|
|
|
|
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT E90POST BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER, THANKS! |
|
BMW Garage | BMW Meets | Register | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
|
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
>
Question About Winter Tires/Wheels
|
|
Wheels and Tires forum Sponsored by The Tire Rack
Please help to directly support e90post by doing your tirerack shopping from the above link. For every sale made through the link, e90post gets sponsor support to keep the site alive. Disclaimer |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
11-04-2012, 10:41 PM | #1 |
Captain
66
Rep 910
Posts |
Question About Winter Tires/Wheels
Coming from So Cal, I've never experienced driving in snow and I have some questions.
1. Why do people use smaller wheels during the winter opposed to summer? I've seen people use 19' during summer and then use like 17' and 18' during winter. 2. What is the best winter tire available? 3. Where can you buy them relatively cheap? THANKS!
__________________
There are only two types of cars in the world; BMW and the Rest
|
11-04-2012, 10:47 PM | #2 |
E9X > Everything
60
Rep 742
Posts |
Smaller wheels give you bigger tires. Bigger tires help in the snow. People don't really want their nice rims driving through snow and slush, either.
Best is subjective. I hear Blizzaks are good. You can't really go wrong. Tirerack has good prices on many different brands. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-04-2012, 10:49 PM | #3 |
Captain
23
Rep 717
Posts |
People go smaller on their winter setup to save money.
I recommend you check out tirerack.com to build your own winter setup. You can see some winter tire testing here: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...let?perfType=W |
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 08:27 AM | #4 | |
Brigadier General
55
Rep 3,606
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 08:31 AM | #5 | |
Lieutenant General
5776
Rep 17,879
Posts |
Quote:
When I lived in the Rockies my winter setup was a 16" wheel with Blizzaks |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 08:59 AM | #6 |
Brigadier General
55
Rep 3,606
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 09:13 AM | #7 |
First Lieutenant
54
Rep 373
Posts |
Some confusing answers here. Let me try to clarify:
1. People generally go with smaller diameter wheels so that the tire can have a taller sidewall and stilll have the same overall rolling diameter. The reason is that in the winter the roads tend to be more potholes, and they can be difficult to see under the slush, and hence you are more likely to hit potholes at speed. Going with a taller sidewall provides more cushion for the wheel from the impact of the pot hole, and hence the rim is less likely to be damaged. People also go with smaller width tires than in summer because it gives better grip in snow and slush. 2 & 3 - go to tirerack.com and do some research. First question to you is run-flats or regular tires? Also consider the amount of snow that you get in your area and the terrain - I would recommemd a different tire if you are driving up to the ski resorts in CO as opposed to commuting around NYC. Your profile says you are in San Diego, but I expect you are asking these questions becaise you'll be driving elsewhere.
__________________
F83 M4 convertible, F15 X5 xDrive35i
Previous: E93 335i, E36 328iC, E28 528e, E21 320i |
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 10:36 AM | #8 | |
Captain
66
Rep 910
Posts |
Quote:
So what is the preferred diameter of the wheel and type of tires for upstate new york driving. (I'm expecting heavy snowfall)
__________________
There are only two types of cars in the world; BMW and the Rest
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 11:06 AM | #9 |
Lieutenant Colonel
99
Rep 1,597
Posts |
Isn't 17" minimum on our cars?
__________________
BEFORE: 130i N52 (2006-2011)
NOW: 335xi N55 (2011- ) |
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 11:20 AM | #11 | |
Colonel
2015
Rep 2,661
Posts |
Quote:
The smaller diameter helps prevent snow build-up in wheel wells and also prvides wheel protection on icy uneven roads. Also, the winter tire compound is softer and designed to maintain optimal grip in cold temps unlike summer tires that become stiff below 40-45 deg and losses their handling performance 2. What is the best winter tire available? The best is subjective since there are studded and stud-less tires available. Generally in USA most folks use stud-less unless you live in an area is covered in snow and ice for months. I personally use Bridgestone LM-25 in PA. I believe they are winter performance tire optimized for dry winter road handling (stiffer sidewall + cold weather rubber compund). 3. Where can you buy them relatively cheap? I would look for used sets on this forum for best value. If you are looking for a new set I would check out Tirerack. My tires are 225/45 R17 all around mounted on R17/7.5 wheels. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 11:31 AM | #12 |
Lieutenant Colonel
99
Rep 1,597
Posts |
Ah ok! Just wondering...
