Like cSurf, I like Nokians. I prefer RF no spare and possible low blow out issue.
If you go Nokian, they have the 17" RFT Hakka R2.
http://www.nokiantires.com/winter-ti...liitta-r2-suv/
Also available in 18". 245/50/r18 100R
I don't really want a R2 snow tire and think about the WRa3. Price from Kal Tire is $1932 and $1755 tax in balanced, without TPMS. Kal is the sole Canadian distributor.
My issue is that Nokians are not mainstream like Michelins. Hence they need to be ordered from the USA, takes say 2 weeks, extra freight may apply, which bugs me. I may call the North American Nokian warranty Rep again to voice the added complexities to get their product. So if I go for WRa3 maybe I should order 5, one spare. Maybe I am crazy but I really believed in the WRG2's after 3 sets.
If you are in Ottawa or similar Hakka R2's probably better than wra3.
Why hard to get i.e. never an OEM and pricey, here it is:
http://www.moderntiredealer.com/chan...-that-can.aspx
Congrats and enjoy your new x3. I hope you got speed limit Info (8th) option.