizzaks

I'm still debating about the two. Recently, I've heard better things about the Dunlops than the Blizzaks. I heard the Dunlops are better in dry conditions.

I guess I'll wait for more feedback.

Thanks guys!

**OEMconcept** · 12-08-2010, 09:11 AM

From experience, the Dunlops > Bridgestones. We get a lot of snow, so we have a lot of experience with winter tires.

smellfish · 12-08-2010, 09:23 AM

I run Dunlops on sport package wheels, 225 all around. Good dry traction and enough snow/ice to get through unplowed/iced over side streets.

Gary@TireRack · 12-08-2010, 10:02 AM

You can use 225/40R18 on both the front 8" wheels and the rear 8.5" OE wheels with no problem. This is actually very common to do. Eliminating the stagger in this way works very well for winter and results in better winter traction. Both the LM60 and Dunlop 3D are excellent tires. See my winter sticky for more detailed information :

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434738

Winter
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...nter/index.jsp

Outlaw 06 · 12-08-2010, 10:08 AM

I’ve been driving rear wheel drive 3-Series BMWs in the northeast for over 10 years now, and my current winter wheel setup for my E90 335i has 225/45R-17 Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D tires (square set-up). The tires are very good in the snow and they handle pretty decently on dry roads too.

I DON'T recommend Bridgestone Blizzaks at all. I had the LM-25’s for a season and I couldn't wait to get rid of them. While the Blizzaks were great in the snow, their dry road handling was absolutely horrible. The Blizzaks made my BMW handle like a truck on dry roads, and that’s what you're mostly driving on during winter in the tri-state area anyway.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 12-08-2010, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyE92

Hey guys,
I'm looking for a winter set asap... Debating if I should go with Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 or Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D. Any suggestions? I'm in the tri-state area (NJ/NY/CT), so we don't get a ton of snow.

Also, what do you guys think of using my stock 189's (18's) as snow wheels.

Thanks!

For the summer as well winter time Michelin have never disappointed me on my cars for the past 20 years (Mercedes, Jaguar, BMW's even on my M3). On our family car we have summer Continentals, still the winter set is Michelin.

Just got my Z4 winter set from Tire Rack, Gary at Tire Rack provided excellent service to me as he does always to everyone.

Photos of my Winter/wheel set up and details here CLICK

MyE92 · 12-08-2010, 10:16 AM

I think I'm going to go with the Dunlops! Does anyone know if I need the "XL" ones? Im sorta confused about the two versions of this tire. I drive a E93 335i.

MyE92 · 12-08-2010, 02:46 PM

robbiec · 12-08-2010, 07:37 PM

I live in Boston and drove the past 3 winters on Dunlop Wintersports in my RWD 325. No complaints. Great dry weather traction and handling and absolutely no problems climbing steep snow covered hills.

pnutty · 12-08-2010, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbiec

I live in Boston and drove the past 3 winters on Dunlop Wintersports in my RWD 325. No complaints. Great dry weather traction and handling and absolutely no problems climbing steep snow covered hills.

I will be new to boston come Jan next year, I was just wondering how long you keep your winter tires on the car for?

robbiec · 12-09-2010, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnutty

I will be new to boston come Jan next year, I was just wondering how long you keep your winter tires on the car for?

I just swapped this past weekend. Usually Thanksgiving weekend or first week of Dec. I usually switch back around the first week of April.

635CSI · 12-10-2010, 05:43 AM

I like the 205 16" Dunlops, very good grip, wet/dry/snow, firm, noise is not too bad.

gmfm · 12-10-2010, 06:22 AM

After comparing reviews of the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D, Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3, and Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero Serie II, I ended up ordering the Dunlop 235/40-18 through Tire Rack. They all appear to be great tires, but the Dunlops do have the edge on speed rating for when you're sustaining over 149mph on the way to someplace snowy

I just wish it weren't so darn expensive to set these cars up for winter driving. Tires + wheels + TPMS = $$$$

virk007 · 12-10-2010, 07:02 AM

I'm looking to run Dunlops as well with VMRs, would i have any problem running 18s on an E90 328i or should I go 17s with Rial Salerno.

joed1 · 12-10-2010, 07:30 AM

2 split rims and one RFT later I switched the coupe over to regular tires, I did the wife's last year.

The ride is civil and whatever I lose in sidewall rigidity I will make up in coilovers in the spring.

I'll say it again. It makes one wonder if BMW has chosen selling wheels as a main source of profit.

