330i sport pckg winter tires

[Rickie150]

Hello guys! well, I finally got an ultimate machine of my own, and of course very excited. I did not care about all that jazz about BMW sucking in the snow, and I'm glad I didn't since many of you shared great winter experiences with the right SNOW tires. I'm in NJ and it snows not all the time when when it does IT DOES. I am debating since I want a great set of winter tires (BLIZZACS) but also want decent dry performance (Dunlop). Please HELP!

a: Keep the same 17"rims and just swap the tires at winter..I do have RIM/TIRE insurance! (I was told nothing less than 17" will fit a 2002 330 i sport pack)

b: What's the best tire size.

c: Should I buy new or used...I heard the compound on the blizzacs last about a season, then they beacome a regular snow tire but still great in the snow not on dry surfaces. I'm thinking of putting this tires on starting December, would that compound wear off even if not snowing?, if that's the case get the dunlop or pirelli, but would they give me that 4x4 feeling if snows? or at least are they reliable while snowing?


THANK YOU! I apreciate your help

 

[Big Daddy]

I would get a set of aftermarket or steel wheels for the winter. I prefer the Michelin IceX, rated recently as the best snow tire on the market. These replaced the Artic Alpins that I had used in Idaho which were great tires lasting three seasons. I am told the new ones are even better. Good luck.

 

[Rickie150]

Thank you for the advise..I'm currently shopping around for the best deals

 

[Pete K]

I have a separate set of steel wheels with Blizzaks. It makes changing from winter to summer and back quick and easy. My first set of Blizzaks lasted 4 winters so I got them again. They definitely make the car feel sloppier in the dry but their grip in snow in awesome. I have driven through many RAGING blizzards and have never been stopped.

 

[Rickie150]

Thanks Pete, I think I'll go with the blizzaks, I guess I could deal with the poor handling, but is it really that bad?? I know is only a few months, but just wondering if I would hate it that much

 

[Pete K]

It's not THAT bad. You're still driving a BMW with great natural handling characteristics. It has less grip during heavy cornering and the car is less precise because the sidewalls are softer. One benefit though, is it has a softer ride. That's kind of nice with all the potholes around here. I noticed my gas mileage dropped slightly.

You could go with a winter performance tire like the Artic Alpins and that would be a compromise. I thought about getting those but there were so many times that the Blizzaks saved my a$$ that I decided to get them again.

 

[frolf]

yeah, thats sort of why i keep with the Blizzaks, they are just great tires and there are no surprises. i don't get my hopes up for supreme dry/warm handling, so i am never disappointed. and in the snow they are fantastic. WS-50s for life. though i almost got the dunlop m3's and almost got the Blizzak LM-22's, but i bought snow tires for SNOW.

 

[frolf]

oh and my previous WS-15's lasted for 3 seasons.

 

[Rickie150]

Blizzaks it is then. What about revo

 

[frolf]

as in the sunglasses? i have the clio (polarized) and i love them, they have very advanced lens polarization. i recommend them

 

[Rickie150]

My bad..I meant the bridgeston REVo winter tires. Any feedback on auxiliary cables for ipod? I heard the IPOd conector kindda suckx because it only holds 5 playlists and is hard to control since there is no control thru the ipod itself..true or false? I also want to get some kind of IPOD connector