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[rcw119]

I've searched and read and I think I'm getting some good information from the forum, so thanks. However, I want to confirm before I get started...

Is it acurate that the stock tires on my ordered 335i with the sport package will not be good for a winter here in Chicago The 335i is a 3rd car and I don't plan to drive it on snowy days, but if it is a nice clear day and the roads are dry in February, I'd love to take it for a spin. Is this not possible? I've heard them referred to as "hockey pucks" in the freezing temperatures. Advice please.

If that feedback is true, I guess that means that I'll need to get a winter setup. I seem to gather from reading that the Sport Edition A7 17" with Blizzack LM-25s would be a decent setup. Agree?

Thanks again for a great forum. I'm looking forward to my first BMW.

[BMdblU]

You shouldn't be on summer tires during anywhere near freezing temps. Very dangerous.

The LM-25's are a great choice as they do very well on dry roads. I have them 225/40/18 and love them.

[DrGP]

Originally Posted by BMdblU

You shouldn't be on summer tires during anywhere near freezing temps. Very dangerous.

The LM-25's are a great choice as they do very well on dry roads. I have them 225/40/18 and love them.

As long as the roads are clear and you don't drive aggressively you should be OK for an occasional local drive. Yes, the summer tires due turn into the consistency of a hockey puck under 40 degrees and get increasingly harder as the temp drops.

[IDreamofBimmers]

Originally Posted by BMdblU

You shouldn't be on summer tires during anywhere near freezing temps. Very dangerous.

The LM-25's are a great choice as they do very well on dry roads. I have them 225/40/18 and love them.

do you keep them year round?
I'm debating on whether or not I should get them, or go for something like the Pzero Nero M&S...

[tintivilus]

Originally Posted by rcw119

Is it acurate that the stock tires on my ordered 335i with the sport package will not be good for a winter here in Chicago The 335i is a 3rd car and I don't plan to drive it on snowy days, but if it is a nice clear day and the roads are dry in February, I'd love to take it for a spin. Is this not possible? I've heard them referred to as "hockey pucks" in the freezing temperatures. Advice please.

If the pavement is clear and dry you're not likely to kill yourself, but if you hit wet pavement in near-freezing temperatures with summer tires you're in for a world of hurt. Once you hit 40-degrees-ish you'll be fine, so sunny February days would probably be okay if you don't try anything crazy.

Winter tires probably aren't worth the hassle if it's not your daily driver and you're careful not to get caught with your pants down.

That said, a 335i with winter performance tires (I have Dunlop Winter Sport M3 DSST's) is still great fun to drive and quite competent in nasty weather.

almost forgot: welcome, and enjoy your new car