BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-26-2011, 01:31 PM   #1
mtlcruisin
Private First Class
44
Rep
187
Posts

Drives: 2018 X3 M40i
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: montreal

iTrader: (0)

Help picking winter tires

Hey guys, I finally need to pull the trigger on winter tires. I'm looking at 18" to fit my stock rims.

I can't decide between these non rfts:

Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero Serie II
PILOT® ALPIN® PA2
Dunlop Winter sport M3

They are all around $280-305 cdn per tire + taxes/sh from online sites. I live in quebec, so we have pretty rough ice/snow/slush conditions. Any recommendations on one over the other?
Appreciate 0
      10-26-2011, 01:49 PM   #2
tuco44
Colonel
tuco44's Avatar
Canada
644
Rep
2,294
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Canada

iTrader: (0)

I am getting the 18" Dunlop WS D3s, not the M3s. TireRacks analysis has the D3s ranked 3rd in the catagory, and the M3s ranked 5th. Just curious why you would consider the M3s over the D3s?

I have had the Pilot Alpins PA2s in the past, and prefer the Dunlops. Maybe the Pilot Alpin PA3 is better, but you quoted the PA2s in your post.
__________________
2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange
Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
Appreciate 0
      10-26-2011, 01:51 PM   #3
tuco44
Colonel
tuco44's Avatar
Canada
644
Rep
2,294
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Canada

iTrader: (0)

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...sp?type=W&VT=C

See above from TireRack.
__________________
2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange
Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
Appreciate 0
      10-26-2011, 02:01 PM   #4
torzeck
Lieutenant
torzeck's Avatar
52
Rep
400
Posts

Drives: 2011 X3 35i, 2020 X3 30i
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Portland Oregon

iTrader: (0)

I bought the Michelins Pilot Alpins to go on after market 18" Moda EB1 rims. Was going to do the Dunlop Wintersport 3Ds but the Michelins are specifically reinforced for non runflat rims. They also have a wider tread pattern {which i know may be less effective on snow but our weather in Portland is moderate} and I want to reduce the potential of curb rash.

Performance per Tire Rack is close to the Dunlops.
Appreciate 0
      10-26-2011, 05:38 PM   #5
MetaX
Second Lieutenant
105
Rep
252
Posts

Drives: 2022 X3MC
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (0)

Has anyone considered or tried Nokian tires? I live in Northern California and drive up to Tahoe almost every weekend during the winter. Given that the vast majority of the time my tires won't see a lick of snow (even in the winter) I am reluctant to switch to full winter tires during the winter but I'd still like to have tires that manage better than typical all season tires when things get dicey. The Nokian WRG2 seems to be the best compromise as they are the only all season tires I know of that are rated for winter conditions (mountain + snowflake symbol) beyond the typical M+S ratings.
Appreciate 0
      10-26-2011, 05:41 PM   #6
torzeck
Lieutenant
torzeck's Avatar
52
Rep
400
Posts

Drives: 2011 X3 35i, 2020 X3 30i
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Portland Oregon

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MetaX View Post
Has anyone considered or tried Nokian tires? I live in Northern California and drive up to Tahoe almost every weekend during the winter. Given that the vast majority of the time my tires won't see a lick of snow (even in the winter) I am reluctant to switch to full winter tires during the winter but I'd still like to have tires that manage better than typical all season tires when things get dicey. The Nokian WRG2 seems to be the best compromise as they are the only all season tires I know of that are rated for winter conditions (mountain + snowflake symbol) beyond the typical M+S ratings.

Sound good, is it a Run Flat?
Appreciate 0
      10-26-2011, 06:04 PM   #7
MetaX
Second Lieutenant
105
Rep
252
Posts

Drives: 2022 X3MC
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: San Francisco

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by torzeck View Post
Sound good, is it a Run Flat?
They've got a V-rated run flat version in the 245/50 R18 size. I don't think they make a run flat size that will fit other F25 wheel options so if you've got the 18's seems to be a good fit. I'll be getting the 19" 309's with my car (sitting on dealer lot now...picking up this Sat) so I would need to buy new wheels which has been a deterrent for me. One item to note is that there is no treadwear warranty for that tire. It excludes tires with V, Z, W, and Y speed ratings for that model...
Appreciate 0
      10-26-2011, 07:36 PM   #8
walendvay
First Lieutenant
52
Rep
343
Posts

Drives: '11 F25 28i; '13 E84 35i
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Pacific NW

iTrader: (0)

They make a 225/60R17 and 245/50R18 in a RFT. Should cover both rim sizes, depending on what your preference is.

NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA studded are an outstanding tire!

you can buy them from tiresbyweb.com. they are a great outfit out of Michigan.

Last edited by walendvay; 10-26-2011 at 07:42 PM..
Appreciate 0
      10-26-2011, 08:16 PM   #9
torzeck
Lieutenant
torzeck's Avatar
52
Rep
400
Posts

Drives: 2011 X3 35i, 2020 X3 30i
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Portland Oregon

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by walendvay View Post
They make a 225/60R17 and 245/50R18 in a RFT. Should cover both rim sizes, depending on what your preference is.

NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA studded are an outstanding tire!

you can buy them from tiresbyweb.com. they are a great outfit out of Michigan.
Nice, I love those Nokians All weather WRG2 Runflats. If I can find 308's, I may return my tire rack set up.
Appreciate 0
      10-27-2011, 02:17 AM   #10
Rodion
First Lieutenant
Finland
27
Rep
350
Posts

Drives: X3 (F25)
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Helsinki, Finland

iTrader: (0)

Hakkapeliitta 7 is good if you want studded tyres. But if you want studless winter tyre for still quite heavy wintery conditions, then go for Hakkapeliitta Hakka R SUV.

Here is a Finnish site ran through googletranslate to see that they have quite many RunFlat sizes:

http://translate.google.com/translat...6id%3D11269111
Appreciate 0
      10-27-2011, 03:00 AM   #11
JOHNBMWM5
Live for today tomorrow never comes
JOHNBMWM5's Avatar
United Kingdom
1988
Rep
9,498
Posts

Drives: 2022 LCI Marina Bay Blue/ Smok
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

I have the 18" 245/45/18 Dunlop winter sport 3d XL 100V Run-Flats.
__________________
Live for now, life is too short.
2021 LCI M5 Marina Bay Blue/ Smoked White Leather
Appreciate 0
      10-27-2011, 08:38 AM   #12
Le Chef
Banned
United_States
16
Rep
412
Posts

Drives: BMW X3 35i
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

I've just ordered a set of 18" Michelin Pilot Alpins and Moda EB1 wheels from Tirerack. Should be here Friday for install sometime in the next two weeks.
Appreciate 0
      10-27-2011, 10:51 AM   #13
ZipSpeed
Private
ZipSpeed's Avatar
Canada
7
Rep
70
Posts

Drives: 2011 X3 xDrive35i
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Calgary, Alberta

iTrader: (0)

Got a set of Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero Serie II (245/50R18 100H Run-Flat) with OEM 308 wheels installed few days ago. The $1000 dealer discount made it too hard to pass on it. So far have been pleased with the dry grip. No snow yet so can't make any comment on that. They're a bit louder than the LS2 on my other set but might be because the tires are still new and need a bit of breaking in.

Last edited by ZipSpeed; 10-27-2011 at 11:54 AM..
Appreciate 0
      10-27-2011, 11:44 AM   #14
mtlcruisin
Private First Class
44
Rep
187
Posts

Drives: 2018 X3 M40i
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: montreal

iTrader: (0)

wow my car chimed, it hit 37f outside. I didn't know it beeps to that..
Appreciate 0
      10-27-2011, 11:48 AM   #15
tuco44
Colonel
tuco44's Avatar
Canada
644
Rep
2,294
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mtlbrad View Post
wow my car chimed, it hit 37f outside. I didn't know it beeps to that..
Yep, you can also change it to Metric (ie. degrees C) using iDrive.
__________________
2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange
Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
Appreciate 0
      10-28-2011, 11:04 AM   #16
perto
Private First Class
Norway
11
Rep
141
Posts

Drives: BMW I3S + IX40
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Norway

iTrader: (0)

I have changed to 305 with Nokian Hakkepelita Suv R noticed that it is a annoying sound when driving on dry roads. The car does not track so much with the narrower profile of the tires, changed from 309 with summer tires.
Appreciate 0
      10-29-2011, 11:58 AM   #17
retiredguy
Enlisted Member
Canada
6
Rep
36
Posts

