Winter Tires in the DMV

[jingsu]

Hey All,

I bought a set of 437s as a winter set for my 18 ZCP. I am having trouble trying to find a set of Michelin Alpin PA4s for ALL 4 wheels. Most sites have 255/35R19 in Alpin PA4s and 275/35R19 in the Alpin 5s. Thinking this is due to stock/inventory issues?

Would there be any issues running PA4s in the front and Alpin 5s in the rear? Ideally, I would like all 4 tires to be the same (OCD) but they don't have Alpin 5s in 255/35R19.

I thought about getting the Michelin Alpins since they had good reviews but I'm open to other recommendations for those in the DMV since we do get SOME snow here and there but it's nothing crazy. I don't plan on driving out when it's snow crazily.. Any of you guys rocking all seasons around here during the winter?

The wheels came with a set of TPMS but the previous owner said he's not sure if they still work. Is there a way I can tell if they work (so I am prepared before they mount the tires)?

[bmwbrad22]

Winter tires for 19 in wheels were challenging for me to locate exactly what I wanted . I did not want to "size" down fully as I will rarely be in the snow with the car. I would not mix models that's just my opinion . Sizing and speed rating you can get away with but models I would not.

[XsltAnalyst]

get a good all season tires like conti dws. For Majority of the DMV winter days all seasons will be better suited. During our typical above freezing winter days winter tires will feel squirmy and they won't handle as good in the rain or dry. Yes you'll be sacrificing surefootedness during 5-10 snowy days but otherwise during winter you'll be enjoying better traction with all seasons.

[jingsu]

Originally Posted by XsltAnalyst

get a good all season tires like conti dws. For Majority of the DMV winter days all seasons will be better suited. During our typical above freezing winter days winter tires will feel squirmy and they won't handle as good in the rain or dry. Yes you'll be sacrificing surefootedness during 5-10 snowy days but otherwise during winter you'll be enjoying better traction with all seasons.

You have been on conti DWS for the past few seasons and haven't really had any issues besides those heavy select few snowy days?

There were some reviews of the Alpins performing just fine on rain and dry. I am just having an issue locating a supplier that's able to supply me the tires.

[XsltAnalyst]

Originally Posted by jingsu

You have been on conti DWS for the past few seasons and haven't really had any issues besides those heavy select few snowy days?

There were some reviews of the Alpins performing just fine on rain and dry. I am just having an issue locating a supplier that's able to supply me the tires.

Past couple of years I've been just using my 4x4 during inclement weather. I am too lazy to switch and don't feel like getting salt on my M3.

I ran conti DWS tires year around on my previous BMWs and they are good all around tire. They perform well in rain and even light snow when they're new.
On my F80 I used to switch between summer and OEM 640m winter set between thanksgiving and easter. Winter performance tires handle fine everyday driving but I felt the tradeoff in traction vs high performance all season was a bit much during regular 32F-40F dry/wet winter days. Winter performance tires are great during icy/snowy time but other days they are (understandably because of the compound) just feel too soft/greasy so acceleration/cornering/stopping limits will be much lower. Also during occasional warm weeks they will wear down faster. Besides, most winter tires will start to act like all seasons after they're a about halfway worn, since they start to lose their effectiveness in snow/ice as they wear down.

[jingsu]

Appreciate the insight! I think I am leaning towards A/S. I spoke to Adam from Radial Tire and he said I'll most likely be fine with A/S if I don't need to leave the house on those select few days when it is crazy out.

[ProfM3]

I find the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 in the DMV region. I don't drive my M3 when it's actually snowing but once things have started to melt and the roads clear up, they're fine.

And Radial Tire is great. Best place in the Maryland DMV area for tires.

[jingsu]

Nice! I'm actually going with the A/S 4s as well. Do you rock these all year round? Or just as your "cold" set?

[ProfM3]

Originally Posted by jingsu

Nice! I'm actually going with the A/S 4s as well. Do you rock these all year round? Or just as your "cold" set?

I have been using the A/S 4s all year round. They're good in the wet as well.

[pseto]

Originally Posted by ProfM3

I have been using the A/S 4s all year round. They're good in the wet as well.

Wow, you're missing out on a lot of fun not having max performance tires during the warm months....well, I guess its better than those who run PS4 during the winter

[jingsu]

Originally Posted by pseto

Wow, you're missing out on a lot of fun not having max performance tires during the warm months....well, I guess its better than those who run PS4 during the winter

We're you driving on Wootton Parkway either Wednesday or Thursday afternoon? Saw an orange f80 coming from the Pike

[pseto]

Originally Posted by jingsu

We're you driving on Wootton Parkway either Wednesday or Thursday afternoon? Saw an orange f80 coming from the Pike

Nope, wasn't me....just got back in town from Hilton Head Concours

I also just moved up to Crown, but still hit Rockville quite a bit. I'm sure we'll cross paths eventually

[xbimmer200]

Originally Posted by ProfM3

I have been using the A/S 4s all year round. They're good in the wet as well.

Yes I they good it works fine in any condition either wet or cold..
Thanks

[jingsu]

So far so good with the A/S 4 in the cold but I haven't driven in the snow yet

[Bullwinkle628]

Originally Posted by pseto

Wow, you're missing out on a lot of fun not having max performance tires during the warm months....well, I guess its better than those who run PS4 during the winter

Paul, you're right. I got a set of Michelin PS A/s 4 from radial tire and they're great - but they break loose a bit when I drive my M3 and don't feel like they "grab" like my Michelin Pilot SS did. I'll probably take them back and get a set of Michelin Pilot SS, and look for a winter wheel/tire set to put on the M3. I also have my 2003 e39 540i I can drive in the snow/icy weather.