Winter tyres - 4 or 2 - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Tipper · 11-22-2010, 03:25 PM

On the basis that the issue with a rear wheel drive car is loss of traction rather than steerage, can I get away with only winter tyres on the rear?

M3-FAST · 11-22-2010, 03:29 PM

I prefer to be able to steer once moving so opted for four

I did have similar thoughts to you though, but wouldn't mix tyres of such different grip/tread patterns/rubber compounds, etc on the same car.

They really are very different to summer tyres.

jaguar36 · 11-22-2010, 03:36 PM

If you've got summer's now, no question, go with 4. With all seasons you might be able to get away with just 2, but I'd still get 4.

Tipper · 11-22-2010, 03:36 PM

M3-FAST - Point taken but I suspect you drive your M3 different to the way I drive my E91 320d!!!

My E91 is the family hack/luggage hauler/kids flat mover/property developers van!

And my tyres are substantially 'thinner' that your big fat road-roller wheels.

Tipper · 11-22-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaguar36

If you've got summer's now, no question, go with 4. With all seasons you might be able to get away with just 2, but I'd still get 4.

We don't get your type of winter weather in the UK and only very very ocasionally in the SW.

M3-FAST · 11-22-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipper

Point taken but I suspect you drive your M3 different to the way I drive my E91 320d!!!

My E91 is the family hack/luggage hauler/kids flat mover/property developers van!

In fair weather, maybe I do BUT in snow/ice/rain/greasy roads I reckon we are probably pretty equal! I tried moving it in the snow last year and it went nowhere fast. My neighbour who lives opposite had an E90 320D M-sport on 18" MV2's - his actually had a bit more traction than my PS2's but he still lost it at the bottom of the road, slid and hit the kerb, damaging the wheel and bending the lower suspension arm.

If I can at least carry on driving local journeys in light snow and slushy roads I will be happy. Steering PLUS traction = one happy winter driver!

briers · 11-22-2010, 03:47 PM

Rear winters might give you traction but it doesn't help you understeering off the road.

I always get caught out in the snow and i live in staffordshire of all places (not even that bad here) and i want to be able to get home. It definitely has to be 4. You don't have to get the best tyres, there are some tyres available for £100 each.

Small price to pay for not getting stuck in the freezing cold snow, having to walk somewhere, cold shoes, wet socks, ruined your favourite shoes, ask a mate to pick you up or walk to a relatives, public transport, leaving a car you actually like in the middle of no-where, possibly damaged, arriving home in a mood, pissing your mrs off and arguing.

Get 4

ed335d · 11-22-2010, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by briers

Rear winters might give you traction but it doesn't help you understeering off the road.

I always get caught out in the snow and i live in staffordshire of all places (not even that bad here) and i want to be able to get home. It definitely has to be 4. You don't have to get the best tyres, there are some tyres available for £100 each.

Small price to pay for not getting stuck in the freezing cold snow, having to walk somewhere, cold shoes, wet socks, ruined your favourite shoes, ask a mate to pick you up or walk to a relatives, public transport, leaving a car you actually like in the middle of no-where, possibly damaged, arriving home in a mood, pissing your mrs off and arguing.

Get 4

What he said

remmib · 11-22-2010, 03:53 PM

Always get 4 winter tyres.

PAMidge · 11-22-2010, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipper

On the basis that the issue with a rear wheel drive car is loss of traction rather than steerage, can I get away with only winter tyres on the rear?

You should NEVER mix tires. Always 4 of the same brand and tread. Anything else is asking for trouble.

matlough · 11-22-2010, 06:14 PM

Just had 4x Avon Ice Touring ST fitted (£403/Event Tyres).

Cannot wait until we get some ice/snow (also bought a set of snow socks!)!!

Even this week on wet/damp roads, temps about 6/7 the grip was very impressive.

russtic · 11-22-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed335d

What he said

+1

chris330D · 11-23-2010, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipper

On the basis that the issue with a rear wheel drive car is loss of traction rather than steerage, can I get away with only winter tyres on the rear?