Drives: 2011 X3
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Cambridge Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ZipSpeed View Post
Got a set of Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero Serie II (245/50R18 100H Run-Flat) with OEM 308 wheels installed few days ago. The $1000 dealer discount made it too hard to pass on it. So far have been pleased with the dry grip. No snow yet so can't make any comment on that. They're a bit louder than the LS2 on my other set but might be because the tires are still new and need a bit of breaking in.
Wow how did you get teh $1000 off...my dealer still wants 3137 for the 17 in and 3723 for the 18in.....
Appreciate 0
      10-30-2011, 09:42 PM   #18
ZipSpeed
Private
ZipSpeed's Avatar
Canada
7
Rep
70
Posts

Drives: 2011 X3 xDrive35i
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Calgary, Alberta

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy View Post
Wow how did you get teh $1000 off...my dealer still wants 3137 for the 17 in and 3723 for the 18in.....
My X3 was in the shop for a couple weeks because a part they needed was on backorder. I asked the service manager for a discount and they offered $1000 off. They didn't have to but it was a nice gesture for sure.
Appreciate 0
      10-31-2011, 05:36 PM   #19
jaybert
Private
12
Rep
92
Posts

Drives:
Join Date: Jul 2007

iTrader: (0)

i have the staggered 19" 309 setup.

how are you guys deciding between getting tires for the 19" setup (245-45/19 in front, 275-40/19 in back) vs. getting a seperate set of 17/18" wheels with tires for winter?

the pricing seems pretty close. its ~$1600 for the Pirelli Sottozero RFTs (mounted/alignment/etc) locally vs. ~$2000 for a set of 18"s with a set of winter RFTs/TPMS sensor (a few brands with similar pricing).

I am leaning towards the 18"s, but wanted to see what you guys thought. This would be for CT, if it makes a difference
Appreciate 0
      10-31-2011, 07:23 PM   #20
torzeck
Lieutenant
torzeck's Avatar
52
Rep
400
Posts

Drives: 2011 X3 35i, 2020 X3 30i
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Portland Oregon

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jaybert View Post
i have the staggered 19" 309 setup.

how are you guys deciding between getting tires for the 19" setup (245-45/19 in front, 275-40/19 in back) vs. getting a seperate set of 17/18" wheels with tires for winter?

the pricing seems pretty close. its ~$1600 for the Pirelli Sottozero RFTs (mounted/alignment/etc) locally vs. ~$2000 for a set of 18"s with a set of winter RFTs/TPMS sensor (a few brands with similar pricing).

I am leaning towards the 18"s, but wanted to see what you guys thought. This would be for CT, if it makes a difference
I have the staggered summer 309s as well and went for the 18" winter set up.
If you plan on keeping the car for a few years then having your snows mounted to separate 18" wheels will pay for the cost wheels after a couple of years {assuming the cost is $100- $120 to mount and balance tires}. That is, as long as you buy fairly inexpensive wheels.
Appreciate 0
      10-31-2011, 07:58 PM   #21
utcadman
Second Lieutenant
United_States
87
Rep
210
Posts

Drives: X5 M50i
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Park City UT

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Here is my setup which is going on tomorrow.

Not RTF but I am willing to take that chance. These blizzaks have a higher speed rating and I have had a lot of other snow tires and I have been happiest with the Blizz. I will post a few picks of the wheels I got when finished tomorrow.

But you see you can get a nice setup for not too much.
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2011, 06:05 PM   #22
jaybert
Private
12
Rep
92
Posts

Drives:
Join Date: Jul 2007

iTrader: (0)

i decided to go the 18" route.

ordered the 18x8 moda EB1s w/ 245/50R18 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2 ZP RunFlats w/ TPMS sensors. after shipping and tax, came out to $2070. There is a $70 rebate (prepaid card) from Michelin for ordering 4 tires, and I placed the order through an affiliate link on fatwallet.com, which willl get me 4.2% cash back in 60 or 90 days.

Went this route since it wasnt much more than getting the staggered 19" tires, and would actually end up saving money in the future when the time came to replace the snow tires in a few years.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:14 PM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST