winter tires

byroncheung · 11-19-2014, 04:25 PM

Just got my 2011 M3 with competition package, please pardon me if these are obvious questions to all the experienced owners out there...

I live in NY, from what I read so far, it sounds like a good idea to get winter tires on a M3 if one is to drive it at all in winter (bad grip of the summer tire in cold temperature, damage to summer tire from exposing them to low temp etc).

In winter I will probably limit my daily driving to be just 10min to / from train station. My town is right by hudson river so the the terrain is hilly. So it is probably a good idea to have winter tires on? Or can I get by with such a short daily drive? (although I guess if the worry is the low temp exposure, then length of commute isn't much of a consideration?)

If it is wise to get a set of winter tires, can someone recommend some places in New York (around Westchester county) to get them? My garage is small it would be best if there is some place that will sell the winter tires and store the summer / winter tires for me as I rotate them through the season...

Thanks in advance.

byroncheung · 11-20-2014, 08:25 AM

Was doing more research last night. Looks like people like Blizzaks? However tirerack don't have both front and back available (I have 19" wheels), I might have to pair it up with pirelli... I checked a couple other big sites (mavis, firestone etc) can't find them. Is there any other site I might be able to find them?

ZEEM3R · 11-20-2014, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byroncheung

Was doing more research last night. Looks like people like Blizzaks? However tirerack don't have both front and back available (I have 19" wheels), I might have to pair it up with pirelli... I checked a couple other big sites (mavis, firestone etc) can't find them. Is there any other site I might be able to find them?

I'm most likely going to go down to 18s. If the weather in Buffalo right now is in indication of how it'll be on long Island, I need all the traction I can get.

byroncheung · 11-20-2014, 09:40 AM

I hear you. I'm in westchester. But I just shelled out all dough for the car really hoping I don't have to shell out more for another set of wheels right now...

Gbiz · 11-20-2014, 10:13 AM

Unfortunately, to live in the Northeast, you're going to need a winter wheel and tire setup in order to be safe on the roads. There's not much in the way of a winter tire for the ZCP wheels. I would recommend you finding a set of 219s or 220s and put a set of Pirelli Sottozeros on your M3. Here's my M3 winter setup. I spent around $1800 for the wheels, tires, and TPMS.

burtonsbs5114 · 11-20-2014, 11:11 AM

I would recommend going to tirerack.com get getting a square 18 inch set up. The winter rims are pretty cheap (like $130/each). My dealer stores the opposite set for me. I would think you could find a local dealer that would do the same.

B8bydesign · 11-20-2014, 12:02 PM

I did something similar to got da booze, picked up a barely used set of OEM 219M's with Blizzak LM-60's in the classifieds for the coming winter.

You can also check out this thread in the Wheels + Tires subforum for more options/opinions:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174068

byroncheung · 11-20-2014, 12:29 PM

thanks B8bydesign that's a great thread that you shared!

MRV99 · 11-20-2014, 12:47 PM

I just installed Micheline Alpine PA4 and they are light years better than the Dunlops that I previously had. Even in the cold, the traction light barely flickers on hard acceleration. The Dunlops would constantly set of traction control.

M3LISSA · 11-20-2014, 05:33 PM

Blizzaks are the way to go. I remember I had a hard time finding the sizes. Mine are snow tires, but they have gotten me through the last few winters with ease. I highly recommend them!

swartzentruber · 11-20-2014, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byroncheung

In winter I will probably limit my daily driving to be just 10min to / from train station. My town is right by hudson river so the the terrain is hilly. So it is probably a good idea to have winter tires on? Or can I get by with such a short daily drive? (although I guess if the worry is the low temp exposure, then length of commute isn't much of a consideration?)

