I got some winter tires and was wondering when should I put them on the car. Is it to early now and will it wear down the tires quicker?

They don't like temperatures above 50F in my experience. Though I suppose it depends on the tires.

I'll tell you this: I'm not driving the Boxster these days because the summer tires (Kumho SPTs) have approximately zero grip on my morning commute. So yeah, the winter tires would definitely help. Just don't go too crazy with the cornering and they last a long time.

So is it to early to put them on tonight?

I put my Dunlop Winter Sport M3s on a few days ago. They are actually excellent all around. Bring on the white shiznit :buttrock

I put mine on first/second week of November and take them off first day in Spring when I can wear shorts.

I should really get some for the M3. When I leave for work in the morning, it is in the upper 30s. In the low 40s when I'm coming home from work, and upper 30s when I'm coming home from class. Seems to have approximately zero traction in this weather. :help

I can only imagine what would happen if it decided to flurry or sleet or freezing rain or anything of that nature. I would probably be dead.

I should really get some for the M3. When I leave for work in the morning, it is in the upper 30s. In the low 40s when I'm coming home from work, and upper 30s when I'm coming home from class. Seems to have approximately zero traction in this weather. :help

I can only imagine what would happen if it decided to flurry or sleet or freezing rain or anything of that nature. I would probably be dead.

Snow tires make this experience night and day :)

It's still a bit warm I think -- especially for blizzaks (from my experience). I think this weekend temps will dip down again -- once it hits consistent 40's as highs, I think that would be a good time.

Now is fine. Winter tires, (snow tires, not all seasons) just don't like to be hot. Anything below 70 and they will be fine. The snows are going on the Audi today. Then again, I have a lift and I'm retired, so I got nothing better to do...lol.

do you think these winter tires need replacing?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/busterhax/100_0781.jpg

im scared their too bald and will perform like crap once something finally accumulates
(dunlop winter sport m3's)

do you think these winter tires need replacing?

Absolutely.

Honest question from a new BMW owner. Given the last few seasons in Northern Virginia, are snow tires really necessary? I can always take one day off from work here and there but I just can't remember a time when snow tires would have helped me much. Either there is way, way too much snow to be out driving or it is just a small amount and gone in a day or so.

What is the general opinion?

Thanks.

High performance summer tires are NOT meant to be driven in cold weather. Snow is only part of the equation.

Yeah, it's actually a complicated topic - but in general, whatever will HELP you in the summer will HURT you in the winter.. for example, tire width, compound, tread type/diameter/orientation.. overall tire diameter, etc.

Summer tires are meant for warm surface temperatures, when they hit pavement that's even ~50 or below they harden up and change dramatically, even in dry weather. Throw rain in there and it's nasty, snow is simply not gonna happen (I couldn't get out of a FLAT PARKING SPOT with 2" of snow a few winters ago when I had 255 Eagle F1 GS-D3s in the back.) I could easily climb a decent grade (driveways and stuff) with winter 225/45/17s.

Unfortunately they're loud, expensive, and get crappy treadwear.

High performance summer tires are NOT meant to be driven in cold weather. Snow is only part of the equation.


Well said. +1


I use some all seasons (dunlops) in the winter months. As was said earlier the past few winters have been very mild. I know that all seasons do nothing that well but it is a huge improvement over attempting to use summer high performance tires during the winter. These are cheaper to replace and seem to last longer.

But if it snows too bad I work from home or "borrow" my wife's Outback. So I might not be as concerned as some with snow traction.

Unfortunately they're loud, expensive, and get crappy treadwear.

I would disagree with this part E36DJ though. In the big picture, a $1-1.5K investment for a set of winter tires/rims is very small compared to crashing into something or causing damage. Plus, my snows have tended to last me 2-3 seasons (about 3-4K miles a winter on them). I know the chances are small that somethiing might happen; but, crap -- that's why you have car insurance, life insurance, disability, home insurance, etc. Chances are small something might happen -- but, if it does --you are protected - same way I view having winter tires.

