Gone for the winter

[zBone]

For those road warriors who drive their cars in the winter in the northern states... what's your winter tire setup? I searched the forums but didn't really come up with anything definitive. 17 or 18" wheels? I'd be really interested to know! Thanks!

(PS Thankfully we've only had one snowfall this winter! Took it for a loop around the block with the summer tires and - NOPE.)

[Hawkeye]

Mine is a garage queen when the snow and salt hits but I have friends around here with BMW that run Blizzaks and love them.

I have heard a few good things about the Dunlop winter tires as well.

[zBone]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Mine is a garage queen when the snow and salt hits but I have friends around here with BMW that run Blizzaks and love them.

I have heard a few good things about the Dunlop winter tires as well.

I've decided on Blizzaks... I just have no idea what wheel's to put them on

[gtMc]

Originally Posted by torabone

For those road warriors who drive their cars in the winter in the northern states... what's your winter tire setup? I searched the forums but didn't really come up with anything definitive. 17 or 18" wheels? I'd be really interested to know! Thanks!

(PS Thankfully we've only had one snowfall this winter! Took it for a loop around the block with the summer tires and - NOPE.)

While the Z4M is going straight into the garage for 3 months during the winter, I run Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D's on the 540i for the winters here in the northeast. The car handles snow and ice extremely well with them on. I do the tire to wheel swap every season, always keeping the stock OEM 18" wheels on the car. I also kept the wider 265's on the back rather than going with a narrower 245 or 255.

I know I could save money if I picked up an extra set of rims and permenantly mounted the winters but i just chose not to do that. Getting winters makes a world of difference and i'm happy with the Dunlops.

[teezee]

Originally Posted by gtrinks

While the Z4M is going straight into the garage for 3 months during the winter, I run Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D's on the 540i for the winters here in the northeast. The car handles snow and ice extremely well with them on. I do the tire to wheel swap every season, always keeping the stock OEM 18" wheels on the car. I also kept the wider 265's on the back rather than going with a narrower 245 or 255.

I know I could save money if I picked up an extra set of rims and permenantly mounted the winters but i just chose not to do that. Getting winters makes a world of difference and i'm happy with the Dunlops.

They don't hack up your rims doing two tire swaps each year?

[gtMc]

Originally Posted by teezee

They don't hack up your rims doing two tire swaps each year?

Nope. Granted I only take it to 1 of 2 places that I trust, the dealership, or to my local privately owned tire place. Both have the correct sized equipment to handle the rear 10.5" (or whatever size) deep dish stock wheels. Only time something bad happened was a torn sidewall, and of course that was taken care of. So, out of 10+ tire swaps so far, its been ok. Knock on wood.

[zBone]

Originally Posted by gtrinks

While the Z4M is going straight into the garage for 3 months during the winter, I run Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D's on the 540i for the winters here in the northeast. The car handles snow and ice extremely well with them on. I do the tire to wheel swap every season, always keeping the stock OEM 18" wheels on the car. I also kept the wider 265's on the back rather than going with a narrower 245 or 255.

I know I could save money if I picked up an extra set of rims and permenantly mounted the winters but i just chose not to do that. Getting winters makes a world of difference and i'm happy with the Dunlops.

So one thing I've read/heard is that its better to have a narrower than stock setup. I'd also like to save some $$$ by being able to swap the fronts and backs every season if possible.

[gtMc]

Originally Posted by torabone

So one thing I've read/heard is that its better to have a narrower than stock setup. I'd also like to save some $$$ by being able to swap the fronts and backs every season if possible.

There could be some truth to this. (The car has 235's up front and 265s in back, i just double checked the sizes now.) I have heard the same, and I also initially tried to save money by purchasing 235's all around. When they arrived at the shop from Tirerack, the shop called me in shock that I attempted to do this on a performance sedan.

They basically said:
If you do this, they will barely fit on the deeper rear rims and will expose them more to curb rash potential. There will be no benefit in performance in a few inches of snow if you are on 235's rather than 265s in the back, but you WILL have a noticable loss of performance when you are on dry pavement if you have 235's all around. Also, we will make you sign something that says you are an idiot for doing this and we are not liable if you screw up your car or rims. Dont try and save the 50 bucks if you are driving a 540i sport.

So, I returned the rear 235s and got the 265s, and the car drives great.

Yes, It would be nice to try and save the money by swapping back to front.

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by torabone

For those road warriors who drive their cars in the winter in the northern states... what's your winter tire setup? I searched the forums but didn't really come up with anything definitive. 17 or 18" wheels? I'd be really interested to know! Thanks!

(PS Thankfully we've only had one snowfall this winter! Took it for a loop around the block with the summer tires and - NOPE.)

225/45-18 Pirellis Sottozero 240's all around on 18x8" ET40 OZ Ultraleggera wheels (with 20mm spacers on the back).

[zBone]

Originally Posted by aerobod

225/45-18 Pirellis Sottozero 240's all around on 18x8" ET40 OZ Ultraleggera wheels (with 20mm spacers on the back).

And no issues? I like this set up, thanks for the info!

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by torabone

And no issues? I like this set up, thanks for the info!

No issues at all, I'd rate them as the best winter set I've had on any car. They can also be rotated by moving the spacers between the wheels, also the face of the wheels are very close to the position of the summer wheels. I'm now on my second set of winter tyres (Sottozero 240 Serie 2 to replace the original Sottozero 240s that lasted me 3 winters).

The OZ wheels are both light and quite strong, I've hit a few pot holes that would bend cheaper wheels (my wife bent 2 of the 17" Rial German made wheels that she uses for winter on her 135i last year).

