[no golf clubs]

Today I just fitted some kumho rubber, not my very first choice but I got them second hand with just one seasons use.

Put them on my 18" 225 reps that I had on my e92 330d.

Here's the before and after pics. Wasn't sure how they'd look but on balance I'm quite happy with them even though they don't match up model year wise. But it is only for winter after all.

[walendvay]

I use nokian Hakka 7 run flat. 225/60-17. I find the performance on ice packed roads to be amazing! They are on a set of dedicated Borbet wheels from my old E83.

[slyfox]

Originally Posted by no golf clubs

Today I just fitted some kumho rubber, not my very first choice but I got them second hand with just one seasons use.

Put them on my 18" 225 reps that I had on my e92 330d.

Here's the before and after pics. Wasn't sure how they'd look but on balance I'm quite happy with them even though they don't match up model year wise. But it is only for winter after all.

NO GOLF CLUBS

As I see it you have gone from 17" summers to 18" winters, is that correct?
It's it normally the other way around

[Chris55]

My winter setup: 309s 19" with Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D RSC 245/45R19 102V XL - all around.

Does anyone know what the major differences are between the 3D and 4D besides the 4D being newer?

[Bmwlvr60]

Many folks discuss the size of your tires, but fail to mention the make/model. I know my dealer recommends 17" winter tires and will store/change them for a flat fee of about $2400. Expecting a a new X3 28i with 19" wheels and all seasons. Don't know which make/models yet. People here like the Pirellis or Goodyears? My wife is a nervous winter driver and has been driving a Land Cruser and then an MDX with Michelin All Seasons for the past 14 years. We've never had an issue in the snow.

[E92LNGCGY]

The Goodyear all season on the M-Sport package is horrible. Doesn't work well in dry, wet or snow.

I have dedicated winter wheels and tires which I purchased from Tirerack.
18's Sport Edition SE14 with 225/50/18 Michelin Xice 3. Tires has been great with all the snow and ice we've had. Tire noise is by far the lowest I've had on any winter tire.

[no golf clubs]

Originally Posted by slyfox

NO GOLF CLUBS

As I see it you have gone from 17" summers to 18" winters, is that correct?
It's it normally the other way around

Yes it's a bit cack handed I agree but I had the 18" alloys in my garage already and 17"'s came with the car (which I couldn't spec).

Makes no sense to go to the expense of inverting until my current tyres wear out.

[Bmwlvr60]

New X3 arrived with Goodyear Eagle LS 2 All Season tires. 245 45 R19. We'll see how it does.

[mooney058]

Originally Posted by Chris55

My winter setup: 309s 19" with Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D RSC 245/45R19 102V XL - all around.

Does anyone know what the major differences are between the 3D and 4D besides the 4D being newer?

Judging from the tests I have managed to find online - 4D is an improvement, but 3D is still a very good tyre.

I did go for 17 (225/60/17) Pirelli SottoZero2 and I am quite happy with it - both the looks did not suffer that much on M-Sport package, handling is OK on the snow - was in a German X-mas market and the place was coverd in snow and temperatures were at circa -6C. Tried to spin the wheels and make a skid - nothing, the car was driving like on a summer road. Will go soon to CH for a 5 days break - will see how it handels on more snow (its been snowing in alps almost non stop ).

Cheers

[Bmwlvr60]

X3 28i M Sport came with Goodyear Eagle LS 2 All Seasons. I'll report back after a couple of snowy days and tell everyone my thoughts on their performance.

[kskpsu]

Originally Posted by Bmwlvr60

X3 28i M Sport came with Goodyear Eagle LS 2 All Seasons. I'll report back after a couple of snowy days and tell everyone my thoughts on their performance.

I had the same approach, and I am anxious to get mine off in favor of winter rubber. For Jersey, you should be OK. My climate is more severe, and I run dedicated summer wheels/rubber, so I might as well maximize the winter setup.

[greierasul]

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 , one of the best winter tyre.

[Chris55]

Originally Posted by mooney058

Judging from the tests I have managed to find online - 4D is an improvement, but 3D is still a very good tyre.

I did go for 17 (225/60/17) Pirelli SottoZero2 and I am quite happy with it - both the looks did not suffer that much on M-Sport package, handling is OK on the snow - was in a German X-mas market and the place was coverd in snow and temperatures were at circa -6C. Tried to spin the wheels and make a skid - nothing, the car was driving like on a summer road. Will go soon to CH for a 5 days break - will see how it handels on more snow (its been snowing in alps almost non stop ).