Yes, this area does not get snow that much (mostly slush) -- but, considering our cars -- whether worth 10K or 50K, the 1K is a small investment especially since you can use the wheels/tires over multiple years. Moreover, if you resell your car -- you can recoup 50% of the price in most instances ... So, if you can use tires for 2-3 years, cost of around $400 per year amortized (spelling??) out makes the initial outlay of money more palatable ...

Yeah, it's actually a complicated topic - but in general, whatever will HELP you in the summer will HURT you in the winter.. for example, tire width, compound, tread type/diameter/orientation.. overall tire diameter, etc.

Summer tires are meant for warm surface temperatures, when they hit pavement that's even ~50 or below they harden up and change dramatically, even in dry weather. Throw rain in there and it's nasty, snow is simply not gonna happen (I couldn't get out of a FLAT PARKING SPOT with 2" of snow a few winters ago when I had 255 Eagle F1 GS-D3s in the back.) I could easily climb a decent grade (driveways and stuff) with winter 225/45/17s.

Unfortunately they're loud, expensive, and get crappy treadwear.

Ok thanks, so bottomline is that we should have and be using some winter tires for the cold months. I'll resume my efforts to find some.

WInter tires dont require snow. The compounds are different and work better, especially when wet and cold.

Jon, wait until temps are consistently at or below 40 degrees. Otherwise, you'll wear them a lot faster.

As for cost... you can get at least 3-4 seasons on a set of winters. Spread out over that time, the cost really is not that great, plus you dont run the risk of crashing ;)

I put my Dunlop Winter Sport M3s on a few days ago. They are actually excellent all around. Bring on the white shiznit :buttrock

I was looking at those the other day.... Arnt they a lil big sidewall wise? im really low and was wondering if I was gonna rub alot on em? you have any problems?

I was looking at those the other day.... Arnt they a lil big sidewall wise? im really low and was wondering if I was gonna rub alot on em? you have any problems?
i rubbed, i had rrt roll my fenders, now no rubbage with them. they are great snow tires. but they are $$$

I got some winter tires and was wondering when should I put them on the car. Is it to early now and will it wear down the tires quicker?

I don't know how much you drive each day, but the difference in wear between putting them on today, or waiting until January 1 normally would be miniscule. I wait until the first snow is forecast, but have been caught with my pants down a few times. I know, I know - we can have surprise snows in this area anytime. Anyone remember the October snow a dozen or so years ago?
There have been some years recently when I know there were only one or two days when the snow tires were necessary. But having them on sure was nice.

I would disagree with this part E36DJ though. In the big picture, a $1-1.5K investment for a set of winter tires/rims is very small compared to crashing into something or causing damage.

Well said. I used my snows for two seasons and they still have another two seasons left in them... easy. Plus you can always re-sell the extra wheels later.

I just had a set mounted and they are ready to go on the car, probably within next week or so. But, I will be switching from all-seasons on wife's car. If I had summers on it, winters would have been on by now.

I was looking at those the other day.... Arnt they a lil big sidewall wise? im really low and was wondering if I was gonna rub alot on em? you have any problems?

I run 225/45/17 all around, I don't believe that would be an issue with any setup :dunno

As for cost... you can get at least 3-4 seasons on a set of winters.

I have 3 winters, probably around 9 months total on my winter set, they could easily last me another 6 winters. They are probably at 90% thread still. When it gets to winter driving, I drive like an old fart. I'll probably get a 2nd car way before my winter set would give out.

I have 3 winters, probably around 9 months total on my winter set, they could easily last me another 6 winters. They are probably at 90% thread still. When it gets to winter driving, I drive like an old fart. I'll probably get a 2nd car way before my winter set would give out.
Ditto.

