Snow tires on 328 xi sedan

Would you go with 17 in runflat or 16 in runflat? I'm looking at 17s.

Hub diameter is less critical than tread width. For snow tires, narrower is typically better (you want to dig down through the snow rather than ride up over it).

I would guess you will be able to find a better range of narrower tires on 16" wheels. If you want to keep the tires in the normal load range on a 3-series, I think you'll find it hard to find anything below 225 mm in 17". With the 16" you can get down to 205mm easily.

17 works fine. For 17", use a 17x7 wheel with 205/50R17 (or 225/45 on 8" wide). On 16, the size is 205/65R16. Same width, so no real difference 16/17.

i would recommend 16s. cheaper tires and more sidewall to ward off road hazard damage.
i would run 16s in the winter if i could-- the brakes on the 335i are too large to fit a 16" rim and alot of 17s

Originally Posted by floydarogers

17 works fine. For 17", use a 17x7 wheel with 205/50R17 (or 225/45 on 8" wide). On 16, the size is 205/65R16. Same width, so no real difference 16/17.

Not really. When you look at the available 205 tires in both 16" and 17", the load range and set pressures change. Not a problem if you understand what you're doing and how to adjust pressures, but for someone asking blind on the internet, it adds a level of complication that may not be in her best interest.

In addition, if she tried to order the 205s in 17", she'd get a call back from TireRack recommending she not do so. Been there, done that.

Taller and thinner is better than shorter and fatter for a snow tire.

For summer, I have ZSP staggered setup, but for winter I downsized to the non-ZSP Original Equipment Size: 205/55-16 on 16" BMW wheels.

From Volvo (Does anyone know snow like the Swedes?):

Originally Posted by my old Volvo's Owner's Manual

Snow tires, studded tires *

Tires for winter use:

Owners who live in or regularly commute through areas with sustained periods of snow or icy driving conditions are strongly advised to fit suitable winter tires to help retain the highest degree of traction.

It is important to install winter tires on all four wheels to help retain traction during cornering, braking and accelerating. Failure to do so could reduce traction to an unsafe level or adversely affect handling. Do not mix tires of different design as this could also negatively affect overall tire road grip. Volvo recommends 185/65 R15 winter tires on 15" wheels on all S/V 70 models including models equipped with 16" or 17" wheels.

Winter tires wear more quickly on dry roads in warm weather. They should be removed when the winter driving season has ended.

Studded tires should be run-in 300-600 miles (500-1000 km) during which the car should be driven as smoothly as possible to give the studs the opportunity to seat properly in the tires. The car tires should have the same rotational direction throughout their entire lifetime. In other words, if you wish to rotate the wheels, make sure that the same wheels are always on the same side of the car.

NOTE: Please consult state or local regulations restricting the use of studded winter tires before installing such tires.

* Special snow chains are available for AWD models equipped with 205/55R16 tires. Please consult your Volvo retailer.

** Where permitted

Thanks everyone. Love this forum!

The 17 inch rims will have a couple advantages over the 16 inch rims, sporty handling and sporty styling. IMO, none of this matters when driving in the snow, ice, and slush.

Smaller and narrower rims really work better for winter driving conditions. Surround these rims with the best winter tires you can find.