What kind of tires should I put on my BMW 325i (rear-wheel drive) for the winter?

Question

I currently have the tires that came w/the cars sport package and they make my car completely useless during the snowy winter on the east coast. Any advice or specific products would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

If you're running a staggered set up, you're going to want thinner rears (same width as fronts) - in the snow, thinner tires are better. You're also going to want as small diameter rims as will clear your brake calipers - I'm running 17"s on an M3. Bling factor aside, smaller rims = lighter rims, and unsprung weight at the corners is your enemy anyway.

I got my wheels and tires from the dealer. BMW offers OEM winter packages, and the prices are surprisingly competitive. In addition, the dealer (mine, at least) stores the set of wheels not on the car for free. I couldn't find the link for the US, but here's the one for Canada: http://www.bmw.ca/accessories/promo1.asp?lang=en&categoryid=winter_tires&subcategoryid=&root_cat=vehicle

Talk to your dealer, I actually didn't like the wheels offered, and they gave me a package from the year before. Steel wheels are somewhere around $1100; the package I got was $1600. Here's a link for steel wheels:
http://www.bavauto.com/se1.asp?dept_id=381

As for tires, I run Dunlop M3s, and love them. If you want speed rated tires, you're going to be limited. The Dunlops are V-rated (149+), which is probably higher than you want. To get an idea of what's out there, go to tirerack and read the reviews on their recommended tires.

Answer 2

The reason front wheel drive cars handle so much better in the snow is simply because there is more weight above the front tires which provides better traction. Were a RWD might spin a FWD will get a better grip from the weight. As already suggested its wise to add weight to the trunk which will increase traction and result in less spinning. If you use sand bags in the trunk for weight then you can cut these open and use the sand itself to get yourself out should you become stuck!

Answer 3

I have to disagree with the steel wheel setup. Go to www.tirerack.com and check out their winter packages. They have nice alloys with blizzaks for about 1200 for the setup. If you have a 2006 or newer then you have 17" in the sport. You can even get a set of the stock 16 inchers and put snow tires on them.

Answer 4

Get yourself a set of steel rims and downgrade one size. If you have 17" go with 16". I don't know what your OE is but for example if it's something like 235/45R17 you should go with roughly 225/55R16. Consult your local tire shop.

Best winter tires on the market are made by Michelin (X-Ice and Alpin (performance)). They are expensive though. Look for Toyo or Yokohama if you want decent quality but lower price.

Answer 5

Hakkapeliitta

Answer 6

I use BFG Traction T/A's on mine. Not as specialized as Blizzaks,but,you can drive on clear roads too.

Answer 7

Michalines,17"ok, I can't spell