About to buy some winter tires

CRW41 · 11-01-2010, 08:17 AM

2010 328I coupe with X drive.

I am coming from a 99 328i (rear wheel drive) that I used year round. I am in Ohio and with the old car I used Blizzacks with good results.

In Ohio the snow season last @ 3.5 months. At it's worst, it's @ 1 foot. I do alot of highway driving and I often seen SUVs in the ditch.

On the rear wheel car I never lost control, but would occaisonally loose traction - only to regain in when lifting my foot off the accelerator.

Usually I would stay 55mph or lower.

________________________

During snow season here - true packing on the roads 20% of the time, the other 80% the roads have been plowed.

Not sure what to pick.

Bridgestone Blizzacks LM-25 RFT (ggod reviews on Tire rack)

Dunlaps?

Michellin?

True dedicated snow tire?

Looking for suggestions and real time feedback from people that drive with these tires.

blimey · 11-01-2010, 12:53 PM

you cannot go wrong with x-drive and any snow tire brand sold at tirerack.

CHCCubs · 11-01-2010, 01:23 PM

I'm in a similar situation to you in that I also have xDrive and the majority of the time I drive on plowed roads.

At this point I'm leaning towards getting the Continental TS810S or Pirelli Sotto W210. Both are performance winter tires and are supposed to have good dry/wet road handling and also are decent in snow/slush. I'm avoiding the true snow tires as they tend to be really soft with compromised dry/wet road handling and I don't really plan to drive in excessive snow conditions.

MJR63 · 11-01-2010, 01:52 PM

Go with the Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 ROF. They are great tires, they handle great in dry and snow. I've had the Blizzacks on my other car and they don't handle that great on the dry pavement. The Dunlop's wear tough as nails...You will not be disappointed.

blimey · 11-01-2010, 02:41 PM

by the way... it is Dunlop

orangedawg · 11-03-2010, 12:53 PM

I'm in the same boat, looking for winter tires and not looking to spend a lot of money. Need something that can handle snow and ice, not so worried aobut performance. I think I've narrowed my choices to Conti Extreme Winter and the General Arctic studded (I can have studs in my state). The Contis test very well in Tirerack tests and are cheaper than the other alternatives. Just not sure if they will be able to stand up to a lot of snow and ice. Advice?

swartzentruber · 11-03-2010, 08:06 PM

I've been pretty happy with the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 here in the Chicago area, and I think Consumer's report just rated them as one of the top (if not the top) snow tire. I don't think they are that pricey. I will mention, though that 1ft is pretty deep snow for a performance winter, so if you do have to drive in those conditions, I'd recommend an extreme winter (whatever that category is), not a performance winter. I'd double that recommendation if your drives include hilly areas, and triple it if you drive much in icy conditions. Here in Chicago, we get fairly frequent snow, but it's rarely very deep, usually plowed pretty quickly, the terrain is flat, and we don't have icy conditions all that often (lots of salt used here), so a performance winter works well.

Agni · 11-03-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swartzentruber

I've been pretty happy with the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 here in the Chicago area, and I think Consumer's report just rated them as one of the top (if not the top) snow tire. I don't think they are that pricey. I will mention, though that 1ft is pretty deep snow for a performance winter, so if you do have to drive in those conditions, I'd recommend an extreme winter (whatever that category is), not a performance winter. I'd double that recommendation if your drives include hilly areas, and triple it if you drive much in icy conditions. Here in Chicago, we get fairly frequent snow, but it's rarely very deep, usually plowed pretty quickly, the terrain is flat, and we don't have icy conditions all that often (lots of salt used here), so a performance winter works well.

Yes, even a good pair of all seasons will suffice in Chicago. I even know a few people who run summer tires...

joed1 · 11-04-2010, 07:13 AM

Just bought these. I had them on my fwd TL, they were great. Should be even better on the X.

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D XL

JSLev04 · 11-04-2010, 10:39 PM

I'm also in search of some solid snow tires however I live in NY and tend to get a significant amount of snow in addition to making several trips to Vermont to ski...any suggestions? Would the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D's still suffice or would a dedicated snow like Blizzak WS-60 be better for my application? I dont want to sacrifice too much handling as I like to enjoy sporty driving from time to time.

MJR63 · 11-05-2010, 11:44 PM

I've had both tires (Dunlop & Blizzak's) and I have to tell you I love the Dunlops. They are great on dry pavement and in the snow. The Dunlops provide excellent handling on dry pavement vs. squishy handling with the Blizzaks.

Nikolas · 11-06-2010, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJR63

I've had both tires (Dunlop & Blizzak's) and I have to tell you I love the Dunlops. They are great on dry pavement and in the snow. The Dunlops provide excellent handling on dry pavement vs. squishy handling with the Blizzaks.

