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      12-04-2005, 12:49 AM   #1
jflecha
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Winter Tires & Wheel Question

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post and the first thing I'd like to do is thank all of you. This is my first BMW, a 330i and the info I got from this forum helped alot with my decision.

My question is why does everyone get new wheels when they get winter or all weather tires? Is is a bad thing to use the same wheels, I have SP with the 162's, wouldn't it be cheaper to just mount the tires on the wheels we already have?

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      12-04-2005, 01:41 AM   #2
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Its very difficult to remove and to fit runflats, so the chance of them damaging the wheels is there.

Also you only get 16" and 17" runflat winter tires from BMW
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      12-04-2005, 03:12 AM   #3
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I guesse E90Fleet pretty much answered your quetsion but welcome to the forum!
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      12-04-2005, 07:37 AM   #4
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Yes, it might still be more expensive but don't forget to subtract the cost of mounting four tires and balancing four wheels twice a year from the cost difference. If your winter tires last say, 5 winters and you keep your car that long, that would be 5 x 4 x 2 = 40 tire changes and balances. Labour costs vary by location but in a typical big city, that would be a significant factor to consider. You can get good alloy rims for winter service for what, 150 US dollars each? I haven't done the math, but I wouldn't be surprised if the economics turned out in favour of a separate set of wheels. As others have pointed out, reducing the possibility of rim or tire damage is a worthwhile benefit.
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      12-04-2005, 11:23 AM   #5
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Thanks, I kind of figured those would be the reasons but I had to confirm it.
We got our first bit of snow last night in new jersey so I'm going to try to see how (badly) the car performs, I didnt get my snows yet.
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      12-04-2005, 11:52 AM   #6
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A couple of other points;

You can't get steel rims from a BMW dealer for a 330i but you can for a 325i. Even so, I would consider alloy rims for a 325i as well. I discovered when I traded in my E46 328i in October that used steel rims for that car have zero resale value, even with the expensive BMW wheel covers included; I just turned them in with the car for the next owner.

Alloy wheels on the other hand, will have a residual value. You can use them on your next car if they fit or sell them privately and that will reduce the effective net cost of a separate set of winter wheels vs changing tires. Probably not by much, but maybe still a consideration. Also, tires should be slightly less expensive when bought as part of a rim/tire package than if they are bought separately to change out with the summer tires.

Look around. I found that the cost of a set of high quality aftermarket alloy rims plus tires was the same price as a set of BMW steel wheels with the same tires, within a few bucks. Personally, I wouldn't buy winter wheels from a BMW dealer unless I specifically liked and wanted the wheel design, which I don't.
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      12-04-2005, 09:11 PM   #7
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I have decided to use my 162's with snow tires mounted as my yearly snow wheels. I will be getting new wheels in the spring time.

I don't see the point of have 3 sets of wheels, so off with my RF's and on with my Snow Tires.

I would say, most folks getting winter sets (wheel +tire) will not be upgrading their wheels (aftermarket-wise).

The 162's 18" are not the best in the Winter. They definately are doable, but your rear end slip a bit more due to the staggered setup. I have driven through 2 snow storms now. The first is up in Minneapolis (4-8 inches) and my e90 has been fine. I just drove through Madison's small snow storm this past weekend (2-4 inches) and still no problem.

My advice would be, get out of the snow as fast as possible, and hope that you don't have to travel along ways with snow tires mounted on 162's and you'll be safe!
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      12-04-2005, 11:13 PM   #8
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Well for me i'm using the stock 162's with winter tires.

Just bought some winter tires, Hankook W300.
225/40/18 Front
255/35/18 Rear

Only because i also bought a set of 19's for the summer. I didn't want 3 sets of rims. But now i dunno what i'm gonna do with the stock Runflats
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      12-05-2005, 07:50 AM   #9
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Resell them aw_330i. Or keep them as a spare. The whole RF and BMW thing just makes me scratch my head on that one...

Quote:
Originally Posted by aw_330i
Well for me i'm using the stock 162's with winter tires.

Just bought some winter tires, Hankook W300.
225/40/18 Front
255/35/18 Rear

Only because i also bought a set of 19's for the summer. I didn't want 3 sets of rims. But now i dunno what i'm gonna do with the stock Runflats
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      12-09-2005, 09:33 PM   #10
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Hey guys,
I am new to this area too and a bit confused on winter tire options...

I am looking at a 330xi with SP and 162 wheels. Living in Iowa, winter tires would be a good thing... So...

Does anyone make an 18" Run Flat tire for winter?

It seems the preferred method is to have 2 sets of wheels - do they need to be the same size or what other sizes can be used?

If a non-Run Flat tire is used, does it throw off any warning indicators or how is this addressed?

Thanks for your help!
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      12-09-2005, 09:51 PM   #11
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Question

I put two snow tires on my 16" stock wheels and will keep the other 2 16" on the front for the winter and get new 18" wheels and tires for the rest of the year. I will probably sell the 2 tires I took off for the snows. I haven't yet decided if the new 18s will be runflat. My snows are runflats by the way. Maybe this is a good solution ?
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      12-11-2005, 10:28 AM   #12
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Did you have any problems getting the new tires mounted on your stock rims????????
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      12-11-2005, 10:45 AM   #13
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I ordered my E90 with stock steel rims and hubcaps. I had to stop somewhere and from a distance you can't really tell, but it's one of those things I regret. Anyway, when it came to getting my winter tyres, I had the dealer take off my summer tyres and put the new winters on the steel rims. When it's time to put my summer tyres back on I'll buy a set of OEM alloys and put the tyres on them. So it all works out in the end.
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      12-11-2005, 10:52 AM   #14
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jcco..Thanks for taking the time to respond..Much appreciated..

