Winter wheels on 550i
11-12-2013 | 06:01 AM
#12
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 571
Likes: 10
From: Montreal Quebec Canada
My Ride: 2005 545i, premium package, 6sp manual, cold package, navigation package.
Model Year: 2005
Engine: N62
....For a winter setup only. I'm not recommending 17's for a summer setup. With smaller wheels you can get narrower tires that cut through the snow better (in this case 225mm vs 245/275mm on the Style 124's). Wide wheels/tires perform worse than narrower ones in snow. It's simple physics, the weight of the car is displaced over a smaller area with narrow wheels, so you get better traction. Wide wheels spread out the load and reduce traction on snow.
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A narrower tire has exactly the same area of contact, but presents itself as a narrow pattern 'cutting' through the snow instaed of trying to 'plow' the snow as in a wider but same area pattern.
I always go -1 on my tires for winter, i.e. from 245 to 225mm.
Regards, Bob P.
11-12-2013 | 08:17 AM
#13
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
My Ride: 2006 550i, 6 speed manual
Model Year: 2006
I own a 2006 550i with sport package and staggered wheels. Bought 4 17" Blizzaks and alloy wheels from Tirerack for less that what I would have paid for snows that fit the staggered rims that I swap every winter. The snows are a bit narrower which helps traction wise. Car handles pretty well but obviously doesn't look as aggressive. It's nice b/c I am actually able to swap out the wheels/tires myself in the spring/fall if I choose to do so.
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