Winter tyres?

[Dreammeister]

Hello everyone,

I have an e90 325i (2005) which doesnt get a lot of use as I live in central London. I need to renew at least the front tyres in the next few weeks as the tread is low.

We are due to head over to the French Alps next month and was wondering whether it was worth investing in a set of winter tyres. Bearing in mind I would have to replace all four and the car is unlikely to see or be driven in snow for the remainder of the winter I wondering whether it's worth getting winter tyres or not.

I'm assuming they clear the roads pretty comprehensively over there so maybe I could get by with a set of brand new summer tyres.

DM

[Crackie]

Dreammeister said:

Hello everyone,

I have an e90 325i (2005) which doesnt get a lot of use as I live in central London. I need to renew at least the front tyres in the next few weeks as the tread is low.

We are due to head over to the French Alps next month and was wondering whether it was worth investing in a set of winter tyres. Bearing in mind I would have to replace all four and the car is unlikely to see or be driven in snow for the remainder of the winter I wondering whether it's worth getting winter tyres or not.

I'm assuming they clear the roads pretty comprehensively over there so maybe I could get by with a set of brand new summer tyres.

DM

"Without question", "Not even close", "Night and day", ~ it is worth buying winter tyres. Traction, cornering grip and braking will be far better than any standard summer tyre; if you still have summer run flats on your 325i the difference will be even bigger. I have Dunlop Winter Sport 3Ds on my 335i.

EVO magazine have just done a winter tyre test and for reference they put a recent 'Summer Tyre Test' winner ( Continental Contisport ) through the same programme. Under braking the best winter tyre's stopping distance was three and a half times shorter than a 'class leading' summer tyre.

This link is to a tyre advert but the film is interesting none the less. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlYEMH10Z4s

Edited by Crackie on Friday 11th November 19:55

[Philrose]

In some parts of Europe winter tyres and chains are a legal requirement so check it out before you go.
I was in the Vosges mountains and noticed lots of road signs giving warnings about needing chains etc.

[mad4amanda]

as above day and night on a BMW !
Remember winter Tyres are not just for snow they work better than summer or ordinary tyres under 7 degree temps , but also dont wear out when the temps are above , I have 4 cars in the family on winters now they go on in November and come off in April.
No ifs or buts get some !

[Dreammeister]

Thanks everyone for the great advice you have made my mind up.

I found Pirelli Snow zero run flat winter tyres for 185 a corner so will be going for those.

And thank you Crackie for the excellent link, even better as it features an e90!

Edited by Dreammeister on Saturday 12th November 11:26

[eastsider]

Dreammeister said:

Thanks everyone for the great advice you have made my mind up.

I found Pirelli Snow zero run flat winter tyres for 185 a corner so will be going for those.

And thank you Crackie for the excellent link, even better as it features an e90!

Edited by Dreammeister on Saturday 12th November 11:26

Maybe reconsider run-flats. Many threads on here about the benefits of ditching them.

[Tea Pot One]

I fitted 17" Pirelli winter RFT's to my 330d a couple of weeks ago ... the ride is great. Far better than the 19's that were on it - I supposed that shouldn't really surprise me but the difference is significant and the run flats are really OK.

[Philrose]

We have 3 out of our 4 BMWs wearing winter tyres now.

[five5]

I run my 535 on winters all year round, no noticeable increase in wear and a whole lot of hassle (and money) saved by changing tyres twice a year!

[thegreatdogwood]

Just put Pirelli Scorpion snow and ice staggered set up on a spare set of 19's on my E70. Really pleased with them

[sparks_E39]

Tyres are expensive enough as it is, I just cannot afford that kind of outlay this close to xmas. A mate of mine who works for a company car leasing company said it may take up to 12 months to order a set and have them on your car anyway! Low gears, traction control off and taking it steady has so far worked for me and will this year touch wood.

[Atlas 12v]

I'm selling my E46 Winter wheels and tyres as they do not fit the E90 I've bought;
BMW Winter wheels and tyres

[Dreammeister]

A quick update to my original question - many thanks to all those who replied.....

I ended up with continental winter contact run flats as they were speed rated V rather than the pirellis that were H.

We drove to the alps before Christmas via the autoroutes and the tyres performed brilliantly..

We got halfway up the mountain in the middle of the night on the way to our resort and most other drivers had stopped in a layby to fit snow chains. We pulled over also and spent 30 mins trying to fit the chains before giving up and driving on with just the winter tyres. From thin to deep snow the tyres were great, admittedly the boot was full of luggage and the rear seats full of children so we had weight in the right place.

We are done with the tyres now so if anyone is interested in them for a good price please pm me, I am based in central London and the tyres have approximately 1500 miles of wear on them.

Cheers

DM