For the sake of you and other new owners wondering, the firm conclusion is that while on dry pavement, summers aren't horrible if it's not too cold (i.e. 30ish or above), all it takes is just a little snow to completely lose traction. We've had threads of people sliding their cars off driveways in just a little snow. Winter tires are also typically cheaper, so you save wear on the expensive tires. In short, winter tires are a no brainer. If you think you'll have the car a few years, an 18" winter tire package from tirerack should pay for itself, particularly since you then should be able to swap the tires yourself.

Kurt_OH · 11-20-2014, 07:12 PM

1. There's zero option. You can NOT drive a car with summer tires on ANY level of even FROST, much less snow. You will simply have insufficient traction to reasonably proceed.

2. I don't drive my M3 in the winter (that's what my Hyundai Elantra is for!), but we do put winter tires/rims on my wife's 335i, and we're very happy with the Michelin X-Ice-3 tires. ( http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....odel=X-Ice+Xi3 )

Sandye90m3 · 11-20-2014, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byroncheung

Just got my 2011 M3 with competition package, please pardon me if these are obvious questions to all the experienced owners out there...

In winter I will probably limit my daily driving to be just 10min to / from train station. My town is right by hudson river so the the terrain is hilly. So it is probably a good idea to have winter tires on? Or can I get by with such a short daily drive? (although I guess if the worry is the low temp exposure, then length of commute isn't much of a consideration?)

If it is wise to get a set of winter tires, can someone recommend some places in New York (around Westchester county) to get them? My garage is small it would be best if there is some place that will sell the winter tires and store the summer / winter tires for me as I rotate them through the season...

Thanks in advance.

Let me save you the trouble and speak from experience. It is impossible to drive summer tires in snow. Summer tires are ok for dry pavement, but the moment they touch any trace of snow or water/ice you are honestly done.

I remember, I used to think I could drive summer tires in winter when it was dry. The problem is, most of the parking lots you go to will be frozen with snow and ice, and it makes it virtually impossible for you to get out or into the parking lots.

byroncheung · 11-20-2014, 09:12 PM

Ok guys thanks for all the feedbacks. I just ordered set of Pirelli Sottozero. After hearing what you guys said I won't even drive out with the M3 even when it's dry (temp has been 30'ish lately) until I got the winter tires mounted!

Thanks again.

Gbiz · 11-21-2014, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byroncheung

Ok guys thanks for all the feedbacks. I just ordered set of Pirelli Sottozero. After hearing what you guys said I won't even drive out with the M3 even when it's dry (temp has been 30'ish lately) until I got the winter tires mounted!

Thanks again.

Are you putting them on your ZCP wheels or did you buy a separate wheel set?

byroncheung · 11-21-2014, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by got da booze

Are you putting them on your ZCP wheels or did you buy a separate wheel set?

I'm just going to put them on my ZCP wheels for now...

ZEEM3R · 11-21-2014, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byroncheung

Quote:

Originally Posted by got da booze

Are you putting them on your ZCP wheels or did you buy a separate wheel set?

I'm just going to put them on my ZCP wheels for now...

I would recommend getting new rims, 18in ones preferably. You won't get as much traction with 19s but they'll probably be adequate.

byroncheung · 11-21-2014, 09:21 AM

yea ok i'm going with everyone's recommendation - getting a set of 18" and blizzaks now.

swartzentruber · 11-21-2014, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by byroncheung

yea ok i'm going with everyone's recommendation - getting a set of 18" and blizzaks now.

The forum wins. Yay.

In the long run, I think you'll be happier. In addition to all the advantages, you'll also get more sidewall in the tire, which you'll appreciate around March when the road surfaces start getting nice and potholed (at least that's how it is around here).

byroncheung · 11-21-2014, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swartzentruber

The forum wins. Yay.

In the long run, I think you'll be happier. In addition to all the advantages, you'll also get more sidewall in the tire, which you'll appreciate around March when the road surfaces start getting nice and potholed (at least that's how it is around here).

I really appreciate all the feedback, enabled me to make educated decision!

One thing lead to the next - now I'm reading these threads saying don't leave the wheel changing to the tire places... I am not a car handy guy so looks like I need to buy a torque wrench? Can I just use the emergency jack that come with my SUV? Any suggestion appreciated.

