WS80s very squirmy, need recommendation

galois · 11-21-2014, 09:08 PM

Hey all,

I know this has been posted about in the past, but the info relates to some older models and I wanted to see if anyone had some input with what's out now. So sorry if this is somewhat redundant.

Anyway, I bought a set of WS80s (215/45/17) about two weeks ago and am not particularly happy with them. They were great at slow speeds in the snow we had last week here on the front range, but most of my drive is on a very well plowed road at ~80mph, and anytime I get them above 65 or so they get really squirmy.

I've heard some people recommend correcting this by going to a RFT winter tire, maybe like an LM-25, and also going up to a 225/45/17 size. I was a little hesitant about this after ditching my stock RFTs for Michelin A/S 3s for my warm weather set, but I'm starting to think this may be the best approach. The guy I spoke to at discount tire said he actually recommended I also go back to a staggered set, but I thought that sounded odd for snow traction (I don't need to get up the mountains, but I would like to have ground clearance by my concern, not traction).

Also, my suspension is completely stock (trying to wait until after the winter to start performance upgrades).

Anyone have experience with this problem? What did you do to fix it, or did you just get used to it?

FactorX81 · 11-21-2014, 09:34 PM

I just got used to it. Unfortunately that's just a characteristic of standard snow tires.

Gary@TireRack · 11-22-2014, 09:34 AM

Going to a performance winter tire, even in a non run flat like the Blizzak LM32 in 225/45R17 would be much more stable (but is also quite a step down in snow/ice traction). No need to stagger, I agree that would not be a great plan.

Winter http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AW7&...nter/index.jsp

gmartan · 11-22-2014, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galois

Hey all,

I know this has been posted about in the past, but the info relates to some older models and I wanted to see if anyone had some input with what's out now. So sorry if this is somewhat redundant.

Anyway, I bought a set of WS80s (215/45/17) about two weeks ago and am not particularly happy with them. They were great at slow speeds in the snow we had last week here on the front range, but most of my drive is on a very well plowed road at ~80mph, and anytime I get them above 65 or so they get really squirmy.

I've heard some people recommend correcting this by going to a RFT winter tire, maybe like an LM-25, and also going up to a 225/45/17 size. I was a little hesitant about this after ditching my stock RFTs for Michelin A/S 3s for my warm weather set, but I'm starting to think this may be the best approach. The guy I spoke to at discount tire said he actually recommended I also go back to a staggered set, but I thought that sounded odd for snow traction (I don't need to get up the mountains, but I would like to have ground clearance by my concern, not traction).

Also, my suspension is completely stock (trying to wait until after the winter to start performance upgrades).

Anyone have experience with this problem? What did you do to fix it, or did you just get used to it?

I certainly had this issue with my 350Z. Serious winter tires have separated rubber blocks which twist under load so lose traction while cornering or stepping hard on the gas. Compare those to a Michelin Alpin 3 performance winter tire. Note the connected blocks on the shoulders. I use these in a 225/40-18 square set-up and the wet/dry traction is amazing. They may not be great in deep snow but I was able to get going on an icy uphill grade and out of my complex through 100 feet of 6 inch deep unplowed snow. They are stable at speed and have a really nice ride with reduced understeer. Highly recommended for those not needing to plow through really deep snow or heavy slush.

angler · 11-22-2014, 06:24 PM

I would not go staggered. Also you need to decide how much snow traction you want to give up for dry pavement. There is a balance. You might want to look at the Michelin X-Ice3. Good snow tire and really good on hard pack snow and dry pavement. Isn't as good in deep snow and slush, but it still gets the job done. From what you describe it might work for your needs.

sodara · 11-22-2014, 10:03 PM

No disrespect but...how's your alignment and tire pressures? When I first had snow/ice tires I increased pressure to reduce that "gummy bear" feel.

galois · 11-22-2014, 11:13 PM

None taken! (I'm honestly a noob at this and could always use the "obvious" advice) I had honestly assumed they filled them properly when they put them on, but after reading all the threads on improper inflation lately I'm realizing I need to check pressure first thing in the morning. Will update if it turns out to be too low.

