Which winter tire to purchase?

sexxxybimmer · 12-02-2011, 09:06 PM

Hi everyone,
I'm in the market for best set of winter tire and replica rims, Bmw Autohaus is asking $3500 + tax, i really think that's too much.
Is it cheaper to get them locally or order them off Tirerack?
Does Tirerack ship to Canada?
What are the best Tires?
Michelin Pilot Alpin Pa3?
Bridgestone Blizzak? ...
By the way i have 335i
Thank you guys in advance and best of luck
KevIn

ndog14 · 12-02-2011, 09:09 PM

I just had a set of the new Nokians put on. They are an aggressive all-season tire. Under all reviews and tests they are dominating winter performance despite being all-seasons. Check them out.

cptcrunch · 12-02-2011, 09:23 PM

You may want to search the wheel and tire forum, lots of information on winter tires. For what its worth, I have blizzak lm-60 and I miss my re050a. Not enough wet traction for my car, and have yet to see how it does in snow.

Coolieman1220 · 12-02-2011, 09:35 PM

Dunlop wintersport 3D,

good cold weather, good in snow too. not as good as a blizzack though but quieter for highway

sexxxybimmer · 12-02-2011, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coolieman1220

Dunlop wintersport 3D,

good cold weather, good in snow too. not as good as a blizzack though but quieter for highway

so u are saying blizzack is better ?

Louchie · 12-02-2011, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexxxybimmer

so u are saying blizzack is better ?

It depends. The Dunlop wintersport are a great performance winter tire. However, tires like the bridgestone blizzak WS70 are a different type of tire (studdless ice and snow). With the blizzak's you sacrifice handling and performance aspects of the tires for ability to grip in deeper snow/ice.

tomz17 · 12-03-2011, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexxxybimmer

so u are saying blizzack is better ?

Depends.. There are two types of "winter" tires.

The first use a dedicated winter compound (e.g. the WS70). These will handle the best in the snow/ice, but are limited to < 120mph and lose some grip in dry conditions.

The second are "performance" winter snow tires (e.g. the LM-60). These generally cost more and use a more traditional rubber compound with a winter tread pattern. You sacrifice a lot of snow/ice performance, but gain a few mph on the top-end and some dry handling.

I run max performance summer tires and WS70's in the winter (Rochester, NY). Never had any problems.

*Better* is subjective... I've had dedicated snow nokians and blizzaks. IMHO you can't go wrong with either!

zipstic · 12-03-2011, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sexxxybimmer

Hi everyone,
I'm in the market for best set of winter tire and replica rims, Bmw Autohaus is asking $3500 + tax, i really think that's too much.
Is it cheaper to get them locally or order them off Tirerack?
Does Tirerack ship to Canada?
What are the best Tires?
Michelin Pilot Alpin Pa3?
Bridgestone Blizzak? ...
By the way i have 335i
Thank you guys in advance and best of luck
KevIn

We need a lot more information. What are you looking for in a winter tire? Studded? Non-Studded? How much snow do you drive in? Are you more concerned about ice or snow? What size wheel are you looking to run? How many miles do you want to put on the tires?

If you're in a somewhat populated area in Canada and want a 17" setup then I would get General Altimax Arctic tires in a second. (Nokian tires are excellent, but cost a lot more. I'd skip Blizzak if you're looking to run this setup for more than a few years.)

$3,500 + tax is too much no matter what you're looking to run unless you want HRE wheels (or comparable) which would be an odd choice for winter.

Kolyan2k · 12-03-2011, 08:24 AM

don't get PA3s

EYE4SPEED · 12-03-2011, 10:09 AM

I've ran Michelin, Dunlop and now Pirelli (on my Audi). I do like the quietness and highway speed driveability (when plowed) of the Dunlop Wintersport 3D's the best. The Pirelli's are louder and it hasn't snowed yet to rate snow handling.

jmsent · 12-03-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

don't get PA3s

Because??? I have them on my car and they work great.

bdardashti · 12-03-2011, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EYE4SPEED

I've ran Michelin, Dunlop and now Pirelli (on my Audi). I do like the quietness and highway speed driveability (when plowed) of the Dunlop Wintersport 3D's the best. The Pirelli's are louder and it hasn't snowed yet to rate snow handling.

+1. I have the Dunlop 3Ds as well, and honestly for the amount of snow we get in Toronto, these are fine. I wouldn't want to sacrifice the performance for better snow drivability because these are good enough. Keep in mind that 70% of the time in winter the streets are clear (either because it's cleared or there hasn't been snow). But I have xDrive so YMMV slightly.

