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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wheels and Tires Forum Sponsored by The Tire Rack > 18" vs. 17" Winter Setup - Huge Difference?



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      09-24-2014, 08:22 PM   #1
Duck360198
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18" vs. 17" Winter Setup - Huge Difference?

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but this will be my first winter with my '06 330i and I feel like I want to be prepared with the proper setup. I live in Cincinnati, so we can go from having no snow all winter (2 years ago) to an annoyingly long winter with several 1" snowfalls and a couple larger hits.

I have 19s now for summer which replaced the stock 18" 162's. My initial thought was to run Blizzak's on the 18" 162s. Then I have seen some deals with 17" wheels and tires. I'd still be spending more for the 17" setup, but my biggest concern is being able to get around during the typical snowfalls. Is it so blatantly obvious that 17s are that much better than 18s? Or could I get away with Blizzaks on my 18s?

Thanks guys!
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      09-24-2014, 09:41 PM   #2
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I have a 17" set for winter, but I would use my stock 18" if I had something better for summer wheels. The only risk is larger wheels are easier to bend, but I bent 2 17" last winter, so to me it's a toss up. Just put snow tires on your 18" and you'll be fine.
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      09-29-2014, 10:07 AM   #3
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Several advantages of going with new 17s for winters:
- you can have a narrower tire and a taller profile
- you can go with a square set (as opposed to staggered) so you can rotate
- savings on tire replacement cost over the long run
- less weight

Advantage of 18s
- lower cost initially since you're only buying a set of tires since you already have wheels. (but going forward replacement 18" tires will be more than 17").
- looks perhaps. 18s generally look better than 17s (but that can be wheel specific too)
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      09-29-2014, 05:35 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inzane View Post
Several advantages of going with new 17s for winters:
- you can have a narrower tire and a taller profile
- you can go with a square set (as opposed to staggered) so you can rotate
- savings on tire replacement cost over the long run
- less weight

Advantage of 18s
- lower cost initially since you're only buying a set of tires since you already have wheels. (but going forward replacement 18" tires will be more than 17").
- looks perhaps. 18s generally look better than 17s (but that can be wheel specific too)
+ 1

Well-put
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      09-29-2014, 08:57 PM   #5
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Don't really care about looks for a winter setup to be honest with you. I'm looking at cost here but I need to get around in winter as well. If 17s are going to give me the best performance I would rather go that route.
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      09-30-2014, 10:35 AM   #6
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17" would indeed be best for winter traction. Bang for the buck, check out the Dunlop Winter Maxx and Yokohama IceGuard. Top choices regardless of price would include the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 and Michelin Xice Xi3.


Winter http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...nter/index.jsp
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      10-04-2014, 11:17 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Duck360198 View Post
Don't really care about looks for a winter setup to be honest with you. I'm looking at cost here but I need to get around in winter as well. If 17s are going to give me the best performance I would rather go that route.
17s will give you the best price point, and slightly taller profile for greater pothole survive-ability.

I've run the last 3 winters on 225/45/17 Dunlop Winter Sport 3D's and now Blizzak LM-25s (RFT). Both great in the NJ snow, the latter distinctly better over dry winter pavement.

a
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