A bit confused about my winter tire/wheel options for E93

[djwang2000]

Well, I called tire rack this afternoon and tried to get some questions answered, but couldn't get entirely satisfactory answers.

I'm about to take delivery of an 335i convertible with sport package. As I look at my winter tire options at this point, I'm wondering about the following:

1) Pirelli Sottozero RFT (205/50-17) vs. Blizzak LM-22 RFT (225/45-17) -- thoughts on one versus the other (I've read the discussion re. going non-RFT -- thus increasing my choice of tire, but I think in the convertible, storing a spare is about out of the question, and there are days I just can't afford to wait for help/a tow).

2) What does the "Runflat-OE vehicle use only" mean (under the LM-22, but not any other listed tire)?

3) Are both the ASA JH3 17x75 (20mm) and the Rial Salerno 17x8 (30mm) ok to use with either tire?

At the top of the web page, it says "If using 17x7.5 ET20, you must use 205/50-17 XL tires to prevent rubbing". To me, this suggests that the combination of the Blizzak and the ASA will NOT work, but I was told by the rep on the phone this afternoon that it is definitely fine.

I'd appreciate any insight on the appropriate tire/wheel combination. I'm leaning toward the Rial Salerno + best tire choice.

Thanks
djw

[Gary@Tirerack]

The ASA is sold out for the season as are the Rial Salernos, you'll need to use the Sport Edition A7 in the 20mm offset.

With this offset we recommend 205/50R17 snow tires because the fitment is *very* tight with 225/45R17. Some forum guys have gotten away with running 225/45R17 on them with only occassional (hard cornering) rubbing but by the time any amount of snow is packed onto those tires the rubbing can get worse.

At this point your best combo is the Sport A7 mounted with the 205/50R17 tires. For runflats Pirelli is the only option. The more narrow size will help a bit with winter traction as well.


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

[djwang2000]

the rials are listed as being back in stock in jan? The sports just look too much like civic tires.

djw

[Gary@Tirerack]

the rials are listed as being back in stock in jan? The sports just look too much like civic tires.

djw

You were considering the ASA JH3 :

http://www.tirerack.com/images/wheels/sportedition/swap/se_a7_s_ci3_l.jpg
The Sport Edition A7 is nearly identical :

http://www.tirerack.com/images/wheels/asa/swap/asa_jh3_ci3_l.jpg

The date online is only an estimated date, shipping from Germany. It is likely to be delayed beyond mid January.