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      11-26-2012, 02:34 PM   #1
faztaz
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Which 18" winter tire in the US?

I have decided to go with the 245/50/18 as winters.

What are fellow X3 owners past experiences with performance winter tires?
Unfortunate I wanted to go with a bridgestone LM route but they don't make 245/50/18s so I am stuck with WS70 (which from my understanding is a great winter tire but not a performance winter tire).

Any other recommendations?
Michellin Pilot Alpin
Pirelli Winter Sottozero Serie

Nokian? All the online places I've found only have studded ones in stock .

Thanks

I live in NJ and have to travel to work even in bad winter conditions and when conditions are clear travel on highways at speeds ~ 75mph with the occasional spirited drive.
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      11-26-2012, 04:23 PM   #2
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Not the Sottozero's based on my limited (single snow fall event) experience.

I'd vote for the blizzaks or nokians based on being in the northeast.
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      11-26-2012, 04:31 PM   #3
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I like the Michelin pilot alpins PA2 (new ones are PA4) I have installed in 18 inch size in my RWD porsche. They work great for Chicago winters and highly recommend them.
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      11-26-2012, 08:47 PM   #4
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Hankook icept EVOs
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      11-27-2012, 09:12 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lbjgh View Post
Not the Sottozero's based on my limited (single snow fall event) experience.

I'd vote for the blizzaks or nokians based on being in the northeast.
Hi Ibjgh:
I was planning on just flipping the rubber and avoid having to buy rims.

My only choice for 245/45 R19 RF = Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero Series II

I know that we've had little snow so far in the GTA but what were your issues with the Sottozero's ??
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      11-27-2012, 03:15 PM   #6
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The Sottozero seem to be geared to winter surface-bare conditions where the Pirelli have decent handling and are quiet.

In the small amount of snow we've had the Sotto's lacked lateral grip while cornering and poor traction on acceleration. Breaking was on the 'good side' of mediocre.

The lateral grip in cornering may be explained by the small tire edge tread blocks that are better suited to clear surfaces.

I was thinking the tire width may be a contributing factor and perhaps a narrower tire would provide improvements.
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      11-30-2012, 04:19 PM   #7
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Well I'll eat a bit of crow... in a good way.

This morning the temperature was about -7c with freezing drizzle.

As I approached an intersection the light changed to amber. It was one of those times where you have to decide to hit the brakes or the accelerator.

I figured the surface was too slippery to stop so I hit the gas. As I scanned the intersection I noticed a cop car stopped at the cross street. Crap!

I hit the brakes and the car came to a stop with very little drama (the ABS did come on a little).

So, it appears the Sottozero's are pretty good on a wet (icy), below freezing, snow free stops.
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