[X3M40i_Nev]

Originally Posted by Carmicro

Does not matter what tyres you have if you hit black ice your not going to control it. Summer tyres as folk call it are dry wet tyres. It's obvious if you live in a area where winters are winters you would be using snow chains/ studded tyres if your expecting deep snow every year.

A test by auto express shows two identical cars in 7degC and wet. Summers stopped from 50mph in 42metres. The winters in 35metres. Quite a difference. here is the vid:

But as always, lovers and haters. For me, the winter set not only prolongs my summer tyre life, but more importantly protects my diamond cut 718m's from the corrosive salt.

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by Zero71

I am the same as you. I work from home. If the car goes out it is on well gritted suburban roads for a short trip to the shops. I don't go hooning around B roads in poor weather, and I don't have massive commutes. If there's snow, I leave the car at home or take the wife's Mini. I'll do at most 500 miles over the winter. We've managed to drive carefully in winter for the past 30 years on regular tires.

I'm not knocking folk who spend money on spare wheels and winter tyres, but I don't have the budget for that, and I don't do the mileage to justify it. I'm sure it's the best option if the costs can be justified. I'd rather walk than waste £1000 on tires for a few weeks.

There is a big difference between saying I don't drive in those conditions so don't need the tyres and saying you do and don't require anything more than a summer tyre, one is understandable the other is the reason that 3-4" of snow shuts the M8 for 24-48 hours.

[DC X3M40i]

Taking no chances. Getting her snow shoes on today

[X3M40i_Nev]

Originally Posted by Wills2

There is a big difference between saying I don't drive in those conditions so don't need the tyres and saying you do and don't require anything more than a summer tyre, one is understandable the other is the reason that 3-4" of snow shuts the M8 for 24-48 hours.

Too true 🤦*♂️

[spta97]

I’m a big fan of winter tires, but I am not a fan of the decrease in performance on dry pavement.

Can anyone comment on the performance DECREASE of their winter tire setup on their X3M?

$3500 is a lot to spend and I’m debating if I should just keep the summer tires on and be careful and only take my 4x4 truck when it snows (which I will do anyway).

[DC X3M40i]

Took mine for a spin today hit speeds up to 80mph. Felt a bit twitchier. Probably because I’m running a square setup? It’s not terrible...but it did feel different compared to my staggered 21” staggered

[spta97]

Thanks for the input. That’s what I’m worried about - previous winters have been snow sometimes but mostly not and I’ll be losing performance.

It is cold though. On my e46 I would drive when it was cold and I did lose grip but not sliding off a ramp bad

[GmanJeff]

Originally Posted by spta97

I’m a big fan of winter tires, but I am not a fan of the decrease in performance on dry pavement.

Can anyone comment on the performance DECREASE of their winter tire setup on their X3M?

$3500 is a lot to spend and I’m debating if I should just keep the summer tires on and be careful and only take my 4x4 truck when it snows (which I will do anyway).

Winter tires are for low temperatures, as well as for snow. Summer tires below 40 degrees are asking for trouble. They will slide on dry roads, and may develop permanent cracks. The absence of snow on the ground does not mean summer tires are safe to use, and "being careful" does not improve traction and adhesion where none exists in the first place.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by GmanJeff

Winter tires are for low temperatures, as well as for snow. Summer tires below 40 degrees are asking for trouble. They will slide on dry roads, and may develop permanent cracks. The absence of snow on the ground does not mean summer tires are safe to use, and "being careful" does not improve traction and adhesion where none exists in the first place.

I drove my e46 in the winter and I noticed less grip but I don’t recall ever having been in a position that scared me or was unsafe.

Not saying you’re wrong at all (I agree) but it is a trade off because winters where I am are really not always freezing. Moreover, the decrease in ya fling due to winters has to be considered.

I looked at the OEM solution and they were runflats. I won’t get those on any car I have as they are rough and not repairable.

