Originally Posted by Rudy' post='498991' date='Nov 25 2007, 09:30 PM

Which is exactly how The Tire Rack ships them...BMW centers included and installed...

Originally Posted by Rudy' post='498984' date='Nov 25 2007, 09:14 PM

If I remember the Blizzak model line correctly, the WS-50 is designed for maximum performance in the snow and ice where the LM-22 sacrifices some of the snow and ice performance for better dry performance.

There's always a trade-off between pure snow and ice traction and dry weather (but cold temperature) traction. Your uncle liked the snow performance of the WS-50 because it is an amazing tire in those conditions. The problem is that those tires aren't so amazing when you're not driving on snow and ice.

Many years ago, when Blizzaks first were introduced, there was only one model -- one that performed in the snow and ice. I used them on my E30 M3 and, although I could go anywhere in the snow, I hated them when it wasn't snowing. They were very, very spongy and the tread wore out fairly fast.

Unless you live somewhere where it snows a heck of a lot, you may find the LM-22 a better choice...

Originally Posted by chriscpm' post='498997' date='Nov 25 2007, 09:46 PM

We read through the info online. He seemed to think the LM-22 would be OK in snow, but not the same on ice. Ice is a concern as much as snow. I'll sleep on it and make the call in the morning.

Originally Posted by Rudy' post='498984' date='Nov 25 2007, 09:14 PM

If I remember the Blizzak model line correctly, the WS-50 is designed for maximum performance in the snow and ice where the LM-22 sacrifices some of the snow and ice performance for better dry performance.

There's always a trade-off between pure snow and ice traction and dry weather (but cold temperature) traction. Your uncle liked the snow performance of the WS-50 because it is an amazing tire in those conditions. The problem is that those tires aren't so amazing when you're not driving on snow and ice.

Many years ago, when Blizzaks first were introduced, there was only one model -- one that performed in the snow and ice. I used them on my E30 M3 and, although I could go anywhere in the snow, I hated them when it wasn't snowing. They were very, very spongy and the tread wore out fairly fast.

Unless you live somewhere where it snows a heck of a lot, you may find the LM-22 a better choice...

Originally Posted by chriscpm' post='499262' date='Nov 26 2007, 06:17 PM

I think I'm tossing out the WS-50s. My uncle who was so fond of them did confirm they do effect the ride. He said he got them because his car was so low, so that was his main concern.

With that choice out, I'm tossing between the Blizzak LM-22, the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 that someone said were great, and the Dunlop Winter Sport M3. The Dunlops are run flats, which I hear make for a rougher ride in general. I'd like to avoid a rough ride, so I'll probably pick between the other two. The Michelins are a bit more, but nothing in the big picture. Either choice is probably fine I guess.

Originally Posted by Rudy' post='499278' date='Nov 26 2007, 07:31 PM

Just to muddy the waters a bit more -- the Dunlops are available in both a runflat and a non-runflat so you need a three-sided coin now...

Originally Posted by slickrick' post='499333' date='Nov 26 2007, 10:23 PM

The dunlop M3's are not runflat. I know I just put them on my car 2 weeks ago. I bought them from tirerack. I believe the 3D's are runflat not the M3's. That's why I went with the M3's staggered. 245-18 front and 275-18 rear. It's what the car calls for based on my wheels.

Rick...

Originally Posted by slickrick' post='499333' date='Nov 26 2007, 10:23 PM

The dunlop M3's are not runflat. I know I just put them on my car 2 weeks ago. I bought them from tirerack. I believe the 3D's are runflat not the M3's. That's why I went with the M3's staggered. 245-18 front and 275-18 rear. It's what the car calls for based on my wheels.

Rick...