Tires/Wheels in New England Weather

[NewM3owner123]

Hello fellow New Englanders,

I just bought an M3 (coming in October) and considering purchasing snow tires.

I am currently looking at 245/40R18 97R Nokian Hakka R2s.

Two questions:

Is this an optimal size for an M3 car? I want thinner rather than thicker tires. Also, what wheel would anyone recomment?

And finally, how are these in snow? Anyone have direct experience?

[Simmadown115]

Originally Posted by NewM3owner123

Hello fellow New Englanders,

I just bought an M3 (coming in October) and considering purchasing snow tires.

I am currently looking at 245/40R18 97R Nokian Hakka R2s.

Two questions:

Is this an optimal size for an M3 car? I want thinner rather than thicker tires. Also, what wheel would anyone recomment?

And finally, how are these in snow? Anyone have direct experience?

Buy the tires for the Civic and keep the M3 in the garage

[firedown31]

I went with a 245/45/18 all around, Michelin x-ice. I also got the cheapest 18x8 rims on tirerack, rial p-10. Both have been great and held up very well over the past 2 winters. I've read that R2s are an even better tire than the x-ice so you shouldn't have any problem with them.

[NewM3owner123]

Originally Posted by Simmadown115

Buy the tires for the Civic and keep the M3 in the garage

LOL, well I feel like im paying 70k to keep the car in garage for 4 months. SO i feel like i am loosing money and also paying for the civic

[scott13]

Originally Posted by NewM3owner123

Hello fellow New Englanders,

I just bought an M3 (coming in October) and considering purchasing snow tires.

I am currently looking at 245/40R18 97R Nokian Hakka R2s.

Two questions:

Is this an optimal size for an M3 car? I want thinner rather than thicker tires. Also, what wheel would anyone recomment?

And finally, how are these in snow? Anyone have direct experience?

No direct experience with the Hakka's, but FWIW, I've been running 255/40R18 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32's and have been very happy with them. Tough to say what's "optimal," but if it matters, I think BMW's recommended winter wheel/tire package is a 255 setup.

[NewM3owner123]

Would 245 tires be ok?

What about 17 inch tires??? Would those fit? I am getting a bit paranoid cause I want to order tires before cars arrived in early October and they are on sale now.

[NewM3owner123]

Would 245 tires be ok?

What about 17 inch tires??? Would those fit? I am getting a bit paranoid cause I want to order tires before cars arrived in early October and they are on sale now.

[NHman]

OP, I just did a quick look on The Tire Rack's website. It appears 245 would be okay (as well as 255). Though I didn't see an option for 17" rims. I suspect there might be an issue with brake clearance.

Even though I had my M4 last winter, it was kept in storage (as I had a better DD for that duty).

[goneloco]

It really boils down to how much snow you're expecting to drive in. It's unlikely you're going to tackle really deep snow (ground clearance), so what kind of snow conditions do you usually find yourself in. Definitely go 18". Then if you think the bulk of your driving is on plowed roads or an occasional run in fresh snow, I'd suggest a performance winter tire. Square 255/40 works well. If you think you're going to see more significant snow, then a 245 snow might be a better choice. I had the BMW package 640M with the 255/40 Contis. They did a great job. Sold them last year as I have become a snowbird. Check the classifieds.

[AIRHEIR]

Ran the m4 with 18s 255 all around with Blizzak LM60. No issues.

Going to run this year on 18s 245 either size will work.

Generally in snow the thinner tire is better but both will work.

Just remember slow inputs to throttle and brake and you are all set.

Don't sweat it this car with snow tires is no issue in snow.

[firedown31]

17s won't fit up front (my 18s even barely fit), you have to go 18+.

[BoosTonian]

Ran 235 front 255 rear snows on my f80..they were perfectly fine. As long as you modulate the throttle winter won't be of any issue to you.

If you wanna slide than foot to the floor

[NewM3owner123]

Thanks guys,

You made me feel better. I will pronably go with 245/40 R18 Nokians, I heard there is nothing better on the market.

