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View Poll Results: Which tire?
Pirelli Sottozero Serie II 1 9.09%
Michelin Alpin PA3 5 45.45%
Dunlop SP Wintersport 3D 2 18.18%
Continental ExtremeWinter 3 27.27%
Voters: 11. You may not vote on this poll

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      10-03-2012, 04:32 PM   #1
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E90 Winter Tires - Pirelli/Dunlop/Michelin/Conti (Poll)

So, with the first flakes of winter (which sadly fell last night in a quickly disappearing dusting) thoughts turn to winter tires.

Driving a 2009 E90 (328 xi). Using the stock 16" rims for this purpose.

In Calgary, we can get snow (and lots at times)...but it usually doesnt last - melting either via a sudden chinook or the heavy use of road salt - meaning that most driving is probably on dry pavement, but there are certainly times I'll need something softer than an all season or all weather.

Looking at 4 options, opinions please:

1 Pirelli Sottozero Serie II
2 Michelin Alpin PA3
3 Dunlop SP Wintersport 3D
4 Continental ExtremeWinter
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      10-05-2012, 01:44 PM   #2
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Really? no other opinions around this place? ...and here i thought y'all was a bunch of know-it-alls.....
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      10-06-2012, 03:40 PM   #3
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I'm looking at the Michelins or Dunlops, but there are e few new models this year with no reviews.
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      10-06-2012, 06:31 PM   #4
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I used the Contis on my A4 and they were excellent. I narrowed them from a 235 to a 215 for that particular car. Those tires, with quattro, were exceptional in the snow here in Detroit, and we had a bit more snow last winter.
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      10-06-2012, 08:01 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by myzmak View Post
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Really? no other opinions around this place? ...and here i thought y'all was a bunch of know-it-alls.....
Lol. I would've chimed in, but I'm a blizzak man, myself, and I wasn't provided with the option.
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      10-06-2012, 10:02 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bronze View Post
I used the Contis on my A4 and they were excellent. I narrowed them from a 235 to a 215 for that particular car. Those tires, with quattro, were exceptional in the snow here in Detroit, and we had a bit more snow last winter.
how were they in the dry? of my list, they were the ones i was worried about being too much of a snow and ice tire.
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      10-06-2012, 10:05 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by FormerRotor View Post
Lol. I would've chimed in, but I'm a blizzak man, myself, and I wasn't provided with the option.
i've heard negative things about the blizzaks...you like them i assume?
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      10-06-2012, 11:42 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by myzmak
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bronze View Post
I used the Contis on my A4 and they were excellent. I narrowed them from a 235 to a 215 for that particular car. Those tires, with quattro, were exceptional in the snow here in Detroit, and we had a bit more snow last winter.
how were they in the dry? of my list, they were the ones i was worried about being too much of a snow and ice tire.
They were fine on dry pavement. I could hear them but they were no worse than a slightly worn sport tire. I'm disappointed they don't come in 18s because shopping for winter tires myself.
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      10-07-2012, 09:06 AM   #9
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i've heard negative things about the blizzaks...you like them i assume?
I do, but I think it all depends on what qualities your looking for. I'm a RWD guy(always have been), so my largest concern is that I will have traction in the worst scenarios. I'm perfectly happy sacrificing noise (for example) in exchange for not getting stuck at the middle of a hill in traffic during an ice storm.

If you had to list your priorities...
-tread wear
-road noise (dry)
-road noise (wet)
-handling (dry)
-handling (wet)
-traction (snow)
-traction (ice)
...in what order would they fall?

You'll almost inevitably be happier with most winter performance tires than with all-seasons (if that's what youre coming from) as long as road noise and tread wear aren't your top priorities.
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      10-07-2012, 10:44 AM   #10
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I like my Dunlop 3D's. I'm in Minneapolis MN and it sounds like I drive in similar conditions to you. Most of the time it's on dry pavement, but there are times when the roads are snow covered.

