Snow Tire Question
 

Hello,

I have a 135i that has 18inch summer tires. I never drove the car in the winter but I have to drive it this winter. I don't want to buy new snow tires ($800+) for just 1 winter.

I'm looking at craigslist and I see some Nokian Hakkapelitta Q 235/60 R16 Snow Tires On Borbet Rims.

Can I get any tire that's already on a rim and use it on my car? Or does the rim/wheel itself have to be BMW compatible? (Sorry I'm a newb here).

It has to be compatible somewhat. There are different bolt patterns, hub sizes, offsets, wheel sizes, tire sizes, brake sizes etc to consider.

I have dedicated snow tires and they make a HUGE difference.

Go to tirerack and see what Borbet wheels are available for your car. Enter 128i to see smaller wheel options. Doubtful 16s will fit over the brakes.

As 16" wheels have never been available for the 135i, you can be pretty sure they will not clear the brakes.

Tom

you can't be sure if that - some 16s fit on my 330, it depends on the wheel.

As Tom said, 16" wheels will not work on the 135i, they won't clear the front brakes.

E46 330Ci front brake rotor diameter is 325mm. 135i front brake rotor diameter is 338mm. Very unlikely any 16" wheel could clear the 13mm larger rotors on the 135i, when it was very difficult to find ones to fit an E46 330.

On a related note, I need to replace my OEM run flat tires. I want to go with Michelin but move away from run flats. Has any one done this and if so what results can be expected.

Plenty of folks have gone to non RFTs. The go flat Conti DWS tires on my 128i have improved both ride and handling and cost less than 1/2 of the OEM RFTs.

Tom

Ok, that's a good reason to be sure (not just cause BMW never sold 16s).

I have Pilot Sport A/S Plus's on mine, they work fine and they ride a lot better then the OEM Bridgestones. If you're not looking for an all season though, go with the Pilot Supersports.

Does anyone have a set of snow tires they are happy with?

I like my Michelin XIce2s

Bridgestone Blizzaks.

Dunlop Wintersport 3D

Tirerrack or any other reputable tire store will tell you what's appropriate. Should not cost $800 but if it does it does. Would you rather have your muti K car end up in a ditch? Buy what you need to be safe and to get you where you need to go.