Winter Tire Question(s)

[agabriel]

Hello,
I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to buy for winter wheel & tires. I can by a set of Hakkapeliittas with steel wheel for $850 or I can get the tirerack Blizzaks for $700 with alloy rims. I have two questions first aren't steel rims better as they provide more unsprung weight. Second, which is the better tire. Does anyone have expereince with Hakkapeliitta? What I could find on the web was positive. I have an '00 328Ci and since I'm buying winter tires I need sonething that will track very well. Also, are there any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Anthony

[ObD]

Advantages to steel wheels are that they are cheaper, probably won't bend in a pot hole, and you don't need to wash them. Disadvantages are that they look like a truck wheel, and have a harsher ride since they are stiffer. Really comes down to personal preference.

The Nokian tire will offer better snow performance at the expense of dry performance and the Blizzaks the opposite ... better dry performance at the expense of snow performance. Choosing depends on your driving habits and your environment. In winter 90% of the time the roads are dry. I travel main roads that are plowed and treated, and I can take public transportation if necessary. In my case I went with the better dry performance tire, Dunlop Winter Sport M2. Used successfully for 3 winters with virtually no wear. I have never gotten stuck nor unable to drive in ice storms and blizzards.

[agabriel]

I ended up getting the blizzaks and alloys from tire rack. I'm hoping they work out well.

I'm def impressed with the price I got. No one could come any where near the pricing on the complete package even with shipping.

Anthony