I drive my 193m 18" wheels in winter... But these 225/255 combination winter tires is killing my budget...
__________________
BEFORE: 130i N52 (2006-2011)
NOW: 335xi N55 (2011- ) |
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 12:01 PM | #13 |
Brigadier General
89
Rep 3,732
Posts
Drives: BMW S1000XR
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Gilbert, AZ
|
FYI...you really dont need to run a smaller diameter. I used 18's on my 135 and will be using the same size on my 335. It is a non-staggered set up on stock wheels b/c I did not want to buy another set. I prefer Bridgestone's so I bought the LM 60's for this Winter. The WS 60's on my 135 were a bit overkill last year since we did not have much snow (one blizzard). Tirerack.com - fast delivery and good pricing. GL
__________________
BMWCCA member |
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 12:53 PM | #14 | |
Captain
66
Rep 910
Posts |
Quote:
Should I purchase 18' or 17'? Or just buy winter tires for 19'?
__________________
There are only two types of cars in the world; BMW and the Rest
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 01:12 PM | #15 |
Brigadier General
55
Rep 3,606
Posts |
The cost of wheels and winters in 17" or 18" would equal the cost of 19" winter tires...plus there is change over. If you have a dedicated set you can change them yourself.
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 01:19 PM | #16 | |
Brigadier General
55
Rep 3,606
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 01:40 PM | #17 |
Brigadier General
89
Rep 3,732
Posts
Drives: BMW S1000XR
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Gilbert, AZ
|
I would buy a used set of 18's, the cost shouldnt be much different per the other post. I was lucky, had a set of stock wheels sitting in storage.
__________________
BMWCCA member |
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 03:52 PM | #18 |
E9X > Everything
60
Rep 742
Posts |
Of course narrower tires are better. I meant the aspect ratio of the sidewall. You don't want 20" low profile tires in the snow, lol. Smaller wheels = higher aspect ratios in the same space provided.
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-05-2012, 03:54 PM | #19 | |
Captain
25
Rep 741
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
Jet black e92 6mt 335xi:
18" BBS RGRs, KW v1, ESS Stage 2 flash, VRSF 7" FMIC, VRSF downpipes, JG Mods m-tech front, mtec V3 AEs, BMS OCC, hardwired valentine 1, p3cars gauge, amber delete, sport seats, factory oil cooler. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-06-2012, 12:56 PM | #20 |
Moderator
369
Rep 4,745
Posts |
krnet2dboi,
You will likely find that 19" winter tires are expensive and less effective in the snow conditions you'll be experiencing in upstate NY. Since this is your first "real" winter, I would suggest a more aggressive winter tire like the Blizzak WS-70 in size 225/45R17 on all four wheels. Pair them up with Sport Edition A7 or Rial Salerno wheels (or any other wheel that you like the style of) and you'll be better off than many other vehicles on the road with all season tires. I can ship them to you mounted and balanced, complete with sensors and ready to bolt on for about the same price as 19" staggered winter tires only. You'll also save some wear and tear on your summer wheels. Check out my winter sticky for a bit more info. Direct link to the winter section of our site : 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. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-07-2012, 08:57 AM | #21 |
adrenergic stimulation
45
Rep 405
Posts |
I had Dunlop Graspic DS-3's on my 325i and the thing was a beast in the snow. I live in Cleveland where the snow is treacherous and would zoom by all the cars on the highway, and I was RWD. Size was 225/45/17.
|
Appreciate
0
|
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|