Winter Runflat??

[saury316]

HI Gary, and everyone else on the forum,

I have the base E90 325i and was looking to get some winter tires soon as the weather here in Pittsburgh,PA is dropping to around freezing.
My first question was whether there are any 16" Winter RFT tires other than the LM-22 and a set of Goodyear out there? I was really interested in the Sunlop M#s, but they dont sell the DSST version in a compatible size.......

This brings me to my second question..would I be better of with the Dunlops M3s at 17" with DSST?? I ask this because in my opinion has erratic winters year to year. Two years ago we have quite a bit of snow, and last year it was fair snow free, but wet, borderline slushy. Some of the hills around here also get icy as a result. Also, winters here can last a while (it snowed at the end of April this year!). However, if I get time this year, I plan to drive NOrth for skiing at Seven Springs, and maybe even Detroit for the car show in Jan.

I heard the LM-22's tread wears out really fast in comparison to the Dunlop M3s....

My final question....should I just go for non-RFT and get like the REVO1 (you guys gave it an awesome review).

So can anyone help me out?? I have never purchased winter tires, or driven in snow before....so this is quite new to me :dunno:

[Gary@Tirerack]

HI Gary, and everyone else on the forum,

I have the base E90 325i and was looking to get some winter tires soon as the weather here in Pittsburgh,PA is dropping to around freezing.
My first question was whether there are any 16" Winter RFT tires other than the LM-22 and a set of Goodyear out there? I was really interested in the Sunlop M#s, but they dont sell the DSST version in a compatible size.......

This brings me to my second question..would I be better of with the Dunlops M3s at 17" with DSST?? I ask this because in my opinion has erratic winters year to year. Two years ago we have quite a bit of snow, and last year it was fair snow free, but wet, borderline slushy. Some of the hills around here also get icy as a result. Also, winters here can last a while (it snowed at the end of April this year!). However, if I get time this year, I plan to drive NOrth for skiing at Seven Springs, and maybe even Detroit for the car show in Jan.

I heard the LM-22's tread wears out really fast in comparison to the Dunlop M3s....

My final question....should I just go for non-RFT and get like the REVO1 (you guys gave it an awesome review).

So can anyone help me out?? I have never purchased winter tires, or driven in snow before....so this is quite new to me :dunno:

I haven't seen other runflat snow options in 205/55R16.

We have not found that the LM22 wears more quickly than the Winter Sport M3. The older WS-15 Blizzaks didn't wear a very long time.

The choice between run flat and non-runflat is up to you. I would personally not limit myself to only run flat tires. If you're new to driving in snow, you may want err on the conservative side to give up some dry grip and handing and move to a Q rated snow like the Blizzak Revo1 or WS-50.

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

[saury316]

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the fast reply. Hm..thats interesting about the tread.
Would you recommend me moving up to 17" tires?

After reading more of the forum posts, I am leaning a bit more to RFT as the E90 has no space for a jack, or a spare, and if I am caught out with a flat, I would be screwed.
Between the RFT/DSST Blizzak and Dunlop which would you recommend?

[saury316]

Also, is it worth getting the LM-22?? You said that Bridgeston is going to replace the 22 with the 25 soon....

[Gary@Tirerack]

Also, is it worth getting the LM-22?? You said that Bridgeston is going to replace the 22 with the 25 soon....

It is not clear whether the runflat LM22 will be replaced with a runflat LM25. I would not hold your breath waiting for that to happen.

You may use either 16" or 17", just be sure to use the correct corresponding tire size.

Winter http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/winter/index.jsp

[saury316]

Gary,

Quick question....Dunlop's website lists the Winter M3 Sport DSST in 205/55/16...but I cant find it on TireRack....is it possible you guys could get it??

http://www.dunloptire.com/dunlop/display_tire.jsp?prodline=SP+Winter+Sport+M3+DSST&mrktarea=Winter&treadwidth=205&aspectratio=55&rimdiameter=16&sidewall=BSW&prodID=26402005500000&zipCode=

[Gary@Tirerack]

Gary,

Quick question....Dunlop's website lists the Winter M3 Sport DSST in 205/55/16...but I cant find it on TireRack....is it possible you guys could get it??

http://www.dunloptire.com/dunlop/display_tire.jsp?prodline=SP+Winter+Sport+M3+DSST&mrktarea=Winter&treadwidth=205&aspectratio=55&rimdiameter=16&sidewall=BSW&prodID=26402005500000&zipCode=


Not yet available. Notice the lack of spes as well.

[saury316]

It is not clear whether the runflat LM22 will be replaced with a runflat LM25. I would not hold your breath waiting for that to happen.

You may use either 16" or 17", just be sure to use the correct corresponding tire size.

Winter http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/winter/index.jsp

Hi Gary, one last question. Ok, I know I can use either the 16 or 17. I have found the correct sizes of your website. I am asking you for your opinion, which between the two options below would you recommend for me?

Ok...so I have sorta narrowed it to tires.
I think I am going to stick with runflat, just cause thats what the e90 was built around...suspension and all.

Option A
16" Bridgestone Blizzack LM-22 RFT and ASA J3 wheels = $1043 (incl Shipping)

Opten B
17" Dunlop Winter Sport M3 DSST and ASA J3 wheels = $1163 (incl shipping) - $50 rebate = $1113.

My current wheels are 16" stock in my 325. So which one do you recommend??

[Gary@Tirerack]

Hi Gary, one last question. Ok, I know I can use either the 16 or 17. I have found the correct sizes of your website. I am asking you for your opinion, which between the two options below would you recommend for me?

Ok...so I have sorta narrowed it to tires.
I think I am going to stick with runflat, just cause thats what the e90 was built around...suspension and all.

Option A
16" Bridgestone Blizzack LM-22 RFT and ASA J3 wheels = $1043 (incl Shipping)

Opten B
17" Dunlop Winter Sport M3 DSST and ASA J3 wheels = $1163 (incl shipping) - $50 rebate = $1113.

My current wheels are 16" stock in my 325. So which one do you recommend??

17" will ride more firmly and it costs more. For winter usage it would seem to make more sense to use the 16" setup.

[ic]

17" will ride more firmly and it costs more. For winter usage it would seem to make more sense to use the 16" setup.
Hi Gary, I've similar question (in my mind as I already received them from you) but mine is 325i with sport pkg which means 225/45/17 for 4 wheels is kind of down size (the rear). How much % (wild guess?) worse in term of snow traction compare with 205/55/16 using the same brand and model? Thanks.

[Gary@Tirerack]

Hi Gary, I've similar question (in my mind as I already received them from you) but mine is 325i with sport pkg which means 225/45/17 for 4 wheels is kind of down size (the rear). How much % (wild guess?) worse in term of snow traction compare with 205/55/16 using the same brand and model? Thanks.

A 20mm reduction is about 10% more narrow give or take, and the width/tread pattern is only one part of the snow equation, others being tread depth and tread compound. So while it is good to get a more narrow tire when possible, the difference isn't as dramatic as many make it out to be, and the difference is only on loose snow/slush. Then again, every bit helps if the tire you're after is available in both sizes.

[ic]

Thanks! Hum...You make me want to exchange my unused 205/55/16 LM25 with 225/45/17 LM25/WS-50.... :rolleyes:

This would only make sense if you're trying to get the WS-50, which could have been done back in the 205/55R16 size.

If you're using an H/V rated snow like the LM25, take the more narrow tire to get every bit of help in snow thaty you can get.