Winter tires and wheels for M3

[gthal]

Originally Posted by bdoooh

Do they even sell those in America? Haha. The reason why I ask about the WS70s is they're $620 for a set of 4 right now. http://goo.gl/OND3Z5

The Blizzaks will absolutely be cheaper. The Hakapelitta's are generally regarded as the absolute best true winter tire. If the WS70 were 60% of the price, the are probably 90% of the performance so likely the better value.

[signes]

Originally Posted by gthal

The Blizzaks will absolutely be cheaper. The Hakapelitta's are generally regarded as the absolute best true winter tire. If the WS70 were 60% of the price, the are probably 90% of the performance so likely the better value.

Agree with all the comments about the Hakka R. Ran them for six winters running on an E9x M3 and they have been flawless. Pretty squishy, especially when new, but the best for snow and ice. One set lasted me for all six winters!

I've heard good things about the WS70, too, jsut haven't owned them. If I was going with Blizzak for whatever reason, it would be the tire I choose.

[Nex]

So is anyone planning on putting on 18" winter rims? I'm getting a feeling that a lot of aftermarket wheels won't clear the calipers. None of the vendors have a definitive answer whether their 18's fit or not.

[bdoooh]

Originally Posted by Nex

So is anyone planning on putting on 18" winter rims? I'm getting a feeling that a lot of aftermarket wheels won't clear the calipers. None of the vendors have a definitive answer whether their 18's fit or not.

I bought some E60 535i 18s since they're pretty close in size and the same width as the stock 18s. They rubbed on the caliper clips. I ordered 12mm spacers and that seems to have taken care of the problem. So, I'll be running those 18s this winter.

[Nex]

Originally Posted by bdoooh

I bought some E60 535i 18s since they're pretty close in size and the same width as the stock 18s. They rubbed on the caliper clips. I ordered 12mm spacers and that seems to have taken care of the problem. So, I'll be running those 18s this winter.

What were the width and offset of your rims?

[bdoooh]

Originally Posted by Nex

What were the width and offset of your rims?

The E60 sizes are (F) 8 x 18 ET20 - (R) 9x18 ET32.

You can't just do the math it turns out, our OEM wheels have a little groove for the caliper clips. Most wheels for some reason are rubbing on those.

I had a thread about this here http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1007832

[JoeFromPA]

Surprised at how limited the options are so far, but understandably in some ways.

I'm keeping my eye out for the right set but it's going to suck to be going into November most likely before I have a set identified.

[Nex]

I may have to look for 19s as winters then. Damn.

[JoeFromPA]

By the way, my recommendation for this size/weight vehicle and performance nature is to run a 245/45/18 tire if possible. There's no reason to run staggered winter tires if you can avoid it, being able to rotate them will be very nice, and 245 is a nice width to maintain good snow-cutting ability and lateral traction in the dry.

[bdoooh]

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

By the way, my recommendation for this size/weight vehicle and performance nature is to run a 245/45/18 tire if possible. There's no reason to run staggered winter tires if you can avoid it, being able to rotate them will be very nice, and 245 is a nice width to maintain good snow-cutting ability and lateral traction in the dry.

Why the 45 series and not 40?

[Nex]

I think the 45 series matches the rear specs almost perfectly, but is off about 1-2% for the front.
The 40 series matches the front specs almost perfectly, but is again about 1-2% off for the rears.

[Shawn Dover]

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

Surprised at how limited the options are so far, but understandably in some ways.

I'm keeping my eye out for the right set but it's going to suck to be going into November most likely before I have a set identified.

In light of the lack of winter tire sets, I'm wondering if I should just put off my order until spring, and assume that by next winter this problem will be solved. Or can I be confident that at least bmw will have an option available by November?

[JoeFromPA]

Originally Posted by Nex

I think the 45 series matches the rear specs almost perfectly, but is off about 1-2% for the front.
The 40 series matches the front specs almost perfectly, but is again about 1-2% off for the rears.

Yes, and in light of this it's better to simply go with the taller sidewall on both and be able to rotate evenly. That being said, I can't confirm fitment of this size with no problems (I don't think anyone else can either). I'm just commenting that it'd be my recommended size for this application and to balance handling with snow performance. My focus is on being able to drive short distances on unplowed roads of 4-6" max and longer distances on packed snow, mixed ice, slush, and wet snow (common here).

If you are truly spending lots of time in an M3 in deeper snow than that, got narrower.

[bdoooh]

Originally Posted by Nex

I think the 45 series matches the rear specs almost perfectly, but is off about 1-2% for the front.
The 40 series matches the front specs almost perfectly, but is again about 1-2% off for the rears.

For the 18s I believe my tire size is 40s all around stock. 255/40 and 275/40.

And when I looked up the recommended snow tire size for a 535i from tirerack they recommend 245/40. From what I am seeing with my 12mm spacer 45s might rub a little bit.

I'm gonna be driving in snow as my daily driver in northeast Ohio haha.

[stressdoc]

At this point I think we just have to wait a bit. I'm waffling btw waiting for the 513M 18" rims to be available cheap ($2k set) and getting 19" snow tires to put on my 437M 19" rims. Also tough to decide btw Alpins or Sottozeros for dry & wet, vs. Blizzaks for real snow.

[Onetime237]

Waiting seems to be the only real options at this point... have tried several locations...nothing great yet.

[dhoggm3]

When Tire Rack comes out with their winter sets in a month or two, they will fit and they will work. These guys do their homework. I'm just waiting it out.

[minus9]

Originally Posted by dhoggm3

When Tire Rack comes out with their winter sets in a month or two, they will fit and they will work. These guys do their homework. I'm just waiting it out.

They already have some available, but only with the Pirelli Winter tires...

EDIT: Spoke too soon. I was able to find a decent Blizzak setup there on clearance. I am sure they will have more options within the next two months, but if you can find some LM-60 Blizzaks in the correct size, you should probably pick them up before they disappear. I had Blizzak LM-25 tires on my E90.

[BigMacSmallFries]

Originally Posted by minus9

They already have some available, but only with the Pirelli Winter tires...

EDIT: Spoke too soon. I was able to find a decent Blizzak setup there on clearance. I am sure they will have more options within the next two months, but if you can find some LM-60 Blizzaks in the correct size, you should probably pick them up before they disappear. I had Blizzak LM-25 tires on my E90.

Looks like the 245/35/19 and 265/35/19 are the recommended OEM winter sizes. Does the 245 size exist in the LM60s? Can't seem to find any sources.

[minus9]

255 was available for the front. Same width as the summer front.

[Onetime237]

Spoke to Tirerack...said they could set me up in some LM-32s. Would probably put them omg 19inch OEM wheels and get a new set of wheels for summer.

Any experience with this model?

[JCN83]

Just heard from a contact at Tire Rack and he says he'll have 18" Rial P10's in stock in October and they should fit.

Anyone have experience with Rial's?