2015 F82 M4 Winter Tire recommendation

[Chicago F82]

Hi Guys:

I living in Chicago and it is about to snow at the end of the month. So, I am deciding to get a set a snow tire and wheel set up.

I am on OEM 18" 513M style wheels. I am planning to purchase a set of Enkei wheels in 18 9.5 but I am not sure whether it is a good wheel for mount winter tires on. I am looking at Sottozero 3 and Blizzak. But I am not sure whether I need it in run flat or not. Can anyone give me some suggestions? Id really appreciate it.

[Chicago F82]

Just to clarify my concerns:
1. Is 18 9.5 a good setup for mounting 255 winter tires?
2. Is it necessary to buy run flat winter tires?

[codys21]

Originally Posted by Chicago F82

Just to clarify my concerns:
1. Is 18 9.5 a good setup for mounting 255 winter tires?
2. Is it necessary to buy run flat winter tires?

I have 18"x9.5" ET22 Apex wheels with square 255/40R-18 Vredestein Wintrac Pro XL tires. They are performance winter/snow instead of studless ice/snow. I live in Iowa and have family in Wisconsin so drive in the snow/winter often and do like them. However, I did do a winter autocross that was very snowy/icy and they didn't perform as well as I had hoped. I believe studless ice/snow would've performed better, but overall I do like them. They are a fair amount less expensive that the Pirellis as well. The Vredestein are not run flat and I don't see why run flat would be necessary, either.

I think if you really want better handling in true snow/ice conditions, the studless tires are probably better, but if you're more just wanting tires that will perform decent enough in some snow while just being better at really cold temps, these tires (or other performance winters) will do the job.