Alpins or Pirrelli Sottozerro 3 for M3 CS Winter Tires

[frankiebones]

Decided to stick with my 763M Wheels that give the M3 CS such a unique look. Consider two tires for winter.

The difference in price is less than $100 for a set so my purchase.

Ideally, I would make a decision based on feedback from drivers running these tires. Please feel free to chime in with any and all advice.

[knightarmor]

I run the Sottozero 3's square on 18X8's, 245/45-18 on my ZCP. I love them in the dry and in the wet (actually they are pretty damn awesome). On the snow I'd consider them average and on ice they're below average (on the F80).

I have the same tire in a different size on our X1 with X-Drive and they're awesome on snow and ice.

Before the Pirelli's I had the Alpins on the same wheel setup in the same size. They behaved the same to me.

[frankiebones]

Originally Posted by knightarmor

I run the Sottozero 3's square on 18X8's, 245/45-18 on my ZCP. I love them in the dry and in the wet (actually they are pretty damn awesome). On the snow I'd consider them average and on ice they're below average (on the F80).

I have the same tire in a different size on our X1 with X-Drive and they're awesome on snow and ice.

Before the Pirelli's I had the Alpins on the same wheel setup in the same size. They behaved the same to me.

Interesting. I'll go with the Alpins then as they are aesthetically nicer looking lol.

I had continental winter contact for 3 years on my base F80 and loved them. They dont make them in the CS wheel size. Thanks.

[Jockey]

I've got Alpins 245/45-18 and they handled Utah's last winter really well.

And they're not bad to drive on when there's no snow on the ground either.

[frankiebones]

Originally Posted by Jockey

I've got Alpins 245/45-18 and they handled Utah's last winter really well.

And they're not bad to drive on when there's no snow on the ground either.

Much appreciated.

[trey100]

Originally Posted by Jockey

I've got Alpins 245/45-18 and they handled Utah's last winter really well.

And they're not bad to drive on when there's no snow on the ground either.

Alpins or Pilot Alpins as they are 2 different tires?

[Jockey]

Originally Posted by trey100

Alpins or Pilot Alpins as they are 2 different tires?

Sorry, Pilot Alpin PA4

[knightarmor]

I didn't know there were two different kinds. I should clarify that the ones I had were straight up Alpins.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by knightarmor

I didn't know there were two different kinds. I should clarify that the ones I had were straight up Alpins.

The Alpins are straight winter tires, better for snow driving. The Pilot Alpin are winter performance tires, they are not quite as good in the snow, but offer better cold dry and wet performance.

[chicagoshark]

Not to hijack, but merely to add, anybody consider the Sotoszero serie 2? Any impressions? I've put them on just last week. No snow driving yet. They spin like crazy if you gun it though, like cold PSS do haha

[frankiebones]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

The Alpins are straight winter tires, better for snow driving. The Pilot Alpin are winter performance tires, they are not quite as good in the snow, but offer better cold dry and wet performance.

Just got off the phone with a tire sales guy at Tire Rack. I had to correct an issue in their system as they had the Fronts of the M3 CS as 265 instead of 255 and were holding back my order.

He is saying its a good balance and that he would rather the Pilot Alpins than the straight Alpins, because they are better in rain and nearly as good in snow. In NYC we drive in a ton of rain from November thru April, and the regular Alpins suffer in wet conditions.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by frankiebones

Just got off the phone with a tire sales guy at Tire Rack. I had to correct an issue in their system as they had the Fronts of the M3 CS as 265 instead of 255 and were holding back my order.

He is saying its a good balance and that he would rather the Pilot Alpins than the straight Alpins, because they are better in rain and nearly as good in snow. In NYC we drive in a ton of rain from November thru April, and the regular Alpins suffer in wet conditions.

The “real” front tire on the CS is the 265 though...

Agreed, I also use performance winter tires since I spend much more time in dry and slushy conditions than in deep snow here in Montreal.

[frankiebones]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

The “real” front tire on the CS is the 265 though...

Agreed, I also use performance winter tires since I spend much more time in dry and slushy conditions than in deep snow here in Montreal.

Are you talking Cup 2's? Should I be ordering the Pilot Alpins in 265 or 255?

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by frankiebones

Are you talking Cup 2's? Should I be ordering the Pilot Alpins in 265 or 255?

Yes, the car was designed around the PSC2 in 265/285.

For the optional PSS, they simply offered the already existing standard 19" front 255/35R19 and comp pack 20" 285/30R20 rear star spec.

[frankiebones]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Yes, the car was designed around the PSC2 in 265/285.

For the optional PSS, they simply offered the already existing standard 19" front 255/35R19 and comp pack 20" 285/30R20 rear star spec.

I appreciate the feedback. I am ditching the PSS with about 60% tread left in favor of the PS4S. As much as I love Cup2's, having a baby in the car in rain in Cup2's is not a "lifestyle choice" I am willing to make.

[F80Speed77]

275/35/19 square Blizzak Lm32's going on the car Thursday.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by frankiebones

I appreciate the feedback. I am ditching the PSS with about 60% tread left in favor of the PS4S. As much as I love Cup2's, having a baby in the car in rain in Cup2's is not a "lifestyle choice" I am willing to make.

You’d be surprised, the PSC2 are pretty impressive in the wet, as long as it is not too cold out. My original plan was to swap the PSC2 for the PS4S once worn since I already have a dedicated set of tire tires and wheels for the dry track. What I need is a set of tires for the DD and the wet track, so I figures the PS4S would be the deal. That’s until I did a track day in moderate to heavy rain with the PSC2 and they left me very impressed. Further, I never struggled with PSC2 on the DD even in heavy downpour. What the PSC2 do not like is cold weather and they are really bad when it is cold AND wet. But for summer driving, they are perfectly fine even in the rain. I’ve now decided to stick (pun intended) with the PSC2 for my next set. And BTW, I also have two kids .