[Geektechlive]

So. I admit this is my first M3 and for some reason I had it in my head that the AWD version would have Performance All seasons as an option. Yes I know its not what "normal" M cars get but this is an AWD M3 so I just kinda thought it might happen? <shrug>.

Now that I have been proven wrong and realize I was pretty dumb on thinking that idea. I have a question.

I live in a state that gets Snow and I will be driving my M3 all year round. Do you guys normally just swap the tires on the same rims or get Winter rims AND winter tires? Seems a shame to drive a nice car with crap rims even in winter but thought I would ask.

[9153mark]

Rims and tyres

[jailonacs99]

Originally Posted by 9153mark

Rims and tyres

Ditto, winter wheel and tire setup. Makes for an easy swap job in the driveway. Every time your rims are in the shop that's an opportunity for them to scratch or ding them pulling them on and off the car and that machine. Also I was able to squeeze a full set of rims into my M4 with the back seats down to transport, but it ain't pretty.

[evilalien]

Mine will be my first proper M. Current is an M240i xDrive. Previously, a couple of Subarus in a row (WRX then STI). I live in Canada, and have run dedicated set of tires and wheels for the seasons (summer + winter tires).

Not worth talking about previous vehicles. I strongly recommend summers and a set appropriate for your climate. I could probably do well with a set of "all-weather" snow-rated tires like the Nokian WR G4.

https://www.nokiantires.com/all-weat.../nokian-wr-g4/

[Geektechlive]

Added a Poll to make this easier.

[Geektechlive]

Originally Posted by evilalien

Mine will be my first proper M. Current is an M240i xDrive. Previously, a couple of Subarus in a row (WRX then STI). I live in Canada, and have run dedicated set of tires and wheels for the seasons (summer + winter tires).

Not worth talking about previous vehicles. I strongly recommend summers and a set appropriate for your climate. I could probably do well with a set of "all-weather" snow-rated tires like the Nokian WR G4.

https://www.nokiantires.com/all-weat.../nokian-wr-g4/

Had not heard of Nokian tires before. I am in WI so it can get pretty cold here. We have had some previously milder winters but anything can happen.

What do you use for Rims? Just a set from TireRack.com?

[ando]

I swap my summers for snows November to March. Not really a hassle because they wrap in an oil change one of the service visits and my dealer stores the other set tires for a modest fee.

[evilalien]

Originally Posted by Geektechlive

Had not heard of Nokian tires before. I am in WI so it can get pretty cold here. We have had some previously milder winters but anything can happen.

What do you use for Rims? Just a set from TireRack.com?

My current winter set is BMW 388s with Pirelli Sottozero RFTs.

I might get the standard 18" black wheels offered for the base M3 and either the Nokians or Sottozeros again when I get the M3C xDrive.

[Der_Wolf]

Always rims and tires. No need to get salt on those nice 826M's. Plus, you have less chance of the rims getting scratched (less tire removal frequency)

[Krypt-Nick]

Personally I'm planning to get a set of the OEM winter equipment from BMW. About $4000 for the rim and tire combo.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...kgUGFnZQ%3D%3D

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...kgUGFnZQ%3D%3D

[evilalien]

Originally Posted by Krypt-Nick

Personally I'm planning to get a set of the OEM winter equipment from BMW. About $4000 for the rim and tire combo.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...kgUGFnZQ%3D%3D

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...kgUGFnZQ%3D%3D

Oh ya, those'll do nicely! I've never used Michelin Pilot Alpin 5s. Anyone have opinions on those tires (vs Pirelli Sottozeros)?

[Gfit]

I do the swap to all seasons for the winter for my cars and planning the same for the M3. Works out well too because I lease and with swapping the Summers usually have enough tread on them for the return so it actually doesn’t cost any extra since I would have had to get a set of tires anyway.

[amzbimmer]

Originally Posted by evilalien

Mine will be my first proper M. Current is an M240i xDrive. Previously, a couple of Subarus in a row (WRX then STI). I live in Canada, and have run dedicated set of tires and wheels for the seasons (summer + winter tires).

Not worth talking about previous vehicles. I strongly recommend summers and a set appropriate for your climate. I could probably do well with a set of "all-weather" snow-rated tires like the Nokian WR G4.

https://www.nokiantires.com/all-weat.../nokian-wr-g4/

Thanks for that link. I have used Nokian Hakkapelitta's in the past on my other winter beater car based on another member's recommendation, and they make a phenomenal snow tire. Some may say one of the best performing snow tires in the world. They have got me through crazy storms in the past when SUV's with all season tires were slipping off the road.

I'm really curious as to weather the "all year snow tire" can really accomplish what it's trying to, especially with the "H" rating (up until 130 mph). They seem to get good ratings. Let us know if you decide to try it.

