Winter Tires and Rim's

[never]

Originally Posted by TitoSkulls

Hey Stefan, any particular reason you went with the XL load rating other than the higher speed rating? How much stiffer of a ride do you think you'll get compared to the regular 91H tires?

Likely because that is what Tirerack has as recommended for the winter wheel packages.

[TitoSkulls]

Originally Posted by never

Likely because that is what Tirerack has as recommended for the winter wheel packages.

They also recommend 205/50R17 tires, however, I think most will be putting on at least 215 if not 225 wide tires. When you attempt to put an order through with the XL tires, a warning pops up indicating that the load index is above the OEM rating and could lead to a more rigid ride. If the only benefit is a higher speed rating, then I would probably opt for the softer and cheaper tire.

If the XL tire, however, improves handling over the non XL tire, then I would probably be inclined to go with that tire instead.

[never]

Originally Posted by TitoSkulls

They also recommend 205/50R17 tires, however, I think most will be putting on at least 215 if not 225 wide tires. When you attempt to put an order through with the XL tires, a warning pops up indicating that the load index is above the OEM rating and could lead to a more rigid ride. If the only benefit is a higher speed rating, then I would probably opt for the softer and cheaper tire.

If the XL tire, however, improves handling over the non XL tire, then I would probably be inclined to go with that tire instead.

But the ride would likely still be less rigid than the stock RFT. Combine that with the taller sidewall and you'll be fine.

I haven't looked...what's the price difference?

[stefan]

Originally Posted by TitoSkulls

Hey Stefan, any particular reason you went with the XL load rating other than the higher speed rating? How much stiffer of a ride do you think you'll get compared to the regular 91H tires?

Just the higher speed rating.. the price difference was minimal as I remembered it. But I'd rather have the comfort of knowing my tires are rated at speed--not to suggest I'd ever GO that fast, but you never know.

Didn't realize stiffness between the two would have been noticeable.

[stefan]

Originally Posted by wtiger127

BTW, would love to get snap shoots of the tires/rim on the car. Maybe even earlier that the first snow fall. Stefan, any chance ??.

Not sure I'll get around to mounting them before I really have to. Maybe a few weekends from now. I'm also really interested in how they'll look on the car. But my feeling is they'll look pretty good!

Here's a pic of them mounted with slicks on another car... http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13058

[ryguy85]

Well, im thinking about going with the lm-25's but just a couple of questions. First, im assuming the rim size offset and tire size etc will be the same for the 128i (just that we can get 16" because of the smaller brakes if we wish. Second, i know most of you are not getting rft's for winter...obviously there is abig cost savings there and im thinking i will do the same but are/will you be doing anything in case you do get a flat (i.e. getting the mobility kit ive read about...or just going to cross your fingers and if you do get a flat...wait for help to come).

[stefan]

A flat.. either call CAA or repair it?

I'm probably going to carry a tire sealant in the winter. Little repair kit or something like this http://www.amazon.com/Slime-Smart-Sp.../dp/B000VX9DGI

Not a big deal.

[never]

Originally Posted by stefan

A flat.. either call CAA or repair it?

I'm probably going to carry a tire sealant in the winter. Little repair kit or something like this http://www.amazon.com/Slime-Smart-Sp.../dp/B000VX9DGI

Not a big deal.

Canadian Tire has the same one for basically the same price: link

[ryguy85]

Ok, thanks, thats what i thought people would be doing. I will be going that route then. Now time to contact Gill and get an order in.

[Bye Bye GTI]

There is another product avail from CDN tire that is a better product. Airman tire repair kit $49.99

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444327 6876&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672438&bmUID= 1219723570833&deptid=1408474396672395&ctgrid=14084 74396672399&subctgrid=1408474396672438

It is the exact same thing as tire racks continental kit that is $80 US. I have read that slime uses a different type of sealant that is not as effective in the cold either + other reviews out there say that the conti style kit is easier to use.

(oh ya - ignore the reviewers comment on their website about no refills being avail - they are on the shelf near the units)

[1Ronnie]

Newby question ...

