Winter Tires - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

AskNiko · 05-14-2005, 11:07 AM

Hi All,
I know it is not even summer time yet, but I'm trying to think ahead and plan for the set of winter tires I will get for my E90 325i with SP.

I'm thinking of a set of 16" rims and some all weather tires that would be perfect for Kansas winters. A set that can handle snow chains in case I need them when I go snowboarding in Colorado.

Any suggestions and or known/proven combinations? Should I even consider 15" rims?

Thanks in advance.
Niko

E90Fleet · 05-14-2005, 11:15 AM

The e90 is approved for snowchains with

225/50/16
and
225/45/17

tires only

The chains are available from BMW

Jason · 05-14-2005, 11:34 AM

Niko, I've provided links below to the winter tires/wheels combination Tirerack has available for the E90. In my experience, you simply can't go wrong with the Bridgestone Blizzak tires. I'm sure others will agree.

Winter Tires/Wheels for 325i (base model)

Winter Tires/Wheels for 325i (w/ sports package)

Winter Tires/Wheels for 330i (base model)

Winter Tires/Wheels for 330i (w/ sports package)

Jason · 05-14-2005, 11:40 AM

As E90Fleet suggested, if you need something more drastic than just snow tires, BMW has chains listed as official accessories.

CnoteMD · 05-14-2005, 11:49 PM

Glad to see that there are already options for run flat snow tires. It looks like I can get a set of 17inch alloys with tires (run flat) for just under $1200.

Even more impressive is that the ASA JH3 wheel looks a lot like the 18inch sport package wheels (style 162).

Michael

AskNiko · 05-15-2005, 02:31 AM

Jwocky, E90Fleet,
Thanks for the input. Now I have to decide on whether to get 16" or 17" rims for my winter setup. The TireRack wheels and tires are awesome and the prices are very reasonable. What a gem of a site.

Niko

johnfkitchen · 05-19-2005, 09:19 PM

Tirerack has a very limited winter offering for a 330i with Sports Pack. This might be because the car is capable of very high speeds and therefore the tires are specced to these speeds.

Did I read somewhere that it is legal to put lower spec tires on a car so long as a sign is posted on the dash with a speed limit on it?

Because, quite frankly, I think it's unlikely that I'll have any desire to drive at 100+ mph in the Massachusetts winter

I'd like to have the best adhesion I can get for Massachusetts snow and ice, not race-track performance. Anyone know what my options are?

John

Armen52 · 05-20-2005, 12:33 AM

I wasn't aware that it is illegal to equip your car with tires that aren't rated for the maximum speed its capable of?

Its not legal to go over 85mph anywhere in this country anyway so its not a legal issue I think. Maybe a safety one if you can't control how fast you go.

Anyway, I don't think you will be prevented from throwing on 130mph tires onto the 330i Sport for winter tires. In fact I have difficulty believing that any winter tires are rated for 150+ mph operation.

Anyone else?

johnfkitchen · 05-20-2005, 04:26 PM

I just checked with TireRack and it's NOT a good time to go shopping for winter tires. The stock is very limited due to the time of year. Also, snow tires are not governed by the same rules as summer tires, so we will be able to use lower speed rated tires than their current listing.

Right now, the only winter option for the 330i SP is a Continental tire that is "VR" rated. VR means 130+ mph.

Put your checkbooks away until later in the year!

John

silverado · 05-26-2005, 02:56 PM

johnfkitchen,

I'm also in Massachusetts, getting the same car (1-2 days now!), was looking at the same site and found the same problem

I would definitely want run flat tires, and the only selection there is not. If you run into a good option, please post it here. I'll do the same.

batmanwagon · 05-30-2005, 04:55 PM

My dealer mentioned that he'd heard a rumor that Bridgestone was working on some run-flat winter tires for the new 3 series.

lou500 · 07-20-2005, 11:21 AM

Just took delivery of 330i with / Sport Package. I live in the NE and I need a winter wheel and tire package (this would be my first time doing so). In terms of tires, I'm a little undecided between Bridgestone Blizzaks or Pirelli 210 / 240 Snowsports or Pirelli Scottozero 210 / 240. I would fit these tires on a 17" rim and I live in a hilly area and drive sporty. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

