I usually buy my tires through the Tire Rack and I know they sometimes have specials on winter tires during the summer.

I'm going to buy 4 wheels and 4 winter tires (most likely from them) and figured I should start thinking about it now before the prices go up. Usually a drop down an inch in diameter and go with a taller winter tire to aid in traction (and save some money on tires).

My E39 had 17 inch summers and 16 inch winters so I guess I'll be looking at 17 inch winters now. I normally run Blizzaks but I think I might be going with Nokains this time around.

Any opinions?

I am planning on doing the same thing. Probably get 7.5 x 17 rims (stock 545i) and then looking at maybe the Dunlop winter sport M3. Most of the winter in Colorado seems to have very few days of packed snow conditions except in the mountains, and usually end up driving around in the slush and dry most of the time. The dunlops seem to have very good reviews on tire rack and 1010 tires.

Interesting to see what others think, especially those further North.

Useful topic...

I will be getting a winter set - not sure what to do yet.

BMW are offering a complete set of 17" BMW wheels style 138 or 116 with
Continental TS790

or

Dunlops M3's

both 225/50R17 for 1600 euros ( around $1300 ) - I think it's a reasonable deal...

However found nice OEM's style 124 replica with 245/40R/18 for 1300 euros....

But worried about the warranty and reliability...any takes ??? :ermm:

18" look good - but expensive to run
17" more economic , better traction , looks less immpressive...

I think you may have your conversion turned around 1600 euros is more like 1900 dollars. Still doesn't sound like a bad deal. My dealer here will do the swap and storage of the unused set too which may be an other good reason to go with the dealer.

:o You're right ultraplanet.. last time I went to the US was when euro was weaker!
thanks for the input as well :) when the BMW deal isn't bad...

I like the looks of the 18 inch wheels so much better than 17 inch that I want to see how much winter tires will cost me on my 18 inch wheels. Downside to doing this is the dealer or tireguys will have to get them on and off twice a year wich could damage my rims.. And I am rather anal about my wheels.

I agree Dennis, better go for a complete wheel set... :)

Anyone have an idea what an 18 inch set will cost me??????

Full Zaino, fresh fluids, then putting it in the garage. :zzz:

Hey guys,

I could really use some help in understanding the winter tire thing. It's new to me and I would like to try to figure it all out.

1. What are the pros and cons of getting an additional set of wheels for the snow tires? Does it always cost more or is there a break-even after some time of use?

2. I have a 530 with sports package (18" wheels). Do most people get 18 snow tires of the same profile or do they go for narrower tires and smaller wheels to improve traction? Does this mean I should get 17" wheels and tires?

3. I saw that there are trade-offs on the type of tire both in rubber grip as well as shape of tire and what it does for the sporty feel of the drive. I want both, is that an oxymoron (or am I just a moron)?

4. My car came with style 123 wheels I think and would really rather have gotten more interesting wheels for the summer tire majority of the year. My ideal plan would be to get the same size wheels (18") that are more interesting and put the summer tires (Dunlop run flats) on the new ones. Then use my factory 123s for the winter tires for 3-4 months.

5. Are Blizzaks the only game in town for best traction?

6. HELP! :blink: