[zybar]

I have the stock 17" wheels and run flats and I am in the SW suburbs of Boston.

I was thinking of grabbing a set of Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3's or Bridgestone Blizzak WS70's to mount to the stock 17" wheels. While I expect these to be a big step up from the stock tires, I am not really sure how well the run flats do in the snow and cold.

Has anybody used their stock, all-season, run flats through the winter? How did they work? Any major issues?

In the Spring I think I will move up to 18" or 19" wheels and some summer high performance tires.

Thanks,

George

[MassBimmer]

Are you sure the tires that come with the sport package are all seasons? They used to be summer performance tires that came with those wheels. If they're all seasons, dedicated snows will be an improvement but certainly not mandatory. If they're summers, you absolutely want dedicated snows

[zybar]

Originally Posted by MassBimmer

Are you sure the tires that come with the sport package are all seasons? They used to be summer performance tires that came with those wheels. If they're all seasons, dedicated snows will be an improvement but certainly not mandatory. If they're summers, you absolutely want dedicated snows

Will check this morning.

George

[ede92]

It all depends on what are on the car. Tires are the most important part of the snow traction equation no matter whether you have RWD or AWD.

My XI went like a snowmobile in the winter with my 17" Michelin PA3s. Incredible really. And you know what last winter was like.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...07&postcount=6

I have an E93 now and will use the same snow tires. It will be interesting to see how I fare with rear wheel drive only. Although I had 2 E39s set up that way before and did ok without sweaty palms.

[zybar]

Originally Posted by zybar

Will check this morning.

George

I do indeed have all season tires: ContiProContact SSR's

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ProContact+SSR


I decided that I am going to go ahead and get snow tires.

Now I just need to decide on which ones.

George

[ede92]

Ok good.

I will say one thing about the PA3s - they will not do anything on black ice. But you could drive them at 120 MPH without feeling jiggly.

So if you are going to get ice compound tires like the Blizzaks get the higher performing version. Michelin does the make the X-ICE (which I have on my Daughter's Mazda) but I think you can get higher performance Blizzaks with the ice compound rubber.

[zybar]

Originally Posted by ede92

Ok good.

I will say one thing about the PA3s - they will not do anything on black ice. But you could drive them at 120 MPH without feeling jiggly.

So if you are going to get ice compound tires like the Blizzaks get the higher performing version. Michelin does the make the X-ICE (which I have on my Daughter's Mazda) but I think you can get higher performance Blizzaks with the ice compound rubber.

Thanks for the additional info.

I am going to also head back to tire rack and see what people say there.

George

[zybar]

Went with the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3's and they will be installed next week.

Thanks for all of the assistance.

George

[ede92]

Enjoy your new car!

[SpeedyDiesel]

Congrats on the car, hopefully I'll see you driving it around this winter!

[AWD Addict]

This car will do pretty well with all seasons, but it truly dominates snow with good snows on. So if it's truly a question of need, no, you'll be fine with A/S rubber if you're careful.

If you're a driving enthusiast, I'd say get some nice speed rated performance winter tires.

[virtualbong]

Originally Posted by zybar

I do indeed have all season tires: ContiProContact SSR's

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ProContact+SSR


I decided that I am going to go ahead and get snow tires.

Now I just need to decide on which ones.

George

These were the tires I had last season and mind you...it probably has like 50-60% tread left and I was completely fine with them. I have told this story to multiple people but I drove home from Rochester, NY last year in the blizzard after Xmas and I was driving past SUVS, Trucks, etc... with no issues. Obviously I was not driving fast but the AWD and RFT All Seasons did great and I felt confident the entire time.

BUT, if you have the money and want to put snow tires on then go for it...it doesn't hurt anything except your pocket. Plus, this will motivate you to pick up some nice aftermarket wheels in the Spring

[sj22]

Originally Posted by zybar

I have the stock 17" wheels and run flats and I am in the SW suburbs of Boston.

I was thinking of grabbing a set of Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3's or Bridgestone Blizzak WS70's to mount to the stock 17" wheels. While I expect these to be a big step up from the stock tires, I am not really sure how well the run flats do in the snow and cold.

Has anybody used their stock, all-season, run flats through the winter? How did they work? Any major issues?

In the Spring I think I will move up to 18" or 19" wheels and some summer high performance tires.

Thanks,

George

As a e60 awd driver living in Boston for many years now, and working in the urbs, I would say that snow tire are a must if you have to drive on unshoveled roads for work (esp in active snowfall) or need to take backroads and highways intermittently. All seasons are good for clean big roads but absolutely fail in alleys and small roads where snow is frozen into ice.

You can't be the one zipping through unclean roads and taking highway exits at >20mph if you keep the all season tires.

Your call in the end. You wont be disappointed if you get dedicated snow tires.

[joed1]

Originally Posted by AWD Addict

This car will do pretty well with all seasons, but it truly dominates snow with good snows on. So if it's truly a question of need, no, you'll be fine with A/S rubber if you're careful.

If you're a driving enthusiast, I'd say get some nice speed rated performance winter tires.

I agree. Anything else is a compromise. If you have the extra funds to toss at winter snow tires it is well worth it.

[HT1000]

I can't imagine anyone living in New england not using proper snow tires? Snow tires not only allow you to get moving, they allow you to stop and turn.