Agree, but the blizzaks are far superior on snow and ice. I've had several sets of Dunlop M3's, Blizzack MZ-01's, and most recently Blizzack Revo1 & LM60.

chowser51 · 11-06-2010, 02:02 AM

up in Cleveland here and last winter I had no trouble with my 16" setup from tirerack.

bought the 16" rial salerno wheels when they were on sale for $60 each and slapped some firestone winterforce snow tires (the cheapest they had).
i normally run 18" m3 reps with continental dws all-seasons, but i figured since i bought the snows, i might as well use them.

the snow tires ran great last year with no problems. I just reinstalled them on Monday. Just in time for tonight's snowfall. too bad i drove my wife's car to work and not mine. hoping i make it home in the morning. the roads i take are notorious for not plowing until midday during the weekends.

oh, the winterforce are a bit noisy on concrete and even asphalt though. so when the roads are dry, i crank up the volume on the radio.

joed1 · 11-06-2010, 07:58 AM

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...sp?type=W&VT=C

Drakos · 11-09-2010, 01:14 AM

I have the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R's for winter and they are abolutely awesome. Pricey but worth every penny.

The Ringer · 11-09-2010, 11:32 AM

I used General Altimax snow tires on my 2007 VW GTI and they worked great--and the best part, they're cheap! In fact, I only used them for two seasons on my VW and they still have a ton of tread left on them, and they fit my 2007 BMW 335xi, so I'll be putting them on come December. The only complaint I have (and this could be true for any snow tire, I honestly don't know) is that they are pretty spongy when it's not extremely cold. Otherwise, they handle the snow/ice very well.

-The Ringer

CHCCubs · 11-09-2010, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Ringer

The only complaint I have (and this could be true for any snow tire, I honestly don't know) is that they are pretty spongy when it's not extremely cold. Otherwise, they handle the snow/ice very well.

-The Ringer

Generally most winter tires are softer than summer or OEM all-season tires, although a performance winter tire will generally be stiffer and closer to summer or OEM all-seasons compared to a more dedicated winter tire like the ones you have.

zambonidriver · 11-17-2010, 09:59 AM

I have tried almost every brand out there on a few BMW's and an EVO. I agree the Nokians are the best in the snow but they don't perform as well in the dry as something like a blizzak LM-25, which I think are the best compromise out there for a luxury sports sedan. I think blizzaks in general are great snow tires. I snowmobile up in the UP of michigan and you would not believe the snowstorms I have driven through in a Tahoe with Blizzaks. When they are new, I think they are the best but they wear quickly and performance declines as they wear.

I had Dunlap M3's on an Evo a few years ago and they were ok but I prefer the LM-25, I think they are a little quieter as well but that could be the car. I would definitely go with a more "performance" snow tire just for the handling on dry pavement.

