Tire Rack - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

hmpart · 24th October 2001, 13:09

Hello,

This is my first post. I am picking up my 2002 jet black M5 tonight after work!! I am not sure I will be able to make it through the day. I have a question for you folks who have your M5 as an every day driver and live areas that get a fair amonunt of snow. I plan to get a second set of rims and snow tires for the this winter. I checked out previous posts on this board and was wondering if anyone has opinions on Tire Rack's winter package for the M5. See the following link. http://www.tirerack.com/snow/SnowSel...&autoYear=2002

Thanks for any advice.

Howard

tfung · 24th October 2001, 14:54

I would just get 18" snow tires, and use the stock rims.... when summer comes, you can get aftermarket rims!

RAREM5 · 24th October 2001, 16:41

Living in Southern State, FL, I don't have to worry about snow tires. However, I'm with tfung, get a nice set of wheels next spring.

I wish I had this excuse to get new wheels. ACS, BBS, Kelleners... too many choices.

greg · 24th October 2001, 17:33

Hey, HMPART -

Can't help you with winter tires either - but welcome to the board. You definitely came to the right place!

Fang · 24th October 2001, 18:13

I just ordered a set of BMW motorsport Replica 5-spokes yesterday! that are being closed out by Discount tires (www.tires.com) for only $100 per rim (17x7.5) with Yokohama Guardex tires (235-45-17) for a total, incl shipping, mounting, etc of $1100. It snows a bunch here in chicago, and the stock M5 rims would be destroyed by curbs, salt, etc. Just got my M5 less than 2 weeks ago, and I can't justify putting the stock M5 rims in the snow, dumping the essentially new Michelin Pilot Sports, and then spending $$$ for 19" ACS, etc rims for the summer.

At least I know my wife won't let me...

alpywhite · 24th October 2001, 18:40

I've purchased mags/tires from Tire Rack 4 times and they are fantastic.

I would simply call them and talk to one of the reps; you'll be quite surprised by their product knowledge, particularly relating to specific cars! They test like crazy.

Alps

Teutonaddict · 24th October 2001, 21:06

I've bought three sets of track-dedicated wheels/tires from them over the years, plus two sets of snow tires when I lived in cooler climates. I would ask them for their suggestions, as alpy says, they're pretty up-to-speed.

FWIW, my wife is from South Bend, IN, and through her I met a local BMW salesman that has sold multiple M5s to them for testing purposes. They really do their homework, and it shows.

Now about mounting snow tires to OEM wheels.... I'd recommend against it. Your best bet is a matching set of four dedicated snow tires/wheels, in a narrower profile than stock. You'll lose traction with wider (read 245/275) tires in winter conditions.

The set-up that Fang bought sounds like a real winner to me. I'd buy those, if I didn't live in sunny Atlanta. Ba-ha-ha-ha-ha.....

-Dave

TiGumz · 25th October 2001, 03:36

Quote:

Originally posted by hmpart
Hello,

This is my first post. I am picking up my 2002 jet black M5 tonight after work!!

Hi Howard,

Congrats on the M5, yours wouldn't happen to be the same jet black that was being prepped at Voss's over the weekend?? I'll look for you around town.....if we get a few more owners together we may actually be able to have a local owner's group!

BTW, just like everyone said, go with tirerack's recommendation. I don't have a set, I'll drive my truck if things get too bad...

GGarai · 25th October 2001, 04:45

I got same tires/rims from Tire Rack for winter...used them last year in snow, ice, skiing in Vt, NH. Great!

Fang · 25th October 2001, 07:00

Although it would be awesome to live in a tropical climate such as Atlanta all year round, especially when we drive the cars that are discussed on this board, I have to say that driving the E36 M3 (97 Estoril Blue) in the winter with the traction control OFF is a helluva lotta fun! Sucks without snow tires, though, learned the hard way during the winter of 97. But with good snow tires, on a mostly deserted road, lotsa fun (and spine-tingling moments)