Anyone else using Pirrelli SnowSports?

[CH_325xiT]

I've noticed that most folks here have the Dunlops or the Blizzaks.
I currently have the Pirelli SnowSport 210 (205/55 R16)

I switched over to winter tires in late November and have driven in deep snow (4"-6") and ice many times since. These tires are excellent so far. No complaints!

The DSC has not even come on...

I'm waiting for a nice snow storm to test the DSC in a empty parking lot near me and some back roads that are usually left uncleared.

I was wondering if anyone else had any comments on their experiences with the SnowSport

[geomax]

Dude - Love those steel rims! Looks just like my car!! :p

[Patrick]

Originally posted by geomax
Dude - Love those steel rims! Looks just like my car!! :p

You can have mine ... ugly as sin.

BTW, CH_325xiT, are studded snow tires illegal in Switzerland?

Anyway, they are legal here and un-believe-able in the snow! On a xiT, I would imagine that could be a lot of fun.

Patrick

[Mystikal]

Yup, I have 210 SnowSports too. A big thank you to BMW for putting the slightly smaller brakes on the 323, they save me a lot of money and less section width on my winters!

We squeezed on 15" steels over the calipers, and slapped on 195/65/15's. My ASC hasn't activated once since I put the tires on either, I love it!

[Patrick]

Originally posted by Mystikal
We squeezed on 15" steels over the calipers, and slapped on 195/65/15's. My ASC hasn't activated once since I put the tires on either, I love it!

Hmm, wonder what I doing wrong! My traction control warning light comes on all of the time ...

Diesel POWER! :D :D

Patrick

[Mystikal]

LOL, gotta love that torque!

[CH_325xiT]

geomax - thanks for the compliment but I'll probably be slapping on wheel covers pretty soon.

Patrick - studded tires are allowed in Switzerland but I do not need them as I live down by the lake and the roads are mostly wet or icy during the winter. Snows are needed mostly in the countryside and when going snowboarding.

The only time I've had the ASC light come on was when I was test driving a wagon. I had rained that morning and I approached the on ramp a bit too fast, the back end slide out as I was exiting the curve and then I noticed the light, i was too busy punching the gas to notice that the car was quickly back on its line due to the reactionof the ASC.

My initial feeling was that this is excellent, now however, I've been driving a lot and not seen the light come on and I wonder if I beginning to underestimate the road conditions as I'm usually the fastest on the highway and side roads:confused:

[geomax]

Originally posted by CH_325xiT
geomax - thanks for the compliment but I'll probably be slapping on wheel covers pretty soon.


Let me know what you will use for covers. I'm assuming that you have 16' wheels? Not much selection in 16" wheel covers. BMW makes some nice ones, but they are pricey.

[Patrick]

Originally posted by CH_325xiT
My initial feeling was that this is excellent, now however, I've been driving a lot and not seen the light come on and I wonder if I beginning to underestimate the road conditions as I'm usually the fastest on the highway and side roads:confused:

Enter AWD+traction control! Sounds like a lot of fun.

I also do not need studded snow tires down here in southern Finland. At least not anymore (global warming?). Winters here are not what they used to be.

I am a former "old school" VW enthusiast, and even drove my Typ 1, Typ 2 and Typ 3's with studded tires in the winter. In bad weather (snow, ice), a 1970 Volkswagen Beetle equiped with a full tank of gas and studded snow tires can climb walls! BTW, here IS my current "summer" car: 1971 Typ 111 VW Beetle, factory steel sliding sunroof, OE Fuch wheels, 1776cc dual Weber engine etc. I have driven it 8 km in the last 3 years ...

Patrick

[Patrick]

Originally posted by geomax
Let me know what you will use for covers. I'm assuming that you have 16' wheels? Not much selection in 16" wheel covers. BMW makes some nice ones, but they are pricey.

Just a guess, but those look like 15" steel wheels. I have the same - an extra set - and yes, the "hubcaps" were damn expensive. I broke two trying to pry them off :mad:

Patrick

[CH_325xiT]

I do have 16" and I have seen only two types of covers from BMW, but I plan to visit my local dealer to see what he has in stock. I'll try to post pics as soon as I have them.

[Patrick]

Originally posted by Mystikal
LOL, gotta love that torque!

Yep. My break-in is just about over, so today I searched for that torque in 2nd and 3rd gear. On a clean road (no snow/ice), I found it. It hits after about 2000rpm. Not that bad for a 4 cylinder engine.

Once my PSI chip arrives from Belgium, I will see how that treats me - 176hp should be mine, along with 350Nm of torque. I may need a mouthpiece :D

Patrick

[geomax]

Originally posted by CH_325xiT
I do have 16" and I have seen only two types of covers from BMW, but I plan to visit my local dealer to see what he has in stock. I'll try to post pics as soon as I have them.

2 styles - interesting. My local dealer only has one. Yeah, definitely post pics. Here's the one thats available here:

[CH_325xiT]

yes I have seen those and the other indicated in the picture, but I have not seen the others.

