All season tire and size questions!!

[330xiguy]

Im changing the tires on my 05 330xi. I live in Southern Oregon...I drive in snow 5-7 time a year...only when I go to the mountains to snowboard. Id like an all season tire (dont want to have to out on chains).

Any recommendations?

Also, can I use 225/55/17s? Stock is 205/55/17s (i think). But Id like something wider. No rubbing though!

Thanks for the feedback guys

[sunnykk]

Heard good things about the Nokian WR. They are All season but are also a good snow tire. Go to their website

http://www.nokiantires.com/newsite/index.html

and check them out.

I live in Salt Lake City and ordered a set of 4. Will get them sometime next week.

[330xiguy]

Windering what your feedback is especiallu regarding the sizing. Thank you

[Gary@Tirerack]

Windering what your feedback is especiallu regarding the sizing. Thank you


The sizes that fit the car are 205/50R17 and 225/45R17. I doubt those taller sizes you mentioned would fit consistantly.

[SharkmanBMW]

I have a '03 330xi, I was planning to put BMW replica alloys in 16" with snows for my Montreal winter...
Gary, is that ok on a 330xi, or do I NEED to go with 17"?

Also, what is the best tire for slush and snow and ice?
Unfortunately, I get it all, plus many days of dry, cold pavement driving.
I have used Toyo Observe, Michelin Arctic Alpin, Nokian Hakkepelita on front wheel drive cars...
BUT now for the Xi, what do you suggest?
Thanks,
Chris

[Gary@Tirerack]

I have a '03 330xi, I was planning to put BMW replica alloys in 16" with snows for my Montreal winter...
Gary, is that ok on a 330xi, or do I NEED to go with 17"?

Also, what is the best tire for slush and snow and ice?
Unfortunately, I get it all, plus many days of dry, cold pavement driving.
I have used Toyo Observe, Michelin Arctic Alpin, Nokian Hakkepelita on front wheel drive cars...
BUT now for the Xi, what do you suggest?
Thanks,
Chris

Make sure those replicas clear your brakes...very few 16" wheels will fit over them. If you find a set that fits,use 205/55R16 or 225/50R16

I'm not familiar with Toyo or Nokian, but I have some suggestions and general info in the wniter tire sticky that may help you narrow your choices :

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112228

You can also find some 16" wheels we sell that clear the brakes in that link in the sticky post

[SharkmanBMW]

Thanks for the link, I notice the "recommended" size is 225/45/17, and 205/50 is alternate... is the narrower not better for winter? (I ask because I don't know!)

Is the Blizzak more long lasting than they were?
I had a set, they were superb, but wore out very fast, are the new ones improved in that regard?
Thanks!

[Gary@Tirerack]

Thanks for the link, I notice the "recommended" size is 225/45/17, and 205/50 is alternate... is the narrower not better for winter? (I ask because I don't know!)

Is the Blizzak more long lasting than they were?
I had a set, they were superb, but wore out very fast, are the new ones improved in that regard?
Thanks!

I'm not sure why the site 'recommends' 225/45R17... If you go with an H/V rated snow tire, 205/50R17 will be better in snow. If you want the better snow performance of a Q rated winter tire, they don't come in that size so you'll need to use the 225/45R17. Most see about 20,000 cold miles of of the newer WS-50 Blizzaks, which do seem to wear slightly longer than the old WS-15 version.

http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=BN4&url=/winter/index.jsp

[SharkmanBMW]

I'm not sure why the site 'recommends' 225/45R17... If you go with an H/V rated snow tire, 205/50R17 will be better in snow. If you want the better snow performance of a Q rated winter tire, they don't come in that size so you'll need to use the 225/45R17. Most see about 20,000 cold miles of of the newer WS-50 Blizzaks, which do seem to wear slightly longer than the old WS-15 version.

http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=BN4&url=/winter/index.jsp
thanks for your time,
''chris