[MattUK]

When I was testing out the X3 2.0 the dealer said that in the snow we had earlier in the year that the X3 with the normal tyres performed fine and they suggested that I wouldn't need to get winter wheels / tyres since the 4x4 worked fine.

Wondered if this was a shared view, and what others were doing? If you have a set of winter wheels / tyres, what did you get and how much?

thanks

[cooldude00]

quote that i got from the dealer was 17" with runflats for 1700, believe this would be the 305s? am getting a quote for 17" with non-runflats...

[X5plug-in]

Totally depends on the severity of the weather round your way and whether you must travel regardless. Fact is winter tyres are designed for any non-dry roads below 7'C, as per other threads on here about this. I went with the 17" BMW wheel and tyre option at £1,500, which is actually not a bad price. I have spoken to several X3 drivers swear by winters or all weather - interesting to look around and see what old X3 use your way. Also check YouTube videos comparing winter and summer tyres. Some are adverts. Others genuine?

[X5plug-in]

17 non runflats are £1500 from BMW (before any discount).

[MattUK]

Thanks very much

[BIMMER UK 76]

Originally Posted by MattUK

When I was testing out the X3 2.0 the dealer said that in the snow we had earlier in the year that the X3 with the normal tyres performed fine and they suggested that I wouldn't need to get winter wheels / tyres since the 4x4 worked fine.

Wondered if this was a shared view, and what others were doing? If you have a set of winter wheels / tyres, what did you get and how much?

thanks

Matt, where are you in the UK?

In Leicester we see very little snow and whilst winter tyres do make a mssive difference (see youtube vids) I doubt they are needed in my neck of the woods (anything must be better than my previous RWD E60 in snow)

[X5plug-in]

Matt - remember not to mix up winter (cold weather) and the much more brutal (and rare in the UK) snow tyres. Winter tyres do well on snow, but are not only for snow. Here is link but remember these guys are also trying to boost sales. Facts are probably right tho: http://www.btmauk.com/data/files/Why...1_May_2011.pdf Also speak to your local taxi drivers. They seem to be big winter fans here, not just for grip as such but because winters wear better at lower temps. A fireman neighbour tells me the same. Finally, this does seem to be a marmite issue, so expect and welcome contrary views. It does seem the UK is behind other countries with similar climates to us.

[sfax]

Some more info on these threads.

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=576271

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572525

As snow is so infrequent where I live, I'm not getting winter tyres. If we had snow on the ground more than 1 day a year on average, I would consider them, but we don't

[MattUK]

I'm in the South East, and we had masses of the stuff last year and earlier this year and was stuck at home for 7 days.. so am considering them.. cold weather rather than snow I guess.

[troggy1969]

If you think it's going to snow, go for winter tyres, you will be amazed at the difference. I got them for the first time last year and I'm converted and the whole family have them for this year Worth it for the extra security when it's cold.

[Lotus7]

Avoiding one minor "fender bender" accident because of the extra traction of winter tires can save far more that the cost of the tires/wheels.

My last (3) "everyday drivers" (2-Audi's and a Subaru) all had excellent AWD chassis, and the switch to winter tires made a dramatic difference in snow in each of those vehicles. With Bridgestone Blizzaks the Subi was unstoppable unless the snow was so deep the chassis bottomed out and lifted the tires (more than 8 inches deep). Around here, they go on at the end of October and are usually switched back before April 1.

Also, using the winter tires will prolong the life of your "all-seasons" or summer tires. That may or may not be an advantage, especially if you're looking for an excuse to dump the all-seasons for some summer performance rubber.

Obviously, if you don't see much snow or heavy rain, there's not much of a need for winter tires, and it is a minor pain to switch them twice a year.

[JOHNBMWM5]

I have ordered 18" * 8.5" Pro-Race team dynmics in Black Gloss with Dunlop winter sport 3D XL 100V Run-Flats, IMO you need them in temps under 3 degrees Centigrade snow or not. They stop and handle quicker in cold conditions and in snow are great.
I ordered from Performance alloys and got a great price, way cheaper than BMW.

[W3dge]

Also if you have a second set of wheels and tyres, you'll be covered for both sets if you have BMW tyre insurance.

[Bill S]

Is there any point in paying out lots of money for a high performance car then give away that extra performance, and more, due to poor road contact?

If you drive at temperatures near or below freezing for a substantial proportion of time then I feel that winter tyres are clearly value for money. In the UK it is not just the daily highs that should be considered but the temperature when you mostly drive - such as early morning to work.

As mentioned above they are not just for snow - they are winter tyres; optimised for performance in all winter weather. That performance covers grip (acceleration, braking and cornering) and wear.
The one downside - you have to remember that many others don't have them - defensive driving is even more important.

[X5plug-in]

That was the argument that convinced me to spend Bill. All that power and no grip seems a bit of a waste.

[sfax]

Maybe, although that's less of an argument for the 20d which I wouldn't describe as a high performance car.

Also, braking distance on ice according to that article in favour of winter tyres reduces braking distance on ice from 68m to 57m at 20mph. So even with winter tyres it still takes 57m to come to a stop on ice at 20mph. Can't really see how that's going to help you in most situations. If you hit ice, you're still in all sorts of trouble.

I'm all for winter tyres for the snow because of the tread helping you get moving in the snow but I still don't buy into the below 7C much safer marketing. You could achieve much more than the below 7C damp road improvements (5%) by simply driving more slowly in hazardous conditions.

Also, I would've thought tyre wear would be greater on winter tyres, particularly in mild UK winters??

[W3dge]

Originally Posted by X3buyerScotland

17 non runflats are £1500 from BMW (before any discount).

Could you let us know where you got the quote from?

[X5plug-in]

I understood they are listed by all BMW dealers as far as I know but are a fixed style (304?) and Dunlop tyres. It is a fixed UK price I was lead to believe.

[W3dge]

Ah. That's right, they're the non-runflats. It's around £1,750 for the 17" with r/f's. When you factor in the BMW inflation kit that makes the non-r/f's just £100 cheaper.

[cooldude00]

OTT - does the inflation kit not come standard with the car?

[troggy1969]

Not sure what you pay for a inflation kit from BMW, a good pump and can of sealent would cost about £40.

[MattUK]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

I have ordered 18" * 8.5" Pro-Race team dynmics in Black Gloss with Dunlop winter sport 3D XL 100V Run-Flats, IMO you need them in temps under 3 degrees Centigrade snow or not. They stop and handle quicker in cold conditions and in snow are great.
I ordered from Performance alloys and got a great price, way cheaper than BMW.

Hi John, what price did you get for those?