Z4 - Winter tyres on rears only - OK?

[sinizter]

Being stupid, I have left it too late to find winter tyres for my Z4.

I want to run them on the same rims as the summer tyres to avoid insurance premium hikes for 'modifying' my car to take steel rims and winter tyres.

I cannot locate any 225/40 R18 winter tyres for the front anywhere.

I did manage to find some suitable rear tyres.

Would it be OK to run winters on the rears and leave the summer ones on the front, or don't bother changing at all ? Would it make the car any less safe ?

[hman]

I would have thought that this would just make you understeer, no grip on the front = understeer.

[sinizter]

hman said:

I would have thought that this would just make you understeer, no grip on the front = understeer.

Worse than it is now with all four summer tyres ?

[briers]

you might be able to get going ok

but braking would be v.interesting and cornering; as mentioned under-steer into oversteer. Not a good combination. Or course taking it very easy you should be fine.

And i think 2 winter tyres instead of summers on the rear is better than 4 summers BUT, i really would try and fit all 4.

Edited by briers on Thursday 2nd December 11:14

[sinizter]

It appears that the problem is locating a run-flat tyre. Non-run flats do seem more available.

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Do all four or don't do any. The ability to steer is as, or perhaps even more, important than the ability to move.

[m1k1]

Try http://www.reifen.com/en? they had something but probably best to phone first to check the stock.

[Magnus Barelegs]

I think two on the rear are fine.
My argument is that I only need better traction to get going.
I don't intend to drive any faster when I do get going.
So if I don't have any front grip issues just now, I won't have with winter tyres on the rear either.

[sinizter]

m1k1 said:

Try http://www.reifen.com/en? they had something but probably best to phone first to check the stock.

Thanks, but they have no RFTs ...

[Magnus Barelegs]

Probably ok to take the chance with non-runflats, just for winter tyres.
And buy a tin of 'flatmate' or similar.

http://www.carplan.co.uk/index.cfm?product=175

Edited by Magnus Barelegs on Thursday 2nd December 13:25

[sinizter]

Magnus Barelegs said:

Probably ok to take the chance with non-runflats, just for winter tyres.
And buy a tin of 'flatmate' or similar.

I was trying to get like-for=like tyres to avoid hassle with insurance (Elephant - who will charge you a vast amount because you modified the car by putting on winter wheels). But I might have to go for this option.

[m1k1]

sinizter said:

m1k1 said:

Try http://www.reifen.com/en? they had something but probably best to phone first to check the stock.

Thanks, but they have no RFTs ...

http://www.reifen.com/en/TyreSize/DetailTyre/CarWinter/225-40-R18/0/False/True/none/225-40-R18-92V-W-240-Sottozero-2-Run-Flat-XL-MS/15072118

[DSM2]

sinizter said:

m1k1 said:

Try http://www.reifen.com/en? they had something but probably best to phone first to check the stock.

Thanks, but they have no RFTs ...

You don't need to fit RFTs. Pneus on line have plenty regular ones too.

In fact an RFT snow tyre is a bit of a contradiction given the required characteristice of each.

[Boss Hogg]

I was looking for winter tyres for my 320 with no joy anywhere. Then called BMW, turns out they are doing an 'offer' on them. £620 for 4 premium (Goodyear Ultragrip 7+) BMW approved winter tyres, on steel rims. This includes the first fitting and storage of your summer wheels until the spring. Subsequent tyre change and storage is £25. They recommend changing the whole wheel as the tyre bead can become damaged if it's taken on and off the rim several times.

This is what they do in Germany where the tyres are coming from as UK stocks are sold out. Ordered them Tuesday, getting fitted Monday.

RE insurance, my broker advised that insurers only charge more if you buy more expensive, hence more stealable, alloys. But I imagine some insurers will try to shaft you. Could argue you are improving car's safety, good luck!

[sinizter]

Already called BMW as the swap and storage would have been ideal for me. Apparently, they don't have a winter package for my car and are therefore unable to help me on this occasion.

[Boss Hogg]

true, z4 seems to be the only model without a package http://www.easternbmw.co.uk/parts/own.html?id=8310

[snorkel sucker]

just a thought, if you are still struggling to find tyres for the front, you could change to a different width/profile?

have recently got rid of the staggered setup on my car and have same size front and rear

may be more stock options in a different size?

[sinizter]

snorkel sucker said:

just a thought, if you are still struggling to find tyres for the front, you could change to a different width/profile?

have recently got rid of the staggered setup on my car and have same size front and rear

may be more stock options in a different size?

Can I put 255/35 on the fronts as well as the rears ?

The recommended fronts are 225/40

The German place recommended earlier do seem to have the sizes I want, comes in to a total of over £920. Just trying to get my head around that.

Edited by sinizter on Friday 3rd December 14:40

[Patrick Bateman]

This video is the best illustration I've seen as to why it's a bad idea

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzB7hpWhqIA