nokian -best snow tires

[wagonman]

a dealer in vermont told me that nokian brand makes by far the best snow tires. anyone ever heard of this brand. any comments?

[sunnykk]

a dealer in vermont told me that nokian brand makes by far the best snow tires. anyone ever heard of this brand. any comments?

Just installed a set of Nokian WR's today. Check out my earlier post with pictures.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116286

[ChrisTO]

I have a set of Nokian HAKKAPELIITTAs. They've lasted me for 2 winters so far with very little signs of wear. I suspect I'll get an easy 3 or more winters out of them.

If the tires are good enough for the Finns...they sure are good enough for the Canadian weather. I certainly would recommend Nokians to anyone.

As for the major brands such as BS Blizzacks, I hear once the top layer of the tread wears off they are no better than all-seasons.

[jpettit]

I'm having my Nokian RSI's mounted today. From everything i have read, and other advice i have received, Nokian are ranked very highly in terms quality and winter performance. I'm actually looking forward to see how they work on my 540iT.

[sunnykk]

I'm having my Nokian RSI's mounted today. From everything i have read, and other advice i have received, Nokian are ranked very highly in terms quality and winter performance. I'm actually looking forward to see how they work on my 540iT.

Heard good things about the RSI's. When I checked those at the tire store, they felt a little too soft for me and since 80% of the time I would be driving on cleared roads, I opted for the WR's which are all season tires but have a snow rating.

[jpettit]

Heard good things about the RSI's. When I checked those at the tire store, they felt a little too soft for me and since 80% of the time I would be driving on cleared roads, I opted for the WR's which are all season tires but have a snow rating.

Here in Calgary we tend to get potential winter conditions from now until may (!) so i opted for the better 'worse case' scenario (other than studded). They don't plow many roads except for the main ones so intersections that are sheer ice are not uncommon at times. Plus great skiing nearby and i don't want to have to say; "sorry, can't go even if there is 50cms on new powder because my tires suck!" :cry:

[sunnykk]

Here in Calgary we tend to get potential winter conditions from now until may (!) so i opted for the better 'worse case' scenario (other than studded). They don't plow many roads except for the main ones so intersections that are sheer ice are not uncommon at times. Plus great skiing nearby and i don't want to have to say; "sorry, can't go even if there is 50cms on new powder because my tires suck!" :cry:

Good reasoning, if I were in your place, I would have got the RSI's. I don't plan on taking my car up the canyons during snow season.

[michelito]

I was debating getting studs on Nokian Hakka 2s... finally went for it this morning - apparently they are amazing in the crappy conditions. I was more worried about dry pavement, but I'll test them and see. It's always possible to remove the studs (with a *lot* of patience), but it's not possible to insert them after driving the tires for a while...

I had nokian NRW on my old 323i and they were really good - I'm actually getting rid of barely used (6500km) Pirelli WinterSport 210 in order to go back on Nokians.

Too bad Tirerack doesn't carry these (although with customs I don't know how expensive getting from TR would be) because they are *expensive* with the studs here in Montreal - about $1030 CAN after taxes and all... :yikes:
As long as they don't leave me stranded on Côte-des-neiges (aptly named) street like the Pirellis did last January, they'll be worth it!!! :thumbup:

[ic]

Custom charge you 6% for tires.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1389156&postcount=1

[jpettit]

yea...there is duty on bring items into Canada, plus applicable taxes (GST, etc). however, this only applies to most items that are not manufactuered within North America. goods manufactuered under the NAFTA agreement have no duty. (but it's a good bet that most tires/wheels are being imported)

[santiago]

Big fan of the Nokian Hakkas. The Hakka family of tires are true snow tires. They are not ice tires and they are meant for conditions when there is not a lot of snow. Bear in mind that the way to turn these snow tires into snow/ice tires is by adding studs. I've had studded Hakkas on my wife's car for about 6 winters. The tires are still going strong although my wife only drives less than 15,000 km per year.

Before my E46 I used to drive a rear wheel drive Toyota Corolla GT-S (AE86) that had no DSC. I ran some narrow studded Hakkas for navigational rallies and these were fantastic tires for the snowy conditions that we get north of Montreal and especially driving at speed.

As for dry weather driving, I've never had a problem with the studded Hakkas. The studs sit on a softer bed within the stud cavity and retract a little when on a harder surface like asphalt. They are noisy compared to other winter tires but they are not such a big deal, I hardly notice the noise.

Since i no longer do navigational rallying and within the city we have pretty good snow removal I would probably look at some of the non-studable models that are available from Nokian.