I have more research to do

[-JLT-]

it only takes an accident one time and then you'll be thinking to yourself: why the fuck didn't I get those winter tires?

[sq86]

That's a bummer for the OP. Hopefully you get your car back sooner than later. It's especially harsh that you were on your way to get your winters on. Judging when to put on winter is always a seasonal challenge. Some years you can wait till December others you need it on by early November.

For those that don't know summer tires turn hard as a hockey puck at 32°F/0°C. No thanks, but I always get winters. I just put mine on last week. I never have to worry if I have the right car or shouldn't go out, etc. I just get in and go (unless we're getting dumped on by snow).

[Scoot]

I’ve just got a quote from my local dealer with these alloys for £3600. Seems very expensive but I really want to get winter tyres fitted ASAP. Anybody from the UK have a better solution and a more favorable price ?

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by Scoot

I’ve just got a quote from my local dealer with these alloys for £3600. Seems very expensive but I really want to get winter tyres fitted ASAP. Anybody from the UK have a better solution and a more favorable price ?

Just swap out the summers for winters on the existing wheel, I've done this for the last 10 years on my M3s and M5, no issues with swapping the tyres and effectively you're spending no more money as you're doubling the life span of the tyres and just bringing that cost forward once.

You'll get a set of winters for a grand.

[Gritty]

Originally Posted by Scoot

I’ve just got a quote from my local dealer with these alloys for £3600. Seems very expensive but I really want to get winter tyres fitted ASAP. Anybody from the UK have a better solution and a more favorable price ?

BMW wheels are expensive especially in a 20" or 21".

After market wheels such as Kitano of Borbet both made in Germany will do fine for the winter and will save you a grand or more. BMW center caps fit and no spacers needed.


At MrWinterWheels: (I'm sure there maybe better deals out there, but this is what I bought)

Options: Details: 19" Autec Kitano Black Winter Alloy Wheels for BMW X4 2019 M40d
£616.55

Options: Details: 245/50 R19 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV ROF ZP* 105V
£825.55

Options: Details: OE BMW Sensor Valves (6340)

£150.86
Subtotal:
£1,592.96
Taxes:

VAT 20% included
Delivery (FREE Mainland UK):
£0.00

[Tommyj]

I don’t think 19’s will fit the X M cars, I have the same dilemma - full set or just tyres? Had a quote of £2500 for BBS rims, XA if I recall correctly, and Conti 255/45 R20’s complete with a TPMS. Many firms can’t conform what will and won’t clear the calipers, I have enquires on with Wolfrace, MSW/OZ, Mak and Autec. I’m happy at £2k but much more and I may just swap the tyres twice a year.

[Ilyam5]

Truly surprising the reluctance to change tires in UK>
After living in Europe for a while - it is a law in many places - Germany especially to have winter rated tires for the season

It is a mind set more than anything... Why would you spend 90K on a performance car with 500 HP and skimp on 1K worth of tires to loose all that performance?

Snow tires do not have to be small and narrow - they have performance winter tires that have similar characteristics to summer but perform great in the cold.

No need for set of wheels for crazy money either. Get tires mounted on OEM rims with existing TPMS. Local shops will do it fro 100 bucks

As for different types of tires - it is very simple :

1) Do you drive on ice ( more than 30% of the time)? if yes - get studded tires if No - proceed to question 2
2) Do you drive on Packed snow most of the time (akak they do not pough you roads like in Finland, Russia, Vermont, Main, Alaska)- if yet - get stud-less ice and snow tire - slightly narrower with aggressive thread - Blizzak WS60, Nokian Hakkpelita
3) if you live in UK or in the cities that plough immediately and you do not drive on packed snow - all you need is performance winter tires
Michelin Pilot Alpine 5, PA4, Pirelly sotozeero - these are V rated tires with great grip adn performace - I have pilot Aplpine 5s on a 500 HP SUV and 400HP sedan and can corner pretty close to summer