[lexi250]

I'm asking this for my dad, he drives a 2000 323Ci and is in the market for some new winters. What would you guys recommend?

Not sure if it matters, he's looking for 205-60-15.

Any one going to buy the Bridgestone Blizzak WS60?

THANKS!

[bobblehead]

WS 70 is the newest one. If you are thinking of studless snow, Conti Extreme Winter Contact is the better choice and less expensive.

[Outlaw 06]

I’ve been driving rear wheel drive 3-Series BMWs in the northeast for over 10 years now, and my current winter wheel setup for my E90 335i has 225/45R-17 Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D tires. The tires are very good in the snow and they handle pretty decently on dry roads too.

I DON'T recommend Bridgestone Blizzaks at all. I had the LM-25’s for a season and I couldn't wait to get rid of them. While the Blizzaks were great in the snow, their dry road handling was absolutely horrible. The Blizzaks made my BMW handle like a truck on dry roads, and that’s what you're mostly driving on during winter anyway.

[Kid Eh]

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D are indeed amazing tires.

[Astroboy]

I have XIce-2. Great in deep snow (well Toronto "deep snow") but they are soft as fuck. What kind of driving is your dad going to do (lots of deep snow or pure highway and in what area's of the city)?

[the_doctor]

I used to have a Subaru Impreza and I had a set of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 - very very good. Deep snow traction is awesome. I love it when there's packed snow, you're going downhill, and you're braking normally - the ABS didn't even come on! (this test is of course done on a road where nobody else was driving )

My family has a Honda Accord and Toyota Corolla; they all have Nokian Hakka's.

I'm planning to get Gislaved NordFrost 5 for my 335xi this winter though - a new set of Nokians at 225/45R17 will cost a minimum of $300 each!! That's crazy ... and I've only heard good things about Gislaveds ...

It really depends on driving style though. I tend to stay on the conservative side and get maximum traction vs. "performance winter" which offers better dry handling. Anyway, just my 2 cents ...

[TheRox]

Originally Posted by Kid Eh

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D are indeed amazing tires.

I have these...they are monsters in the snow...and great in the dry; not too noisy...and they are pretty sporty as well!

Excellent tires. I have RFT.

[bolty]

Originally Posted by the_doctor

I'm planning to get Gislaved NordFrost 5 for my 335xi this winter though - a new set of Nokians at 225/45R17 will cost a minimum of $300 each!! That's crazy ... and I've only heard good things about Gislaveds ...

+1 on the gislaveds. They are pretty obscure, but they are awesome. I started with a set on our winter beater, and was so impressed I got a set for our minivan.

If I remember correctly, volvo puts gislaveds on some of their automobiles.

[BenTrovato]

Originally Posted by the_doctor

I'm planning to get Gislaved NordFrost 5 for my 335xi this winter though - a new set of Nokians at 225/45R17 will cost a minimum of $300 each!! That's crazy ... and I've only heard good things about Gislaveds ...

Where can you get Gislaveds in Toronto?

[BRAISKI]

I will need to start shopping for winter RFTs soon.

[bolty]

Originally Posted by BenTrovato

Where can you get Gislaveds in Toronto?

Contact Allen @ SimplyTire

[hubble bubble]

I have to agree with The Doctor about the Nokain snow tires. I switched to Hakkapelittaa R (replaced the Hakka 5) last year - 225 45 17. I can't rave enough about them. The deep snow traction is unbelievable. And they are almost as good as my old michelin "performance snow" tires on cold, dry roads. They will cost $250-300 a piece, installed.

Hakka were recommended by BMW Canada's head driving instructor. And almost all the Subaru guys in AB run Nokians in the winter. You can't beat the snow tires from Finland.

PS - I ski in the Rockies every weekend from November to April. I drive a RWD 335 with a Dinan Stage 2 upgrade.

[woodpecka]

I have drove the hakka 2 during many years on my previous and I loved them. Now I don't know what I will put on my XI. During the summer I'm not driving RFT but I think coming back to the RFT for the winter. Hakka 5 RFT is ~1250$ CAN all included in 16".

I'm also looking to the Michelin...but the RFT are closeout on Tirerack. I have to decide soon what I want if I want the earlier buyer rebate..

You guys, are you running RFT during the winter?

