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[tomob63]

I have a stock set of 17" rims with ContiProContact 225-45-17 that I want to put my winter tires on. I have been comparing the new Blizzaks to the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D's and finally the Michelin Alpin PA3.

Was a click away (Yes... on Tirerack site) from ordering SAME SIZE Blizzak LM-60's 225-45-17 and decided to run the tire selection wizard based on the model of the car this time.

Recommended size is 205-50 although I can still choose the alternate of 225-45.

Are the gains in traction that considerable , where the thinner profile tire is recommended? I realize the larger tire is pushing through more material when you run through snow, but there is also less surface area covering the road.

I don't want the tires to look too thin, as my daily setup is staggered on 189's.

Any input would be appreciated. Go Bears?

[Pyrat 2]

I'm running 215/50-17 Dunlup SP3s and am very satisfied. I have bought these same tires for my last bmw also.

[Gary@TireRack]

Originally Posted by tomob63

I have a stock set of 17" rims with ContiProContact 225-45-17 that I want to put my winter tires on. I have been comparing the new Blizzaks to the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D's and finally the Michelin Alpin PA3.

Was a click away (Yes... on Tirerack site) from ordering SAME SIZE Blizzak LM-60's 225-45-17 and decided to run the tire selection wizard based on the model of the car this time.

Recommended size is 205-50 although I can still choose the alternate of 225-45.

Are the gains in traction that considerable , where the thinner profile tire is recommended? I realize the larger tire is pushing through more material when you run through snow, but there is also less surface area covering the road.

I don't want the tires to look too thin, as my daily setup is staggered on 189's.

Any input would be appreciated. Go Bears?

I don't personally feel that there will be a large difference in snow traction between the 205/50R17 and the 225/45R17. Many go for the 225/45R17 so that they have some more width protection for the wheels to help against wheel curbing and for cosmetic appearance reasons.

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

[tomob63]

Originally Posted by Gary@TireRack

I don't personally feel that there will be a large difference in snow traction between the 205/50R17 and the 225/45R17. Many go for the 225/45R17 so that they have some more width protection for the wheels to help against wheel curbing and for cosmetic appearance reasons.

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

Gary, for the upcoming Chicago winter, I'm really torn on here.
Been on fence for making purchase for a couple days now.

Option 1: Dunlop 3D's or Blizzak LM25 non rft for my set of 17" rims (winter use only)
Option 2: Yoko Advan S4's in staggered for my 18" 189's which I just love, but they have RE050A's with 4-5/32 left on them. Pot-holes can take fillings out of my mouth. Advan S4's seem to rate a bit better at present than the Mich Pilot A/S and are less expense.

My thoughts.... Put UHP A/S on my 18"s now , and run them into late November. If I have bad experience in the snow with them, then pop for the Dunlops or Blizzaks

Thoughts ?

Want to buy today.... it's payday !

[335i_LeMans_pkgmax]

Originally Posted by Gary@TireRack

I don't personally feel that there will be a large difference in snow traction between the 205/50R17 and the 225/45R17. Many go for the 225/45R17 so that they have some more width protection for the wheels to help against wheel curbing and for cosmetic appearance reasons.

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

Gary -- I ordered a 2009 335xi Sedan with Msport package. Do you know the size of my wheels and what do you recommend I do for a set of winter tires?

Thanks sorry to thread jack or anything but I would rather post in here than create a new thread that is generally the same question.

[tomob63]

Went with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus... based on reviews on Tirerack.

Will get snows, LM-60's if really needed, come December.

[Borsig]

You'll like the AS plus...

I run them.. Theyre a bad ass tire man... Grippy as hell for an all season!

[tomob63]

Originally Posted by Borsig

You'll like the AS plus...

I run them.. Theyre a bad ass tire man... Grippy as hell for an all season!

TireRack rocks
Submitted order at 1:30 pm and tires have a UPS tracking number already. Wow...

[Gary@TireRack]

Originally Posted by 335i_LeMans_pkgmax

Gary -- I ordered a 2009 335xi Sedan with Msport package. Do you know the size of my wheels and what do you recommend I do for a set of winter tires?

Thanks sorry to thread jack or anything but I would rather post in here than create a new thread that is generally the same question.

If this car uses the 18" sport package wheels, they are 18X8 up front and 18X8.5" rear.

For winter tires on those wheels you can use 225/40R18 or 235/40R18 on all four wheels to help with snow traction.

For maximum winter traction, consider the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60. For more of a balance between winter traction and dry road handling/cornering, we've had very good experience with the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D and Bridgestone Blizzak LM25. A new tire that would fall in between these three in snow traction and handling is the Blizzak LM60.

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

[mmm def]

Tirerack is AWESOME. Been buying tires for myself and my whole family for that last 15 yrs there.