Snow tires in stock sizes, or narrower? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

fordperf · 10-24-2012, 12:24 PM

My first reaction to buying snow tires on a squared 17" setup, was to purchase tires in the same size as the stock runflats, Guaranteeing they would fit. But taking physics into account (weight distribution, traction etc) is it a "better" idea to get snow tires that are narrower than the stocks?

**Gary@TireRack** · 10-25-2012, 10:25 AM

The slightly more narrow 205/50R17 would have a bit better loose snow traction than 225/45R17 (assuming both tires are the same brand and model of tire) but the difference is not large.

Winter http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&...nter/index.jsp

Spoolin335 · 10-26-2012, 01:49 PM

I have a square 225/40/18 on the stock sport rims for my 335. 205 would be very narrow for such a big car.

fordperf · 10-26-2012, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoolin335

I have a square 225/40/18 on the stock sport rims for my 335. 205 would be very narrow for such a big car.

I will be sticking to the stock size for my blizzaks.

What size rim and tire are on your car in the profile photo?

Spoolin335 · 10-26-2012, 01:57 PM

They are 19's with 245/front and 275/rear

I opted for a square setup because i will be able to rotate the tires around on the rims. With the stock size, you cant do that.

fordperf · 10-26-2012, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoolin335

They are 19's with 245/front and 275/rear

I opted for a square setup because i will be able to rotate the tires around on the rims. With the stock size, you cant do that.

Agreed. The softer rubber on winter tires benefits greatly from good rotation.

originalgoods13 · 11-05-2012, 05:54 PM

Hi Gary/everyone,
There is a note that is oen uses 205/50/17 that an XL (Extra Load) rated tire is recommended

Looking at the specs of a Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT, it does not say it is an XL rated tire although the description says it is okay to use it for the 3 Series

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....autoModel=335i Coupe&autoYear=2010&autoModClar=Base Model&vehicleSearch=true

I just want to make sure I can use this tire for my winter set up with proper loading (89 is rated at 1,279 lbs)

Thanks

**Gary@TireRack** · 11-06-2012, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by originalgoods13

Hi Gary/everyone,
There is a note that is oen uses 205/50/17 that an XL (Extra Load) rated tire is recommended

Looking at the specs of a Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT, it does not say it is an XL rated tire although the description says it is okay to use it for the 3 Series

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....autoModel=335i Coupe&autoYear=2010&autoModClar=Base Model&vehicleSearch=true

I just want to make sure I can use this tire for my winter set up with proper loading (89 is rated at 1,279 lbs)

Thanks

Tires rated at 1279 lbs will still exceed the gross axle weight rating of the car so I cannot see any problems with using them on your car. Just be aware that 205/50R17 tires will fit well on 17X7.5" wheels but are too narrow for 17X8 wheels.

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

10-24-2012, 12:24 PM	#1
fordperf Private First Class Drives: 2009 335xi LCI Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 110 iTrader: (0)	Snow tires in stock sizes, or narrower? My first reaction to buying snow tires on a squared 17" setup, was to purchase tires in the same size as the stock runflats, Guaranteeing they would fit. But taking physics into account (weight distribution, traction etc) is it a "better" idea to get snow tires that are narrower than the stocks?
	Tweet

10-25-2012, 10:25 AM	#2
Gary@TireRack Moderator Drives: Formerly 1995 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Bend, IN, Tire Rack HQ Posts: 2,865 iTrader: (1)	The slightly more narrow 205/50R17 would have a bit better loose snow traction than 225/45R17 (assuming both tires are the same brand and model of tire) but the difference is not large. Winter http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&...nter/index.jsp __________________ Gary Tire and Wheel Forum Moderator The Tire Rack, Sales Rep Gary@Tirerack.com http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&url=index.jsp 1-877-522-8473 ext 386 Refer to 'Gary/E90Post' as your previous contact when you order online. Credit E90post.com by ordering through the sig link.

10-26-2012, 01:49 PM	#3
Spoolin335 Justin Herass Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 1,127 iTrader: (7) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [4.75]	I have a square 225/40/18 on the stock sport rims for my 335. 205 would be very narrow for such a big car. __________________

10-26-2012, 01:57 PM	#5
Spoolin335 Justin Herass Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 1,127 iTrader: (7) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [4.75]	They are 19's with 245/front and 275/rear I opted for a square setup because i will be able to rotate the tires around on the rims. With the stock size, you cant do that. __________________

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

11-05-2012, 05:54 PM	#7
originalgoods13 New Member Drives: 2010 335i Coupe M Sport Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 8 iTrader: (0)	Hi Gary/everyone, There is a note that is oen uses 205/50/17 that an XL (Extra Load) rated tire is recommended Looking at the specs of a Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT, it does not say it is an XL rated tire although the description says it is okay to use it for the 3 Series http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....autoModel=335i Coupe&autoYear=2010&autoModClar=Base Model&vehicleSearch=true I just want to make sure I can use this tire for my winter set up with proper loading (89 is rated at 1,279 lbs) Thanks