[RaVe]

Yep. My break-in is just about over, so today I searched for that torque in 2nd and 3rd gear. On a clean road (no snow/ice), I found it. It hits after about 2000rpm. Not that bad for a 4 cylinder engine.

Patrick,

have you driven the new 150 hp version already? Do these PSI guys have chipsets for 330D as well? And if yes, what's the power and torque after performing the upgrade?

[steve]

I had Pirelli Winter 190s on my Volkswagen Passat, and the car ran like it was summer throughout a Canadian Winter. On the other hand, with the Bimmer's RWD, I've got Pirelli PZeros, and a light snow here in the France made it impossible to go up a small hill, and complete a roundabout.

[Patrick]

Originally posted by RaVe


Patrick,

have you driven the new 150 hp version already? Do these PSI guys have chipsets for 330D as well? And if yes, what's the power and torque after performing the upgrade?

The 320d come standard with 136hp. The PSI chip say it gives 164hp. A friend of mine that also has a 6/2001 build 320d (sedan) installed their chip and then had the car dyno'ed. With just the chip, it made 176hp at the wheels. Add a different exhaust and a performance (HAMANN for example) air filter, and the gain will be even better.

PSI (as far as I know) only has a chip/power box for the 320d. Check them out at: www.psi-motorsport.com/pages/all/fs-2-tdtuning.html

However, you can get a chip for the 330d from Wetterauer in Germany: www.wetterauer.de/web/fzg/ukbmw330de46193ps.html

You can expect more than what they have listed on their page (for the Alpha chip) - this is a "mild" reading of the performance upgrade. Depending on when your car was made, there is also a chance for their imporved "Beta" chip. Also notice that fuel economy improves! Expect something like 480-490Nm torque. If you install this (or something), please post your "seat of the pants" results. Turbo diesel chip technology is amazing stuff and you will notice a huge difference.

Happy motoring!

Patrick

[Patrick]

Originally posted by RaVe


Patrick,

have you driven the new 150 hp version already? Do these PSI guys have chipsets for 330D as well? And if yes, what's the power and torque after performing the upgrade?

SORRY! Yes, you mean the new 2002 320d with 150hp. It's late. Yes, I test drove a '02 320d Touring. Very nice. To be honest, it is hard to tell the difference between that and my '01 320d. More power up there somewhere I am sure. :D

Patrick

[CH_325xiT]

Patrick and RaVe

I must say I am impressed with the diesel engines that BMW has in their line-up. I was in near shock when I read the torque numbers for the 320d and the 330d in the back of my manual.

I'm very eager to drive one to feel that torque for myself:D

[RaVe]

Originally posted by Patrick 320d



However, you can get a chip for the 330d from Wetterauer in Germany: www.wetterauer.de/web/fzg/ukbmw330de46193ps.html

You can expect more than what they have listed on their page (for the Alpha chip) - this is a "mild" reading of the performance upgrade. Depending on when your car was made, there is also a chance for their imporved "Beta" chip. Also notice that fuel economy improves! Expect something like 480-490Nm torque. If you install this (or something), please post your "seat of the pants" results. Turbo diesel chip technology is amazing stuff and you will notice a huge difference.



Thanks for the info. 490 Nm is a real killer...

It was just out of curiosity, personally I'm happy enough today with the power and especially the torque the car has.

I've become a real diesel fan since I've bought this car. Makes your driving style more laid back and relaxed.

And BMW makes the best diesel engines out there. Audis do have the power as well, but the combination RWD and so much torque creates a far superior driving sensation.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

*envy*

[bol]

I have the pirelli snowsport 210's as well for my 17's for my 330Ci, with these stylish steel rims!

http://www.scizzors.net/~adam/s0me0ne/new/dirty/106-0656_IMG.JPG

they work pretty darn good, and allowed me to go for about 100meters in a ditch with 6" deep snow.

[geomax]

Originally posted by Patrick 320d
Just a guess, but those look like 15" steel wheels. I have the same - an extra set - and yes, the "hubcaps" were damn expensive. I broke two trying to pry them off :mad:


They broke? No S--t, really? You'd think they'd be stronger than that! I'm STILL waiting for mine to show up - they've been on back order for friggin weeks now....

[rost12]

I've got SnowSports on my OEM type 44s.
And with a bit of stupidity I was able to overtake a couple oF SUVs on a small incline near my place. All that fun took place on ONE day it was actually and seriously snowing :)

Otherwise, I find them to be a bit noisy, although there is no noise on my father's car (same tires, wider size, different car). Dunno why this happens.

All in all, good winter tires that still allow you to have some fun in the parking lot with DSC turned off :) BTW, DSC tunes in quite often while I drive, robs my mighty right foot of its power :)))

[doubletee]

You guys don't know what ugly is!:D Check out these 15" Yoko Guardex 600's on steel with hubcaps!

<img src="http://members.roadfly.com/doubletee/BMW1.JPG">
<img src="http://members.roadfly.com/doubletee/BMW2.JPG">