Final vote: :thumbup:

[Saintor]

Consumer Report is comparing winter tires;

1. Muchelin X-ice (84$)
2. Viking Snowtech (43.$ :yikes: )
.... Blizzak, Nokian, you name it

Viking is part of the Continental Tires group.

On low-profile tires, results might be different, but I had good experience with "cheap" winter tires www.MAtador.sk and this time I buy Viking (matador does not build the size I need).

[Gambit]

Have the Hakkas on Nissan Altima and they were great. Now on Mazda MPV van.

I would have considered Nokians if they were available in Run-Flats for my '06 330i SP.

This was a teaser ==> www.nokianrunflat.com.

It's already autumn 2005 and no Nokian Run-Flats available in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). Anyone local know otherwise?

If Nokian Run-Flats were available I would consider the RSi's.

[michelito]

It's already autumn 2005 and no Nokian Run-Flats available in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). Anyone local know otherwise?

I was looking at standard Hakka 4 (studdable) and they are nowhere to be found in North America, so I doubt you could get them in Runflat. Most NA dealers order their tires over the summer, so if distribution of runflats started in september, you may be out of luck for this year for Nokians.

You can get in touch with Nokian North American customer support - they might be able to tell you if runflats are in or not.

[teedm]

I don't hear much talk about the Alpins on this forum. Does anyone have any comments on Alpins vs other winter tires such as the Blizzaks? The dealers in Edmonton are quite big on them (even the dealers that sell all brands).

Also, has anyone in Canada ordered from Tirerack? How much was the duty/brokerage fees?

Thanks,
-mark

[santiago]

I don't hear much talk about the Alpins on this forum. Does anyone have any comments on Alpins vs other winter tires such as the Blizzaks? The dealers in Edmonton are quite big on them (even the dealers that sell all brands).

Also, has anyone in Canada ordered from Tirerack? How much was the duty/brokerage fees?

Thanks,
-mark

I had Alpins on a pevious car and thought they were mediocre at best. I think there's a newer Alpin out right now so my experience may no longer be relevant.

I have ordered from TireRack and highly recommend them. The tires I bought (Goodyear F1 GS-D3) are stupid expensive here in Montreal (quoted something like $300+ CAD per tire) and I was able to get 4 tires for about $600 USD.

You can avoid brokerage fees but not duties and taxes if you clear customs on your own. Jump over to this thread and you'll read my description of how to avoid UPS brokerage fees.
http://bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116937

[jpettit]

I was looking at standard Hakka 4 (studdable) and they are nowhere to be found in North America, so I doubt you could get them in Runflat. Most NA dealers order their tires over the summer, so if distribution of runflats started in september, you may be out of luck for this year for Nokians.

You can get in touch with Nokian North American customer support - they might be able to tell you if runflats are in or not.


you may want to call up Kal-Tire. Here in Calgary, they are basically the only place to get Nokians (at least that i could find) and had lots in stock (i don't know about run-flats).
i paid about $1000 for 4, including taxes, balancing, mounting, and installation.

[Storm7]

I was advised by the person where I purchase tires to get the Nokian - Was suggested in this post by the tire person to get Blizzak WS-50. My vehicle arrived Friday. I went to tire store to purhase - since then - Michelin X ice were the ones now advised to get. I decided to go with the X-ice. 2006 325XI, Black, Black, sunroof.

[s3rro]

Hi,
I am planning to get a Bimmer 2004 330 ci (60KM on it) OR 2004 325 XI (70 Km on it) 330 ci is cheaper by 2500
Now i really like CI but scared of canadian Winter. Thats why i was thinkin of XI.

Do you guys have problems in the winter with non awd bimmers. ?

Thanks

[AlexM520]

Hi,
I am planning to get a Bimmer 2004 330 ci (60KM on it) OR 2004 325 XI (70 Km on it) 330 ci is cheaper by 2500
Now i really like CI but scared of canadian Winter. Thats why i was thinkin of XI.
Do you guys have problems in the winter with non awd bimmers. ?

Thanks


No problem with Ci/i in Canada. You just need to buy a right type of winter tires (either "H" or "Q" speed depending on where you live and drive).

For example, in Toronto you can get away with "high-performance winter tires" (rated "H" speed'). In Montreal, you are better off with "heavy duty winter tires" (rated "Q" speed).

Remember, Xi rides a lot taller/higher than Ci/i models. If you are planning to change suspension components, there are a lot more options for Ci/i vs Xi.


Alex

[seanpw]

I have OEM 16" BMW Rims like new with Nokain WR's also like new for sale if interested.
225/50/R16 If so seanpweldon@yahoo.com.