Cheers

Well, one day I guess I'll test them and I hope they're OK. We've had nothing but rain, rain, rain and more rain.

[bichoo]

Big snow storm here today and got a chance to test the snow performance of the new Michelin PA4's. All I can say is that they are amazing! I'm happy i got this tire despite the lack of reviews online. Note that this is my first winter in an X3 so I have no other tire to compare against. All I can say is that the X3 in the snow with the PA4's outperforms my old Lexus IS250 AWD with Dunlop 4D's.

[BMWX3MDD]

I m using the Pirelli winter carving with X3 is pretty good. Switching from 08 MDX was kinda worry.. but after today.. seems not bad at all..

[Schmed]

Just picked up some Nokian Hakkas mounted on my 17" winter wheels.

Pray for SNOW!

The stock Goodyears were OK, but I've decided that safety trumps convenience anymore. Driving I25 through Wyoming all winter demands some level of respect.

[wendellg85]

New x3 35i M sport pkg is due to arrive in a week or so and am trying to decide what to do about tires given it will be January. Consensus seems to be that the OEM Goodyear LS2's are awful so am feeling the need to switch for better. Would prefer to stick with all-seasons if possible since this is a 3 yr lease and therefore don't want to buy multiple sets of rims/tires, plus not sure I need dedicated winter tires anyway as we generally don't get very deep snow here in Philadelphia, couple inches at most, or more often it is slush or very conditions. Another reason I shy away from winter tires is have heard they don't last as long if temps are too warm and our daytime temps are often 40-50 even through most of winter.

First BMW so have nothing to compare to, but current ride (FX35) has all season Yokohamas and have been pleased with their performance in bad weather.

Anyone living in similar climate have any advice based on thier experience?

Have daily commute of 1 hour on very congested roads so safety is of importance. Handling is important to me too (it must be if I'm getting a BMW!) but this is an SAV after all, and my last 5 cars have been SUVs so I'm not expecting true sports car handling. I know many favor winter tires, but given my situation I think all-season will be ok. Yea or nea?

Looking at maybe Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus, Michelin Primacy MXM4, maybe the Yokohamas I have now, any others?

[Nahoa]

You should check first which tires are available for your specific wheels. I don't believe all the options you're considering are available.

[lbjgh]

Well I've made my mind up... The Pirelli Sottozero winter wheel package offered by BMW is really not suitable for northern climates. Maybe they are OK for moderate climates with colder winter temperatures and minimal snow.

I've driven in icy, heavy wet snow, snow packed and light 6-8" of snow covered roads and I don't find the sottozero's any better than a good all season tire. The lack of aggressive tread block on the sottozero's may improve clear surface performance but it makes for a mediocre "snow" tire. I think I'll switch over to Blizzaks at my first opportunity. I wish I had this knowledge before I dropped the cash... Hopefully this helps others who live in the snow belts that may be considering the factory offerings.

I figured the x3 with winter rubber would be like a cat on carpet but it's more like giraffe on rollerskates. .

[MJM]

Looking at maybe Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus, Michelin Primacy MXM4, maybe the Yokohamas I have now, any others?

I leave near Boston and I didn't want to have another set of winter wheels and tires for our new x3 35i M sport pkg so I swapped-out the Goodyears with four 245/45R-19 Michelin Primacy MXM4. Better ride than the Goodyears and better handling too. Tire Rack shows this tire with a very good overall dry/wet/snow/ice handling balance for an all-season tire. No run-flat in this size however. Not enough snow yet to provide more detail.

[noka]

Originally Posted by MJM

I leave near Boston and I didn't want to have another set of winter wheels and tires for our new x3 35i M sport pkg so I swapped-out the Goodyears with four 245/45R-19 Michelin Primacy MXM4. Better ride than the Goodyears and better handling too. Tire Rack shows this tire with a very good overall dry/wet/snow/ice handling balance for an all-season tire. No run-flat in this size however. Not enough snow yet to provide more detail.

What's the plan if you get a flat?

[MJM]

What's the plan if you get a flat?

Plan A is to call AAA, and have them flat-bed the x3 to the dealer. Plan B is to use the second generation BMW "M Mobility Kit" like the one in my M3. M cars have no run flats and no spare tires so BMW includes this kit; http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-18...essor-kit.aspx

You could also get the Continential "ContiComfortKit"; http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=38