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[EDubs]

As we know there are staggered wheel sizes on the 335i. What would yall recommend i run for snows? I want to get Blizzaks LM-25's and now have three options:

Option 1:
Run the staggered tires on 18'' rims
225/40R18
255/35R18

most expensive

Option 2:
Run all 4 same size tires on 18" rims
225/40R18

Option3:
Run all 4 same size on 17" rims
225/45R17


if i choose option 2 or 3 will it throw my car out of "balance"? (is it ok?). Also which option will give me the best traction for this winter. Live in the Northeast about 30 mins north of the city. We see our fair share of snow but never really get dumped on.

Thanks
E

[BMWinNorthdakota]

I would go with option 3. Get a dark set of rims and throw on some winters. It will be cheaper than the 18's.

As for the balance part... I sure hope not. haha, I just bought a set of 17 inch rims with 4 studdable winter tires on them, and those too are all the same size.

[jopa489]

Option 3 wins.

Running non-staggered won't hurt the car at all (non-ZSP cars come without staggered wheels). 17s are a great size for the snow, and you'll keep your OEM ones away from all the salt/sand.

[AWM3]

Just make sure the 17 inch wheels will clear the front brake calipers.

[David9962000]

Option 3 works, the 17's are mentioned in the owners manual.

[GrandMaster_B]

I went with option 3 last winter. No problems. Less likely to bend a 17" rim on the inevitable potholes.

[pilipnoi]

Def. option 3. I'm going with Option 3 for this winter. About to pick up a set from Tire Rack.

[remmib]

All three option will work, it just depends how much you'd like to spend on winters. Option 3 will most likely be best in the snow.

[BMW335i.07]

I'm in the same situation, I will choose 17", but what is the correct offset? And will 17" always fit with the front brakes?

[chaz58]

Option 3 by a landslide. You need the extra sidewall in snow and to protect the rims in winter pothole country.

Your car will actually handle slightly better with a "square" setup - same tires front/rear. Wide tires are not your friend in the winter.

[chaz58]

Check the tire rack or your prefered vendor. They will tell you what will and will not fit your car.

FYI- try to avoid those cheaper chinese wheels that have the centering ring in them.

Originally Posted by BMW335i.07

I'm in the same situation, I will choose 17", but what is the correct offset? And will 17" always fit with the front brakes?

[UdubBadger]

option 3. either get some cheap rims from tirerack.com or buy someones used OEM 17'' rims (stock rims are heavier so they help a tiny bit in deep snow).

I'd say go with Dunlop winter sport 3D or M3's, Bridgestone Blizzaks or my favorite Goodyear Eagle Ultragrip GW3's. I got the Goodyears last year and they stick like hot glue... even in a record snowfall winter up here in Wisconsin.

[BOOSTP]

Do the 17" , dosen't throw anything out of balance. Only thing is that depending on the rim some fit and some don't (caliper clearance). I have Pirelli snow sports, love them, not noisy and perform well. Also, aftermarket rims are cheap, even alot of nice replica's available, worthwhile so the car dosen't look like crap for 5 months

[info@VMRWheels]

Definitely option 3 as long as the wheels clear the calipers. The extra side wall will definitely help protect your wheels and suspension from any of those hidden pot holes in the snow.

[Park2670]

I did option 2. Ran 235/40R18 all the way around on my OEM 162s. Thought the car did great, even with only RWD in the deep snow. Oh, on Dunlop 3Ds.