Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[Russellnyc]

Thanks Gary.

I am not in love with these wheels (I wanted SSR Comps like the ones I have on my Audi), but I've waited too long to get a winter setup as it is, so I wanted something in stock to put on before winter ends. Gary was very helpful and efficient (thanks), only two things I forgot to ask:

1.
What's the difference between LM-22s and LM-25s? On the site, it seems like 25s weren't runflats and 22s were, but that could be an accident.

2.
What's likely to be my experience in the 335i with 225/45/17 blizzaks driving on very hilly terrain. My house is at the top of a steep hill, and my driveway itself is very steep, and so my biggest fear is that my car, winter tires or not, will end up parked at the bottom of the hill. My Audi TT with non-RFT 205/50/17 Dunlop WinterSport M3s (225/45 is also the stock size) rockets up unplowed hills and driveways, but that's with AWD. What kind of performance can I reasonably expect from these Blizzaks on my RWD 335i? I was wondering if I should have gotten 205/50 and non-performance winter tires just to be sure, but this seemed like the best choice.

[E90Toad]

Don't know about your first question but I have plenty of experience driving on snow after just over 3 weeks of owning and E90 335i here in Colo. I have the same size tires and same rims and I have not been disappointed. My neighborhood is fairly hilly as well and the car has worked great. I have driven through 6-8" of new snow, on hard pack and lots of ice. Don't worry, you'll be fine as long as it doesn't get too deep.

[Russellnyc]

Originally Posted by E90Toad

Don't know about your first question but I have plenty of experience driving on snow after just over 3 weeks of owning and E90 335i here in Colo. I have the same size tires and same rims and I have not been disappointed. My neighborhood is fairly hilly as well and the car has worked great. I have driven through 6-8" of new snow, on hard pack and lots of ice. Don't worry, you'll be fine as long as it doesn't get too deep.

Thanks for the feedback. Looking forward to having these on so I can sell my other car.

[DrDomer]

I have a 335i coupe, ASA JH3 wheels, and Blizzak Runflats. I live in Iowa. Got 6 inches of snow this last week. I got around no problem. I will say that I didn't have any really steep hills to go up, so I can't comment on that. I'll also say that clearance with the bottom of the car is more of an issue than the traction for the Blizzaks. I played with the car a little in the snow and it's very stable. The real issue is watching your speed. I notice I drive a lot faster that I did in my Honda Accord. So I tend to go faster when it is snowy also (certainly not on purpose). I think the traction in my 335 is just as good as my FWD Honda. Just have to remember to watch your speed. Good luck.

EDIT: BTW.. I've gotten lots of complements on the wheels. IMHO you can't go wrong at $100 a wheel. I do prefer the stock wheels though. Can't wait for summer.

[CirrusSR22]

Bridgestone isn't too clear on the difference between the LM-22 and the LM-25. The LM-22 was introduced on 2000, while the LM-25 came out in 2004, so it's newer and possibly better. Both do offer certain sizes that are run-flat, but most are standard tires.

As for capability, the LM series certainly will be better than all-seasons. There are an infinite number of variables when it comes to winter driving, so it's impossible to say exactly what it will or won't do. Standard studdless tires are definitely better than the LM's (in snow & ice), but it's up to you to decide if the trade-offs are worth it.

[scottwww]

Don't know what all the difference are, but the LM25s are V speed rated where I think the LM22s are H rated. Check the website http://www.bridgestone-usa.com/tires...r/index_bs.asp.

Take a look at what I have on the way for my winter wheel setup. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44631

[Gary@TireRack]

Originally Posted by Russellnyc

Thanks Gary.

I am not in love with these wheels (I wanted SSR Comps like the ones I have on my Audi), but I've waited too long to get a winter setup as it is, so I wanted something in stock to put on before winter ends. Gary was very helpful and efficient (thanks), only two things I forgot to ask:

1.
What's the difference between LM-22s and LM-25s? On the site, it seems like 25s weren't runflats and 22s were, but that could be an accident.

2.
What's likely to be my experience in the 335i with 225/45/17 blizzaks driving on very hilly terrain. My house is at the top of a steep hill, and my driveway itself is very steep, and so my biggest fear is that my car, winter tires or not, will end up parked at the bottom of the hill. My Audi TT with non-RFT 205/50/17 Dunlop WinterSport M3s (225/45 is also the stock size) rockets up unplowed hills and driveways, but that's with AWD. What kind of performance can I reasonably expect from these Blizzaks on my RWD 335i? I was wondering if I should have gotten 205/50 and non-performance winter tires just to be sure, but this seemed like the best choice.

1. In this case the LM22 is a runflat, the LM25 is not. The newer LM25 is not yet made in a runflat design.

2. I'd say you made an excellent choice for available runflat winter tires as far as snow traction is concerned. While you won't have the advantage of AWD to get going in a straight line as quickly (this may be disappointing till you get used to it), stopping should be similar to your experience with the TT, with steering/cornering not too far behind it. There aren't any non-performance winter tires left in 205/50R17...the last one available were the sold-out Michelin X ice.

[David 12]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised about the traction, handling and braking with the Blizzak snow tires. I came from a front wheel drive Acura and we also have a new Lexus RX 330; the 335i with Blizzaks darn near felt like awd! I would only worry about getting high centered since the 335i is so low to the ground.

I elected to get the LM-25 tires because of the v speed rating and they also handle fairly respectably. Report back after you get them on and go through some snow.

[Russellnyc]

Thanks again for the advice, it sounds like I will be pleased.

My wheels and tires arrived yesterday evening, just in time. I drove out of state last weekend and when I came back last night, I had to drive up my steep driveway over about 1" of snow with my summer tires on. Amazingly, I was able to get up the incline with only a little bit of slip (and sidestep). I will try to mount the snows this week and will write a little review here once I get them on the snow. Even if it doesn't snow again all season, I think the increased pliability will be welcome. This cold weather has made my 18" summer tires feel slippery in dry conditions.

Once I get these snow tires on, I will be able to sell my TT (since I will no longer need it to get around) and that will leave an open slot in the garage for something fun...