Finalizing Winter Tire Decision
11-24-2005 | 05:55 AM
#11
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From: Chicagoland (US)
My Ride: 2005 545i with Sport Pkg, Nav, HUD, Cold Weather Pkg, Rear Shades
You should also talk to your dealer Service Manager and get their opinion on winter setup. I really liked the Dunlop Winter Sport M3 ratings on tirerack. When I spoke with my dealer, they recommended the same. I am getting mine installed on Tue. (Bought the OEM Style 138 wheels)
where do you buy oem style 138 wheels, do you get those on tire rack. I've googled it with no sucess.
thanks for the help
[/quote]
From the dealer. Got the whole setup from them - wheels and tires - came to about $1800 incl taxes.
11-24-2005 | 06:14 AM
#13
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 899
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From: Trieste, Italy
My Ride: Cars:2011 - BMW F11 535i, Alpine White, Msport version2009 - MINI COOPER, Mellow Yellow2007 - BMW E61 LCI 530i, Space Gray, Msport version - SOLD2006 - MINI COOPER, Park Lane Version - SOLD2005 - BMW E61 525i, Titan Silver, Msport version - SOLD2003
Model Year: 2012
Originally Posted by Cyclist' post='202800' date='Nov 24 2005, 07:23 AM
O.k.
Car will get here from ED in 3-4weeks. Snowing here in N.E. (near Boston) on Thanksgiving day.
Want to finalize my decision.
TireRack has the ASA JH3 rims which I see others on this board have. They look o.k. to me.
The Dunlops look better to me than the Bridgestones
Questions.
1) 17 inch vs 18 in rims?
2) if 17's, the Dunlops offer a winter Run Flat or standard. Which one and why?
Thanks everyone. I want to put an end to this already (and start agoninzing over other minor matters
)
Cyclist
Car will get here from ED in 3-4weeks. Snowing here in N.E. (near Boston) on Thanksgiving day.
Want to finalize my decision.
TireRack has the ASA JH3 rims which I see others on this board have. They look o.k. to me.
The Dunlops look better to me than the Bridgestones
Questions.
1) 17 inch vs 18 in rims?
2) if 17's, the Dunlops offer a winter Run Flat or standard. Which one and why?
Thanks everyone. I want to put an end to this already (and start agoninzing over other minor matters
)Cyclist
No as I have changed the car I am going with a new set and I will buy 225/50-17 94H Dunlop Sport Winter M3 Rft with 116 rims. The whole set has a good price as it cost 1.350? abt. 1.600$.
I put the question in one of my topics under E61 forum and I got positive replies on these tires. You can check it at: http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=18257
11-24-2005 | 06:20 AM
#14
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Princeton, NJ
My Ride: 2006 530i Silver Gray/Black Dakota/Steptronic/Sport Pkg/Premium Pkg/Navigation/Cold Weather Pkg/Rear Heated Seats/Power Shades (Replaced 1998 E39)
I bought a set of Style 123 (18" 530i sport) wheels and tires from Forum member taking delivery of new car. Having Dunlop Winter Sport M3s installed. Decided to stick with 18" since I wanted to maintain look of car and sportiness since I live in an area with just average snow, and have SUV alternative. With the tires my car came with, the second set from the wheels I bought, plus the winter tires, I am good to go for awhile. 
Good luck with your car!
Good luck with your car!
11-24-2005 | 06:42 AM
#15
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From: expat in The Netherlands
My Ride: BMW 545iA Black Sapphire
Model Year: 2005
Engine: 545i
Originally Posted by Peter530i' post='202806' date='Nov 24 2005, 01:34 PM
17" 245x45 Continental Winter TS810. The last model from Conti.
Very very high ultra performance tires for highways. OK maybe not the best for Alaska type winter
I have it and it is great.
(Also it is certified by MB for S classe winter tire)
And of course NO RF's, not even in summer. Ride quality poor.
Very very high ultra performance tires for highways. OK maybe not the best for Alaska type winter
I have it and it is great.
