162's + winter tires?

prolix21 · 10-27-2005, 07:34 PM

is anyone doing this? yes yes, i know smaller wheels = better in snow, but i live in Cincinnati and seriously, winters here are so hit and miss.

overall i'm having a hard time convincing myself about this winter tire thing. if i lived a few hours south it wouldn't even be an issue, however i think i live in a kind of grey area. obviously if i lived in cleveland i'd do it, but cincinnati?

anyway, i've seen the m5 replica's and they are ok, but i got a 330i sport for a reason and part of it was b/c i love the wheels on this car. so what if i bought a 2nd set of 162's and put winter tires on those? i think the car really lacks something with other wheels.

i don't think prying the tires off the current wheels makes much sense, or does it? is that even possible, or would the tires be damaged on removal?

any comments, feedback would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

-dan (somewhere in the middle of the snowbelt and summer tire land)

ravinxd · 10-27-2005, 09:31 PM

Only trouble with another set of 162s for winter is that there are no run-flats in the needed 18" size. You'll spend over $2k for the set-up and have to risk living without RFTs. 225/45R17 RFT Dunlop Winter M3s all around on ASA JH3 rims from tirerack may be the value ~$1200.

prolix21 · 10-28-2005, 02:31 PM

what is the reality of having my summer tires taken off and winter tires put on the existing 162's? would this damage the summer tires? i know they aren't rft's, but i just can't seem to find wheels i like that much for winter. i'm kinda picky, and for all i know it could snow 1 or 2 days this winter and i'm wonder if its even worth it. i know the tire compound reacts poorly to cold, but still its not exactly extreme winters here.

Mark · 10-28-2005, 02:41 PM

The big issue I see with that is that 18" is pretty low profile and not the most ideal for a snow tire. Remeber when the snow falls and you have to plow through it, probably 1/4 of the rim itself would be covered in snow with an 18" wheel, the 16s or 17s would be alot more useful. Then again, it depends on what conditions you expect to be driving on, if you will not be actually driving through thick snow then its obviously less of a problem and all-seasons may be better.

prolix21 · 10-28-2005, 02:49 PM

it would be rare that i'd be doing that in this area. i live downtown so the streets and freeways are usually cleared fairly quickly. i found some Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport tires that are the same size as OEM. would be a little over 700 for tires. i just have a hard time blowing 1-2k on wheels i may not even need. i can eat 700 more easily, i just don't know how feasable swapping tires on the rims are, and if i can re-mount my re0505a's come spring.

Mark · 10-28-2005, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prolix21

it would be rare that i'd be doing that in this area. i live downtown so the streets and freeways are usually cleared fairly quickly. i found some Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport tires that are the same size as OEM. would be a little over 700 for tires. i just have a hard time blowing 1-2k on wheels i may not even need. i can eat 700 more easily, i just don't know how feasable swapping tires on the rims are, and if i can re-mount my re0505a's come spring.

If your only going to be driving on roads after the snow plows come through, then your plan sounds like a great idea to me

Mark · 10-28-2005, 03:23 PM

Just make sure to find a good tire installer so that your wheels don't get scratched up with the repeated tire changes

Yaajer · 10-28-2005, 03:26 PM

I'm doing it. Just ordered a set of Pirelli SnowSport's to put on my 18's 162. I'm gonna sell the old RF's and get new wheels in the spring and save the style 162's as my backup/winters.

I hate RF's...worst idea from BMW ever. Just have a bottle of that can that is supposed to stop small holes in your tires. In the event of a very bad flat tire, call bmw assist and get a tow truck. **knock on wood**

prolix21 · 10-28-2005, 03:29 PM

thanks guys, i'll have to call around to some shops and see what they think. there are some good import/performance shops around here i may try. fingers crossed

i posted over at bimmerfest as well and Gary @Tirerack said the same thing, provided I can find a decent shop that knows what they are doing

I appreciate the feedback!

prolix21 · 10-31-2005, 08:15 AM

After thinking about this more with various people I think I may end up buying a 2nd set of 162's and having winters put on those. May seem like overkill but talking to people it seems I'm running a risk of ruining my summer tires by having them mounted/unmounted every 6 months. I mean, if they break the bead on one tire then I'm pretty screwed and those re050's are expensive. Could end up having to buy new tires if the installer screws up, so maybe 2grand up front saves me money in the long run.

The reason I want to stick with BMW oem wheels is b/c I've had terrible luck in the past with aftermarkets, mainly the ASA wheels everyone seems to like. I had a set on a Camry I had during university and the amount of time and money I spent on tires and attempts at getting them properly balanced was a nightmare. It was a horrible experience and if another 500 or so $ gets me high quality BMW wheels then its worth it. I spent 43k on my car so 2grand to ensure it drives smooth is worth it.

