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      10-27-2021, 04:22 PM   #1
Aeromotive
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Anybody running winter tires on stock rims?

Hi all,

I'm expecting my G80 M3C Xdrive this winter and I'm thinking about keeping the stock 826M wheels for winter.

Reason if it matters : I've been running dedicated winter wheels for many years now on my previous cars, and I always hated downsizing diameter, the more squishy ride (because of thicker side wall and softer tires, even on performance winter tires) and the overall look no matter how much the wheels looked good. I found myself longing for the end of April just to get that summer look and feel. I also feel like I never fully benefited from those square, narrow, smaller wheel setups because I drive mainly in flat, urban areas and highways and rarely encounter deep snow to plow through.

Of course I'm a bit worried about abrasives damaging the black glossy wheels...

Knowing that square > staggered, narrower tires > wider tires and smaller wheels > bigger wheels for snow, anybody here has experience with the stock wheels with winter tires?

Thanks.

Last edited by Aeromotive; 10-27-2021 at 09:41 PM..
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      10-27-2021, 08:33 PM   #2
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I'm in the exact same position. I'm done with a dedicated cheaper winter set that doesn't have the size or width. I'm planning on running winters on the stock wheels at which point they will become the dedicated winters and the winter look
Much rather spend the money on some nice forged summer wheels when the season is over.
Last season I did the same on my C63 and was so happy that I did. Yes square is better but honestly it doesn't matter.. you have AWD so you're gonna be having an absolute blast.

Only concern should be the sand/gravel which will cause wear on the finish. My plan is if it does get that bad after a few seasons I'll just get them re-finished. You could also dip them to give protection? Not sure of the cost but you can refinish wheels where I live for about $200/wheel.
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      10-27-2021, 09:15 PM   #3
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I couldn't agree more with either of your sentiments. So let me give my take on this and take it for what it's worth:

TL;DR If I'm going to spend money on wheels, it will be for something nice, and equal or better, in the aesthetics. I live in NH and know stock 825M's with Sottozero 3's will be more than fine for me.

I live in southern NH, and we have some serious snow/ice/winter weather up here, and first and foremost; I still went with rear-wheel drive. While AWD with winter tires is the best option for winter, I've had so many AWD BMW's and other makes/models, and can count on one hand the times I've really needed it…and all the times, I could have stayed home or could have taken my wife's SUV. I also get that people want the AWD M3/4 not only for winter, but for traction as they mod their vehicle…that said, I know how to drive in snow, and know that with common sense and snow tires, my RWD 21' M3C and I will be just fine. To those that have AWD, more power to you; I personally wanted a RWD base, as this is my first M car, but had to settle on the comp (I know, poor me), as I have Boston traffic and want my wife to be able to take it out the rare moments she can.

I know all that has nothing to do with stock wheels and using them for winter vs. smaller/narrower, aftermarket wheels, but before I give my two cents, I wanted folks to understand my though process etc., as it matters when it comes to opinions in this space, IMHO.

So I have the 825M wheels, and almost bought some cheap wheels for winter, but I've decided to use there with the Pirelli Sottozero 3. Come summer, I will either by a set of 826M bi-color, as I really do like them, and will throw my stock Michelins on them, or I will use the 825Ms again for summer. Bottom-line, there are some really nice wheels out there, e.g. HRE, that I really hope to buy in the near future, as well as those stock 826Ms that I don't have, and if I'm going to spend money on something for my M3, it's going to be on something I want and will improve aesthetics from my POV.

Will the stock 825Ms be better than all those other setups, hell no, but I have a brain between my ears and will respect winter and my M3 and know I'll be just fine. Though I will say I'm in the position that I work from home full time, have a choice between my M3 or my wife's SUV, any and every time I go out, so if it's that bad, I will stay home or use the SUV; not everyone has the luxury and I understand that.

I haven't made the purchase yet, as I'm looking into trying to buy the Michelin Alpin 5 winter tires, and just in general, waiting to see if anything else becomes available in the stock sizes for us. When I do and get them on, I'll post pics again here…I'll be making a purchase here in the next two weeks tops.

EDIT: This angle always makes me drool 🤤
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      10-28-2021, 03:34 AM   #4
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For what it's worth I had the same dilemma on my previous C63s and again on my X5 M50d.

I simply hated the idea of having to go narrower, square and smaller just because that's what most people did, or was recommended.

