[nvestr]

Hi all,

Looking at getting a set of winter rims and tires for my M40i. I have the 21inch Cerium wheels on my M40i. Thinking 19 or 20 inchers for winter in a non-staggered config. Tire sizes that are close to OEM height are rare.

There aren't many options, especially in non-runflat and in a performance oriented tire.

I did manage to find a set of Pilot Alpin PA5 (non-runflat) in 235/50R19 (square setup). These are 1.0% shorter than OEM size so still within tolerance. Also a bit narrower than stock but that is better for winter traction anyway.

The specs are 103H service spec (1929 lbs per tire) and XL load rating. There are passenger car tires. I feel like the M40i is not overly heavy and shouldn't have a problem with passenger car tires... The Pilot Alpin PA5 SUV does not come in a size that works for the M40i unless I go runflat... at least not that I could find.

Any opinions?

[teaston]

I went for 255/50R19's, loads of performance options including the excellent Goodyear Ultragrip Gen 1's that I have.

[nvestr]

Originally Posted by teaston

I went for 255/50R19's, loads of performance options including the excellent Goodyear Ultragrip Gen 1's that I have.

Thanks - that size is 2% smaller than OEM size though, so I did not think I wanted to stretch that far. I will check on those options

[Sportstick]

For your climate, I would not buy "performance winter" tires such as the ones you're considering, which are about a half-step above all seasons. The issue is not getting moving as much as being able to stop/turn when needed. I would look for Michelin XIce xi3 or Blizzak WS90 from the "studless winter" category. Check tirerack.com for size availability, even if you buy locally from another source. Go as narrow as possible within the proper load rating for your vehicle.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by nvestr

Thanks - that size is 2% smaller than OEM size though, so I did not think I wanted to stretch that far. I will check on those options

Not sure where you got that from, they're actually 10mm wider than the oem tyres, and 1.36% larger rolling circumference.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

For your climate, I would not buy "performance winter" tires such as the ones you're considering, which are about a half-step above all seasons. The issue is not getting moving as much as being able to stop/turn when needed. I would look for Michelin XIce xi3 or Blizzak WS90 from the "studless winter" category. Check tirerack.com for size availability, even if you buy locally from another source. Go as narrow as possible within the proper load rating for your vehicle.

Good point, I didn't realise he lives "north of the wall"!

Better to get "Nordic" type winter tyres OP.

[nvestr]

Originally Posted by teaston

Not sure where you got that from, they're actually 10mm wider than the oem tyres, and 1.36% larger rolling circumference.

You're right - checked again and must've misread. Sorry about that. I see 1.4% diameter difference.

The problem with WS90/X-Ice type tires is the mushy feel and soft sidewalls. Terrible handling and feel.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by nvestr

The problem with WS90/X-Ice type tires is the mushy feel and soft sidewalls. Terrible handling and feel.

But...they feel REALLY good when you don't crunch into the guy who lost control and slid into your path because you had significantly more winter stopping/turning ability! Actually, the XIce is fairly well regarded for steering feel, understanding that there will always be some compromise for being able to stop and steer more effectively.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=193

Everyone sets their own risk tolerance level. I would rather trade off not fully exploiting the already-miserable conditions in winter to improve the chances of having my vehicle preserved for the rest of the year! To each their own, however!

[nvestr]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

But...they feel REALLY good when you don't crunch into the guy who lost control and slid into your path because you had significantly more winter stopping/turning ability! Actually, the XIce is fairly well regarded for steering feel, understanding that there will always be some compromise for being able to stop and steer more effectively.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=193

Everyone sets their own risk tolerance level. I would rather trade off not fully exploiting the already-miserable conditions in winter to improve the chances of having my vehicle preserved for the rest of the year! To each their own, however!

All fair points my friend. I had Blizzak WS80's on my previous car (C43 AMG 4Matic) and they were great. Pretty spungy but you're not zipping around too much in the winter anyway. The WS90 should be a nice improvement. That is what I'm aiming for right now. Now just to see if I can find a 20 inch wheel configuration with a pair of tires.

Replika makes some nice BMW wheel replicas (including a replica of the 718M 21" cerium wheels) but in 19" versions. Wish they made them in 20. I feel like 19 will look too small on the M40i, especially when I'm used to 21's...

Thanks for all the comments - I will continue to narrow down the search.

If I go 19", this is probably the replica wheel (699M copy, but in 19") I will get for winter :

[Commerce]

I just picked up a set of 20" MSW Type 48 wheels from Tire Rack and brought them across the border. Ordered a set of 245/45/20 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 from Kal Tire since it's the best winter tire I've ever bought. Went with the 20s for the same reason, 19 didn't look right for the M40i, especially after 21s during the summer.