Buckman · 10-31-2005, 10:06 PM

Why not get 161's from bmwwheels.com if you want oem? Put 225's all around so you can rotate them. I think winters on 162's isn't the most wise choice. Where you are, you likely only need your winters on for 4.5 months a year anyway. Really, the 325 sport package wheels are pretty nice, not 162's, but still, very nice.

tima · 10-31-2005, 11:09 PM

I agree with Buckman. With 17s you can go to a 45 aspect ratio and maybe get a small increase of protection against potholes - which even city dwellers must cope with. Like you say - swapping out the 162s has some risk - not to mention the swapping expense twice a year. And with 17s you can go with a run-flat if you want.

The 161s are nice - don't know what other BMW 17s will fit over the SP brakes - the 159s are also nice, imo. I went the M5 replica w/ Dunlop RFTs and hope that'll get me 3 non-winter years on the Bridgestones.
.

djb · 10-31-2005, 11:18 PM

i am doing exactly the same.
one change of the rft's won't hurt.........after winter, am getting new 18in wheels for the stock 3-season Bridgestone rft's.

djb · 10-31-2005, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yaajer

I'm doing it. Just ordered a set of Pirelli SnowSport's to put on my 18's 162. I'm gonna sell the old RF's and get new wheels in the spring and save the style 162's as my backup/winters.

I hate RF's...worst idea from BMW ever. Just have a bottle of that can that is supposed to stop small holes in your tires. In the event of a very bad flat tire, call bmw assist and get a tow truck. **knock on wood**

BMW ASSIST WILL NOT TOW if you use non-runflat tires. The whole idea is they don't have to tow for FLATS with RFTs.....so if you need a tow for a non-RFT, be prepared to pay. (Alternately, AAA is much less, per year thant the difference between ONE RFT and ONE non-RFT)...and AAA WILL tow...

Yaajer · 11-01-2005, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djb

BMW ASSIST WILL NOT TOW if you use non-runflat tires. The whole idea is they don't have to tow for FLATS with RFTs.....so if you need a tow for a non-RFT, be prepared to pay. (Alternately, AAA is much less, per year thant the difference between ONE RFT and ONE non-RFT)...and AAA WILL tow...

My car insurance tows.

prolix21 · 11-01-2005, 07:51 AM

for the 4 or 5 months i run winter tires i'll just keep this in my trunk
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...tkit/index.jsp

and seriously, so what if you have to pay for a tow in a worst-case-scenario? you bought a BMW and you can't afford a tow?