Now keep in mind, 95% of my winter driving is on cleared roads, simply dealing with wet, cold, icy asphalt. If I was driving through actual compacted snow, or anything deeper than what city streets usually have (maybe a driveway or service road, which I wouldn't be driving quickly on anyway) - I'd probably reconsider something more in line with the traditional "smaller" winter setup.

I chose to order the best snow tires in my summer sizing. Most recently on my X5, that meant shelling out 3000 Euros for the only 22" winter tire in my fitment, the Pirelli Scorpion winters. Not only do I get to keep my car looking the same, but performance is more than confidence inspiring.

To each their own, but don't let someone talk you into having to get a dedicated winter wheel/tire setup. From my experience, it's an overkill.
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      10-28-2021, 08:28 AM   #5
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You'll be totally fine with the staggered OEM sizes for winter. I'm still trying to decide if I want to put winters on my OEM wheels or buy the 829M set from BMW. I'd prefer to keep my look the same year round, especially since I live in DC with mild winters. It's just cold dry or cold wet driving 99% of the time. Sometimes you get caught out at the outset of a snow event and have to drive through 1-2 inches but that is rare. I don't want to sacrifice looks and dry handling for that.
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      10-28-2021, 06:39 PM   #6
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Anyone here know the best place to get stock wheels from besides BMW directly (parts)?

Really want the 826M in stock sizes but hoping to get a good price.
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      10-29-2021, 07:17 PM   #7
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Aeromotive, bmbob .. I’ll be running Michelin Pilot Alpin5 winter tires on (4) 19” 825M rims (the fronts, in other words) once my car arrives home. Like you probably, the winters are mounted 6 months/year so I wanted to run something attractive year round. I got my Alpins and an extra pair of rims early, so now all I need is the dang car.

Local crews are pretty efficient at snow removal, so driving through deep snow is less of a concern than braking/handling on icy or cold, wet roads. Tire noise is also a pet peeve of mine. Hence my preference on tire brand/type.
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      10-30-2021, 08:34 AM   #8
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What would be some great tires to consider when running on stock rims?
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      10-30-2021, 09:35 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Multani View Post
What would be some great tires to consider when running on stock rims?
The only winter tire available for the stock 19/20s on Tirerack is the Pirelli Sottozero 3, which is a good tire. I ran it on my F30 with no issues whatsoever. I do think the Alpin series is a little better but no real complaints.
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      10-31-2021, 08:41 PM   #10
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I'm swapping my summer tires for winters and the 826 wheels are staying on. If they get ruined a little at some point down the road I'll powder coat them. I was gonna order a set of summer wheels and use the 826's as winters with winter tires, but I think I'll just stick with what I got.
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      11-26-2021, 07:49 AM   #11
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I just ordered some Pirelli Winter Sotto Zero 3 tires to put on my 826m OEM wheels (19"/20").

I will order a set of four 20" forged rims over the winter.

I'm trying to save money by only having to buy two tires instead of an entire set. I'll put the 285/30/20 summers (tires that came with the car) in front and buy two new 295/30/20 summer tires for the rear.

Then I will have two 275/35/19 tires that I will try to sell to someone. That's my current plan.
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      11-26-2021, 09:42 AM   #12
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I'm running winter tires on stock 825 wheels; posted pics yesterday:

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=28294204
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      11-26-2021, 02:11 PM   #13
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Sottozeros on stock black 826M wheels.
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      11-27-2021, 02:44 AM   #14
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I'm pretty close to running Pilot Alpin PA4's but down 10mm on the stock 826M wheels. 265/35/19 and 275/30/20 shouldn't be a problem, should it? But damn are they expensive compared to what they were a few years ago.

I should be receiving my car mid February which is when the snow dies down a bit around NYC.. so I may not need it. Meh.
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      11-27-2021, 03:27 AM   #15
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The OEM 19' square winter setup doesn't look much smaller compared to the stock 19/20 set up though
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      11-27-2021, 05:31 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AhsanU View Post
I'm pretty close to running Pilot Alpin PA4's but down 10mm on the stock 826M wheels. 265/35/19 and 275/30/20 shouldn't be a problem, should it? But damn are they expensive compared to what they were a few years ago.

I should be receiving my car mid February which is when the snow dies down a bit around NYC.. so I may not need it. Meh.
I am running this exact setup including PA4's and it's perfect. Front 265's are showing no stretch at all.
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