We're considering moving to Calgary in the next few months from Vancouver, and so we'll be need Winters. Obviously the cost of new Rims for both of our cars will raise the price a lot. Do you really need a complete set of rims ? Is it ok to get a shop to change over the tires twice a year, will it damage the rims or tires? Are there problems with tires not sealing properly or anything like that ? Is it easy enough to get a shop to change tires over ?

[jt328i]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned 1010tires.com (I think they're also based out of Vancouver). I purchased Dunlop M2's on OEM Steelie Take-Offs for about $1000 from them a few years back for my 328i. Shipping was about $100 to the GTA and no PST, which I think is pretty reasonable.

I need winters for my Mazda6 wagon this year and they seem to be the only online retailers selling the Nokian Happas, which many people believe are the best winter tires money can buy. They're a bit more than the Dunlops, Blizzaks, Michelins, etc., but I think I'm going to give them a try.

[Bye Bye GTI]

arrons1969 - check out this thread. It had some good points about the pro's of a seperate complete set of winter tires/rims

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16001

[never]

Originally Posted by arrons1969

Newby question ...

We're considering moving to Calgary in the next few months from Vancouver, and so we'll be need Winters. Obviously the cost of new Rims for both of our cars will raise the price a lot. Do you really need a complete set of rims ? Is it ok to get a shop to change over the tires twice a year, will it damage the rims or tires? Are there problems with tires not sealing properly or anything like that ? Is it easy enough to get a shop to change tires over ?

You can get wheels pretty cheap through Tirerack so you'll just have to figure out when the wheels will pay for themselves versus 16 tire swaps and balancing every year.

[vanbmw]

For arrons1969...I did that on a past car for two winters and it beat the shit out of my wheels! Plus run flats are very hard to get on/off as the sidewall is so stiff. The price thru tirerack is cheap...you'll spend that much on mount/balalnce in a few years.
for jt328i...I checked out 1010tires and there prices were better then local tire stores (like Kal tire, Big O etc) but tirerack was significantly cheaper. IF you just had to buy tires it might be okay from tire rack but the tire/rim packages were way cheaper.

[raisemyrent]

ugh, I was quoted 1800 yesterday with knock-off wheels that almost kinda look like mine and 205/50/17 michelin x-ices...
not impressed. have a funny feeling that the guy is trying to sell me what he has in stock... I will have to shop around.

[raisemyrent]

on that same note (guy trying to sell me what he has in stock), I was just quoted 1700 WITHOUT new tyre pressure monitors (can't I go without if I freaking want to?). He says that by alberta "law" he can't put the tyre back on without a sensor. and that swapping my own sensors means balancing which means 100 bucks every time I do it, plus the chance of them getting damaged. He also wants to fill the new tyres with nitrogen, and quoted me 1,700 for BMR-9 17" wheels and 205/50 SEMPERIT Spped-Grip HR tyres...

do I look like an easily-ripped-off-by-tyre-guys person or what?

[Bye Bye GTI]

interesting....as CDN cars don't have TPMS. he is taking you for a ride.

Tire rack all the way!

[vanbmw]

raiemyrent...sounds like that dude is screwing with you! No TPMS sensors in your wheel. I vote for Tirerack. Look at the package that STEFAN got delivered to Calagary. His price delivered tax in seemed very good. Edmonton might be a few dollars more for shipping but that should give you a good idea. His wheels and tires are one sweet set up! (okay I ordered the same setup after seeing his pictures!)

[raisemyrent]

lmao I almost did the same. funny how it works. I work in management all day and try to leverage deals with guys very often. I am done work, I drive tired to a tyre shop and I get that sh!t. and let it happen. oh well.

I am going to have to go to the rack soon. HOW bad are our tyres when it is cold? I seem to remember the manual saying the are NOT recommended for freezing temperatures, even if it isn't snowy... (so I need to get some soon because freezing is forecast for edmonton this week)

[Bye Bye GTI]

don't even temp it. It is not worth cracking up your car over 2K in tires. All seasons might get you though the winter if you felt lucky but summers - no way. The rubber becomes hard like a hockey puck and well you know the rest of the analogy!

[raisemyrent]

haha don't worry, I just ordered through the rack. I never meant to do that (summer tyres in cold), but I wanted to know JUST how much time I have left.

any idea on delivery time?