[pokerface]

Hankook Ipike W409

[hubble bubble]

Winter - Hakka R, non-run-flat, 17"
Summer - PS2, run flat, 18" (car came with the Michelins)

[the_doctor]

Originally Posted by bolty

Contact Allen @ SimplyTire

Yep, I've heard Simply Tire carries them. I also know Richmond Hill Tire at Yonge / Elgin Mills also carries them. I'm planning on getting them at Richmond Hill; it's easier for me ...

[the_doctor]

Originally Posted by hubble bubble

I have to agree with The Doctor about the Nokain snow tires. I switched to Hakkapelittaa R (replaced the Hakka 5) last year - 225 45 17. I can't rave enough about them. The deep snow traction is unbelievable. And they are almost as good as my old michelin "performance snow" tires on cold, dry roads. They will cost $250-300 a piece, installed.

Gosh if you want runflats on Hakka R's, it's like an extra $60 per tire. Bloody expensive stuff!

Nokians used to be an affordable AND good solution, but according to the tire retailer, some company bought exclusive import rights several years ago to Canada / Ontario / Toronto (forgot which one it was). And now that they have the monopoly, they jack up the price! Good ol' capitalism at work hahaha.

Originally Posted by woodpecka

I have drove the hakka 2 during many years on my previous and I loved them. Now I don't know what I will put on my XI. During the summer I'm not driving RFT but I think coming back to the RFT for the winter. Hakka 5 RFT is ~1250$ CAN all included in 16".

I've been told Hakka 5 is slowly being phased out and will be replaced by the Hakka 7. Just something to keep in mind if you're buying new rubbers, I guess.

Originally Posted by woodpecka

You guys, are you running RFT during the winter?

Nah, going with the non-RFT. I'm going to carry around that crappy tire fix-a-flat stuff that's supposed to still work at -30C. I figured there's always BMW Assist to tow me home if I'm in town!! Hopefully that never happens =)

I realize that if I go on a road trip even with a car equipped with runflats, they're not magical either since there is a distance limit anyway. And then you have to throw out the tire once that limit is reached (or before the limit is reached if possible), on the assumption that you ran on it with zero pressure. Therefore, the can of crappy tire fix-a-flat IS the runflat feature, except it will involve you getting physically outside in the winter time, which might be a tad chilly =)

[Rampage9]

Hmm, I was thinking of picking up a set of Blizzak WS70 but this thread is making me think otherwise.

I live to the North of TO, and we get a lot more snow so I need a real snow tire, not a performance snow.

[woodpecka]

Blizzak is ok the first year...but you loose the grip after because the treads are too short.

[BRAISKI]

Any got the non-performance winter tire?

[jasonintoronto]

guys when comparing winter tires, compare tires in the same category. the dunlop 3d is a performance winter tire. the other ones mentioned are full winter tires (ws60, hakka, gislaveds, xice2). make sure you're comparing apples to apples.

i have the ws60 and very happy with them. my last rwd car (with less torque and less hp than my 335i) got stuck once when using "performance" winter tires (pirelli 210 wintersports) so i switched to full winters on the bmw and never looked back.

[OSK77]

Great article on Tire Rack that tests out the latest winter tires to hit the market this season (and they were tested on an E92 328i)

"Tire Test Results
Testing Winter Weather Specialists: Studless Ice and Snow Tires
August 6, 2010

Vehicles Used:
2011 BMW E92 328i Coupe

Tires Tested:

1. Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 (Studless Ice and Snow 205/55R16 91T)

What We Liked: Very good ice traction and dry braking
What We'd Improve: Clear road handling and tread noise
Conclusion: A tire that continues the Blizzak tradition of excellent winter traction
Latest Test Rank: 3rd
Previous Test Rank: Not previously tested

2. Continental ExtremeWinterContact (Studless Ice and Snow 205/55R16 94T)
What We Liked: Stable, clear road handling, very good ice traction
What We'd Improve: A small improvement in dry braking traction
Conclusion: A very good choice for the driver who wants a well-rounded performer
Latest Test Rank: 1st
Previous Test Rank: 2nd (September '09), 1st (September '09)

