17x7 as a winter set for my zhp?

[ChosenGSR]

I am able to get a set of bmw 17x7 rims fairly cheap to run as a winter wheel, what would be the idea tire size to run on those? I know 205x50 will fit for sure, but it's almost a scary thought going from 255 in the back to 205. I am in Baltimore so there won't be that much snow. Will 225x45 fit? how about 215? I am thinking lm22s for tires.

Thanks in advance :thumbup:

[ChosenGSR]

205's work fine. They're the default size on the 330i with no SP or ZHP option. I ran them last winter and was fine.

I'm not 100% sure if 225's will fit, but I think they will. Tirerack somewhere has a table, or check the manufacture's site for the brand of tire you're considering. A wider tire will also give you more rubber sticking out of the sides to help protect the rims.

If you want to do well going through deep snow, get narrower tires. If you want better dry performance (but still decent snow/ice) get 225 LM22's or Dunlop Winter Sport M2's (or whatever they're called now.. do a search).

I am located in baltimore so we will only see snow about 4-5 times a winter. I am thinking 225 would be better but I just don't know if they will fit on 17x7s. I did a search and someone said they would but it would be nice to know for sure.

[ChosenGSR]

Pick a tire brand you wnat, go to the manufacture's web site and look it up. Most have a chart for the various tire sizes, showing which wheels it is intentended to fit.

you are correct, the 225s are approved for 7 inch wheels on the manufacturrer's website for lm22s. What is interesting is that tirerack also lists 215x45x17 and it is not on the bridgestones fact sheet.


Gary (or anyone else), would you go with 215s or 225s for 17x7? Keep in mind there probably wont be too much snow, but enough nasty stuff like rain/sleet etc...

[Gary@Tirerack]

you are correct, the 225s are approved for 7 inch wheels on the manufacturrer's website for lm22s. What is interesting is that tirerack also lists 215x45x17 and it is not on the bridgestones fact sheet.


Gary (or anyone else), would you go with 215s or 225s for 17x7? Keep in mind there probably wont be too much snow, but enough nasty stuff like rain/sleet etc...

Either use 205/50R17 or 225/45R17 to keep the correct diameter. The majority of 225/45R17 tires fit fine on 7" wheels. You can confirm this by checking the rim width range on your chosen tire when you order. 215/45R17 is a bit shorter in height, load capacity.

For best selection in winter tires, check back around mid September

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

[Elwood]

Gary (or anyone else), would you go with 215s or 225s for 17x7? Keep in mind there probably wont be too much snow, but enough nasty stuff like rain/sleet etc...
Baltimore with limited snow, I'd say 225 Dun*** M2's. They work great in the dry, and will serve you well in the winter.

My winter setup is style 44's (17x8) with 225 M2's. In NJ when the shtuff gets deep I sometimes wish for narrower and better grip setup. But I can't get myself to give up the dry performance!

[ObD]

I run 225/45/17 in winter. No problems in a more severe climate.

[ChosenGSR]

ok thanks guys, I guess I'll decide on the tire itself when it gets closer to winter.

[sdellutri]

I am planning to pick up my 2004 330ci zhp in just a couple of weeks. (ChosenGSR: Thanks for the great pic in your signature; I think mine will look very similar to yours)

I am really concerned about the winter driving (living in NY on Long Island) so I started to investigate snow tires.

I am still trying to decide if it makes better sense for me to use Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 or the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50s. Any recommendations?

Additionally I saw a few posts that indicate I should be careful about the size of the wheel that I get due to clearance issues with the brake calipers. When I reviewed the options on the tirerack.com website, they list a number of 17" and 18" wheels that can be used, but no 16".

Then when I reviewed their "Preferred Package" snow tire set, the showed a 16" AT Italia Type 5 (Silver Painted) 16x7.5 wheel at what ammounts to $139 each. Seems strange because other than this prepackaged winter tire arrangement, they do not list any other 16" options that will fit on the car. Will this 16" wheel fit AT Italia Type 5?

Alternatively, I may have an option to buy some used wheels from a 2000 328ci (the BMW original 16" Star Spoke 43 16x7. Would these fit on the 2004 330ci zhp?

Even if they do fit, would I be better off with one of the 17" options? They have what looks to be a reasonably cost effective 17" Sport Edition Fox 6 17x7 for only $119 each.

Thanks in advance for all of your help.

[Elwood]

If I had a winter beater car that was used exclusively in snow storms I'd get the WS-50's, but I've heard they're pretty squishy on dry pavement.
heh heh , heh heh He said squishy :rofl:

M2's will not make your car RWD car into a snow mobile, but more like a FWD car with A/S. Dry cornering is very good. :D

[sdellutri]

Thanks for the feedback!

Looks like I'll focus on the 16" setup then. I think I may also opt for the WS50s (even though the main roads usually get cleared, the area where I live usually is left some significant snow for several days). I have been using the Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus 205/55HR16 all seasons on my 2000 328ci and I have really been all over the road when it snows for the past few years (been lucky so far, but dont want to do it any more)

Just to confirm, does it mean that even the wheels from the 2000 328ci (the BMW original 16" Star Spoke type-43 16x7 would not fit on the 2004 330ci zhp?

Thanks again

[Gary@Tirerack]

Thanks for the feedback!

Looks like I'll focus on the 16" setup then. I think I may also opt for the WS50s (even though the main roads usually get cleared, the area where I live usually is left some significant snow for several days). I have been using the Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus 205/55HR16 all seasons on my 2000 328ci and I have really been all over the road when it snows for the past few years (been lucky so far, but dont want to do it any more)

Just to confirm, does it mean that even the wheels from the 2000 328ci (the BMW original 16" Star Spoke type-43 16x7 would not fit on the 2004 330ci zhp?

Thanks again


Correct, those OE 16" ones won't clear the brakes.

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