Winter set ups

[F82Tazmanian]

Hi all-

Planning to pick up an M3/M4 this week and it's just in time for crap northeast weather. What are people running for winter? I was thinking to run winter tires on the stock wheels instead of a dedicated set.

Thanks

[OF Hero]

Winter tires are obviously a must. There are dedicated winter tires (Blizzak, Ice-X, Nokians, etc) that are really meant for the nasty stuff, but will not provide the best ride quality/feel on dry cold days, much less the random not-so-cold days.

Then you have "winter performance" tires that still give very good wet/snow traction, but still try to give a bit of dry performance too. It really depends on your climate and commute. Go with the dedicated winter tires if you'll be dealing with a lot of unpaved snow and ice frequently.

Avoid all-seasons, although I think a couple of posters here have run them before but really not recommended of you're going to see any snow at all.

As far as wheels, you're going to get a lot of different opinions. Most opt for dedicated winter wheels so their nice summer wheels don't get trashed from the winter conditions plus the risk of mounting/re-mounting tires.

[Poiseuille]

as the above poster observes, you're going to get a lot of opinions on the subject. anyway, I'm in the same weather pattern as you and here's what I've always done: if this is your DD and you have to drive it no matter what, then you need dedicated winter tires. no way to avoid it, imo. I had an E39 540 that was a DD for many years and that car went through two sets of Conti DWS after the first set of Dunlop Wintersports. Also had a Z3 that alternated between PSS and DWS, while that was never a DD it did occasionally go in the snow. the M4 never ever goes out in snow, but I do switch to AS during the cold months.
so here's what I think:
I no longer use dedicated winter tires because the DWS have done the job for me in NJ. I think they work just fine in light snow. If your work or whatever requires that you drive regardless of conditions that may not work for you and you'll need winter tires.
regardless of what you decide, you're going to need two sets of tires. that being the case, I strongly recommend two sets of wheels. This is not as extravagant as it seems after you consider the expense of mounting remounting and road force balancing twice a year, not to mention potential (inevitable?) damage to your wheels. the good news is that there are plenty of inexpensive wheels available, including on this forum. you can easily get uberlightweight forged 437m for under $1800 then at the end of your term of ownership sell them for close to what you paid. A less obvious benefit is that you get to change wheel sets anytime you want without having to make appointments with people to get it done.

[F82Tazmanian]

Originally Posted by OF Hero

Winter tires are obviously a must. There are dedicated winter tires (Blizzak, Ice-X, Nokians, etc) that are really meant for the nasty stuff, but will not provide the best ride quality/feel on dry cold days, much less the random not-so-cold days.

Then you have "winter performance" tires that still give very good wet/snow traction, but still try to give a bit of dry performance too. It really depends on your climate and commute. Go with the dedicated winter tires if you'll be dealing with a lot of unpaved snow and ice frequently.

Avoid all-seasons, although I think a couple of posters here have run them before but really not recommended of you're going to see any snow at all.

As far as wheels, you're going to get a lot of different opinions. Most opt for dedicated winter wheels so their nice summer wheels don't get trashed from the winter conditions plus the risk of mounting/re-mounting tires.

Thanks for the insight. I will say that it snows maybe 4-5 times here and even then I work from home 75% those times. Decisions decisions

[F82Tazmanian]

Originally Posted by Poiseuille

as the above poster observes, you're going to get a lot of opinions on the subject. anyway, I'm in the same weather pattern as you and here's what I've always done: if this is your DD and you have to drive it no matter what, then you need dedicated winter tires. no way to avoid it, imo. I had an E39 540 that was a DD for many years and that car went through two sets of Conti DWS after the first set of Dunlop Wintersports. Also had a Z3 that alternated between PSS and DWS, while that was never a DD it did occasionally go in the snow. the M4 never ever goes out in snow, but I do switch to AS during the cold months.
so here's what I think:
I no longer use dedicated winter tires because the DWS have done the job for me in NJ. I think they work just fine in light snow. If your work or whatever requires that you drive regardless of conditions that may not work for you and you'll need winter tires.
regardless of what you decide, you're going to need two sets of tires. that being the case, I strongly recommend two sets of wheels. This is not as extravagant as it seems after you consider the expense of mounting remounting and road force balancing twice a year, not to mention potential (inevitable?) damage to your wheels. the good news is that there are plenty of inexpensive wheels available, including on this forum. you can easily get uberlightweight forged 437m for under $1800 then at the end of your term of ownership sell them for close to what you paid. A less obvious benefit is that you get to change wheel sets anytime you want without having to make appointments with people to get it done.

I'm out in NJ also. The DWS weren't enough you say? I'd worst case leave work within the first hour of snow fall, would you say I'd be fine with DWS?

I was hoping to save a little with just winter tires on my stock wheels. They're the 18s so nothing special.

[instarand]

Originally Posted by 440iGCCB

Hi all-

Planning to pick up an M3/M4 this week and it's just in time for crap northeast weather. What are people running for winter? I was thinking to run winter tires on the stock wheels instead of a dedicated set.

Thanks

What wheels you have? I put pirelli Soto's on my 666's and they're awesome.

