Winter tyres: Minimum tread? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

rassi · 19th November 2006, 19:49

Bought a set of original style 66 17" wheels with tyres off Ebay for a decent price. Only problem is that the tyres, Hankook W300, are 1) probably not the greatest ever, and 2) the tread is down to 4 mm (5 mm at the edges).

I will be driving the car on the motorway, so no deep snow, etc.

However, what is the opinion on the tread left: Is 4 mm enough to ensure proper traction? Also, anyone had experience with Hankook tyres? (would be my first foray into a lesser-known/budget brand)

Was thinking about putting the wheels on this week, drive it and see how bad the tyres are.

Alternative is to simply swallow the bitter pill, and go and get a set of proper tyres (thinking Goodyear GW3 or Dunlop Wintersport 3D) at 600 euro...

Thanks for any wise words...

Edit: Thanks to Sebring NL for doing my spell check

Sebring NL · 19th November 2006, 20:11

when the tread gets down to 4mm, the thread of losing grip begins..

Winter tyres originally hav more mm's than normal tyres it appears to me.

Ashok Arora · 19th November 2006, 20:58

I wouldn't take any chances, especially if you are travelling at speed. A new set of winter tyres is an excellent insurance policy against things like this:

I crashed my M5 in a snowstorm at 60 mph

rassi · 19th November 2006, 21:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashok Arora

I wouldn't take any chances, especially if you are travelling at speed. A new set of winter tyres is an excellent insurance policy against things like this:

I crashed my M5 in a snowstorm at 60 mph

Thanks Ashok - it is with your post in mind I was actually asking, though your crash was on summer tyres.

Did the winter last year in an automatic 530d with Goodyear Eagle GW3, which were excellent. Guess that it would be naive to gamble with your life, when a 600 euro investment in quality tyres could save your life. It is just the idea that the current Hankook tyres might be enough... Only problem is actually delivery time, with quite a few places quoting delivery "only in January 2007@...

Greybeast · 20th November 2006, 04:53

Did some research when shopping for snow tires. Seems that most new snows have 10 or 11 mm tread when new so you are probably running less than 50%. Might be able to get a season out of them, but cutting it close.

Beamer_usa · 20th November 2006, 06:01

4 mm is low for thread depth on snow tires. I would definetly go for a new set, for piece of mind, in snow driving.

Finnishfan · 20th November 2006, 08:53

Down in Europe I might take a look at ContiWinterContact TS 810 Sport. At least in Finland the tyres you are using are not regarded as very good. And BTW they are a little bit too used.

rassi · 20th November 2006, 12:44

Dropped off the winter wheels, and asked for an opinion from the tyre place: I was told I might get through the season, but I am not going to take any chances and ordered a new set. Only problem is only one tyre available for delivery within 3 weeks, the Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 (M3 on an M5!

) and a set will come to 840 euro...

Anyway, better safe than sorry! Bring on the winter!

Sebring NL · 20th November 2006, 12:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greybeast

you are probably running less than 50%. Might be able to get a season out of them, but cutting it close.

even worse than 50%, as you won't completely wear a tire to zero. 2mm is absolute minimum , those only stay on when customers insist. On my own car, its either 4mm or 3 years, and winter tires aren't on the M5 as it sleeps inside over winter!