YolkyPalky · 11-21-2014, 11:15 AM

Just another thought, do you have DCT? If so, keep it in Level 1 during the snow/sleet/frost days. Level 1 is meant for traction control, etc. and will help against tire spins, etc.

byroncheung · 11-21-2014, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

Just another thought, do you have DCT? If so, keep it in Level 1 during the snow/sleet/frost days. Level 1 is meant for traction control, etc. and will help against tire spins, etc.

i do have DCT i have come across with that information already, i'll def use it on snowy day. thanks for bringing it up!

11-19-2014, 04:25 PM	#1
byroncheung Lieutenant 178 Rep 591 Posts Drives: e90 m3, 997.2 c2s, x166 GL450 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	winter tires Just got my 2011 M3 with competition package, please pardon me if these are obvious questions to all the experienced owners out there... I live in NY, from what I read so far, it sounds like a good idea to get winter tires on a M3 if one is to drive it at all in winter (bad grip of the summer tire in cold temperature, damage to summer tire from exposing them to low temp etc). In winter I will probably limit my daily driving to be just 10min to / from train station. My town is right by hudson river so the the terrain is hilly. So it is probably a good idea to have winter tires on? Or can I get by with such a short daily drive? (although I guess if the worry is the low temp exposure, then length of commute isn't much of a consideration?) If it is wise to get a set of winter tires, can someone recommend some places in New York (around Westchester county) to get them? My garage is small it would be best if there is some place that will sell the winter tires and store the summer / winter tires for me as I rotate them through the season... Thanks in advance.
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11-20-2014, 08:25 AM	#2
byroncheung Lieutenant 178 Rep 591 Posts Drives: e90 m3, 997.2 c2s, x166 GL450 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	Was doing more research last night. Looks like people like Blizzaks? However tirerack don't have both front and back available (I have 19" wheels), I might have to pair it up with pirelli... I checked a couple other big sites (mavis, firestone etc) can't find them. Is there any other site I might be able to find them?
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11-20-2014, 09:40 AM	#4
byroncheung Lieutenant 178 Rep 591 Posts Drives: e90 m3, 997.2 c2s, x166 GL450 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	I hear you. I'm in westchester. But I just shelled out all dough for the car really hoping I don't have to shell out more for another set of wheels right now...
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11-20-2014, 10:13 AM	#5
Gbiz Fo Shizzle 77 Rep 500 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: . iTrader: (21)	Unfortunately, to live in the Northeast, you're going to need a winter wheel and tire setup in order to be safe on the roads. There's not much in the way of a winter tire for the ZCP wheels. I would recommend you finding a set of 219s or 220s and put a set of Pirelli Sottozeros on your M3. Here's my M3 winter setup. I spent around $1800 for the wheels, tires, and TPMS. Attached Images
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11-20-2014, 11:11 AM	#6
burtonsbs5114 Major 368 Rep 1,198 Posts Drives: 2021 F87 M2c. LBB, 6mt Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 MV Agusta Burt ... [0.00] 2012 Trek Madone 6. ... [0.00] 2008 BMW e93 M3 [0.00]	I would recommend going to tirerack.com get getting a square 18 inch set up. The winter rims are pretty cheap (like $130/each). My dealer stores the opposite set for me. I would think you could find a local dealer that would do the same.
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11-20-2014, 12:02 PM	#7
B8bydesign Lieutenant Colonel 683 Rep 1,529 Posts Drives: '11 BMW M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (10) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [10.00]	I did something similar to got da booze, picked up a barely used set of OEM 219M's with Blizzak LM-60's in the classifieds for the coming winter. You can also check out this thread in the Wheels + Tires subforum for more options/opinions: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174068 __________________ New: '11.5 e90 M3 \| DCT \| Space Gray/Novillo \| ZCV \| ZCW \| ZP2 \| ESS 625 \| BPM \| M Performance \| iPE \| BC Racing \| BPM \| iND \| LUX \| Volk \| Coby \| Recaro Sold: '11.5 e92 M3 \| DCT \| Mineral White/Novillo \| ZCP \| ZCV \| ZCW \| ZP2 \| M Performance \| ACM \| BPM \| iND \| Thule \| LUX \| Macht Schnell \| Broadway Static \| Rogue Engineering \| BBS \| Challenge \| Metak
