Snow tires for 540 with sports package

[dbcafy]

Hi Gary,

Thinking getting snow tires for my 2003 540 with the sports package. I do have some questions as to the replacement.

My current tires are 235/40-18 front and 265/35-18

1) Do you reconmend 16 it 17 inch replacements?
2) If I go with 17, what sizes should I be looking at?
3) Will my Snow tire package be staggered as well?
4) What are the 20mm and 26mm offset mean. Do I have that with my current set? Will the Tire Rack replacement have that type off offset?

Thanks for all your help?

Dave

[Gary@Tirerack]

1, 2. Either will fit. The 225/55R16 should be a bit more effective in snow and more economical, while the 235/45R17 would give better handling and steering response on the day when no snow is present.

3. Most would eliminate the stagger for winter.

4. The offset on wheels can vary based on wheel width, spoke pattern, etc and will likely be different from the OE wheels (up to 10mm or so is a pretty common range of acceptable offsets generally speaking) The site will only show wheels that fit properly at the winter search here :


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

[dbcafy]

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the information. This is really helpful!

3 more questions.

1) What is the difference between a 91Y and 91W? My orginal tires is 91Y. Would there be any issues if I went with the 91W?

2) Here is NYC we get some snow. Should I even spend the money and for for a winter set or can I get by with All Seasons? It seem all season tires only come in 91W / 93W?

3) If I go for snow tires (either 16 or 17 inch), how will those effect my ride and handeling?

Regards,
Dave

[Gary@Tirerack]

1. Unless you plan to go beyond the 168MPH max speed rating or the W rated tire, you're fine.

2./3. Winter tires would be a dramatic step up in snow and ice traction, but will have reduced dry road handling and steering response. Since winter tires have softer compounds and tread blocks they normally have an even softer ride than most summer performance and even many all season tires. The winter tires will also, of course, need to be taken off in the spring.

[dbcafy]

Thanks Gary. Your answers are well appreciated!!!!

Dave