RED325I · 07-21-2005, 12:23 PM

I would go with PIRELLIS'....I HAVE HAD FRIENDS WHO RODE ON BLIZZAKS THAT SAY THEY ARE GREAT BUT THEY WEAR REALLY FAST COMPARED TO OTHER BRANDS...SO UNLESS YOU ARE ALWAYS DRIVING ON SNOW/ICE GO WITH ANOTHER BRAND...I HAD TOYO'S AND THEY WERE AWESOME

benoitch · 07-22-2005, 12:43 PM

I've had Toyo's myself too for quite some time and never was disappointed in them. The best I've had. Although someone I know tried the Hancook and he was really satisfied too (he used to have Blizzak that wear like within the same season).

Hornet · 07-22-2005, 07:08 PM

Nokian tyres will launch their run-flat winter tyre range in september.

More info:http://www.nokiantyres.com/runflat

segfault · 07-23-2005, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hornet

Nokian tyres will launch their run-flat winter tyre range in september.

More info:http://www.nokiantyres.com/runflat

I wonder if we will get these in the US? Kumho already sells run-flats in other markets.

Jeffelite · 08-23-2005, 11:30 AM

I was curious if most people are getting new rims and tires or just buying the tires.

Anyone care to chime in? How much are you paying?

05-14-2005, 11:07 AM	#1
AskNiko Private First Class Drives: E90 325i + 4Runner Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Honolulu Posts: 86 iTrader: (0) View AskNiko's Garage	Winter Tires Hi All, I know it is not even summer time yet, but I'm trying to think ahead and plan for the set of winter tires I will get for my E90 325i with SP. I'm thinking of a set of 16" rims and some all weather tires that would be perfect for Kansas winters. A set that can handle snow chains in case I need them when I go snowboarding in Colorado. Any suggestions and or known/proven combinations? Should I even consider 15" rims? Thanks in advance. Niko

05-14-2005, 11:49 PM	#5
CnoteMD Commander in Chief Drives: 2008 BMW M5 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,033 iTrader: (0) View CnoteMD's Garage	Glad to see that there are already options for run flat snow tires. It looks like I can get a set of 17inch alloys with tires (run flat) for just under $1200. Even more impressive is that the ASA JH3 wheel looks a lot like the 18inch sport package wheels (style 162). Michael __________________ 2008 BMW M5 Space Gray, Silverstone Merino Leather, Madeira Walnut Wood Trim \| 7speed SMG \| All options Modifications: Corsa Exhaust \| RPI Ram Air Intake Scoops, Block Off Plates, BMC Air Filter, CF removed \| H&R Sport Springs \| Rogue Engineering 12mm spacers \| Valentine 1 Hardwired \| Blinder M25 Laser Jammer

07-22-2005, 12:43 PM	#14
benoitch Captain Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Great white North of Montreal Posts: 960 iTrader: (0)	I've had Toyo's myself too for quite some time and never was disappointed in them. The best I've had. Although someone I know tried the Hancook and he was really satisfied too (he used to have Blizzak that wear like within the same season). __________________ E90 SG,SP, Manual,PP,Terra http://www.benoitchampagne.com

08-23-2005, 11:30 AM	#17
Jeffelite Private First Class Drives: 335xi Coupe Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sylvania, Ohio Posts: 75 iTrader: (0)	I was curious if most people are getting new rims and tires or just buying the tires. Anyone care to chime in? How much are you paying? __________________ 330i Tit Silver, PP, SP, Cold Weather

05-14-2005, 11:15 AM	#2
E90Fleet Major General Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa Posts: 6,515 iTrader: (0)	The e90 is approved for snowchains with 225/50/16 and 225/45/17 tires only The chains are available from BMW

05-14-2005, 11:34 AM	#3
Jason Administrator Drives: 4 wheels on the bus go round.. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: IoT Posts: 6,333 iTrader: (0) View Jason's Garage	Niko, I've provided links below to the winter tires/wheels combination Tirerack has available for the E90. In my experience, you simply can't go wrong with the Bridgestone Blizzak tires. I'm sure others will agree. Winter Tires/Wheels for 325i (base model) Winter Tires/Wheels for 325i (w/ sports package) Winter Tires/Wheels for 330i (base model) Winter Tires/Wheels for 330i (w/ sports package)

05-14-2005, 11:40 AM	#4
Jason Administrator Drives: 4 wheels on the bus go round.. Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: IoT Posts: 6,333 iTrader: (0) View Jason's Garage	As E90Fleet suggested, if you need something more drastic than just snow tires, BMW has chains listed as official accessories.