3. Dunlop Graspic DS-3 (Studless Ice and Snow 205/55R16 91Q)
What We Liked: Reasonable ice traction and good dry braking
What We'd Improve: Clear road handling and wet braking traction
Conclusion: A value-oriented tire that can handle winter's slippery roads
Latest Test Rank: 4th
Previous Test Rank: 3rd (September '09)

4. Michelin X-Ice Xi2 (Studless Ice and Snow 205/55R16 91T)
What We Liked: Excellent road manners and wet stopping traction
What We'd Improve: A small improvement in ice grip
Conclusion: A very good winter tire option, especially if you spend plenty of time driving on clear roads
Latest Test Rank: 2nd
Previous Test Rank: 3rd (September '09)

It's no secret that today's modern Studless Ice and Snow tires deliver excellent traction in winter's worst weather, providing slush, snow and ice traction that easily surpasses even the best all-season tire. As they say, there's nothing better than having the right tool for the job.

We wanted to evaluate several winter weather specialists from the Studless Ice and Snow category, comparing the new Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 with three popular options from the category — the Continental ExtremeWinterContact, Dunlop Graspic DS-3 and Michelin X-Ice Xi2.

Our testing took the group to the glare ice of a local ice hockey rink to replicate the slippery conditions of an icy intersection. We also drove them out on the road to experience their ride comfort, noise qualities and light handling on clear roads, and measured stopping distance on our test track in dry and wet conditions. Our evaluation used 2011 BMW E92 328i coupes fitted with new, full tread depth 205/55R16 tires mounted on 16x7.5" wheels.

What We Learned on the Road

Our 6.6-mile loop of expressway, state highway and county roads provides a great variety of road conditions that include city and highway speeds, smooth and coarse concrete, as well as new and patched asphalt. This route allows our team to experience noise comfort, ride quality and everyday handling, just as you would during your drive to school or work.

Recognizing that these winter specialists are not intended for aggressive dry road handling, our team adjusted their driving style and expectations accordingly. With that, they found the handling of the ExtremeWinterContact and X-Ice Xi2 to be the most responsive, both feeling almost like an all-season tire. The Blizzak WS70 provided stable handling, but didn't have the responsiveness of the ExtremeWinterContact or X-Ice Xi2, while the Graspic DS-3 felt a little less precise than the other three.

All our Studless Ice and Snow winter tire candidates feature aggressive tread patterns designed to aid snow traction. And coming as no surprise, they produced somewhat more tread noise than a typical all-season tire as they rolled over clear pavement. The X-Ice Xi2 and ExtremeWinterContact were found to be the quietest of the group. The Graspic DS-3 generated a modest hum, while the Blizzak WS70 produced a low growl heard predominantly at below-highway speeds.

All four tires delivered reasonable ride comfort, with the X-Ice Xi2 doing the best job softening the sharper bumps. The ExtremeWinterContact rode nearly as smoothly, also managing to soften many of the bumps along the route. The Blizzak WS70 did a good job, but let some of the sharpness of abrupt impacts find their way to the driver. The Graspic DS-3 rounded out the group, where small ripples in the road went mostly unnoticed, but larger impacts seemed somewhat more abrupt.

What We Learned at the Ice Rink

What is one of the most challenging conditions you encounter during bad winter weather? For many drivers it's the glare ice found at a slick intersection or out on the highway. So in place of our normal performance track drive we headed to the local hockey rink where the smooth ice replicates the packed snow and polished ice often encountered at busy intersections during winter months.

To measure each tire's acceleration traction potential, we aligned the rear tires at the goal line and accelerated down the rink, using the vehicle's traction control system to help the driver maximize the available traction. We recorded the time needed to accelerate the final 60' to the center ice. All four of the Studless Ice and Snow winter tires we tested easily got the vehicle rolling on the slippery surface, with three tires in a virtual tie for first place.

Once you get your vehicle moving, being able to stop becomes just as important. So in a separate test we measured the distance required to stop from 10 miles per hour, using the vehicle's Antilock Braking System to control wheel lockup. Our results mirror what we found in acceleration, with three tires sharing nearly identical stopping distances.

Tire 60' Acceleration 10-0 mph Braking

1. Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 5.119 sec. 24.0 ft.
2. Continental ExtremeWinterContact 5.149 sec. 23.9 ft.
3. Dunlop Graspic DS-3 5.422 sec. 28.3 ft.
4. Michelin X-Ice Xi2 5.186 sec. 24.1 ft.

