Winter rims/tires - GTA

[chicochico]

Sorry...I wish it wasn't true.
T-REX of winters...although it will be drier in the GTA
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/t-rex-o...anac-1.2012804

[farbmw]

Originally Posted by chicochico

Sorry...I wish it wasn't true.
T-REX of winters...although it will be drier in the GTA
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/t-rex-o...anac-1.2012804

STOP IT, STOP IT, STOP IT!! Please!

[01ON19]

Originally Posted by Mikster

I was about to order 640M today until I saw this, which is making me think.
Can we trust this recommendation from Tire Rack? I, for one, have always trusted their tire reviews, but I've never actually bought wheels or tires from them.

Thoughts?

M

I've bought from Tire Rack a few times and had tires delivered to both US and Canada. I would trust what they are saying but worth calling to be sure.

[Harpua]

Originally Posted by gthal

I hope Michelin did improve the snow performance over the PA3 as you suggest. Glad to hear this. For me, the PA3 performed so poorly in wet snow, slush and ice, I might have a hard time risking buying the PA4. I sold the PA3 after only 1 month because I had no confidence in them in poor weather. Reports like yours might eventually convince me to try the PA4 because, as you mention, the PA3 was great in dry weather and that is most of the time. Unfortunately, I couldn't risk getting caught in bad weather with them and that was the more important issue for me. Maybe after the Nokian's are toast, I might give the PA4 a try if people seem to be happy with its snow, ice and slush performance.

I drove though the back roads of southern ontario throughout the polar vortex last year on Michelin PA4s and had no issues with traction at all whether it be snow, ice or frigid temps. As a matter of fact, I've been singing their praises to others who are looking to buy winter tires this year.

I initially had a set of X-Ice on, but they were shockingly squirmy, almost in a dangerous manner. My impression is that the X-Ice is simply not suitable for performance-style cars. The PA4s sorted that issue out. After 10,000kms the wear on my tires does not seem excessive. And, for the record, I am not a boy-racer nor am I hooligan driving on my winter rubber.

If you are driving only at slow speeds on persistently snow-covered roads, then the X-Ice might make sense.

As always, your mileage may vary...

[CanAutM3]

Dealer quoted $3650.00 MSRP for the 640M winter package.

With BMW Club Canada rebate (-15%), it comes down to $3100+tx. I ordered a set.

[karbonphiber]

Originally Posted by My2ndBMW

Has anyone installed or test fitted the 18” F30 M3 Replica winter wheel package from SimplyTire?

Price is very attractive compare to official BMW OEM Winter package, but I want to make sure that it will fit.

People that’s going to buy or bought the Winter Wheel Package from SimplyTire, are you going staggered or square setup?

I just picked up my set . I apparently am the first they've had to order the 18" tire package for the F8X. The wheels actually look almost exactly like the F8X 19" wheel, no the F30.

They test fitted the wheels and the fronts did not fit. There is a lip in the inner barrel which contacts the brake disc. However, with spacers the wheel is pushed out and allows the lip to clear the rotor so that it rotates clear and freely.

I've got 15mm spacers, thanks to farbmw, which I am using now and will also use in the winter time.

The set up I got from Simply Tire is 8.5x18" F8X gunmetal replica wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Blizzak WS80, 245/40/18 paid $1800 taxes in.

Here's a pic of how the wheel looks like (This was not mine but its the same wheel style).

[gthal]

Originally Posted by karbonphiber

I just picked up my set . I apparently am the first they've had to order the 18" tire package for the F8X. The wheels actually look almost exactly like the F8X 19" wheel, no the F30.

They test fitted the wheels and the fronts did not fit. There is a lip in the inner barrel which contacts the brake disc. However, with spacers the wheel is pushed out and allows the lip to clear the rotor so that it rotates clear and freely.

I've got 15mm spacers, thanks to farbmw, which I am using now and will also use in the winter time.

The set up I got from Simply Tire is 8.5x18" F8X gunmetal replica wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Blizzak WS80, 245/40/18 paid $1800 taxes in.