11-01-2010, 08:17 AM	#1
CRW41 New Member 4 Rep 14 Posts Drives: BMW E46 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	About to buy some winter tires - need some input 2010 328I coupe with X drive. I am coming from a 99 328i (rear wheel drive) that I used year round. I am in Ohio and with the old car I used Blizzacks with good results. In Ohio the snow season last @ 3.5 months. At it's worst, it's @ 1 foot. I do alot of highway driving and I often seen SUVs in the ditch. On the rear wheel car I never lost control, but would occaisonally loose traction - only to regain in when lifting my foot off the accelerator. Usually I would stay 55mph or lower. ________________________ During snow season here - true packing on the roads 20% of the time, the other 80% the roads have been plowed. Not sure what to pick. Bridgestone Blizzacks LM-25 RFT (ggod reviews on Tire rack) Dunlaps? Michellin? True dedicated snow tire? Looking for suggestions and real time feedback from people that drive with these tires.
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11-01-2010, 12:53 PM	#2
blimey Private 0 Rep 70 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: mars iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330xi [0.00]	you cannot go wrong with x-drive and any snow tire brand sold at tirerack.
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11-01-2010, 01:23 PM	#3
CHCCubs Colonel 97 Rep 2,101 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada iTrader: (0)	I'm in a similar situation to you in that I also have xDrive and the majority of the time I drive on plowed roads. At this point I'm leaning towards getting the Continental TS810S or Pirelli Sotto W210. Both are performance winter tires and are supposed to have good dry/wet road handling and also are decent in snow/slush. I'm avoiding the true snow tires as they tend to be really soft with compromised dry/wet road handling and I don't really plan to drive in excessive snow conditions. __________________ 2013 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Line Mineral Grey on Everest Grey
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11-01-2010, 01:52 PM	#4
MJR63 Lieutenant 22 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2011 335i X-Drive Sedan Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Tolland, CT iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i x-drvie [0.00]	Go with the Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 ROF. They are great tires, they handle great in dry and snow. I've had the Blizzacks on my other car and they don't handle that great on the dry pavement. The Dunlop's wear tough as nails...You will not be disappointed. Last edited by MJR63; 11-01-2010 at 03:06 PM..
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11-01-2010, 02:41 PM	#5
blimey Private 0 Rep 70 Posts Drives: e90 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: mars iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330xi [0.00]	by the way... it is Dunlop
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11-03-2010, 12:53 PM	#6
orangedawg Lieutenant 33 Rep 405 Posts Drives: 328xi Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	I'm in the same boat, looking for winter tires and not looking to spend a lot of money. Need something that can handle snow and ice, not so worried aobut performance. I think I've narrowed my choices to Conti Extreme Winter and the General Arctic studded (I can have studs in my state). The Contis test very well in Tirerack tests and are cheaper than the other alternatives. Just not sure if they will be able to stand up to a lot of snow and ice. Advice?
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11-03-2010, 08:06 PM	#7
swartzentruber Captain 32 Rep 742 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Chicago NW suburbs, IL iTrader: (0)	I've been pretty happy with the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 here in the Chicago area, and I think Consumer's report just rated them as one of the top (if not the top) snow tire. I don't think they are that pricey. I will mention, though that 1ft is pretty deep snow for a performance winter, so if you do have to drive in those conditions, I'd recommend an extreme winter (whatever that category is), not a performance winter. I'd double that recommendation if your drives include hilly areas, and triple it if you drive much in icy conditions. Here in Chicago, we get fairly frequent snow, but it's rarely very deep, usually plowed pretty quickly, the terrain is flat, and we don't have icy conditions all that often (lots of salt used here), so a performance winter works well. __________________ 2011 Jerez Black/Fox Red E90 M3 DCT, ZCP, ZCV, ZCW, ZP2, BMW Apps 2015 Golf R
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11-04-2010, 07:13 AM	#9
joed1 ED RN 19 Rep 423 Posts Drives: 2009 335xi coupe/2011 X3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Just bought these. I had them on my fwd TL, they were great. Should be even better on the X. Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D XL
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11-04-2010, 10:39 PM	#10
JSLev04 Private 1 Rep 87 Posts Drives: '07 328xi 6MT Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: South Salem, NY iTrader: (0)	I'm also in search of some solid snow tires however I live in NY and tend to get a significant amount of snow in addition to making several trips to Vermont to ski...any suggestions? Would the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D's still suffice or would a dedicated snow like Blizzak WS-60 be better for my application? I dont want to sacrifice too much handling as I like to enjoy sporty driving from time to time.
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11-05-2010, 11:44 PM	#11
MJR63 Lieutenant 22 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2011 335i X-Drive Sedan Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Tolland, CT iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i x-drvie [0.00]	I've had both tires (Dunlop & Blizzak's) and I have to tell you I love the Dunlops. They are great on dry pavement and in the snow. The Dunlops provide excellent handling on dry pavement vs. squishy handling with the Blizzaks.
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11-06-2010, 02:02 AM	#13
chowser51 Colonel 2118 Rep 2,871 Posts Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 BMW 430i xDrive [10.00]	up in Cleveland here and last winter I had no trouble with my 16" setup from tirerack. bought the 16" rial salerno wheels when they were on sale for $60 each and slapped some firestone winterforce snow tires (the cheapest they had). i normally run 18" m3 reps with continental dws all-seasons, but i figured since i bought the snows, i might as well use them. the snow tires ran great last year with no problems. I just reinstalled them on Monday. Just in time for tonight's snowfall. too bad i drove my wife's car to work and not mine. hoping i make it home in the morning. the roads i take are notorious for not plowing until midday during the weekends. oh, the winterforce are a bit noisy on concrete and even asphalt though. so when the roads are dry, i crank up the volume on the radio.
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11-06-2010, 07:58 AM	#14
joed1 ED RN 19 Rep 423 Posts Drives: 2009 335xi coupe/2011 X3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...sp?type=W&VT=C
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11-09-2010, 01:14 AM	#15
Drakos Lieutenant 68 Rep 534 Posts Drives: 2022 G42 M240i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I have the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R's for winter and they are abolutely awesome. Pricey but worth every penny.
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11-09-2010, 11:32 AM	#16
The Ringer Enlisted Member 4 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2007 335xi Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Esko, MN iTrader: (0)	I used General Altimax snow tires on my 2007 VW GTI and they worked great--and the best part, they're cheap! In fact, I only used them for two seasons on my VW and they still have a ton of tread left on them, and they fit my 2007 BMW 335xi, so I'll be putting them on come December. The only complaint I have (and this could be true for any snow tire, I honestly don't know) is that they are pretty spongy when it's not extremely cold. Otherwise, they handle the snow/ice very well. -The Ringer
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11-17-2010, 09:59 AM	#18
zambonidriver New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 335 and m3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: chicago iTrader: (0)	I have tried almost every brand out there on a few BMW's and an EVO. I agree the Nokians are the best in the snow but they don't perform as well in the dry as something like a blizzak LM-25, which I think are the best compromise out there for a luxury sports sedan. I think blizzaks in general are great snow tires. I snowmobile up in the UP of michigan and you would not believe the snowstorms I have driven through in a Tahoe with Blizzaks. When they are new, I think they are the best but they wear quickly and performance declines as they wear. I had Dunlap M3's on an Evo a few years ago and they were ok but I prefer the LM-25, I think they are a little quieter as well but that could be the car. I would definitely go with a more "performance" snow tire just for the handling on dry pavement.
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