12-07-2010, 11:26 PM	#1
MyE92 El Presidente 278 Rep 6,962 Posts Drives: your mom wild. Join Date: May 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (24)	Winter Tires: Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 or Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D? Hey guys, I'm looking for a winter set asap... Debating if I should go with Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 or Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D. Any suggestions? I'm in the tri-state area (NJ/NY/CT), so we don't get a ton of snow. Also, what do you guys think of using my stock 189's (18's) as snow wheels. Thanks!
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12-07-2010, 11:31 PM	#2
RX7guy First Lieutenant 11 Rep 354 Posts Drives: 07 e92 335i, 93 rx7 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (1)	i have stock 189s with LM-60s. They work great. Only thing to consider is the BMW wheels are a half inch wider in the back (8" front and 8.5" rear I believe) so you can either run a staggered winter setup.. or... do what I did , and run 225's all around . Wider tires in the rear actually hurt traction in the winter. The only thing to consider when running 225 all around on the 189s is that the rear wheels will stick out a bit past the tire, making them more prone to curbing and it looks a little strange, but to be honest I am probably the only one that notices. __________________ 10 Porsche 911 C2S - Cream White / Natural Brown 09 335i E92 LeMans blue M-sport 6MT SOLD: 08 335i E90, 07 335i E92 AW/CR, 93 RX-7 464 rwhp
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12-08-2010, 12:23 AM	#3
spiike32 Major 78 Rep 1,127 Posts Drives: Mineral White F80 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: IL iTrader: (9)	I'm running LM60's and they are good in dry. My subdivision doesn't plow and my car is like a snowmobile through it. It's quite nice. __________________ Current: Tesla Model 3 Performance Retired: F80 M3, FBO 335i, 318ti, C7 Stingray
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12-08-2010, 01:18 AM	#4
02themax Captain 28 Rep 946 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary, AB iTrader: (6)	Dunlops have worked great for me and are not squishy like the Blizzaks __________________ E90 335i Sport Package - Logic 7 Sound w/ipod - Bluetooth - Comfort Access - PDC - 19" M3 Reps 275/30 235/35 - Blacklines - 10mil spacers rear, 5mil spacers front - BMW Alarm
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12-08-2010, 09:11 AM	#6
OEMconcept 251 Rep 1,636 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Canada/U.S iTrader: (9)	From experience, the Dunlops > Bridgestones. We get a lot of snow, so we have a lot of experience with winter tires.
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12-08-2010, 09:23 AM	#7
smellfish No one on the corner has stagger like us 50 Rep 343 Posts Drives: '11 AW E90 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: COS iTrader: (2)	I run Dunlops on sport package wheels, 225 all around. Good dry traction and enough snow/ice to get through unplowed/iced over side streets. __________________
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12-08-2010, 10:02 AM	#8
Gary@TireRack Moderator 369 Rep 4,745 Posts Drives: Formerly 1995 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Bend, IN, Tire Rack HQ iTrader: (2)	You can use 225/40R18 on both the front 8" wheels and the rear 8.5" OE wheels with no problem. This is actually very common to do. Eliminating the stagger in this way works very well for winter and results in better winter traction. Both the LM60 and Dunlop 3D are excellent tires. See my winter sticky for more detailed information : http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434738 Winter http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...nter/index.jsp __________________ Gary. Tire and Wheel Forum Moderator. Tire Rack Sales Rep Gary@Tirerack.com http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&url=index.jsp Please refer to 'Gary/E90 Post' as your previous contact when you order online to help support this forum.
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12-08-2010, 10:08 AM	#9
Outlaw 06 Major 212 Rep 1,071 Posts Drives: M240i (daily driver) Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I’ve been driving rear wheel drive 3-Series BMWs in the northeast for over 10 years now, and my current winter wheel setup for my E90 335i has 225/45R-17 Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D tires (square set-up). The tires are very good in the snow and they handle pretty decently on dry roads too. I DON'T recommend Bridgestone Blizzaks at all. I had the LM-25’s for a season and I couldn't wait to get rid of them. While the Blizzaks were great in the snow, their dry road handling was absolutely horrible. The Blizzaks made my BMW handle like a truck on dry roads, and that’s what you're mostly driving on during winter in the tri-state area anyway. __________________
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12-08-2010, 10:16 AM	#11
MyE92 El Presidente 278 Rep 6,962 Posts Drives: your mom wild. Join Date: May 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (24)	I think I'm going to go with the Dunlops! Does anyone know if I need the "XL" ones? Im sorta confused about the two versions of this tire. I drive a E93 335i.
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12-08-2010, 02:46 PM	#12
MyE92 El Presidente 278 Rep 6,962 Posts Drives: your mom wild. Join Date: May 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (24)
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12-08-2010, 07:37 PM	#13
robbiec Private 4 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I live in Boston and drove the past 3 winters on Dunlop Wintersports in my RWD 325. No complaints. Great dry weather traction and handling and absolutely no problems climbing steep snow covered hills.
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12-10-2010, 05:43 AM	#16
635CSI Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: E90 330iA Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	I like the 205 16" Dunlops, very good grip, wet/dry/snow, firm, noise is not too bad.
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12-10-2010, 06:22 AM	#17
gmfm New Member 1 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 07 E90 335i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	After comparing reviews of the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D, Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3, and Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero Serie II, I ended up ordering the Dunlop 235/40-18 through Tire Rack. They all appear to be great tires, but the Dunlops do have the edge on speed rating for when you're sustaining over 149mph on the way to someplace snowy I just wish it weren't so darn expensive to set these cars up for winter driving. Tires + wheels + TPMS = $$$$
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12-10-2010, 07:02 AM	#18
virk007 Captain 34 Rep 661 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 328i AW Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 BMW 328i [0.00] 2000 BMW 323CI [0.00]	I'm looking to run Dunlops as well with VMRs, would i have any problem running 18s on an E90 328i or should I go 17s with Rial Salerno.
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12-10-2010, 07:30 AM	#19
joed1 ED RN 19 Rep 423 Posts Drives: 2009 335xi coupe/2011 X3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	2 split rims and one RFT later I switched the coupe over to regular tires, I did the wife's last year. The ride is civil and whatever I lose in sidewall rigidity I will make up in coilovers in the spring. I'll say it again. It makes one wonder if BMW has chosen selling wheels as a main source of profit.
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