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[Jeff J]

Finally burned through our aging Dunlop M3 winter tires (225/45R17) last year and need a new set for this coming winter. Looking for a "performance winter", as here in the lower midwest we get maybe 3-4 snows per year, and almost never more than 5" at a time. So it's mostly 4 months of cold and dry/damp, rather than a place where a Unimog makes practical sense as a commuter car.

In the size noted above the selection is pretty limited everywhere I've looked. The Pirelli Sottozero 3 seems to get good marks from various sources, but is quickly becoming old technology. Bridgestone has finally released the "new" version of the Blizzak LM001 in the US (it's been out for 1-2 years in Europe), but I can't find any local reviews yet. Can't really even tell if it's in the same performance category as the Pirelli or not.

Anyone have experience with either tire?

[jaye944]

both good tires, but I can't remember where I heard,
dont go for performance winters, not sure why
if I remember I'll post it up

[bagekko]

Performance winters are fine as long as you take it easy as the rest of the world on all seasons when theres more than an inch or two on the ground. I have had performance winters on my M5 and had no problems.

Speaking on winters, is there really only like 1 or 2 options for snow tires on the staggered 18x7.5, 18x8.5 Msport wheels?

[Rudy@tirerack]

These are both excellent tires. The Pirelli's are top rated. The Blizzak LM001 is brand new and based on previous versions should be one of the very best. Performance winter tires are fine. The give much better snow traction versus all season but offer much better dry handling versus the studless ice and snow tires. Great for a sporty cars like these as long as you don't see really heavy snow.

[DarthFader]

My best friend has the Pirellis on his f30 328 and loves them. No problems in the snow here in WI. I've driven his car in cold and dry conditions and the tires are great. Good grip, quiet and no floaty feeling. Can't comment on tread life due to he is only on his second season with them.

[derekh]

I just got my sottozeros a couple weeks ago. so far very happy with them. Haven't driven in deep snow yet. But the few light coatings of snow we have gotten have not posed any issues. Driving in the wet or dry now feels just as good or probably better than the cheap summer tires my car came with.

[MAMSport]

I have only a few hundred miles with the SottoZero Series 3 tires, 205/50-17 size all around. Early on, I felt as though there was some wander, some squirm when driving at speed (80+ mph) on dry roads. Not sure if it was an issue with the mold release still on the tread. Have not been at speed since that time although the 3-stage intake works nicely in cold, winter air!