18" snows vs. 17" snows
12-17-2007, 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by yayankee' post='507653' date='Dec 17 2007, 10:19 AM
....on a 2008 550i with sport package. BMW dealers say that BMW does NOT reccommend 18".
18's with snows perform great. I had them on my M3 and now using the oem 124 w/snows on my 550. I drive all over NJ and into NYC ( the roads stink) but
I never had pothole damage on my M3, not that it doesn't exist or can't happen, and the winter traction, looks and dry performance is fine with the 18's. 17's may save you a few bucks, will surely do well in the snow, but suffer in the looks and handling dept.
12-17-2007, 09:12 AM
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My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets.
First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.
As I cautioned before: The trick is in the wheel and caliper clearances. Once past that hurdle, smaller/narrower is better for snow. Speed rating and likely better handling, is available in major brands.
ERGO: You may want to take the substantial money you save by going with 17s and apply it toward speed-rated rubber.
Cheers,
Ray Hull
ERGO: You may want to take the substantial money you save by going with 17s and apply it toward speed-rated rubber.
Cheers,
Ray Hull
12-17-2007, 09:14 AM
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My Ride: Jan 2006 E63 650i Sport
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I currently have 18" 245s all round in winter. Took the car to Austria (ski-ing trip) and did not get stuck. Even after 1.5m of snow fall and having to drive up hill from a standing start. Just ordered a replacement car and have opted for 19" 245s all round in winter -- primarily for the looks ofcourse. Will be interesting to see how they do, but I'm not expecting poorer performance than with my 18" 245s.
I've seen a lot of m-sport E60s running the standard 17" winter set-up (type 138 or 122) and have to admit that they look fine. It basically comes down to the weather conditions you will mostly be driving in -- if you are not expecting to drive in snow very often, then IMHO I would go for an 18" rim, i.e. for the looks.
I've seen a lot of m-sport E60s running the standard 17" winter set-up (type 138 or 122) and have to admit that they look fine. It basically comes down to the weather conditions you will mostly be driving in -- if you are not expecting to drive in snow very often, then IMHO I would go for an 18" rim, i.e. for the looks.
12-17-2007, 09:17 AM
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Originally Posted by xBMWx' post='507723' date='Dec 17 2007, 01:14 PM
I currently have 18" 245s all round in winter. Took the car to Austria (ski-ing trip) and did not get stuck. Even after 1.5m of snow fall and having to drive up hill from a standing start. Just ordered a replacement car and have opted for 19" 245s all round in winter -- primarily for the looks ofcourse. Will be interesting to see how they do, but I'm not expecting poorer performance than with my 18" 245s.
I've seen a lot of m-sport E60s running the standard 17" winter set-up (type 138 or 122) and have to admit that they look fine. It basically comes down to the weather conditions you will mostly be driving in -- if you are not expecting to drive in snow very often, then IMHO I would go for an 18" rim, i.e. for the looks.
I've seen a lot of m-sport E60s running the standard 17" winter set-up (type 138 or 122) and have to admit that they look fine. It basically comes down to the weather conditions you will mostly be driving in -- if you are not expecting to drive in snow very often, then IMHO I would go for an 18" rim, i.e. for the looks.
Agreed
12-20-2007, 09:57 AM
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My Ride: 2008 550i, Carbon Black Metallic with Black Dakota Leather, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, NAV, Cold-Weather Package, Folding Rear Seats, Rear Side Impact Airbags, Sirius, iPod/USB Adapter,
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Thanks everyone I am doing 18" wheels (124) and having the Dunlop's M3's installed at BMW of Newport (RI). Great deal, no comparison on price with any other BMW dealer.
12-20-2007, 11:58 PM
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Pirelli SottoZero 210's in -1 (17") sizing handled superbly and were definitely not squirrely at "normal" Autobahn speeds. They compared very favorably with the OEM 18s, although I went faster on the OEM tires.
Recommended very highly.
Recommended very highly.
12-21-2007, 12:18 AM
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i think it is primarily down to looks, because the advantages you gain from going from 18" to 17" (actually only tnx to going from 245 to 225 tires) is not as much as actually switching to something like a x5 with a winter setup. so my thought is: you got yourself a e60 because you probably dont live up in the mountains or you are not faced with meter high snow during the winters. in that case, 18" will be sufficient.
this is my first winter with 19" in Austria - everything is fine, no issues whatsoever...
this is my first winter with 19" in Austria - everything is fine, no issues whatsoever...
12-21-2007, 07:10 AM
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Originally Posted by yayankee' post='508847' date='Dec 20 2007, 01:57 PM
Thanks everyone I am doing 18" wheels (124) and having the Dunlop's M3's installed at BMW of Newport (RI). Great deal, no comparison on price with any other BMW dealer.
12-21-2007, 07:11 AM
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My Ride: 2008 Silverstone II E60 M5 2012 E70 AW X5 50i Sport w/ LCI Aero Kit and Rocker Panels
I have the 18" 123's as my Winter set-up (Blizzak LM-25 Tires) and love them. I think the difference between 17's and 18's for winter is negligible in these cars.
Sounds like you made a great choice.
Sounds like you made a great choice.
12-21-2007, 07:58 AM
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My Ride: 2004 E60 530i, 2012 E70 X5 35i
Model Year: 2004
Originally Posted by C's Bimmer' post='509177' date='Dec 21 2007, 11:11 AM
I have the 18" 123's as my Winter set-up (Blizzak LM-25 Tires) and love them. I think the difference between 17's and 18's for winter is negligible in these cars.
Sounds like you made a great choice.
Sounds like you made a great choice.