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11-20-2014, 12:29 PM	#8
byroncheung Lieutenant 178 Rep 591 Posts Drives: e90 m3, 997.2 c2s, x166 GL450 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	thanks B8bydesign that's a great thread that you shared!
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11-20-2014, 12:47 PM	#9
MRV99 Major 254 Rep 1,067 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 ZCP / 2017 RRS SC Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Naperville iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00]	I just installed Micheline Alpine PA4 and they are light years better than the Dunlops that I previously had. Even in the cold, the traction light barely flickers on hard acceleration. The Dunlops would constantly set of traction control. __________________ 17 M3 ZCP -- 2017 Range Rover Sport SC --RIP-- 12 X5 50i Sport -- 11 M3 DCT -- 2011 X5 50i(Lemon) -- 2008 550 Msport -- 2007 x5 4.8 sport -- 2004 545 sport -- 2002 x5 4.4 sport -- 2001 540i Msport 2000 SL500 -- 1997 SL500
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11-20-2014, 05:33 PM	#10
M3LISSA Captain 804 Rep 980 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 COMP/SOLD Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Blizzaks are the way to go. I remember I had a hard time finding the sizes. Mine are snow tires, but they have gotten me through the last few winters with ease. I highly recommend them! Attached Images __________________ 2008 E60 550 ? Alpine White // RPI 2011 E90 M3 Competition // Alpine White // ESS // RPI // 20" BBS LM's, blah blah 2021 G80 M3 Competition // Brooklyn Grey // KW Suspension // 12mm Spacers all around // Resonator Delete
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11-20-2014, 07:12 PM	#12
Kurt_OH Captain 12 Rep 734 Posts Drives: E90 M3 ZCP Join Date: May 2008 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (0)	1. There's zero option. You can NOT drive a car with summer tires on ANY level of even FROST, much less snow. You will simply have insufficient traction to reasonably proceed. 2. I don't drive my M3 in the winter (that's what my Hyundai Elantra is for!), but we do put winter tires/rims on my wife's 335i, and we're very happy with the Michelin X-Ice-3 tires. ( http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....odel=X-Ice+Xi3 ) __________________ ... a glorious V8 that screamed and hollered as the revs rose and then howled in an orgy of what sounded like BDSM ecstasy as it neared the red line. Well, you can forget all that. The new car is fitted with a turbocharged straight six. Turbocharging? In an M car? That’s like putting gravy on an ice cream. - Jeremy Clarkson, discussing the S65 and then S55 M3 engines.
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11-20-2014, 09:12 PM	#14
byroncheung Lieutenant 178 Rep 591 Posts Drives: e90 m3, 997.2 c2s, x166 GL450 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	Ok guys thanks for all the feedbacks. I just ordered set of Pirelli Sottozero. After hearing what you guys said I won't even drive out with the M3 even when it's dry (temp has been 30'ish lately) until I got the winter tires mounted! Thanks again.
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11-21-2014, 09:21 AM	#18
byroncheung Lieutenant 178 Rep 591 Posts Drives: e90 m3, 997.2 c2s, x166 GL450 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	yea ok i'm going with everyone's recommendation - getting a set of 18" and blizzaks now.
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11-21-2014, 11:15 AM	#21
YolkyPalky Captain 333 Rep 687 Posts Drives: ‘23 X3MC Dark Graphite Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	Just another thought, do you have DCT? If so, keep it in Level 1 during the snow/sleet/frost days. Level 1 is meant for traction control, etc. and will help against tire spins, etc.
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