Type 161 as Winter Wheels

r32e90 · 09-15-2006, 09:10 AM

Question-
What is everyone's opinion of using 225/45 - 17 Dunlop M3 DSST winter tires on both the 8" front rim and 8.5" rear rim on a set of 161 staggered wheels? Tirerack stated that a 225 width tire will fit on a 8.5" wheel. The narrow tire (225), I am told, will aid in winter traction.
I assume that the rear 8.5" wheel will not work on the front. I would like to be able to rotate the wheels as the tires would all be the same width.

Any opinions or answer are appreciated.

Thanks!

dzenno · 09-15-2006, 10:04 AM

Great question! I'd like to know as well so I can get rid of my 16'' winters....

Vise · 09-15-2006, 11:14 AM

I'm planning on using my stock 161s for winter tires as well (in the process of ordering 19" CSLs), but was going to get winters in the same dimensions (F:225/45/17 R: 255/40 R17) as stock. Not sure how much I'd save if I went with 225/45/17 all around but would be interested if its possible.

remmib · 09-15-2006, 01:32 PM

225/45-17 all around will work fine, not sure how many wintertire there is in 255/40-17. I think it's easier to find wintertires in 225/45-17

dzenno · 09-15-2006, 01:52 PM

I heard from someone that wider tires are not as good in the snow as narrower ones...don't know how that would be true

Vise · 09-15-2006, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dzenno

I heard from someone that wider tires are not as good in the snow as narrower ones...don't know how that would be true

This is true... the skinnier tire cuts through the snow and allows for better traction, whereas a wider tire tends to float on the snow. Its proven from winter rally racing that a skinny tire is better in the snow, but considering the winters in Toronto (ie. one day of snowy roads out of every 3 weeks) I'm not too worried about that. What I'd like to know is if it would be better to use the same size tire as stock or stretch a 225/45/17 over the 8.5" rim.

Park2670 · 09-15-2006, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vise

This is true... the skinnier tire cuts through the snow and allows for better traction, whereas a wider tire tends to float on the snow. Its proven from winter rally racing that a skinny tire is better in the snow, but considering the winters in Toronto (ie. one day of snowy roads out of every 3 weeks) I'm not too worried about that. What I'd like to know is if it would be better to use the same size tire as stock or stretch a 225/45/17 over the 8.5" rim.

We did this exact thing today with a customers car. He put on 225s all the way around on his stock 325 sport wheels. The rears are streched a little bit, but nothing that looks out of place.

r32e90 · 09-15-2006, 11:11 PM

Thanks for all the quick responses. It looks like I will go with the 225/45-17 all around.
Any ideas on rotating the 8.5" from rear to the front and vise versa?
Thanks again.

09-15-2006, 09:10 AM	#1
r32e90 Private 40 Rep 59 Posts Drives: E92 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	Type 161 as Winter Wheels Question- What is everyone's opinion of using 225/45 - 17 Dunlop M3 DSST winter tires on both the 8" front rim and 8.5" rear rim on a set of 161 staggered wheels? Tirerack stated that a 225 width tire will fit on a 8.5" wheel. The narrow tire (225), I am told, will aid in winter traction. I assume that the rear 8.5" wheel will not work on the front. I would like to be able to rotate the wheels as the tires would all be the same width. Any opinions or answer are appreciated. Thanks!
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09-15-2006, 10:04 AM	#2
dzenno Banned 298 Rep 5,876 Posts Drives: Join Date: Feb 2006 iTrader: (1)	Great question! I'd like to know as well so I can get rid of my 16'' winters....
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09-15-2006, 11:14 AM	#3
Vise Captain 33 Rep 888 Posts Drives: Porsche GT3 RS Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (7) Garage List 2011.75 E90 M3 [10.00]	I'm planning on using my stock 161s for winter tires as well (in the process of ordering 19" CSLs), but was going to get winters in the same dimensions (F:225/45/17 R: 255/40 R17) as stock. Not sure how much I'd save if I went with 225/45/17 all around but would be interested if its possible.
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09-15-2006, 01:32 PM	#4
remmib General 1596 Rep 29,218 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	225/45-17 all around will work fine, not sure how many wintertire there is in 255/40-17. I think it's easier to find wintertires in 225/45-17 __________________ F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White \| HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 \| Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 \| KW V3 Coilover \| M5 Front Sway Bar + M550d Rear Sway Bar \| 3DDesign Front Lip \| BMW M Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW M Performance Diffuser \| BMW M Performance Black Grills \| BMW M Performance Pedals \|
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09-15-2006, 01:52 PM	#5
dzenno Banned 298 Rep 5,876 Posts Drives: Join Date: Feb 2006 iTrader: (1)	I heard from someone that wider tires are not as good in the snow as narrower ones...don't know how that would be true
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09-15-2006, 11:11 PM	#8
r32e90 Private 40 Rep 59 Posts Drives: E92 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the quick responses. It looks like I will go with the 225/45-17 all around. Any ideas on rotating the 8.5" from rear to the front and vise versa? Thanks again.
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