I hope M3 on those Nokians will not be worse compared to my civic on all season. Cause if that's the case, I am screwed!!!!

[JayPichardo]

A car with proper snow tires beats a car with all seasons

[swifty]

M3 in winter is amazing and f80 is easier to drive in snow than my previous e92 m3 with the active diff.

Most of us up north (Canada) drive this car all year even with other cars to punt around.

This isn't an exotic to put away for one season and the depreciation alone fm just sitting there without use makes no sense to store.

Running blizzaks on 18, 255 squared.

[Bsmith75]

For my winter set-up I picked up a set of blacked out e92 220M's with Blizzak tires. I'm running 235/35/19 Fronts and 265/35/19 rears.

Figured it was better to get a set of wheels that could get beat on a bit with all the sand, etc. They run awesome for me, no issues whatsoever. A bit louder on dry pavement for sure, but worth the trade off when the freezing temps hit and the snow starts falling.

B.

[garrettdeb]

Originally Posted by Bsmith75

For my winter set-up I picked up a set of blacked out e92 220M's with Blizzak tires. I'm running 235/35/19 Fronts and 265/35/19 rears.

Figured it was better to get a set of wheels that could get beat on a bit with all the sand, etc. They run awesome for me, no issues whatsoever. A bit louder on dry pavement for sure, but worth the trade off when the freezing temps hit and the snow starts falling.

B.

I did the same for three seasons in Boston area, though I didn't black them out - wish I did. Never had an issue. If anyone is interested, they are in my basement collecting dust, I would be happy to sell them - approx 12k miles on them.

[Habber]

In Montreal, ran the Nokian?s last winter and had no problem. Lots of slush and ice and no white knuckle experiences. I used to run Blizzaks and Nokian are much better.

[Simmadown115]

Originally Posted by NewM3owner123

LOL, well I feel like im paying 70k to keep the car in garage for 4 months. SO i feel like i am loosing money and also paying for the civic

Now looking at the spec's for the stock tires, I'm looking for a set of winter's too :-). I wouldn't take it out in a snow storm, but I didn't realize how bad the PSSs are when the temps are below 45. With the temps dropping at night near those temps I'm looking for a winter set now too.

IF anyone has a set they aren't using that has the TPMS installed and it fits the F80, PM me. I have been having a hard time finding a decent used set that will fit the F80s.

If I don't find something I'll end up swapping the tires out in spring and fall.

[jkBOS]

This is what the BMW winter package with contis looks like on my M4.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ljlgtti4o3e7ea1/2.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xgz0ah0x4gauyqi/1.jpg?dl=0

Continental Winter Contact TS830P mounted on BMW Style 640M rims.
Front-255/40/18
Rear-255/40/18

[Kooch]

EAS is offering a square set up on apex ec7's in 18x9 with blizzak 255's. comes with tps ready to run at $2400. I'm thinking of going that route in the anthracite finish.


Edit: I placed my order yesterday as they are in stock. It's $2400 shipped. Will follow up once I have them in hand.

[NHman]

Originally Posted by Simmadown115

Now looking at the spec's for the stock tires, I'm looking for a set of winter's too :-). I wouldn't take it out in a snow storm, but I didn't realize how bad the PSSs are when the temps are below 45. With the temps dropping at night near those temps I'm looking for a winter set now too.

IF anyone has a set they aren't using that has the TPMS installed and it fits the F80, PM me. I have been having a hard time finding a decent used set that will fit the F80s.

If I don't find something I'll end up swapping the tires out in spring and fall.

Through Tire Rack, a winter setup of wheels and tires will cost (roughly) $1,600. This is with a Michelin X-ICE X13 tire. There are options from other manufacturers at a lower price.

I sold my M4 with Comp Pkg. this past July. Living in similar area to you, my M4 would be put in storage by mid-November. As you already know, traction greatly decreases at and below 45F. To be honest, I found a noticeable reduction in traction below 50F.

I now have a 2018 Audi S4 with the factory 19" wheels and summer rated tires. I just ordered a winter setup with the Michelin PA4s.

Do not drive your M3 with the summer tires once the temps are regularly below 45F.