My delimma currently is to decide on:
1. Going with 4 winter tires such as the Blizzak/M3's 2 or 4 of them not sure
2. Going with a good set of High Performance All Season Tires Michelins or Perellis
3. Whether to get new rims or not. If the new tires can be mounted on my current 162 OEM 17" rims that might be the sloution. Saving me from having to buy a new set of rims in addition to the All seasons. 1 thing is for certain the Summer Tires are Downright dangerous in the snow/ice. I understand this.

There seems to be alot of debate and different schools of thought on this issue.
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      12-11-2005, 01:59 PM   #15
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When I was talking to the service guy and going through the various options, this are some things he mentioned to me. I have mine done at the dealer (there are other tyres places, but I'm really only willing to let BMW handle my BMW )

1. Buying a dedicated set of rims will pay for themselves. When I had them first installed, it cost €21 per tyre because I also bought the tyres from them. If I have the tyres swapped off the rim subsequently, it will cost €35 per tyre, twice a year meaning each year I'll be spending €280 just getting my tyres swapped! It also takes about 2 hours to do. Although they do give a BMW loaner for that time.
On the flip side, if they're just swapping wheels, then it's a single charge of €35. That means only €70 per year. A saving of €210.

2. The service guy also recommends against constantly swapping the RFT's. He said he would do it 10 times if I asked him, but it's not a good idea because there is the danger of weakening the side wall.

So basically with those 2 points, it makes sense to buy dedicated rims. Now to answer your questions.

1. When changing tyres, always do so in sets of 4. Having winter tyres on only the front/rear is like skiing with only one ski (or snowboarding with only one foot on the board). There are a few posts about splitting tyres so I won't bore you with all the "why's". It's just not a sensible idea.

2. This really depends on how much snow you'll see. Although don't forget, All Seasons are a compromise between summer and winter tyres. When I was living in Korea I had stock all seasons on my Hyundai XG. But they were basically useless if there was any snow cover on the road. But it really didn't snow anywhere near enough to warrant a set of winter tyres and if it did (or I was going to the slopes), I used the Explorer instead.

3. New rims will pay for themselves. After 2 years of tyre swapping, I could buy a €400 set of OEM alloys! If you want to spread out the finances a bit, you could do what I did. Buy your winters now and put them on your existing rims. Then come summer, buy a set of rims and put your summers on the new rims. That's another reason I kept my existing steel rims and just did a swap. As well, each set of tyres will last longer because you're basically only using them for 6 months of the year.

I hope that answers your questions. Don't hesitate to ask more. We're always here to help.

PS: If you're interested in seeing a pic of the steel rims with hubcaps (16"), that's them in my sig..
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      12-11-2005, 02:16 PM   #16
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You have been more than helpful/gracious with your time. Your hubs/steel wheel combo does not look bad at all actually!!!! They llo better than i thought they would...

One last issue. Should i decide to get winters or all seasons could they infact be mounted on my OEM Rims?????
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      12-11-2005, 02:25 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nyfinest
One last issue. Should i decide to get winters or all seasons could they infact be mounted on my OEM Rims?????
Yup. Shouldn't be any problems there. It all depends on size. And make sure you take it somewhere reputable. You don't want your alloys all scratched up.

Quote:
Originally Posted by nyfinest
Your hubs/steel wheel combo does not look bad at all actually!!!!
Yeah they're not too bad. Great for the winter. If the hubcap gets busted up its only €20 for a new one. But I still like the look of the alloys.
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      12-11-2005, 02:36 PM   #18
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Much Thanks.....I have made a prelim decision to get either:
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S or Avon Tech M550 A/S and put them on my OEM 17" Rims

These are both high rated tires and specifically have great specs for Wet Performance/Hydroplaning and Light Snow Traction. Great prices through Tire Rack...This seems like the lowercost and viable solution for me. Will just keep them on all year round!!! No need for new rims or changing each season... Definitely better than the hazardous RF's i have on now!!!!!!!!!!!
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      12-11-2005, 02:38 PM   #19
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No problem.
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      12-11-2005, 03:36 PM   #20
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couldnt ad anymore to all these professional help you got, but enjoy
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      12-11-2005, 03:52 PM   #21
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Ase....Any issues you've experienced with putting The Michelins on replacing the Run Flats????
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      12-11-2005, 10:28 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nyfinest
Much Thanks.....I have made a prelim decision to get either:
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S or Avon Tech M550 A/S and put them on my OEM 17" Rims

These are both high rated tires and specifically have great specs for Wet Performance/Hydroplaning and Light Snow Traction. Great prices through Tire Rack...This seems like the lowercost and viable solution for me. Will just keep them on all year round!!! No need for new rims or changing each season... Definitely better than the hazardous RF's i have on now!!!!!!!!!!!
Are either of these tires run-flats? I'd thought about doing the same thing, but I'm having trouble finding a 17" all-season run flat. What happens if you get a flat tire and don't have rf's? I guess call roadside assistance and wait it out...
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