05-15-2005, 02:31 AM	#6
AskNiko Private First Class Drives: E90 325i + 4Runner Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Honolulu Posts: 86 iTrader: (0) View AskNiko's Garage	Jwocky, E90Fleet, Thanks for the input. Now I have to decide on whether to get 16" or 17" rims for my winter setup. The TireRack wheels and tires are awesome and the prices are very reasonable. What a gem of a site. Niko

05-19-2005, 09:19 PM	#7
johnfkitchen First Lieutenant Drives: 323is & 330i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Eastern Massachusetts Posts: 306 iTrader: (0)	Tirerack has a very limited winter offering for a 330i with Sports Pack. This might be because the car is capable of very high speeds and therefore the tires are specced to these speeds. Did I read somewhere that it is legal to put lower spec tires on a car so long as a sign is posted on the dash with a speed limit on it? Because, quite frankly, I think it's unlikely that I'll have any desire to drive at 100+ mph in the Massachusetts winter I'd like to have the best adhesion I can get for Massachusetts snow and ice, not race-track performance. Anyone know what my options are? John

05-20-2005, 12:33 AM	#8
Armen52 Captain Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 669 iTrader: (0) View Armen52's Garage	I wasn't aware that it is illegal to equip your car with tires that aren't rated for the maximum speed its capable of? Its not legal to go over 85mph anywhere in this country anyway so its not a legal issue I think. Maybe a safety one if you can't control how fast you go. Anyway, I don't think you will be prevented from throwing on 130mph tires onto the 330i Sport for winter tires. In fact I have difficulty believing that any winter tires are rated for 150+ mph operation. Anyone else?

05-20-2005, 04:26 PM	#9
johnfkitchen First Lieutenant Drives: 323is & 330i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Eastern Massachusetts Posts: 306 iTrader: (0)	I just checked with TireRack and it's NOT a good time to go shopping for winter tires. The stock is very limited due to the time of year. Also, snow tires are not governed by the same rules as summer tires, so we will be able to use lower speed rated tires than their current listing. Right now, the only winter option for the 330i SP is a Continental tire that is "VR" rated. VR means 130+ mph. Put your checkbooks away until later in the year! John

05-26-2005, 02:56 PM	#10
silverado Captain Drives: E90 330i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 589 iTrader: (0)	johnfkitchen, I'm also in Massachusetts, getting the same car (1-2 days now!), was looking at the same site and found the same problem I would definitely want run flat tires, and the only selection there is not. If you run into a good option, please post it here. I'll do the same.

05-30-2005, 04:55 PM	#11
batmanwagon Private Drives: E90 330i Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 33 iTrader: (0)	My dealer mentioned that he'd heard a rumor that Bridgestone was working on some run-flat winter tires for the new 3 series.

07-20-2005, 11:21 AM	#12
lou500 New Member Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: USA Posts: 4 iTrader: (0)	Just took delivery of 330i with / Sport Package. I live in the NE and I need a winter wheel and tire package (this would be my first time doing so). In terms of tires, I'm a little undecided between Bridgestone Blizzaks or Pirelli 210 / 240 Snowsports or Pirelli Scottozero 210 / 240. I would fit these tires on a 17" rim and I live in a hilly area and drive sporty. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

07-21-2005, 12:23 PM	#13
RED325I Enlisted Member Drives: 325i, spt, logic Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 46 iTrader: (0)	I would go with PIRELLIS'....I HAVE HAD FRIENDS WHO RODE ON BLIZZAKS THAT SAY THEY ARE GREAT BUT THEY WEAR REALLY FAST COMPARED TO OTHER BRANDS...SO UNLESS YOU ARE ALWAYS DRIVING ON SNOW/ICE GO WITH ANOTHER BRAND...I HAD TOYO'S AND THEY WERE AWESOME

07-22-2005, 07:08 PM	#15
Hornet First Lieutenant Drives: E92 320i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Finland Posts: 385 iTrader: (0)	Nokian tyres will launch their run-flat winter tyre range in september. More info:http://www.nokiantyres.com/runflat