And thanks to all for your comments. I've been thinking on it a good deal more and the truth is I don't really need deep snow traction on this car, since all the roads I use to get to work are plowed regularly. Am going to check a few things on the wheels first (pressure/alignment) and then probably look into either Xice3s or LM-32/25s (in a square set up, probably 225/45/17).

11-21-2014, 09:08 PM	#1
galois New Member 1 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2017 340i xdrive; 2009 135i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	WS80s very squirmy, need recommendation Hey all, I know this has been posted about in the past, but the info relates to some older models and I wanted to see if anyone had some input with what's out now. So sorry if this is somewhat redundant. Anyway, I bought a set of WS80s (215/45/17) about two weeks ago and am not particularly happy with them. They were great at slow speeds in the snow we had last week here on the front range, but most of my drive is on a very well plowed road at ~80mph, and anytime I get them above 65 or so they get really squirmy. I've heard some people recommend correcting this by going to a RFT winter tire, maybe like an LM-25, and also going up to a 225/45/17 size. I was a little hesitant about this after ditching my stock RFTs for Michelin A/S 3s for my warm weather set, but I'm starting to think this may be the best approach. The guy I spoke to at discount tire said he actually recommended I also go back to a staggered set, but I thought that sounded odd for snow traction (I don't need to get up the mountains, but I would like to have ground clearance by my concern, not traction). Also, my suspension is completely stock (trying to wait until after the winter to start performance upgrades). Anyone have experience with this problem? What did you do to fix it, or did you just get used to it?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-21-2014, 09:34 PM	#2
FactorX81 First Lieutenant 29 Rep 363 Posts Drives: 2010 135i, 2014 Ford Escape Ti Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I just got used to it. Unfortunately that's just a characteristic of standard snow tires.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-22-2014, 09:34 AM	#3
Gary@TireRack Moderator 369 Rep 4,745 Posts Drives: Formerly 1995 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Bend, IN, Tire Rack HQ iTrader: (2)	Going to a performance winter tire, even in a non run flat like the Blizzak LM32 in 225/45R17 would be much more stable (but is also quite a step down in snow/ice traction). No need to stagger, I agree that would not be a great plan. Winter http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AW7&...nter/index.jsp __________________ Gary. Tire and Wheel Forum Moderator. Tire Rack Sales Rep Gary@Tirerack.com http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&url=index.jsp Please refer to 'Gary/E90 Post' as your previous contact when you order online to help support this forum.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-22-2014, 06:24 PM	#5
angler love to fish! 46 Rep 649 Posts Drives: 13: SG 135i M-Sport Cabrio 6mt Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: riding in the ultimate tanning machine iTrader: (1)	I would not go staggered. Also you need to decide how much snow traction you want to give up for dry pavement. There is a balance. You might want to look at the Michelin X-Ice3. Good snow tire and really good on hard pack snow and dry pavement. Isn't as good in deep snow and slush, but it still gets the job done. From what you describe it might work for your needs. __________________ PSS\|PPK\|PE\|LUX H8 V4's\|CDV Delete\|Performance Pedals\|Motorsport Emblem\|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-22-2014, 10:03 PM	#6
sodara Private 12 Rep 77 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (0)	No disrespect but...how's your alignment and tire pressures? When I first had snow/ice tires I increased pressure to reduce that "gummy bear" feel.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-22-2014, 11:13 PM	#7
galois New Member 1 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2017 340i xdrive; 2009 135i Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	None taken! (I'm honestly a noob at this and could always use the "obvious" advice) I had honestly assumed they filled them properly when they put them on, but after reading all the threads on improper inflation lately I'm realizing I need to check pressure first thing in the morning. Will update if it turns out to be too low. And thanks to all for your comments. I've been thinking on it a good deal more and the truth is I don't really need deep snow traction on this car, since all the roads I use to get to work are plowed regularly. Am going to check a few things on the wheels first (pressure/alignment) and then probably look into either Xice3s or LM-32/25s (in a square set up, probably 225/45/17).
	Appreciate 0 Quote