I would have purchased General Altimax Arctic tires if they made them in 18's.
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      10-07-2012, 01:32 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FormerRotor View Post
I do, but I think it all depends on what qualities your looking for. I'm a RWD guy(always have been), so my largest concern is that I will have traction in the worst scenarios. I'm perfectly happy sacrificing noise (for example) in exchange for not getting stuck at the middle of a hill in traffic during an ice storm.

If you had to list your priorities...
-tread wear
-road noise (dry)
-road noise (wet)
-handling (dry)
-handling (wet)
-traction (snow)
-traction (ice)
...in what order would they fall?

You'll almost inevitably be happier with most winter performance tires than with all-seasons (if that's what youre coming from) as long as road noise and tread wear aren't your top priorities.
well, to start certainly not looking at all seasons. debate is winter performance or studless ice and snow. plan is for winter performance (which all the tires but the contis on my list call themselves) but was interested if other opinions.

that said, to hit your priorities:
- handling dry
- traction snow
- traction ice
- road noise (either)
- treadwear

we dont get heavy rain here in winter so...handling wet is between dry and snow. often the same thing.
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      10-07-2012, 06:17 PM   #12
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With those priorities (and considering you have an AWD) my suspicion is that you will opt for the Michelins (or maybe the Dunlops). If you haven't already, check out the tire rack survey results as they show where the strengths are of the different options...
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...sp?type=W&VT=C

With my car putting down 420+ lb/ft of torque to only the rears (tune), I opt for the Blizzak LM-60s because they tend to be the best when I need them to be (times where traction would otherwise be tough to find). I had the 335d out in complete ice last year as well as light powder and slush, and didn't have any issues even when stopping on steep inclines. I think if I had an AWD vehicle, I may opt for the Michelin PILOT Alpins (note: not the Primacy Alpins which are completely different tires), but I'm pretty faithful to the Blizzaks because they've kept me safe (and let me have a ton of fun doing it) year over year, car after car.

When it comes down to it, you should be good with any of the tires you listed. Personally, I just like the extra assurance in case I hit that random bit of black ice around a turn or need to brake/accelerate suddenly in a safety situation. FWIW, the evo and STI guys I know run Blizzaks, too (they like to make sure that they will never get passed or outmaneuvered in in inclement weather). They won't be as sporty as some of the other options in the dry, but the sidewalls are still pretty stiff (especially if you are running RFTs), so I think you would be fine.

Best of luck with your decision. Hopefully some others bearing experience with the tires on your list chime in. Have fun & stay safe out there!

EDIT: Sorry, I typed this before realizing that many of these tires do not offer 16" sizes. Not sure what kind of driving you do, but don't forget to look at the speed ratings. Good luck!
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Last edited by FormerRotor; 10-07-2012 at 06:26 PM.. Reason: Tire size
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      10-10-2012, 10:33 PM   #13
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My MB C300 4M had Blizzaks - no problems at all, even with a staggered setup.

With the E90, I opted to go with runflats, decided on the Pirelli Sottozero Serie II W210 (lower speed rating and not XL).

I was initially set on the Pirelli Sottozero Serie II W240 (non runflat), XL load rating, higher speed rating. Many Porsche owners use them.

Based on your options, you picked performance winter tires and any one would work well.
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      10-11-2012, 12:29 AM   #14
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Here is my Canadian experience. Took my 335i rwd to Costco for winter tyres. Insisted on Bridgestone, because they were running promotions and the price was low by comparison. However the technician insisted on finding a better alternative. And then I was home for another round of searching homework. Finally landedyself a set of alpin PA3, superb performance. Was back and forth from Vancouver to whistler, even during the Christmas season, the little bummer shines! I could be biased on my limited experience, for many choose Bridgestone, I understand for its mass production and therefore competitive price. However, the European companies just know how to live with the days that need to be spent on the Alps in a sports car! Also, The new PA4 is out so you might be lucky to find a closeout deal for PA3. Good luck!
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      10-11-2012, 07:54 AM   #15
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Quote:
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Here is my Canadian experience. Took my 335i rwd to Costco for winter tyres. Insisted on Bridgestone, because they were running promotions and the price was low by comparison. However the technician insisted on finding a better alternative. And then I was home for another round of searching homework. Finally landedyself a set of alpin PA3, superb performance. Was back and forth from Vancouver to whistler, even during the Christmas season, the little bummer shines! I could be biased on my limited experience, for many choose Bridgestone, I understand for its mass production and therefore competitive price. However, the European companies just know how to live with the days that need to be spent on the Alps in a sports car! Also, The new PA4 is out so you might be lucky to find a closeout deal for PA3. Good luck!
I almost made a bunch of jokes about "Canadian experience" and "Vancouver" (uhhh....that isn't really winter dudes....) but you saved it with Whistler.