Kolyan2k · 12-03-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmsent

Because??? I have them on my car and they work great.

because I had them on my AWD Audi and they sucked compared to Dunlops. Thread pattern doesn't look aggressive at all compared to all other winter tires

gunnerxq · 12-03-2011, 03:20 PM

Get general altimax artic... They do get squirmy after 85 though.... Not like you have to drive that fast in the winter though

sexxxybimmer · 12-03-2011, 07:16 PM

thx for ur replies
i went to green active + and they want $1240 for Michelin pa3 and #1330 for blizzak for 225/45/17 size.
the sales person didnt like the Michelin and told me he had the on his car and he wasnt happy with it.
i want the best winter tire, non studded and im not really looking for any performance, i just dont want to get stuck in snow.
Kevin

Yvette · 12-03-2011, 07:22 PM

blizzak is for studless. One of best performance in snow/ice
I had 3 sets of them so far and love them.

ragingclue · 12-03-2011, 07:29 PM

It depends on your situation. Like others have stated, there are "performance" winter tires, which will be more than enough for RWD in non-hilly and relatively well groomed areas. Otherwise, you'll want to look into the studless category (I've found the WS-60 freaking amazing).

You don't want to overdo it though. If you go studless and end up on a clean ribbon of pavement, often times with temps above freezing, then you'll quickly figure out that they truly are dedicated to snow covered roads. They are AMAZING in the snow, but make handling feel really floaty on somewhat warmer and clear roads, and they will wear like the interior walls of a hooker's vag. The performance snows can be kinda frustrating in incredibly snowy conditions, but won't wear so bad, and will behave much better in relatively mild or well groomed winter conditions. For performance snows, I can vouch for the LM-25s and Wintersport M3s (now the 3Ds).

It depends on your specific situation.

eh?

sy2767 · 12-03-2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunnerxq

Get general altimax artic... They do get squirmy after 85 though.... Not like you have to drive that fast in the winter though

I have 4 on my car and they are fantastic for the price, i checked out the review of them on tire rack and they are highly rated. I picked mine up at CDN Tire size 225-55r16 (i think...duh) installed and balanced for under $700. Add a few $ for larger sizes.....

Rog · 12-03-2011, 08:22 PM

Kevin,
It's nice to see consumers that thinks and trys to get sound advise before they go out and spend a lot of money on something they may hate. As a former tire dealer and a former tech rep for a manufacturer, my thoughts on the matter are as follows;
If as you say "i just dont want to get stuck in snow" then purchase the Bridgestone Blizzak. You will need to remenber that that tire should not be installed until outside temps are below +5 C. At above that temp the tire wear is much higher. Under normal winter use you should get approx. 35,000 kl out of them. They will make some road noise and at highway speeds the car can feel a little loose. Remember, it's a winter tire.
All winter tire make noise and squirm at high speeds, some more then others. Personally (in my humble opinion) the best (all around) winter tire for your car is the Michelin. I've driven them all and have had to hear complaint about most of them. I've put the Michelins on my E90, I've had the wife put them on her Caddy STS and the son even installed them on him new VW. And I've never worked for Michelin one day.
Also, don't go to "green active", there are a lot better tire to deal with. Try Costco if you are looking for possibly the best price.

gunnerxq · 12-03-2011, 08:36 PM

http://www.consumersearch.com/snow-tires This should help

sexxxybimmer · 12-03-2011, 09:33 PM

u guys are awesome

Thx
going to cosco tomorrow

Rog · 12-03-2011, 09:44 PM

Kevin,
If you are in the T.O. area, try these guys. As per the web, they are having some specials on replica 3 wheels and your chose of winter tires for under $1500.00

(Car Kraze Auto), 225 ADVANCE Blvd. Unt 2
MON - Friday 9.30 - 6.30 PM
Sat 9.30 - 4 PM

Check them out and let us know that you think...