[zBone]

Originally Posted by aerobod

No issues at all, I'd rate them as the best winter set I've had on any car. They can also be rotated by moving the spacers between the wheels, also the face of the wheels are very close to the position of the summer wheels. I'm now on my second set of winter tyres (Sottozero 240 Serie 2 to replace the original Sottozero 240s that lasted me 3 winters).

The OZ wheels are both light and quite strong, I've hit a few pot holes that would bend cheaper wheels (my wife bent 2 of the 17" Rial German made wheels that she uses for winter on her 135i last year).

So, can I ask what you paid, and what you/the forum thinks about ordering online versus using a brick and mortar store? I'm working with roughly $1,500.

[gtMc]

Originally Posted by torabone

So, can I ask what you paid, and what you/the forum thinks about ordering online versus using a brick and mortar store? I'm working with roughly $1,500.

I have used Tirerack.com a number of times and find it works great. The phone reps know a thing or two, prices and service are good, and delivery to an install shop (or home) of your choice is generally quick. Never hurts to price comp them against a local place or two to be sure.

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by torabone

So, can I ask what you paid, and what you/the forum thinks about ordering online versus using a brick and mortar store? I'm working with roughly $1,500.

I bought the set from Tirerack back in Feb of 2008. Before shipping and taxes (higher for me, as I am in Canada) they cost about $2,100 for the tyres, wheels, spacers and mounting hardware.

Currently seems to be $1,400 for the Ultraleggera wheels (black painted) plus $776 for the tyres, plus spacers, shipping and taxes at Tirerack.

I've purchased 5 sets of wheels and about 10 full sets of tyres from Tirerack over the past 5 years or so and have always had excellent service.

[G80indy]

Typically the M Roadie is asleep by now (in winter hibernation on the battery tender), but since Indy will see the 50's today it's getting an alignment at Dreyer (dealer). And it felt great to drive it on a January morning. I leave the summer tires on, and figure if it's dry I will drive it even if it's 30 degrees outside.

I am also having a new M steering wheel put on, and having it "aligned" as well.
Can't wait to get her back today....

[zBone]

Originally Posted by 330indy

Typically the M Roadie is asleep by now (in winter hibernation on the battery tender), but since Indy will see the 50's today it's getting an alignment at Dreyer (dealer). And it felt great to drive it on a January morning. I leave the summer tires on, and figure if it's dry I will drive it even if it's 30 degrees outside.

I am also having a new M steering wheel put on, and having it "aligned" as well.
Can't wait to get her back today....

I'm a big fan of Dreyer - say hi to Ty, service adviser - great dude, will always shoot straight with ya. Enjoy the roadster today! Its in the 40's in Cleveland. The Z3 roadster is leaving me Saturday for a new home, but I think I might take her out for one last spin today with the top down...

[zBone]

Originally Posted by aerobod

I bought the set from Tirerack back in Feb of 2008. Before shipping and taxes (higher for me, as I am in Canada) they cost about $2,100 for the tyres, wheels, spacers and mounting hardware.

Currently seems to be $1,400 for the Ultraleggera wheels (black painted) plus $776 for the tyres, plus spacers, shipping and taxes at Tirerack.

I've purchased 5 sets of wheels and about 10 full sets of tyres from Tirerack over the past 5 years or so and have always had excellent service.

Thanks for all the info! TireRack seems to freak out when I decide to use the same fitment at all 4 corners, but I think it will work out fine.

[G80indy]

Originally Posted by torabone

I'm a big fan of Dreyer - say hi to Ty, service adviser - great dude, will always shoot straight with ya. Enjoy the roadster today! Its in the 40's in Cleveland. The Z3 roadster is leaving me Saturday for a new home, but I think I might take her out for one last spin today with the top down...

We in the midwest are due a mild winter. Hope you enjoyed your last ride in the Z3.
The drive home today was oh so great. A real tease for Spring.

I have worked with him..... agree TY is a good guy. Bill is usually my SA and treats me very well. I always give them ratings of "10s". TY helped me when I once had them remove the original ContiSportContacts off my e46 rims to put on Extreme Contact DWs, which I bought from tire rack. Dreyer has a sweet Hunter machine that mounts tires without touching the rims. The techs do great work, understand how to deal with neurotics like me, and their head of service, David Lyon is a super guy.
It pays to maintain good relationships at a good dealer! I recommend them to my co-workers, and added up we have bought a few cars from them (to the credit of the service department)!

[Hawkeye]

I second the TireRack. If you do go that route there is a link at the top of every page in Zpost. Use that to help the forum out. I actually just ordered more tires through them, they truly are top notch.

[mousitch]

Mine has been under cover since mid-November. Not one inch of snow or hardly a temperature below 35 all winter(so far). Its coming

[zubydafa]

Originally Posted by nmulax

Mine's been tucked in the back corner of the garage since the week before Thanksgiving... kinda frustrating to walk by each day and see the M's just sitting there.

that's a nice garage!

too bad you have to see 2 M's when you go in the garage each morning.

:firstworldproblems:

[Aries326]

Originally Posted by 330indy

Typically the M Roadie is asleep by now (in winter hibernation on the battery tender), but since Indy will see the 50's today it's getting an alignment at Dreyer (dealer). And it felt great to drive it on a January morning. I leave the summer tires on, and figure if it's dry I will drive it even if it's 30 degrees outside.

I am also having a new M steering wheel put on, and having it "aligned" as well.
Can't wait to get her back today....

The weather was so nice today that I had to take my car to work. I drove it with the top down. I filled up the tank and washed it again. I have a feeling, this time it is in the garage for good until spring. But with this nutty weather, I may be wrong.