The unexpected winter storm yesterday in the northeast had me put on my winter setup sooner than I wanted to. I love my 172 wheels, but I knew they had to come off sooner or later :thumbsdown:

My setup is the OEM 124 rims with 255/18/40 Michelin Alpine all around. Not found of the beefy tire as it takes away from the aesthetic appeal of the car, but they do offer pothole protection. Also, the ride comfort has drastically improved over my 19's with the Conti Sport 2.

The tires performed pretty well yesterday in the snow and slush; although I did have to turn off the DTC and spin the wheels to get up the driveway. On the dry these Alpine do not feel like winter tires, they actually feel like summers with a pretty firm sidewall and no noise at all. The Michelin's feel very confident, as I managed to get them up to 100+ on an empty stretch of freeway today.

 

I am looking into getting new winter tires and rims. I am still in doubt if I want to go with 17's or 18's. The main push for the 17's is I would rather spend the extra cash on get 19" summer tires next year. The tire I am looking at are Goodyear UltraGrip Ice + 225/50R17 98T.

 

I run on Michelin X-Ice XI 2. Lots of members likes Blizzaks.
I went with the X-Ice primarily due to their ranking in Consumer Reports where they were ranked #1 and were the ONLY tire with an excellent rating for both snow traction and ice braking.
There are 9 separate categories used for the tests. X-Ice had an overall score of 84/100. So obviously there is no perfect tire but different driving conditions may dictate the best tire for you.
Blizzak WS60 were #7; score 72/100.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice were #14; score 62/100
BTW they tested 17 tires.
I love the Michelins X-Ice for Toronto where we can have lots of snow followed by icy conditions as the salt melts snow during the day and re-freezes overnight into ice.

 

All 255/35/R18 on an E61 535D

Rear : Kumho KW27
Front: Bridgestone Blizzac LM-22

 

(factory sport suspension)
Sport Edition wheels, 5-spoke 17x7.5 et 20
Bizzak WS-50 225/50-17

 

Wow, 17 or 18 with beefy tires really don't our cars justice. I really miss my 172 wheels, I guess my eyes will get adjusted to my new look.
Those Blizzaks will transfer your e60 to tank status.

 

Will be moving to these 17' OEMs' with Blizzaks

 

Just put mine on this weekend. Pirelli Winter Carving Edges with Studs. 225/50R17, with 17inch Replica wheels. I sound like a tank coming down the road.

 

Non-staggered Breyton GTRs w/ Blizzak LM-60 (225/40/19 all the way around). 12mm spacers. I realize that 19s will not perform like 17s or even 18s in the snow, but I just need to be able to get in an out of my 400ft gravel driveway with incline. Once the snow is plowed, the gravel can never really be cleared of ice/snow until a warm spell hits. I don't intend to drive my car in a snowstorm, but if I get caught out, these badboys should do fine.

 

Lmao at the tank comment. You might sounded like a Georgian T-72 getting ready for battle, but at least you will be able to get around in those harsh Canadian winters. I have family out in Toronto and they say Canadian winters are no joke.


You my friend have the best looking snow setup in this thread thus far. I will be patiently awaiting your FS thread on those Breytons