Winter Tire for '03 540i Sport

[thielm]

Just got a nice 03 540i Sport, should be here next week. Going to downsize to a 17" for the Utah winter wheather and thinking of the Blizzak LM-25.

Tirerack's options are somewhat limited in 17" but it recommends staggered 235/45 and 255/45. Wouldn't I be better off going with 235/45R17 LM-25 97V all around for optimum traction? Don't want to go to a 16" and don't really want to go WS60 as we don't have that much hard pack where I drive and I want some performance.

Anybody have any opinion or experience? Gary?

I am open to other recommendations as well although I don't really see them on tirerack in the 17"

Thanks,

Mike.

[Gary@Tirerack]

Just got a nice 03 540i Sport, should be here next week. Going to downsize to a 17" for the Utah winter wheather and thinking of the Blizzak LM-25.

Tirerack's options are somewhat limited in 17" but it recommends staggered 235/45 and 255/45. Wouldn't I be better off going with 235/45R17 LM-25 97V all around for optimum traction? Don't want to go to a 16" and don't really want to go WS60 as we don't have that much hard pack where I drive and I want some performance.

Anybody have any opinion or experience? Gary?

I am open to other recommendations as well although I don't really see them on tirerack in the 17"

Thanks,

Mike.

The staggered option would be 235/45R17 front and 255/40R17 rear. 255/45R17 would be too tall.

Personally I'd go to 235/45R17 all arond for better winter traction. Yes, I'd also agree that the LM25 would be an oustanding choice for a good balance of snow and ice traction without trading off much dry road handling.

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

[thielm]

Thanks Gary,

Based on another thread in which you made a recommendation would you take the Michelin XIce XI2 over the LM 25 based on the type of driving I describe? I don't really have a strong preference for brand just want the best tire for the conditions.

Mike.

[Gary@Tirerack]

Regardless of the type of driving, the differences remain the same and the choice is one personal preference for benefits versus tradeoffs. Either for better snow traction or better dry road grip. Someone in a very light snow area might still choose the more aggressive snow tire if they are willing to trade off dry road grip for maximum snow traction, or visa versa for someone more confident driving in snow.

[thielm]

Thanks, I will probably stick with the LM 25 for now. What's the diff between the 235/45R-17 94H BW and the 235/45R-17 97V XL B and which one should I order?

Mike.

[Gary@Tirerack]

The V rated version will have a bit faster steering response, but will ride a little firmer compared to the H rated version.

[thielm]

Just about to order the 97V and it popped up the load rating warning, should I be concerned about that?

[Gary@Tirerack]

If you're concerned about a firmer ride, choose the H rated version of the tire instead.

[thielm]

That one is not an option on tirerack using the 17" package builder for my '03 540

[Gary@Tirerack]

If it doesn't show up that way, instead shop by tire size directly. I'm showing the H rated version is in stock at $158 each in 235/45R17.