Need Help Finding Winter Tires - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Rcl4668 · 27th September 2010, 20:26

I have a 2002 BMW M5 that needs replacement winter tires. I curently have Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 V-rated tires mounted on BMW Style 66M, Mixed Parallel Spoke rims, 17'’ x 8'’ front and rear in 17'’ x 9'’. The current tires have a staggered sizing of 235/45/HR-17 front and 255/40/HR-17 rear.

The front have plenty of tread but the rears are worn and need replacing. I contacted Luke at Tirerack and the LM-25 is being discontinued with few sizes remaining. We struggled mightily trying to find *any* winter tires that would come even close to these sizes without requiring mixing brands of tires (for example, needing to put Pirellis on the rear with Bridgestones in the front). I would like to avoid mixing tire brands/tread patterns if at all possible.

Luke said that sadly, the economic recession has reduced tire production and sizing markedly. At this point, I am desperate to find any decent H or V-rated winter tire that would fit these rims and come even close to the original staggered sizes I had on the car.

While Tirerack is an amazing resource and company for getting tires, I am aware that they do not stock all the brands out there. Anyone know of some good, alternative companies/brands to get some winter tires? Thanks so much for your help.

/Rich

ND4SPDLSC · 27th September 2010, 20:38

Just curious, Rich, why you want to maintain large contact patches for winter driving. It's actually to your benefit to have the narrowest cross section possible for snow traction. A set of front wheels on the rear would help the cause further.

Wisky · 27th September 2010, 20:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND4SPDLSC

Just curious, Rich, why you want to maintain large contact patches for winter driving. It's actually to your benefit to have the narrowest cross section possible for snow traction. A set of front wheels on the rear would help the cause further.

+1 , they just don't look anywhere near as cool

.

mattmartindrift · 27th September 2010, 20:54

I run a 225/50/17 (I don't recall if it was a 235/50, I haven't seen them all summer) Hankook I Pike W409 all around w/ Style 32 17x8 and 17x9s. They're giant bubble tires, however, they got me through last winter in the mid-atlantic (3 snow storms @ ~24" a pop) with flying colors.

This is the 2nd set of these particular tires that I have owned and I cannot rave enough about how awesome they are.

I literally drove up an un-plowed road that had snow packed against the under carriage and I did not get stuck. I passed many stuck "4x4" trucks that thought 4x4 meant you could get around with bald summer tires.

EDIT: I purchased them from tires1010.com - I wouldn't' recommend going through them as it took >2 weeks to arrive. It seems DiscountTireDirect.com carries a larger selection of sizes this year than they did last.

ND4SPDLSC · 27th September 2010, 21:08

Balloon tires? I don't think the M5 guys can use a 16" wheel, but I got a really good deal on 4 Rial Salerno rims (16x7) for about $100 each with I believe 225/55/16 Continental ExtremeWinterContacts. The benefits of the smaller rim size and taller sidewall were welcome for pot holes and lower overall costs. They've served me well so far but I'm hoping the car can stay parked this winter.

sor118 · 27th September 2010, 21:24

Just go with 235/45/17 on all 4 wheels. This is the BMW recommended set up for winter. It will be a bit stretched on the 9" rims but they will still work for you.

Redneck M5 · 27th September 2010, 21:31

What's that white stuff?

rvt1000 · 27th September 2010, 22:40

dont remind me of winter so soon

sor118 · 27th September 2010, 22:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvt1000

dont remind me of winter so soon

Ya Really!!!! Thankfully it's a nice 22C right now.

Rcl4668 · 28th September 2010, 02:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND4SPDLSC

Just curious, Rich, why you want to maintain large contact patches for winter driving. It's actually to your benefit to have the narrowest cross section possible for snow traction. A set of front wheels on the rear would help the cause further.

Nick, I originally bought the staggered setup because this was the "minus-1" size wheel and tire package that came on the 540 sport package. Even during the winter months, here in Oregon 90% or more of my driving is in dry or wet conditions with no snow or ice. Thus, I wanted to retain as much of a rear footprint as possible while still minus sizing the rears. And, yes, they look cooler than going 235 all around.

I am stuck with the rim sizing so I don't think a 235 would work in the rear.

/Rich