Last Person in Chicago Without Winter Tires

[Chicago328XI]

Hi Gary,

A few months ago, you gave me some great info on tires for my 2007 BMW 328XI Coup, sports package with 18" staggered, option wheels. At the time, I was thinking about changing to all seasons.

I held onto the summer, performance tires but now even with all wheel drive, an inch of snow might as well be a foot of snow. I need snow tires. Going to keep the summers for the...summer.

I've spent about two hours on the this site your site (tirerack) and also Bridgestone's site but I haven't been able to answer a few questions. Hoping you can.

--I know the general philosophy to winter tires is to -1 the size. But I like the look of my 18" wheels. Is the traction and handling lost on 18" winter tires really considerable to 17"?

--Are there run flat winter tires that work for my car? The tires reco'd by your site don't indicate that three are but many postings here make mention of RFT winter tires.

--The Bridgetone Blizzak LM-22 seem to be popular but your site doesn't show that as an option, just the LM-25. What's the difference? Are either of these RFT?

--Tire pressure monitors. I think I read on your site says the ones you carry work up to 2007 BMWs. Does that include 2007, specifically mine?

--Do you carry BMW center caps for the sport edition KM 11 wheels?

Thanks in advance, sorry for the long post.

[Gary@Tirerack]

Hi Gary,

A few months ago, you gave me some great info on tires for my 2007 BMW 328XI Coup, sports package with 18" staggered, option wheels. At the time, I was thinking about changing to all seasons.

I held onto the summer, performance tires but now even with all wheel drive, an inch of snow might as well be a foot of snow. I need snow tires. Going to keep the summers for the...summer.

I've spent about two hours on the this site your site (tirerack) and also Bridgestone's site but I haven't been able to answer a few questions. Hoping you can.

--I know the general philosophy to winter tires is to -1 the size. But I like the look of my 18" wheels. Is the traction and handling lost on 18" winter tires really considerable to 17"?

--Are there run flat winter tires that work for my car? The tires reco'd by your site don't indicate that three are but many postings here make mention of RFT winter tires.

--The Bridgetone Blizzak LM-22 seem to be popular but your site doesn't show that as an option, just the LM-25. What's the difference? Are either of these RFT?

--Tire pressure monitors. I think I read on your site says the ones you carry work up to 2007 BMWs. Does that include 2007, specifically mine?

--Do you carry BMW center caps for the sport edition KM 11 wheels?

Thanks in advance, sorry for the long post.

As long as you use 225/40R18 all around the winter traction would be pretty comparable to 225/45R17. The only runflat winter tire made in that size is the Pirelli 240SZ RFT which will trade off some snow traction versus the LM25 but willh ave better dry road handling and cornering grip in dry. The LM25 replaced the LM22 in 225/40R18. In 17" the LM22RFT runflat version is available. Yes, we have TPMS sensors that will work with your car for $50 per corner. BMW caps are available to fit the KM11 for $9 per cap.

To get them added to your online order, simply refer to "Gary/addcaps9" as your previous contact or in the comments area at the end of the order and I'll add them to the order for you.

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

[Chicago328XI]

Thanks Gary. Scratch the 18"s, way too expensive. I couldn't find the LM22RFT in a 17" for my car (225/45R17) the only size I found on your site is 205/55R16 (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Bridgestone&model=Blizzak+LM-22+RFT). Can you shoot me the link to the 17"

Also, why is that when you search for winter tire and rims packages your tire options are limited versus when you search only for winter tires? For example, when I search for 17" tires only, I get a few RFT options like the Michelin and Pirelli that don't come up when I look for packages. Just curious.

Thanks again

[Gary@Tirerack]

The 225/45R17 size is sold out for the season, sorry. I'm not sure why the site would be limiting your search. I'll have someone look into this error.

I do show both the Michelin and Pirelli runflats in 225/45R17 are indeed in stock.

[Chicago328XI]

Thanks Gary. What are your thoughts on the Michelin vs Pirelli. Are they inferior to the Blizzak? I also see the Continental ContiWinterContact TS810 S SSR is an option but the reviews are horrible. Is that your same experience?

[Gary@Tirerack]

Initial feedback on the Primacy Alpin PA3 has been very good. At this point it appears to be a good alternative to the Blizzak. The TS810S would not be quite as good in snow and ice, but would have better dry road handling...more appropriate for a light snow area.

[Chicago328XI]

Thanks Gary. When I look at either the Michelin or the Pirelli tires the "add to cart and shop for wheels" is not an option. I think this is related to the previous error I reported--where the options are limited when searching for tire and wheel packages. Please let me know when this is resolved so I can determine wheel options. Thanks for all of the help, very much appreciated.

[Gary@Tirerack]

Unfortunately, web errors can take a long time to get fixed. In the meantime simply add the wheels to the cart first. You can do this by clicking on the 'skip to wheels link' and first choosing your wheel. The wheels will stay in the shopping cart for a couple hours. Then shop for tires by size and add those to the cart. Alternately you can email the order to me or call in the order to me directly.

[Chicago328XI]

Got it. When you start with the wheel, you get the full selection on tire options, thanks for that Gary.

Can I ask the group for reviews on the Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 ZP and Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero RFT? Likes, dislikes would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.