10-27-2005, 07:34 PM	#1
prolix21 Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Collins iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i zsp (sold) [0.00] 2020 X3 xDrive30i [0.00]	162's + winter tires? is anyone doing this? yes yes, i know smaller wheels = better in snow, but i live in Cincinnati and seriously, winters here are so hit and miss. overall i'm having a hard time convincing myself about this winter tire thing. if i lived a few hours south it wouldn't even be an issue, however i think i live in a kind of grey area. obviously if i lived in cleveland i'd do it, but cincinnati? anyway, i've seen the m5 replica's and they are ok, but i got a 330i sport for a reason and part of it was b/c i love the wheels on this car. so what if i bought a 2nd set of 162's and put winter tires on those? i think the car really lacks something with other wheels. i don't think prying the tires off the current wheels makes much sense, or does it? is that even possible, or would the tires be damaged on removal? any comments, feedback would be greatly appreciated. thanks! -dan (somewhere in the middle of the snowbelt and summer tire land)
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-27-2005, 09:31 PM	#2
ravinxd Private 74 Rep 82 Posts Drives: '11 E92 with M-sport pkg Join Date: May 2005 Location: Coralville, IA iTrader: (0)	Only trouble with another set of 162s for winter is that there are no run-flats in the needed 18" size. You'll spend over $2k for the set-up and have to risk living without RFTs. 225/45R17 RFT Dunlop Winter M3s all around on ASA JH3 rims from tirerack may be the value ~$1200.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-28-2005, 02:31 PM	#3
prolix21 Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Collins iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i zsp (sold) [0.00] 2020 X3 xDrive30i [0.00]	what is the reality of having my summer tires taken off and winter tires put on the existing 162's? would this damage the summer tires? i know they aren't rft's, but i just can't seem to find wheels i like that much for winter. i'm kinda picky, and for all i know it could snow 1 or 2 days this winter and i'm wonder if its even worth it. i know the tire compound reacts poorly to cold, but still its not exactly extreme winters here.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-28-2005, 02:41 PM	#4
Mark Administrator 6724 Rep 4,201 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 1 Series M ... [8.34]	The big issue I see with that is that 18" is pretty low profile and not the most ideal for a snow tire. Remeber when the snow falls and you have to plow through it, probably 1/4 of the rim itself would be covered in snow with an 18" wheel, the 16s or 17s would be alot more useful. Then again, it depends on what conditions you expect to be driving on, if you will not be actually driving through thick snow then its obviously less of a problem and all-seasons may be better. __________________ BMW 1M. BMW M2. BMW M2.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-28-2005, 02:49 PM	#5
prolix21 Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Collins iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i zsp (sold) [0.00] 2020 X3 xDrive30i [0.00]	it would be rare that i'd be doing that in this area. i live downtown so the streets and freeways are usually cleared fairly quickly. i found some Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport tires that are the same size as OEM. would be a little over 700 for tires. i just have a hard time blowing 1-2k on wheels i may not even need. i can eat 700 more easily, i just don't know how feasable swapping tires on the rims are, and if i can re-mount my re0505a's come spring.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-28-2005, 03:23 PM	#7
Mark Administrator 6724 Rep 4,201 Posts Drives: 1M Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 1 Series M ... [8.34]	Just make sure to find a good tire installer so that your wheels don't get scratched up with the repeated tire changes __________________ BMW 1M. BMW M2. BMW M2.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-28-2005, 03:26 PM	#8
Yaajer First Lieutenant 42 Rep 308 Posts Drives: ActiveHybrid 3, X5 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Madison, WI iTrader: (4)	I'm doing it. Just ordered a set of Pirelli SnowSport's to put on my 18's 162. I'm gonna sell the old RF's and get new wheels in the spring and save the style 162's as my backup/winters. I hate RF's...worst idea from BMW ever. Just have a bottle of that can that is supposed to stop small holes in your tires. In the event of a very bad flat tire, call bmw assist and get a tow truck. knock on wood
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-28-2005, 03:29 PM	#9
prolix21 Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Collins iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i zsp (sold) [0.00] 2020 X3 xDrive30i [0.00]	thanks guys, i'll have to call around to some shops and see what they think. there are some good import/performance shops around here i may try. fingers crossed i posted over at bimmerfest as well and Gary @Tirerack said the same thing, provided I can find a decent shop that knows what they are doing I appreciate the feedback!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-31-2005, 08:15 AM	#10
prolix21 Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Collins iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i zsp (sold) [0.00] 2020 X3 xDrive30i [0.00]	After thinking about this more with various people I think I may end up buying a 2nd set of 162's and having winters put on those. May seem like overkill but talking to people it seems I'm running a risk of ruining my summer tires by having them mounted/unmounted every 6 months. I mean, if they break the bead on one tire then I'm pretty screwed and those re050's are expensive. Could end up having to buy new tires if the installer screws up, so maybe 2grand up front saves me money in the long run. The reason I want to stick with BMW oem wheels is b/c I've had terrible luck in the past with aftermarkets, mainly the ASA wheels everyone seems to like. I had a set on a Camry I had during university and the amount of time and money I spent on tires and attempts at getting them properly balanced was a nightmare. It was a horrible experience and if another 500 or so $ gets me high quality BMW wheels then its worth it. I spent 43k on my car so 2grand to ensure it drives smooth is worth it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-31-2005, 10:06 PM	#11
Buckman Private First Class 29 Rep 115 Posts Drives: '22 X5 M50i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Texas iTrader: (1)	Why not get 161's from bmwwheels.com if you want oem? Put 225's all around so you can rotate them. I think winters on 162's isn't the most wise choice. Where you are, you likely only need your winters on for 4.5 months a year anyway. Really, the 325 sport package wheels are pretty nice, not 162's, but still, very nice.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-31-2005, 11:09 PM	#12
tima Custom User Title 17 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 330i ZSP/TiAg/Blk Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I agree with Buckman. With 17s you can go to a 45 aspect ratio and maybe get a small increase of protection against potholes - which even city dwellers must cope with. Like you say - swapping out the 162s has some risk - not to mention the swapping expense twice a year. And with 17s you can go with a run-flat if you want. The 161s are nice - don't know what other BMW 17s will fit over the SP brakes - the 159s are also nice, imo. I went the M5 replica w/ Dunlop RFTs and hope that'll get me 3 non-winter years on the Bridgestones. . __________________ tima get off the phone and drive
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-31-2005, 11:18 PM	#13
djb New Member 5 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2009 DCT M3 Sedan-JzBlk/FxRd Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	go for it... i am doing exactly the same. one change of the rft's won't hurt.........after winter, am getting new 18in wheels for the stock 3-season Bridgestone rft's.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-01-2005, 07:51 AM	#16
prolix21 Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Collins iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i zsp (sold) [0.00] 2020 X3 xDrive30i [0.00]	for the 4 or 5 months i run winter tires i'll just keep this in my trunk http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...tkit/index.jsp and seriously, so what if you have to pay for a tow in a worst-case-scenario? you bought a BMW and you can't afford a tow?
	Appreciate 0 Quote