Boston installer and snow tire recommendation

[nicoya]

I'm getting ready for another winter in the Northeast, only this time I will be driving a 2003 530i around. For folks who live around Boston (or similarly snowy location), what snow tires do you have and how do you like them? I'm going back and forth between H rated and Q rated tires. Also, for those in Boston, do you have a recommendation for a good installer? Thanks

[ObD]

I have H rated Dunlop Winter Sport M2's. Bridgestone H rated LM-22's are also a good choice. Ditto Pirelli Snow Sports. Q rated tires are better than H rated, but I got around fine last year. If you are using the stock wheels for winter I'd take it to a dealer to have them mounted. They won't ding them or at least won't give you a hassle about repairing them if they do.

[tmlesko]

I have H rated Dunlop Winter Sport M2's. Bridgestone H rated LM-22's are also a good choice. Ditto Pirelli Snow Sports. Q rated tires are better than H rated, but I got around fine last year. If you are using the stock wheels for winter I'd take it to a dealer to have them mounted. They won't ding them or at least won't give you a hassle about repairing them if they do.

The BMW Gallery in Norwell scratched 2 brand new wheels and Sullivan Tire did the same on my son's car when doing an alignment. DO NOT have your wheels mounted at that dealer or ANY Sullivan Tire location!!! The only place I have heard of that will definately NOT scratch your wheels is Rim-Pro in Tewksbury, they are purported to be the best for repairing damaged wheels also.

Tom L.

[Chris90]

If you want passable traction, get Dunlop M3s or something. If you want the best traction, get an H rated Blizzak.

[ObD]

The BMW Gallery in Norwell scratched 2 brand new wheels and Sullivan Tire did the same on my son's car when doing an alignment. DO NOT have your wheels mounted at that dealer or ANY Sullivan Tire location!!! The only place I have heard of that will definately NOT scratch your wheels is Rim-Pro in Tewksbury, they are purported to be the best for repairing damaged wheels also.

Tom L.

At least in the Boston Area, mount and balance is the same price whether you go to a Tire Store or the Dealer for 17" and up if you buy tires at Tire Rack. Still, it's easier to get compensation at the dealer should something go wrong. Never had a problem at my dealer, BMW of Peabody.

Since this post I had a set of tires mounted, balanced on brand new wheels for about 25% of what eveyone else charges at a Tire Rack recommend installer, http://rimandwheelworks.com/, in Waltham. I highly recommend them as they did not scratch anything, are very knowledgeable about wheels/tires, and they are open on Saturday.