12-02-2011, 09:06 PM	#1
sexxxybimmer New Member 6 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Which winter tire to purchase? Hi everyone, I'm in the market for best set of winter tire and replica rims, Bmw Autohaus is asking $3500 + tax, i really think that's too much. Is it cheaper to get them locally or order them off Tirerack? Does Tirerack ship to Canada? What are the best Tires? Michelin Pilot Alpin Pa3? Bridgestone Blizzak? ... By the way i have 335i Thank you guys in advance and best of luck KevIn
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12-02-2011, 09:09 PM	#2
ndog14 Banned 55 Rep 1,746 Posts Drives: E90 328xi 6MT Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	I just had a set of the new Nokians put on. They are an aggressive all-season tire. Under all reviews and tests they are dominating winter performance despite being all-seasons. Check them out.
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12-02-2011, 09:23 PM	#3
cptcrunch Captain Crunch 169 Rep 547 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	You may want to search the wheel and tire forum, lots of information on winter tires. For what its worth, I have blizzak lm-60 and I miss my re050a. Not enough wet traction for my car, and have yet to see how it does in snow. __________________ On Order (in transit): BMW iX 50, Oxide Grey Retired: BMW Welt Delivery 4/14/16: European Delivery - 2016 340i EBII/Saddle - ZMP \| ZCW \| ZDA \| ZLP \| ZTP \| M Adaptive \| Rear Shades \| MPPSK Before and After Dyno Retired: 2011 335D Space Grey/Black - ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| 6FL \| Sat Radio \| Nav \| $600 Base Audio Upgrade
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12-02-2011, 09:35 PM	#4
Coolieman1220 Banned 75 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2010 335d Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York City iTrader: (0)	Dunlop wintersport 3D, good cold weather, good in snow too. not as good as a blizzack though but quieter for highway
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12-03-2011, 08:24 AM	#9
Kolyan2k Major General 970 Rep 5,555 Posts Drives: 2006 S2000 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Boston iTrader: (1)	don't get PA3s
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12-03-2011, 10:09 AM	#10
EYE4SPEED Ex-Diesel Driver 66 Rep 2,000 Posts Drives: Audi SQ5 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: West Coast... of Michigan iTrader: (22)	I've ran Michelin, Dunlop and now Pirelli (on my Audi). I do like the quietness and highway speed driveability (when plowed) of the Dunlop Wintersport 3D's the best. The Pirelli's are louder and it hasn't snowed yet to rate snow handling. __________________ FS: HRE Center Caps http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...post13972317l]
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12-03-2011, 03:20 PM	#14
gunnerxq Lieutenant Colonel 227 Rep 1,811 Posts Drives: 2015 335i xDrive 6MT Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (1)	Get general altimax artic... They do get squirmy after 85 though.... Not like you have to drive that fast in the winter though __________________ Former E90 325i: Koni special active red, eibach pro-kit springs, Remus exhaust, stage 3 intake manifold,Stage 2 AA tune, BMW Short shift kit. Silicon intake pipe. M3 control arms front, M3 rear. ECS trailing arm with whiteline bushings. Purple powerflex subframe bushings. Yellow power flex upper shock mounts. Single mass flywheel OE weight.
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12-03-2011, 07:16 PM	#15
sexxxybimmer New Member 6 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	thx for ur replies i went to green active + and they want $1240 for Michelin pa3 and #1330 for blizzak for 225/45/17 size. the sales person didnt like the Michelin and told me he had the on his car and he wasnt happy with it. i want the best winter tire, non studded and im not really looking for any performance, i just dont want to get stuck in snow. Kevin
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12-03-2011, 07:22 PM	#16
Yvette Major General 772 Rep 7,409 Posts Drives: M Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (19)	blizzak is for studless. One of best performance in snow/ice I had 3 sets of them so far and love them.
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12-03-2011, 07:29 PM	#17
ragingclue One cam is enough 136 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	It depends on your situation. Like others have stated, there are "performance" winter tires, which will be more than enough for RWD in non-hilly and relatively well groomed areas. Otherwise, you'll want to look into the studless category (I've found the WS-60 freaking amazing). You don't want to overdo it though. If you go studless and end up on a clean ribbon of pavement, often times with temps above freezing, then you'll quickly figure out that they truly are dedicated to snow covered roads. They are AMAZING in the snow, but make handling feel really floaty on somewhat warmer and clear roads, and they will wear like the interior walls of a hooker's vag. The performance snows can be kinda frustrating in incredibly snowy conditions, but won't wear so bad, and will behave much better in relatively mild or well groomed winter conditions. For performance snows, I can vouch for the LM-25s and Wintersport M3s (now the 3Ds). It depends on your specific situation. eh?
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12-03-2011, 08:22 PM	#19
Rog New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: T. O. iTrader: (0)	Kevin, It's nice to see consumers that thinks and trys to get sound advise before they go out and spend a lot of money on something they may hate. As a former tire dealer and a former tech rep for a manufacturer, my thoughts on the matter are as follows; If as you say "i just dont want to get stuck in snow" then purchase the Bridgestone Blizzak. You will need to remenber that that tire should not be installed until outside temps are below +5 C. At above that temp the tire wear is much higher. Under normal winter use you should get approx. 35,000 kl out of them. They will make some road noise and at highway speeds the car can feel a little loose. Remember, it's a winter tire. All winter tire make noise and squirm at high speeds, some more then others. Personally (in my humble opinion) the best (all around) winter tire for your car is the Michelin. I've driven them all and have had to hear complaint about most of them. I've put the Michelins on my E90, I've had the wife put them on her Caddy STS and the son even installed them on him new VW. And I've never worked for Michelin one day. Also, don't go to "green active", there are a lot better tire to deal with. Try Costco if you are looking for possibly the best price.
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12-03-2011, 08:36 PM	#20
gunnerxq Lieutenant Colonel 227 Rep 1,811 Posts Drives: 2015 335i xDrive 6MT Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: New York iTrader: (1)	http://www.consumersearch.com/snow-tires This should help __________________ Former E90 325i: Koni special active red, eibach pro-kit springs, Remus exhaust, stage 3 intake manifold,Stage 2 AA tune, BMW Short shift kit. Silicon intake pipe. M3 control arms front, M3 rear. ECS trailing arm with whiteline bushings. Purple powerflex subframe bushings. Yellow power flex upper shock mounts. Single mass flywheel OE weight.
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12-03-2011, 09:33 PM	#21
sexxxybimmer New Member 6 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	u guys are awesome Thx going to cosco tomorrow
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12-03-2011, 09:44 PM	#22
Rog New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 325i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: T. O. iTrader: (0)	Kevin, If you are in the T.O. area, try these guys. As per the web, they are having some specials on replica 3 wheels and your chose of winter tires for under $1500.00 (Car Kraze Auto), 225 ADVANCE Blvd. Unt 2 MON - Friday 9.30 - 6.30 PM Sat 9.30 - 4 PM Check them out and let us know that you think...
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