The problem might seem to be traction but believe me if you got the car going you would find that the same tyre tread/type that don't give traction don't steer for the same reason. There is a very good video on youtube showing what happens when you only fit two sets of winters. False economy IMHO.

no_ball · 11-23-2010, 03:42 PM

Try it and let us know how it goes, maybe a cost saving next year

rsmallwo · 11-23-2010, 04:07 PM

im getting some nankang sv-2 tyres fitted to mine. £260 for 4 at size 225/45/r17. yes a budget make but winter budget tyres will beat summer top end tyres below 7c.

at that kind of price, its silly not to grt winter tyres!

mjh93sa · 11-23-2010, 05:39 PM

4

11-22-2010, 03:25 PM	#1
Tipper Private Drives: 2007 E91 320d SE auto Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Devon, UK Posts: 97 iTrader: (0)	Winter tyres - 4 or 2 On the basis that the issue with a rear wheel drive car is loss of traction rather than steerage, can I get away with only winter tyres on the rear?
	Tweet

11-22-2010, 03:29 PM	#2
M3-FAST Defected to the dark side..... Drives: Audi A7 & Porsche 996 C2 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Stafford, UK Posts: 5,754 iTrader: (11) Garage List 2009 E90 M3 [5.00] 2007 325i M-sport C ... [4.50]	I prefer to be able to steer once moving so opted for four I did have similar thoughts to you though, but wouldn't mix tyres of such different grip/tread patterns/rubber compounds, etc on the same car. They really are very different to summer tyres. __________________ USED TO OWN THE M3 PICTURED ABOVE NOW DRIVING PORSCHE 996 C2 & AUDI A7 S-LINE QUATTRO V6 3.0TDi

11-22-2010, 03:53 PM	#9
remmib General Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Norway Posts: 24,784 iTrader: (0)	Always get 4 winter tyres. __________________ F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White \| HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 \| Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 \| KW V3 Coilover \| 3D Design Front Lip \| BMW M Performance Black Grills \| BMW M Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW M Performance Diffuser\|

11-22-2010, 06:14 PM	#11
matlough First Lieutenant Drives: 335i Saloon Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Hampshire - UK Posts: 383 iTrader: (0)	Just had 4x Avon Ice Touring ST fitted (£403/Event Tyres). Cannot wait until we get some ice/snow (also bought a set of snow socks!)!! Even this week on wet/damp roads, temps about 6/7 the grip was very impressive. __________________ Current: AW F20 M135i :-) Past Masters: E90 335i with Evolve / Honda Accord Type R / Prelude VTI / Prelude 2.2 Vtec

11-23-2010, 05:39 PM	#16
mjh93sa Major General Drives: M135i Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Gloucestershire Posts: 5,075 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW M135i [5.00] 2011 Mini Countryma ... [2.75]	4 __________________ Gone: Fiesta - Focus - E46 320dSE - E91 330dMSport - E82 135iMSport - R55 JCW Clubman Now: M135i with lots of toys

11-22-2010, 03:36 PM	#3
jaguar36 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2010 E92 335i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 230 iTrader: (0)	If you've got summer's now, no question, go with 4. With all seasons you might be able to get away with just 2, but I'd still get 4.

11-22-2010, 03:47 PM	#7
briers Ben Drives: XFR Join Date: May 2010 Location: Midlands,UK Posts: 1,889 iTrader: (0)	Rear winters might give you traction but it doesn't help you understeering off the road. I always get caught out in the snow and i live in staffordshire of all places (not even that bad here) and i want to be able to get home. It definitely has to be 4. You don't have to get the best tyres, there are some tyres available for £100 each. Small price to pay for not getting stuck in the freezing cold snow, having to walk somewhere, cold shoes, wet socks, ruined your favourite shoes, ask a mate to pick you up or walk to a relatives, public transport, leaving a car you actually like in the middle of no-where, possibly damaged, arriving home in a mood, pissing your mrs off and arguing. Get 4

11-23-2010, 03:42 PM	#14
no_ball No Fear Drives: BMW E90 330d M Sport Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Solihull Posts: 277 iTrader: (0)	Try it and let us know how it goes, maybe a cost saving next year

11-23-2010, 04:07 PM	#15
rsmallwo Captain Drives: 335d Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: hull Posts: 872 iTrader: (0)	im getting some nankang sv-2 tyres fitted to mine. £260 for 4 at size 225/45/r17. yes a budget make but winter budget tyres will beat summer top end tyres below 7c. at that kind of price, its silly not to grt winter tyres!

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