Anyway, thanks for the feedback.

I'm probably 50-50 between the Michelins and the Pirellis....

(and as this thread goes on, we again got a bit of overnight snow....which will all melt in about 2 hours but still....guess i'll have to make a decision sooner or later here)
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      10-11-2012, 07:58 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drevil2k2 View Post
My MB C300 4M had Blizzaks - no problems at all, even with a staggered setup.

With the E90, I opted to go with runflats, decided on the Pirelli Sottozero Serie II W210 (lower speed rating and not XL).

I was initially set on the Pirelli Sottozero Serie II W240 (non runflat), XL load rating, higher speed rating. Many Porsche owners use them.

Based on your options, you picked performance winter tires and any one would work well.
Those are the exact Pirellis I am looking at (don't need spped rating beyond H...probably dont even need that!).

Am going non-runflat (after a LOOOOONG/bad experience with my summer tires this year probably caused, at least in part, by fact they were RFTs...but that is all in another thread)

I take it the Pirellis are working for you?
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      10-11-2012, 11:10 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by myzmak View Post
So, with the first flakes of winter (which sadly fell last night in a quickly disappearing dusting) thoughts turn to winter tires.

Driving a 2009 E90 (328 xi). Using the stock 16" rims for this purpose.

In Calgary, we can get snow (and lots at times)...but it usually doesnt last - melting either via a sudden chinook or the heavy use of road salt - meaning that most driving is probably on dry pavement, but there are certainly times I'll need something softer than an all season or all weather.

Looking at 4 options, opinions please:

1 Pirelli Sottozero Serie II
2 Michelin Alpin PA3
3 Dunlop SP Wintersport 3D
4 Continental ExtremeWinter
I run the Pirelli on one car and Blizzaks on the other. The pirelli is more a dry cold highway tire on hard pack snow or sanded ice. Love the performance on this condition. Blizzaks are nice with soft deep snow. If I lived in Calgary, I would be using the Pirelli because you guys have weather all over the place.
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      10-12-2012, 07:21 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vreimann View Post
I run the Pirelli on one car and Blizzaks on the other. The pirelli is more a dry cold highway tire on hard pack snow or sanded ice. Love the performance on this condition. Blizzaks are nice with soft deep snow. If I lived in Calgary, I would be using the Pirelli because you guys have weather all over the place.
thanks. 'preciate the advice.
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      10-13-2012, 01:53 PM   #19
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      10-18-2012, 12:32 PM   #20
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Got me the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3. Great ride on dry/ wet roads. Very quiet and smooth. Even better traction, much quieter than the stupid Bridgestone summer RFlats. No traction issues in little to mid snow especially with xdrive. Opted for non-run flats.
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      10-20-2012, 08:08 PM   #21
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thanks.
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      10-21-2012, 07:54 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by myzmak View Post
Those are the exact Pirellis I am looking at (don't need spped rating beyond H...probably dont even need that!).

Am going non-runflat (after a LOOOOONG/bad experience with my summer tires this year probably caused, at least in part, by fact they were RFTs...but that is all in another thread)

I take it the Pirellis are working for you?
Well, there was a delay in shipping, so the Pirelli snows won't be mounted until later on this month. The car is still under warranty, so for now, will stick with OEM required tires = runflats. Don't want a reason for BMW to not fix and drivetrain related issues. You hear these "stories" about differentials being damaged due to a blow out with a non RFT.
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