[Poiseuille]

I was unclear: I found the DWS absolutely adequate under exactly the conditions you describe. In fact, on both cars (big 4-door & tiny Roady) I thought their snow capability amazing considering they're actually AS tires. Deep snow is going to be a problem secondary to F8X wide wheels. So you leave early or wait till they plow. DWS ice traction is better than anything I've used, even dedicated winters.
My own M4 is not a DD because it doesn't have to be, but I see no reason why it should be any different, especially on 18's.
Finally, don't sell your 513's short. See below, with PSS and TPMS mounted:

[Poiseuille]

Originally Posted by 440iGCCB

I'm out in NJ also. The DWS weren't enough you say? I'd worst case leave work within the first hour of snow fall, would you say I'd be fine with DWS?

I was hoping to save a little with just winter tires on my stock wheels. They're the 18s so nothing special.

PM'd

[F82Tazmanian]

Originally Posted by Poiseuille

I was unclear: I found the DWS absolutely adequate under exactly the conditions you describe. In fact, on both cars (big 4-door & tiny Roady) I thought their snow capability amazing considering they're actually AS tires. Deep snow is going to be a problem secondary to F8X wide wheels. So you leave early or wait till they plow. DWS ice traction is better than anything I've used, even dedicated winters.
My own M4 is not a DD because it doesn't have to be, but I see no reason why it should be any different, especially on 18's.
Finally, don't sell your 513's short. See below, with PSS and TPMS mounted:

Thanks for clearing that up. I had DWS on my s4 but that's Quattro so not quite the same. As bad as some of our storms are I never felt like I would have issue in pretty much most cars because of the plow efficiency.

Haha I like the wheels, they don't seem to get much love. As long as the dealer gives me the trade I'm looking at, hopefully I can post a pic of the car by Saturday.

[Poiseuille]

Originally Posted by 440iGCCB

Thanks for clearing that up. I had DWS on my s4 but that's Quattro so not quite the same. As bad as some of our storms are I never felt like I would have issue in pretty much most cars because of the plow efficiency.

Haha I like the wheels, they don't seem to get much love. As long as the dealer gives me the trade I'm looking at, hopefully I can post a pic of the car by Saturday.

you're getting a new car or you're trading your wheels?

[F82Tazmanian]

Originally Posted by Poiseuille

you're getting a new car or you're trading your wheels?

I am getting a "new" used 2015 car.

[Poiseuille]

Originally Posted by 440iGCCB

I am getting a "new" used 2015 car.

wow, that's great! Congratulations! your first S55 is it?

[Poiseuille]

is it a BMW Dealer? you can PM with that if you want.

[Jockey]

Haven't had a chance to drive them yet.

Square Apex 18" setup with Michelin AP4

[ssgm1x]

I too picked up a set of DWS tires After reading all the amazing snow reviews.
I took off my Cup 2 tires and mounted the DWS on to my Stock Rims.
The tires look great too!!!
They also ride quieter and smoother.
Now I'm ready for NJ winter weather

[NYBulldog]

Originally Posted by ssgm1x

I too picked up a set of DWS tires After reading all the amazing snow reviews.
I took off my Cup 2 tires and mounted the DWS on to my Stock Rims.
The tires look great too!!!
They also ride quieter and smoother.
Now I'm ready for NJ winter weather

You win winter my friend. Very nice.

I put Michelin PA4s on my 437M (painted full gloss metallic black) and put my 666M Competition wheels away.

[Negtvions]

Originally Posted by Jockey

Haven't had a chance to drive them yet.

Square Apex 18" setup with Michelin AP4

I like this set up.

How have they performed so far (in both the snowy and dry winter conditions)?

And where can I find those wheels.

[R3dliner]

Just got a set of Nokian hakkapeliitta R2's and they blow Blizzaks in every segment.

[Jockey]

Originally Posted by Negtvions

I like this set up.

How have they performed so far (in both the snowy and dry winter conditions)?

And where can I find those wheels.

Haven't driven in the snow yet so unfortunately can't comment on that. I'm usually driving my Jeep if it's snowing. But so far, cold dry conditions are just fine.

I got them during a group buy but Apex should still have those wheels in stock.

[Negtvions]

Originally Posted by Jockey

Haven't driven in the snow yet so unfortunately can't comment on that. I'm usually driving my Jeep if it's snowing. But so far, cold dry conditions are just fine.

I got them during a group buy but Apex should still have those wheels in stock.

Do the Apex wheels fit the car well (i.e. no problem fitting them over the brakes or need for spacers?)

[Jockey]

Originally Posted by Negtvions

Do the Apex wheels fit the car well (i.e. no problem fitting them over the brakes or need for spacers?)

Fit is perfect. I actually took my spacers off since I don't want the extra width of kicking winter rocks and crap onto my paint.

[PhillySpecial]

Just checking in to see if anyone has any additional recommendations on a winter setup; thinking of doing the 19" 641M, with either the "standard" BMW setup (Continental TS830P), Michelin Alpin PA4, or anything else that comes highly-recommended.

I'm here in Philly, where the snow can get pretty heavy a few times a year. I've got a job where working from home isn't an option, so any suggestions are appreciated!