[clarka@csolve.net]

I have looked at many forum threads and consumer reports about winter tires and haven't found a clear answer as to what the best ones are. We live in Northern Ontario and need dedicated winter tires that will perform in deep snow as well as ice. We will be putting them on our 19" factory M-sport rims. I'm a bit concerned about how the factory rims will hold up but would like to avoid buying winter rims to save a bit of $$ and avoid transporting and storing them.

The Bridgestone Blizzaks, Michelin X-ice, and Continental Extreme Contact are all rated well and reasonably priced but I don't think they will fit? I have only been able to find Pirelli Sottozeros that will fit; but a big price jump from the others!

Any advice would be appreciated!

[pokerface]

try tirerack. it seems that there are a number of options available in the 19" size.

[richardew]

There are a number of 19" options from Tirerack. None of them are cheap. As far as determining the best ones, tirerack.com has ratings and reviews of the tires. I've been using Blizzaks on my FX45 (6 winters), my 911 (6 winters) and my 335XI (3 winters). I went -2(20" --> 18") on the FX because that was the only tire I could get at the time, and OEM sizes on my 911 and 335XI. I run them from October to March. Ground clearance is going to be the limiting factor. I think that you will be fine with any of the winter tires as long as you are not plowing the snow with the front of your X3. I'm going to buy rims and TPM sensors also.

[Niva]

I priced it out and the smaller tires on rims will end up cheaper. This options will also save your fancy 19" rims from getting beat to hell in the winter and will probably give you a better ride in the winter also.

[retiredguy]

Are the tires and rims you are looking at run flat? If not are you carrying a spare? Thanks.

[U2Bono]

Hi,
Few questions for the winter tires I am looking for my X3 2011 w M Sport Package. Got my new F25 2 months ago and will be looking for tires and rims. Presently running 245-45 R19 and wat to fit R18 winter tires on it.

I have a set of 255-55 R18 and have been told can't fit on my X3 as they are too wide, but that comment was coming from a tire dealer Who could confirm this to me?

Who knows where is the best place for rims and winter tires also how could I determine th best sizeof R18 for my car?

Thanks

[haldol]

Driving M Sport with run flat - Goodyear LS2 all season 19" (245/45R19).
Don't have spare tire.

According to tirerack.com there only 2 winter run flat tires for my car: http://bit.ly/qFD1bc

1) Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D RunOnFlat
2) Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero Serie II RFT

Which one is the best ?

[gareth12468]

Originally Posted by U2Bono

Hi,
Few questions for the winter tires I am looking for my X3 2011 w M Sport Package. Got my new F25 2 months ago and will be looking for tires and rims. Presently running 245-45 R19 and wat to fit R18 winter tires on it.

I have a set of 255-55 R18 and have been told can't fit on my X3 as they are too wide, but that comment was coming from a tire dealer Who could confirm this to me?

Who knows where is the best place for rims and winter tires also how could I determine th best sizeof R18 for my car?

Thanks

The size for 18" is 245/50R18.....

[Nahoa]

Haven't run those particular tires, but had some Pirelli Scorpions that were great.

[jlr_1304]

So how much is it for 4 rims + winter run flat tires (18") ?

[gareth12468]

Originally Posted by jlr_1304

So how much is it for 4 rims + winter run flat tires (18") ?

Depends which tires and rims you choose.....

[clarka@csolve.net]

Originally Posted by gareth12468

The size for 18" is 245/50R18.....

I have found a used set of rims and tires that might work. The size is 245/40/R18. Do you think this size would work as well as the 245/50/R18? I'm not sure what the middle number refers to.

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by haldol

Driving M Sport with run flat - Goodyear LS2 all season 19" (245/45R19).
Don't have spare tire.

According to tirerack.com there only 2 winter run flat tires for my car: http://bit.ly/qFD1bc

1) Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D RunOnFlat
2) Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero Serie II RFT

Which one is the best ?

I have used the Dunlops on 2 previous cars, and thought they were fine. They are not an ultra-snow tire, but good on ice, some snow, and are not noisy driving on dry pavement (which is most of the time). I have not used the Pirellis but others have, and I think they are fine as well. I will probably go with the Dunlops again.

[XB101]

Originally Posted by clarka@csolve.net

I have found a used set of rims and tires that might work. The size is 245/40/R18. Do you think this size would work as well as the 245/50/R18? I'm not sure what the middle number refers to.

With the 40 series instead of the 50s your speedometer would be 3.6% faster than actual.

Check out this link. http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[jlr_1304]

Some quotes from MTL region, all tx/installation included.

reseller :4X dunlop p225 60R17 + rims 3440$
BMW dealer :4X pirelli p245 50R18 + rims 4100$ (including storage for summer tires)

One BMW dealer said that 17"/18" will work on the 35i m-sport, the other said only 18" would work. Bit confusing.

[retiredguy]

I was quoted $3200 plus tax from local dealer. Was for Pirelli and 17 in rims...

[gareth12468]

Originally Posted by jlr_1304

Some quotes from MTL region, all tx/installation included.

reseller :4X dunlop p225 60R17 + rims 3440$
BMW dealer :4X pirelli p245 50R18 + rims 4100$ (including storage for summer tires)

One BMW dealer said that 17"/18" will work on the 35i m-sport, the other said only 18" would work. Bit confusing.

If you don't need those original BMW rims, go to Tirerack.com for the winter sets..... It's cheaper than Canada even with all those shipping and taxes included.....

[retiredguy]

Originally Posted by gareth12468

If you don't need those original BMW rims, go to Tirerack.com for the winter sets..... It's cheaper than Canada even with all those shipping and taxes included.....

When getting winters for the 2011 X3 with run flats, if you get new rims do you need anything re tpms? Know mounting , balancing extra. Just want to ensure if I do go tirerack, that there are no other cots with getting rims and tires thru internet. Thanks

[haldol]

Originally Posted by retiredguy

When getting winters for the 2011 X3 with run flats, if you get new rims do you need anything re tpms? Know mounting , balancing extra. Just want to ensure if I do go tirerack, that there are no other cots with getting rims and tires thru internet. Thanks

Response from Tire Rack about TPMS sensors:
"Hello, they are already part of the valve stem assembly. You will re use them when you change the tires. Bart Blackburn | Sales Specialist"

[retiredguy]

Thanks..

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by haldol

Response from Tire Rack about TPMS sensors:
"Hello, they are already part of the valve stem assembly. You will re use them when you change the tires. Bart Blackburn | Sales Specialist"

The only way you can "re use" them is if you remove them from your original wheels. If you're exchanging tires only, then, of course. you will already have the TPMS transmitters in the wheels. If you're buying new wheels and winter tires (as you implied) you should budget about $220 for a set of new TPMS transmitters for the new wheels.

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by XB101

With the 40 series instead of the 50s your speedometer would be 3.6% faster than actual.

Check out this link. http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Running 245/40R18 tires instead of the OEM 245/50R18's will, in fact, result in an error of 7.7%

SIZE *****Revs./mile **Speedo and Odo Error
245/50-18 **755 ***** none
245/45-18 **784 ***** +3.8%
245/40-18 **813 ***** +7.7%

Another consideration is the tire load rating which for X3 OEM tires is usually between 98V and 101V. Some 245/40-18's can have load ratings as low as 96V, which would be safe, but would require higher inflation pressure and between the low sidewall height and high pressure would probably result in a not very comfortable ride.

P.S. That Miata Tire calculator has substantial errors. It does not report the correct rev./mile numbers for some sizes. It's best to check the manufacturer's data sheet and then do your own calculations.