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[Tar8]

Hello Bimmers,

I just bought a 2010 128i 2dr coupe with sports package .

Car has never seen Winter (I live in Montreal) and am struggling to find Winter tires to match.

So the measurements are as follows:
Front: 215/40R18
Rear: 245/35R18

So the difficulty for me is there are few which match the fronts and (apparently) none which match the rear and I am hesitant to pull the trigger on the alternative measurements which have been proposed.

I’m looking for mid range+ quality and these are proposals I have been offered:

1st option:
Front: 225/40R18
Rear: 235/40R18

NOKIAN HAKKA 5 (CA$1425 + svc/txs)
or
Toyo Observe GSI6 (CA$1260 + svc/txs)

2nd option
Front: 225/40R18
Rear: 255/35R18

Michelin X-Ice (CA$1738 all in (+$100 rebate)
Toyo Observe GSI6 (similar cost).

Finally:

3rd option

Front: 225/40R18
Rear: both 235/40R18 & 255/35R18 are available.

Bridgestone Blizzaks WS90 (Around CA$1350 +svc/txs).

So my primary question here is with the measurements: do they make sense? If so, which option make more sense when factoring in tires and cost? Or maybe you have another proposal?

Personally, as far as cost/quality, I’m leaning Nokian but my concern is the measurements. The garages seem to be estimating and I want a second opinion on the matter.

Appreciate any assistance on this matter. Thank you!

[BMWCCA1]

What wheels came with this? What are their dimensions?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't that model with the Sport package have come with 205/50 R17 front and 225/45 R17 rear?

Don't make it more difficult than it is. I'd find some stock wheels. The last thing you want to winter is a wider tire.

[Tar8]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

What wheels came with this? What are their dimensions?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't that model with the Sport package have come with 205/50 R17 front and 225/45 R17 rear?

Don't make it more difficult than it is. I'd find some stock wheels. The last thing you want to winter is a wider tire.

Hi BMWCCA1 and thanks for replying.

The original owner had opted for some sports package upgrades i.e:
M-suspension, roll bar and 18” rims so the common factory specs wouldn’t apply (you can’t put 17” tires on it).

The Summer tires on it are F: 215/40R18 & R: 245/35R18 so the Winters have to be on par with that.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

The last thing you want to winter is a wider tire.

This is true.

I'd go square setup, make it easier to rotate. Further bonus if the tires aren't directional.

[jan_b]

I have the same summer size tires, in winter I use 205/50/17 different set of wheels that I bought used here on this forum 128i is a fun car in the snow.

[BMWCCA1]

Originally Posted by Tar8

The original owner had opted for some sports package upgrades i.e:
M-suspension, roll bar and 18” rims so the common factory specs wouldn’t apply (you can’t put 17” tires on it).

I own an M-sport 128i (M-suspension standard) on which I've installed 18-inch (Apex) wheels with all-season Conti DWS 06 Plus tires, but it came with 17s. I can't imagine what has been changed on your car that it won't take 17-inch wheels. You never answered what size WHEELS you have, offset, width, etc. And why do you think 17s won't fit? Does it have a big-brake kit, or something?

Pictures might offer some explanation. You asked. I'm just trying to help.

[Tar8]

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

I own an M-sport 128i (M-suspension standard) on which I've installed 18-inch (Apex) wheels with all-season Conti DWS 06 Plus tires, but it came with 17s. I can't imagine what has been changed on your car that it won't take 17-inch wheels. You never answered what size WHEELS you have, offset, width, etc. And why do you think 17s won't fit? Does it have a big-brake kit, or something?

Pictures might offer some explanation. You asked. I'm just trying to help.

I’m not too knowledgeable on this type of stuff tbh, I’ve relied on the info I’ve gathered from the garages I’ve spoken to, the previous owner (who owns a car business) and what I’ve found on the internet. I didn’t say that 17” wheels wouldn’t fit on my car, I meant 17” tires wouldn’t fit on 18” wheels.

I mean, I’d rather avoid getting new wheels and and stick with one of the proposed set-ups above, if they make sense. We’re very close to snow season so I am pressed to get some Winter tires on or the car stays in the garage until the Spring .

I’m not sure how to acquire that info about the wheel size but I’ll take some pictures tmrw and post them.

Apprec

[tracer bullet]

Of your options listed I'd probably go w/ the Blizzaks and 225 all around.

Event he worst snow tire is better than the best all-season. For daily driving the WS90's will do great. Going 225 all around allows you to rotate them each year to balance the wear. If you're like me the front left tends to go faster since all highway ramps curve right

[BMWCCA1]

My guess is you can acquire a set of 17-inch OE 128i wheels for less than the cost of mounting and balancing your tires twice a year on your 18s. You'll have more options for proper winter tires and won't have to worry about swapping them on your wheels twice a year.

All-seasons are as much better than Performance tires in winter as Winter tires are to All-Seasons in snow. Around here snow is a good reason to stay home . . . or drive my wife's AWD BMW.

[NorthernDancer]

BMWCCA1 knows what he is talking about. I too have a 128 but it's not winter driven. Get a set of 17" BMW wheels and put on 205/50 R17. Or, go to Costco and get their winter wheels and get Bridgestone or Michelin winters.

[________]

For the 1400 you were quoted at KalTire you can go back and get all 4 205/50 17 with wheels they sell, and then you will have the tires on rims for the future, so you won’t have to pay to remount tires all the time.

You’re already too late in Montreal to get this going, just take your car to KalTire and get those Hakkapeliitta R5 in the 17 size mounted to an alloy wheel they sell. You’ll thank yourself in the long run, because mounting tires twice a year will be a 250 dollar/year ordeal, and driving in snow/ice in those wide tires will not be good, as you won’t get as much traction.

[Marcinj]

]I can't find the forum page I got it from but for winter I run: 225/40R-18 MICHELIN PILOT ALPIN PA4 on all 4 wheels.

Even tho the stock wheels are staggered the square tires fit just fine.

I survived last winter well and the tires gave me a lot of confidence.

[Fishee]

Highly recommend going with 17" for winter, vs. swapping tires back and forth on the same wheels.

205/50-17 is ideal for a winter setup.

e.g. cheap and close to you!
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...2-c314b9c5632b

[Marcinj]

Originally Posted by Fishee

Highly recommend going with 17" for winter, vs. swapping tires back and forth on the same wheels.

205/50-17 is ideal for a winter setup.

e.g. cheap and close to you!
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...2-c314b9c5632b

Good idea FS!!! Rather than new winter wheels tho, Id recommend some wider wheels for summer. Might be expensive but new wheels fill the arches and give the car a good look too.