Here's a pic of how the wheel looks like (This was not mine but its the same wheel style).

Looks good... the only downside are the spacers. They aren't a big deal but I dislike using them because they are tough to get off once they rust a bit. Put lots of anti-rust paste on but I would bet you won't be able to get them off come Spring without a blow torch, a hammer and a pry bar ... it may not matter if you intend to leave them on all of the time as they will just become part of the car

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by gthal

Looks good... the only downside are the spacers. They aren't a big deal but I dislike using them because they are tough to get off once they rust a bit. Put lots of anti-rust paste on but I would bet you won't be able to get them off come Spring without a blow torch, a hammer and a pry bar ... it may not matter if you intend to leave them on all of the time as they will just become part of the car

I agree 100% as they will be an issue with corrosion over the 4 + months of winter use that they will get.Spacers are a real compromise in summer use ,much less in months of salt & brine exposure.Hell I had issues getting spacers off after one day of track use!

[My2ndBMW]

Thanks for the info karbonphiber.

Do you know if other buyers are going with same setup (wheel + spacers)?

I never had a winter wheel with spacer setup so I am just curious.

At least you bought it locally so workaround can be found. Just image you bought a winter wheel package from Tire Rack (which I did it with my last car) and found this issue while installing in your own garage (which I did as well).

By the way, wheel’s color is darker than the picture that I got it from SimplyTire, which I like it better because it hide the dirt and brake dust.

[01ON19]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Dealer quoted $3650.00 MSRP for the 640M winter package.

With BMW Club Canada rebate (-15%), it comes down to $3100+tx. I ordered a set.

Bought the same thing for US$2520. With current exchange rate, that is about C$2850 so probably easier to buy in Canada for C$3100 and avoid the hassle of getting them here from the US.

Mine did come with TPMS sensors although not sure if my car either has the proper receiver and/or can be coded to use TPMS.

[farbmw]

Originally Posted by Kanuck

Bought the same thing for US$2520. With current exchange rate, that is about C$2850 so probably easier to buy in Canada for C$3100 and avoid the hassle of getting them here from the US.

Mine did come with TPMS sensors although not sure if my car either has the proper receiver and/or can be coded to use TPMS.

Lets active it and see.

[bobbyz]

Originally Posted by Gearhead999s

Got my wheels & snows today.

Hey Duncan.
Are those +35 offset?
I wanted 19x8.5 in a +20 offset but they didnt have black in +20 so I had to order those wheels in silver and I'm having the shop paint them black.
Would much rather have had them come black in the first place like yours, but wanted to keep the fitment closer to stock (8.5" with a +35 is pretty pushed in...not a bad thing for winter, just didnt want to compromise the "look").
Did you go 255/35/19 square?

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by bobbyz

Hey Duncan.
Are those +35 offset?
I wanted 19x8.5 in a +20 offset but they didnt have black in +20 so I had to order those wheels in silver and I'm having the shop paint them black.
Would much rather have had them come black in the first place like yours, but wanted to keep the fitment closer to stock (8.5" with a +35 is pretty pushed in...not a bad thing for winter, just didnt want to compromise the "look").
Did you go 255/35/19 square?

Yep they are 35p offset and yes I am running 255/35/19 square.I am OK with the wheels being tucked in a bit as you will have a bit more lateral grip when it is slippery,just like pulling the wheels in our Karting days to get more grip when the track was low grip.Replicka are now listing other wheels in 19 at different widths on their site for F8x fittment.

http://www.replika.ca/productinfo.as...upe+(f82)_s_pp

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by bobbyz

Hey Duncan.
Are those +35 offset?
I wanted 19x8.5 in a +20 offset but they didnt have black in +20 so I had to order those wheels in silver and I'm having the shop paint them black.
Would much rather have had them come black in the first place like yours, but wanted to keep the fitment closer to stock (8.5" with a +35 is pretty pushed in...not a bad thing for winter, just didnt want to compromise the "look").
Did you go 255/35/19 square?