[Pretzel]

Originally Posted by Opulence

I just picked up a set of 20" MSW Type 48 wheels from Tire Rack and brought them across the border. Ordered a set of 245/45/20 Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 from Kal Tire since it's the best winter tire I've ever bought. Went with the 20s for the same reason, 19 didn't look right for the M40i, especially after 21s during the summer.

Those look nice. All Black or machined with black accents?

[Commerce]

Originally Posted by Pretzel

Those look nice. All Black or machined with black accents?

I went with the machined face

[gordoma]

I ran the XIce3 last winter on my m40i. Went with the 245/65-18" size (rims from Tirerack) and I'll confirm they fit and work great. Terrific traction on dry and wet roads for a snow tire. Quieter and more comfortable than the OEM Bridgestone Run-Flats. Handling was great - just a notch below the OEM summers but, still a very sporty handling car. Very secure in icy conditions. Not the best in deep snow but, that only happens a couple of times a year. Driving in Northern New England.

[nvestr]

For what it's worth, I ended up getting a set of Nokian Hakkapeliita R3 SUV in 245/45R20 (OEM size for 20's). Every review and every tire shootout I've read has consistently put these tires as the best winter tire money can buy, in all categories including handling, braking, noise and wear. Hopefully I will be happy with them. Plus I got them cheaper than Blizzak WS90's, so good deal for an awesome tire. The Nokian is actually an SUV tire whereas the WS90 is a passenger car tire, so all the more reason to go Nokian.

Combined it with DAI Replica 129's in 20x9 ET35 :

[Climb Mode]

PA5 SUV come in non-runflats at 235/55/19 which works perfectly as a winter set up on the m40...

[nvestr]

Originally Posted by Climb Mode

PA5 SUV come in non-runflats at 235/55/19 which works perfectly as a winter set up on the m40...

that is 2.1% larger diameter than stock size. For me personally, that was a bit too much difference. I also prefer the visual look of 20's (as I am coming from OEM 21's), the drop to 19" felt like too much. We have winters from November to April where I live, so almost 6 months of the year. Might as well look good

[jtl4848]

Originally Posted by nvestr

For what it's worth, I ended up getting a set of Nokian Hakkapeliita R3 SUV in 245/45R20 (OEM size for 20's). Every review and every tire shootout I've read has consistently put these tires as the best winter tire money can buy, in all categories including handling, braking, noise and wear. Hopefully I will be happy with them. Plus I got them cheaper than Blizzak WS90's, so good deal for an awesome tire. The Nokian is actually an SUV tire whereas the WS90 is a passenger car tire, so all the more reason to go Nokian.

Combined it with DAI Replica 129's in 20x9 ET35 :

Where did you get your winter package from? I’m looking at the same tires but still need to choose rims.

[X3M40i_Nev]

Originally Posted by Opulence

I went with the machined face

Nice wheels, am I correct in thinking you can fit the BMW centre hubs in there?

[X3M40i_Nev]

MSW 48 are nice wheels, and they DO fit OEM caps:

https://uk-shop.ozracing.com/GB/whee...ATT%20BLACK/20

[Climb Mode]

Originally Posted by nvestr

that is 2.1% larger diameter than stock size. For me personally, that was a bit too much difference. I also prefer the visual look of 20's (as I am coming from OEM 21's), the drop to 19" felt like too much. We have winters from November to April where I live, so almost 6 months of the year. Might as well look good

Understood on the visual aspect. I don't think you'll have an issue with the rolling diameter as long as you keep the set-up square. They only issue you'd have is a ~1.8mph speedo difference at 60mph.

Keeping it OEM though, why not consider the new (to the USA) Continential VIKINGCONTACT7 in 245/45/20's ??

[nvestr]

Originally Posted by Climb Mode

Understood on the visual aspect. I don't think you'll have an issue with the rolling diameter as long as you keep the set-up square. They only issue you'd have is a ~1.8mph speedo difference at 60mph.

Keeping it OEM though, why not consider the new (to the USA) Continential VIKINGCONTACT7 in 245/45/20's ??

I have had such bad experiences with Continental that I will do everything in my power to avoid them. The Nokian is the proven tire, why go with anything else?

[nvestr]

Originally Posted by jtl4848

Where did you get your winter package from? I’m looking at the same tires but still need to choose rims.

Actually did not buy as a package (I normally do) because Nokian does not allow online sales apparently. Wheels are from PMCtire.com (out of Sherbrooke, Quebec). You can also get them from partsengine.ca. Nokian tires ordered locally from Coast Tire. They are the only Nokian dealer in my part of the country. $303.40 CAD per tire (mount/balance not included) with $70 prepaid VISA.