Smaller is better for snow tires; I run 15" bottlecaps with 205/60/15 Blizzak WS-50s. I think it's a great set-up for a non-M E36.

I hope to get them on within the next week- since I have my 16" steelies now :D, I run std size for winter also- 225/50/16 on the Z3. Worst thing to do is get caugth in shiittty weather with your snows in the garage or shed- nice & dry!!

I should really get some for the M3. When I leave for work in the morning, it is in the upper 30s. In the low 40s when I'm coming home from work, and upper 30s when I'm coming home from class. Seems to have approximately zero traction in this weather. :help

I can only imagine what would happen if it decided to flurry or sleet or freezing rain or anything of that nature. I would probably be dead.

Ohnoes, You ready to buy my winter setup (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=876344)? Come get them this weekend, I'll make you a special deal! I have to get some winters for my wifes new car, and could use the cash.

Can anyone recommend me a decent snow tire for the price? I'll be putting them on 16's for the winter. Right now i'm on 18" BFG G-forcekdw's and if we get freezing rain or snow I won't be going ANYWHERE.

Can anyone recommend me a decent snow tire for the price? I'll be putting them on 16's for the winter. Right now i'm on 18" BFG G-forcekdw's and if we get freezing rain or snow I won't be going ANYWHERE.

I have no experience with any other snow tires but as advertised Dunlop Winter Sport M3s are excellent. If you look at tirerack ratings you'll see that they place very high in every category. They are quiet, have very good try traction (for a winter tire of course), and great in wet/snow. They will also last you a very long time. The Blizzaks are *slightly* better in the white stuff, but worse in just about every other category. I think it's a perfect winter tire for a BMW :embarrasm

p.s. been running them on e36,e46, and e39.

Can anyone recommend me a decent snow tire for the price? I'll be putting them on 16's for the winter. Right now i'm on 18" BFG G-forcekdw's and if we get freezing rain or snow I won't be going ANYWHERE.
Why not 15" wheels? For winter, the smaller the better... I have the Blizzak WS-50s which are their more aggressive snow tires in 205/60/15. Sure I sacrifice a bit of handling, but I have to make it to the slopes a lot.

I have no experience with any other snow tires but as advertised Dunlop Winter Sport M3s are excellent. If you look at tirerack ratings you'll see that they place very high in every category. They are quiet, have very good try traction (for a winter tire of course), and great in wet/snow. They will also last you a very long time. The Blizzaks are *slightly* better in the white stuff, but worse in just about every other category.

This is about what I've read everywhere [re. the M3s]. Only problem is where to find them now... Winter tire selections are becoming limited, and for RFTs, even less. I ended up buying the Blizzak LM-22s (and I don't even have the car yet -- hopefully within ~10 days!).

It's time.

For those of you on more of a budget, the Hankook Icebear winter tires are worth considering. They are not as good as the Wintersport M3s, mind you, but they're a lot cheaper. I'll be throwing either those or some all seasons on the M3. (But I won't be driving the M3 in snow if I can help it - that's one reason why I have a big honkin' truck.)

Why not 15" wheels? For winter, the smaller the better... I have the Blizzak WS-50s which are their more aggressive snow tires in 205/60/15. Sure I sacrifice a bit of handling, but I have to make it to the slopes a lot.

Well i have a set of 16's sitting in the garage with all seasons goodyears which aren't TERRIBLE in the snow, but are only marginally better than the g-forces in cold rain.

Hey guys, no Bimmer here (yet, but I'm shopping around for an older E36 325) but I put my snows on roundabout the first or second week of November. I take them off in late March.

When I lived in NH still, they went on in mid-to-late October, and came off in early April. But down here in the Mid-Atlantic, there's nowhere near as much snow/ice/slush/salt/all of that fun stuff. :D

Why not talk to Paul Moorcones, the owner of Radial Tire in Silver Spring? He used to push Vredestein Wintraks, but their price went up so much he might have other recommendations. 301-585-2740