bmw093

It's about 90 degrees where I live right now, and so naturally I'm thinking about my winter set up for my wheels and tires.

I need some help and advice. On my E39, I just switched winter tires back and forth on my same rims, which really isn't the most wonderful idea. So with my '08 528i (with sport pkg) I was going to buy a dedicated set of winter rims and tires.

My question is whether I will see/feel a noticable difference if I stay with a set of 18s (and 245/40/18 winter tires), or if it is much smarter, safer, and noticable in handling to drop down to a 17 inch set (with 225/50/17).

If the difference is negligible, I'd rather get a set of 18s, but if there is a true, noticable difference, I will get the 17s (probably a set of the stock 17s that come with the 535i non sport pkg).

Any suggestions/insight?

Thanks.

tachyon

I run with 18" wheels in the winter and the ride is fantastic. I use the OEM stock 18" wheels (style 124, staggered) that came on the 550i sport. Dunlop Winter Sport M3s are a great choice for winter rubber.

Boy, you really plan ahead.

BMWSTL

Are your snows all the same size (245/40/18) or "standard staggered size," i.e, wider in back (275/35/18)?

I think I've seen your post on this before, but my brain can only hold so much!

Lou

iversonm

You don't want really wide snows. Narrower tire perform better. There really is no reason to run a staggered setup.
I'd guess the difference between 245 and 225 will probably be minor, unless your either in the mountains or the lake effect regions of the Great Lakes.

One upside of the 17" rims will be a smoother ride during pothole season, with less probability of wrecking a rim.

tachyon

I do run a somewhat staggered setup for winter ... but the wheels and tires are in storage and my brain must not be able to hold much information either because I don't exactly remember the sizes. I think I run the standard tire size in front (245/40/18) and 255/40/18 in back. Works great.

MattAu

Anyone running 215/50R17 for snows? I have the sport package so I have 18" and when I calculate the numbers, the 215/50R17 is closer to stock diameter than 225/50R17.

bmw093

Thanks everyone for the advice. After reading your input, speaking with my dealer, Tire Rack, and another BMW dealer, I decided to go with a 17inch set up. All 3 places I spoke to were all telling me to get the 17s, despite the fact that the 18s would mean more money for each of them (which gives them a little more credibility IMHO). I bought a set of Blizzak WS50s from Tire Rack --they are having a nice sale on them right now reduced from $137 to $109, and Garry at BMW of Newport gave me 25% off on rims and bought a set of 243s (standard set up on 535i non-sport). All together, wheels, tires, monitors, caps, etc, with shipping came to $1700.

I figured the narrower 225 would cut through the snow better, and the 50 sidewall would be better with the winter potholes. I take my daughter to and from school and so I figured why take any chances, even if the smaller wheel may not look as good and the 243 rim isn't exactly the most beautiful thing on the road. It's only for 3 months, so why take chances.

Again, thanks for all the advice!

bmw093

On the 528 and 535 (and pre-LCI 525 and 530) BMW recommends the 225/50/17 for winter, or so both BMW dealers I spoke with said. Tire rack also recommens the 225/50/17. If you are thinking of a 225 winter tire now, the WS50 Blizzak has a solid reputation and there is a great sale on them now at Tirerack.com. Good luck.

Ricracing

Smart people think in advance

If you want a safe and confy set for the winter go for the OEM 17" wheels and 225/50 tyres.

Buy the best winter tyres there are, not any all season ones!