Just ordered the 20P ones in silver and I will use the black 35P's on my wifes 2015 X3 that should be here next week.I did not realize they were available in 20P till I read this thread today

[sunnyboy]

Hey guys,

I am working with Steelcase tires also on a set. Just wondering, what's the difference between Blizzak LM-32 and WS-80? Which one is better? I see from Bridgestone's site, the 32 are like 3-4x the price of the 80??

I am trying to fit a 18" with 245/45R18, square. Any thoughts?

[gthal]

Originally Posted by sunnyboy

Hey guys,

I am working with Steelcase tires also on a set. Just wondering, what's the difference between Blizzak LM-32 and WS-80? Which one is better? I see from Bridgestone's site, the 32 are like 3-4x the price of the 80??

I am trying to fit a 18" with 245/45R18, square. Any thoughts?

LM-32 will be better on dry, cold roads. WS80 will be better in snow, ice and slush.

[bobblehead]

^ + 1

WS would probably has more flex in the sidewall thus you may feel the car is squirming a lot when cornering.

LM should have better braking traction over the WS80 on dry & snowy roads.

[sunnyboy]

Originally Posted by bobblehead

^ + 1

WS would probably has more flex in the sidewall thus you may feel the car is squirming a lot when cornering.

LM should have better braking traction over the WS80 on dry & snowy roads.

So, which should I go for? I can try and get better pricing with WS but sounds like LM would be better because afterall, during winter, you would want better traction and be able to stop and not hit someone?

[gthal]

Originally Posted by sunnyboy

So, which should I go for? I can try and get better pricing with WS but sounds like LM would be better because afterall, during winter, you would want better traction and be able to stop and not hit someone?

"Better traction" will depend on what's on the road.

It depends on whether you care more about performance when the roads are clear or whether you care more about getting around in really poor weather. If you have another car for bad days, get the LM-32. If you need to rely on the M every day to get you through most anything, get the WS80. Most people will opt for the LM-32 type tire. For me, I am going with a Hakapellita R2 (similar to the WS80) because there is nothing that drives me more nuts than getting stuck at the office in a storm or needing to feel like I should take my wife's SUV on bad days. It's all what matters to you in winter.

[Mikster]

Originally Posted by gthal

"Better traction" will depend on what's on the road.

It depends on whether you care more about performance when the roads are clear or whether you care more about getting around in really poor weather. If you have another car for bad days, get the LM-32. If you need to rely on the M every day to get you through most anything, get the WS80. Most people will opt for the LM-32 type tire. For me, I am going with a Hakapellita R2 (similar to the WS80) because there is nothing that drives me more nuts than getting stuck at the office in a storm or needing to feel like I should take my wife's SUV on bad days. It's all what matters to you in winter.

DITTO. I'm in the same situation...getting STUCK at the office. (I'll take my wife's SUV though whenever I can . Keep the F80 cozy at home...)
M

[KYD]

Went to see if an F10 M5 18" replica wheel would fit at Simply Tire. Unfortunately, didn't clear and Allen suggests going with the 19" square set up you guys have alluded to. This is my first M car and i'm somewhat reluctant as i do want to drive it as much as safely possible in the winter but feel the 19" setup may slightly compromise traction/control. For those with experience with both, any huge difference?

PS - I love this car

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by KYD

Went to see if an F10 M5 18" replica wheel would fit at Simply Tire. Unfortunately, didn't clear and Allen suggests going with the 19" square set up you guys have alluded to. This is my first M car and i'm somewhat reluctant as i do want to drive it as much as safely possible in the winter but feel the 19" setup may slightly compromise traction/control. For those with experience with both, any huge difference?

PS - I love this car

I do not think there is a great difference in winter grip from just doing a switch in rim diameters. A modern high performance snow tire in 18" or 19"has a pretty stiff body compared to the snow tires of the past in 14" or 15".If the carcass of the tire was soft enough to help with traction on snow you would not want to drive it at highway speeds as it would have very poor stability.I think it more important select a tire that has the proper rubber compounds & tread pattern for your needs. Personally 90% of my winter driving will be on bare or wet roads so how the tire behaves in that driving is more important to myself than deep snow traction.