(Also it is certified by MB for S classe winter tire)
And of course NO RF's, not even in summer. Ride quality poor.
This is my setup ( rims are style 124's replica 17' ) as well.
11-24-2005 | 07:13 AM
#16
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Chicago, IL
My Ride: 2008 Sapphire Black on Black M5 - loaded sans soft close doors
I have the LM-22s right now and while they are great in the dry, in the snow they are fair at best. From what I've read (and per the ratings on tirerack), it looks like the Dunlop M3s are the way to go. Get 17" wheels so you have the highest sidewall possible because as you know, potholes are everywhere in the winter and you want the most protection possible. Finally, since the 5-series does come with a spare, get the regular tires and not the run-flats because as pointed out, later in the year, the tires are not available and if you need to replace one, you are toast (unless you want to buy an extra tire).
11-24-2005 | 07:18 AM
#17
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 899
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From: Trieste, Italy
My Ride: Cars:2011 - BMW F11 535i, Alpine White, Msport version2009 - MINI COOPER, Mellow Yellow2007 - BMW E61 LCI 530i, Space Gray, Msport version - SOLD2006 - MINI COOPER, Park Lane Version - SOLD2005 - BMW E61 525i, Titan Silver, Msport version - SOLD2003
Model Year: 2012
Originally Posted by doug_999' post='202858' date='Nov 24 2005, 10:13 AM
I have the LM-22s right now and while they are great in the dry, in the snow they are fair at best. From what I've read (and per the ratings on tirerack), it looks like the Dunlop M3s are the way to go. Get 17" wheels so you have the highest sidewall possible because as you know, potholes are everywhere in the winter and you want the most protection possible. Finally, since the 5-series does come with a spare, get the regular tires and not the run-flats because as pointed out, later in the year, the tires are not available and if you need to replace one, you are toast (unless you want to buy an extra tire).
11-24-2005 | 07:32 AM
#18
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 572
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From: Chicagoland (US)
My Ride: 2005 545i with Sport Pkg, Nav, HUD, Cold Weather Pkg, Rear Shades
Originally Posted by doug_999' post='202858' date='Nov 24 2005, 09:13 AM
Get 17" wheels so you have the highest sidewall possible because as you know, potholes are everywhere in the winter and you want the most protection possible.
I agree with this - that's a reason why I bought the 17" rims too. Although I did decide to buy the RFTs - just my pref - I hate to be stuck on the highway with a flat in winter. There are some crazies out there who don't know how to drive in the snow (not any of us, right??!!) and I'd rather be able to drive to a shop to get the flat fixed.
11-24-2005 | 07:37 AM
#19
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 899
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From: Trieste, Italy
My Ride: Cars:2011 - BMW F11 535i, Alpine White, Msport version2009 - MINI COOPER, Mellow Yellow2007 - BMW E61 LCI 530i, Space Gray, Msport version - SOLD2006 - MINI COOPER, Park Lane Version - SOLD2005 - BMW E61 525i, Titan Silver, Msport version - SOLD2003
Model Year: 2012
You should also talk to your dealer Service Manager and get their opinion on winter setup. I really liked the Dunlop Winter Sport M3 ratings on tirerack. When I spoke with my dealer, they recommended the same. I am getting mine installed on Tue. (Bought the OEM Style 138 wheels)
where do you buy oem style 138 wheels, do you get those on tire rack. I've googled it with no sucess.
thanks for the help
[/quote]
As winter complete set, order No. 36 11 0 304 116 by BMW dealer it should cost about 1600$ with Dunlop SP Wi. Spo. M3 Rft. tires. Check attached list.
Winter_Tyres_E60_E61.pdf
11-24-2005 | 08:05 AM
#20
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,113
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From: Albany, NY
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.
Here are my Tire Rack ASA 17x7.5 wheels with last year's Semperits 235 45x17 from my old 540iS mounted. They handle well.
Happy Thanksgiving snow,
Ray Hull