18" winter tires: bad idea? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

ProV1 · 27th October 2004, 05:26

anybody run 18" winter tires? is it better to run same size or can i keep the staggered setup? please share your experiences.

i wonder if i should stick with 17" winter tires.. i'm looking at dunlop M3 or M2 tires. i'm in annarbor, mi. thanks!!

bayerischemotor · 27th October 2004, 13:31

I'm going to use 18" Winter tires this winter, 235front 265rear. Alot of my friends tried to get me thinking in the 17" range, but the beast will than look lika tuned 520... I think 18" is the minimum

I'm having Pirelli Winter 240.

gavingray · 27th October 2004, 14:39

When it comes to snow driving, especially here in Illinois (and Michigan), you are better off with 17" wheels/tires. Slightly narrower tread gets you through snow more safely and with more control. Also, slighly higher sidewalls protect you against those hidden obstacles that may be covered in snow when driving. I just ordered 245/45/17" wheel tire combo from Tire Rack. I use Dunlop Winter Sport M3's - they are a great tire in snow, and surprisingly responsive in dry weather. Give Tire Rack a call for advice.

Gavin

Suretyagent · 27th October 2004, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by gavingray

When it comes to snow driving, especially here in Illinois (and Michigan), you are better off with 17" wheels/tires. Slightly narrower tread gets you through snow more safely and with more control. Also, slighly higher sidewalls protect you against those hidden obstacles that may be covered in snow when driving. I just ordered 245/45/17" wheel tire combo from Tire Rack. I use Dunlop Winter Sport M3's - they are a great tire in snow, and surprisingly responsive in dry weather. Give Tire Rack a call for advice.

Gavin

Well said.

Derek

TCM · 27th October 2004, 17:19

It is better to run 17s, but you can definately get through the snow with 18 inch snows. I run 18' Dunlop Winter Sports and have had no real issues driving in the snow as long as it is below a 4 inches or so.

Lscman · 27th October 2004, 17:29

Tirerack sells a smaller size M5 tire and wheel combo for snow use. It is quite affordable...on the order of $1200. Narrower and smaller diameter wheels are superior for adverse weahter use.

bayerischemotor · 27th October 2004, 22:14

Well I live in Finland, so I know about snow. I can't see any reason why a 18" wheel, strictly based on the diameter whould be worse off than a 17" high wheel.

And yes, you should try to keep the tire width to a minimum, but the hight, that's just nonsense.

I use 18" and like them wide, because I know I can handle them.

First snow is expected in a couple of weeks

ELEVENS · 28th October 2004, 02:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by bayerischemotor

Well I live in Finland, so I know about snow. I can't see any reason why a 18" wheel, strictly based on the diameter whould be worse off than a 17" high wheel.

And yes, you should try to keep the tire width to a minimum, but the hight, that's just nonsense.

I use 18" and like them wide, because I know I can handle them.

First snow is expected in a couple of weeks

I run Dunlop Winter Sports on stock M5 wheels in the snow. I agree with everything you say... except for that last cry-baby face. Bring on the snow! !!

Andrew B. · 28th October 2004, 05:34

Tire Rack recommends that you go one inch less than summer tires for maximum winter traction performance. I run Dunlop M3 Wintersports.....very stable handling, a little mushy on hard acceleration, but better than anything on the market having tried about everything the past 30 years in snow, besides studded tires......17" had no issues...having said that, I think the 18" would be fine also, but Tire Rack is the expert in my book with their test data, etc....owner also had an E39 M5 at one time, so I imagine the 17 " recommendation is pretty good.....running borbet rims that I purchased through TRack.....17 " also less expensive......

BostonRocket · 28th October 2004, 09:41

Forget what everyone says. If you want the 18s and you are willing to give up a little snow performance, go for it. I have 245-18 and 265-18 on oem wheels and it serves the purpose. The last time I checked, it doesn't snow EVERYDAY in the winter.

'Rocket