I imagine these would not do well if you track the car at all.

[aford]

With RWD I absolutely want two season setups. I'm also low mileage so I'll get a lot of distance out of each set and want to minimize the on/off a single wheel will offer.

I also live in a snow region (less accumulation than others for sure) and feel an all season setup minimizes capability at the far ends of the curve.

I'm not sure what the OEM packages will look like for this coming winter. I've enjoyed the performance of the Pirelli Scorpion and the Blizzak in the past. The Alpin seems like a quality winter but I don't have any personal experience with that tire.

I'll also say that I've been able to get a fair amount of value out of my winter setup when I go to a new vehicle so your ultimate cost isn't your final cost of ownership.

[IronEgg]

Being a new M4 owner for the first time myself, I am also thinking about having a separate setup for winter tires.
For those with purchasing experience, would you mind enlightening me where do you guys buy the winter tires/wheels from? I tried tireracks and some other online tire shops, and they do not have winter tires listed for size of G82 M4.
Probably it is still too early to make the purchase for upcoming winter?

[Geektechlive]

I just checked Tirerack.com as a starting point for rims. any other places I should check? looking to compare pricing to the getbwmparts costs and options for tires and rims.
I do like the getbmwparts option since it would look more correct on the car. additional 4k is a bit steep to me but might be what it costs. this is really first time doing a dedicated Winter setup.

[emescopa]

Originally Posted by Krypt-Nick

Personally I'm planning to get a set of the OEM winter equipment from BMW. About $4000 for the rim and tire combo.

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...kgUGFnZQ%3D%3D

https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...kgUGFnZQ%3D%3D

These are a really nice option - thanks for links.

Just ordered an AWD M3 with the 825s and am planning on a set of 826s for winter. I know not the most ideal snow set-up given width/diameter, but love both wheel designs and am always a bit disappointed (performance & looks) when I drop a wheel size or two for winters...

[merlin3008]

I do the swap on my AMG and plan to do the same for my M3. You should ask your dealers. The dealers around me that handle a lot of M cars offer a Winter switch package. For something like $300 a year they store your extra set of tires and do the switchover twice a year.

[jailonacs99]

Originally Posted by evilalien

Mine will be my first proper M. Current is an M240i xDrive. Previously, a couple of Subarus in a row (WRX then STI). I live in Canada, and have run dedicated set of tires and wheels for the seasons (summer + winter tires).

Not worth talking about previous vehicles. I strongly recommend summers and a set appropriate for your climate. I could probably do well with a set of "all-weather" snow-rated tires like the Nokian WR G4.

https://www.nokiantires.com/all-weat.../nokian-wr-g4/

How much do the Nokian non-studded winters run? I've never heard of this brand

[evilalien]

Originally Posted by amzbimmer

Thanks for that link. I have used Nokian Hakkapelitta's in the past on my other winter beater car based on another member's recommendation, and they make a phenomenal snow tire. Some may say one of the best performing snow tires in the world. They have got me through crazy storms in the past when SUV's with all season tires were slipping off the road.

I'm really curious as to weather the "all year snow tire" can really accomplish what it's trying to, especially with the "H" rating (up until 130 mph). They seem to get good ratings. Let us know if you decide to try it.

I imagine these would not do well if you track the car at all.

Will do. Odds are that I'll get the BMW OEM winter set, will get quotes closer to delivery.

Old comparison (previous gen tires):

https://www.tirereview.com/nokian-an...-winter-tires/

Here's something from an F80 owner:

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1565634

Recent winter tire comparison:

https://www.autoguide.com/the-best-h...-you-need-them

I haven't seen much else with direct comparisons of the Nokian WRG and "winter" tires, but the WRGs are snowflake-rated. I've run Pirelli Sottozeros for my last 2 cars, Dunlop Wintersports previously. The Pilot Alpins seem to be the consistent too UHP winter tire, but I think the WRG4 would be enough.

I don't expect an M car to be a snow devouring monster like my WRX STI was.

[evilalien]

Originally Posted by jailonacs99

How much do the Nokian non-studded winters run? I've never heard of this brand

https://www.kaltire.com/en/tires/tir...s/nokian-tyres

They're even relatively uncommon in Canada. Finnish brand. Intended for "northern" climates. Most of Canada and Scandinavia has similar needs

I have heard overwhelmingly positive things about Nokians, but haven't actually used any myself.

[wooblewobble]

Originally Posted by evilalien

https://www.kaltire.com/en/tires/tir...s/nokian-tyres

They're even relatively uncommon in Canada. Finnish brand. Intended for "northern" climates. Most of Canada and Scandinavia has similar needs

I have heard overwhelmingly positive things about Nokians, but haven't actually used any myself.

I used to own a Saab many years ago. Nokians were the winter tire of choice in that community.