To simulate a turn at a slippery intersection, our team also drove each tire around a 90-degree right-hand corner at approximately 10 miles per hour. And again we found all four tires performed well, with the top three tightly grouped for overall ratings.

Fuel Consumption Results

Our Real World Road Ride features a relatively flat 6.6-mile loop of 65 mph expressway, 55 mph state highway and 40 mph county roads along with two stop signs and one traffic light every lap. Our team drove approximately 500 miles over the course of several days. Since we wanted to compare fuel consumption results that typical drivers would experience, our drivers were instructed to maintain the flow of traffic by running at the posted speed limits and to sustain the vehicle's speed using cruise control whenever possible. They did not use hypermiling techniques to influence vehicle fuel economy.

Tire Line Test Gallons/Year % vs. Most
MPG* @ 5,000 Miles Efficient

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 26.2 190.8 -2.67%
Continental ExtremeWinterContact 26.3 190.1 -2.28%
Dunlop Graspic DS-3 26.9 185.9 ---
Michelin X-Ice Xi2 26.8 186.6 -0.37%

*Our evaluation used Linear Logic ScanGauge II automotive computers to record fuel consumption, and Race Technology DL1 data loggers to record true distance travelled.

While none of the tires in this test were designed with low rolling resistance as a high priority, we found only a minor difference in observed vehicle fuel economy. Based on our results the 0.7 mile per gallon difference between our lowest and highest observed fuel economy would result in an annual difference of about 5 gallons of premium gasoline. At the current cost of $2.75/gallon, it would amount to about $14 for drivers traveling 5,000 miles per winter season.

It's important to note our test's fuel consumption measurements follow consistent procedures designed to minimize variables that could influence the results, however they do not represent an exhaustive long-range fuel consumption study. While our procedures require the test vehicles in each convoy to run under the same prevailing conditions, the week-to-week differences in ambient temperatures, barometric pressures and wind speeds that we experience over a season of testing can influence vehicle fuel consumption and prevent the absolute mpg values of this test from being compared directly against those of others.

Larger differences in consumption between tires may indicate a difference that might be experienced on the road, while smaller differences should be considered equivalent. As they say, your mileage may vary.

Product Details

Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 (Studless Ice and Snow): The Blizzak WS70 is Bridgestone's Studless Ice and Snow winter tire developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans and crossover vehicles looking for traction on winter's slushy, snow-covered and icy roads. The Blizzak WS70 represents the fourth generation of Bridgestone WinterBiter tires designed to deliver wintertime traction and control that inspires driver confidence. Read more.

Continental ExtremeWinterContact (Studless Ice and Snow): The ExtremeWinterContact is Continental Tire's Studless Ice and Snow winter / snow tire developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans and minivans, as well as pickups, crossovers and sport utility vehicles looking for traction on winter's slushy, snow-covered and icy roads. The ExtremeWinterContact is designed to deliver serious performance in winter weather conditions. Read more.

Dunlop Graspic DS-3 (Studless Ice and Snow): The Graspic DS-3 represents the third generation of Dunlop Digi-tire Studless Ice and Snow winter tires developed for the drivers of coupes and sedans, as well as family minivans and crossover utility vehicles. Graspic DS-3 tires use Dunlop's Digital Rolling Simulation II technology (computer-enhanced design) and premium tread compounding to deliver wintertime traction in snow and on ice. Read more.

Michelin X-Ice Xi2 (Studless Ice and Snow): The X-Ice Xi2 is Michelin's Studless Ice and Snow winter tire developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans and family vans that want to combine enhanced ice and snow traction with predictable wet and dry road handling. Most X-Ice Xi2 tires meet Michelin's Green X standard for low rolling resistance that confirms the tire's contribution to reducing vehicle fuel consumption and emissions of CO2 gases. The X-Ice Xi2 is designed to tackle the coldest winter driving conditions around the world."

My 0.02: Since the GTA does not receive the type of snow it once used to, I'm going to go with either the Continental's mentioned above or then the Dunlop's. Good luck with your purchase. Hopefully the above article gives you some further insight.