[bimmer568]

As I wait for my '23 M550 to arrive (Mid-Sept) with 20" performance rf's (don't know brand yet) I wanted to get advice on summer / winter setups.

Upon delivery I intend to replace the 20" perf rf's with PS4S's, the rear 275/35s in OE Star version. Per Michelin's website the front 245/40's aren't available in Star...still doing research to confirm. Also looking into the new PS5's so may hold off until Spring'23. I have the spare tire kit in my build.

The questions I have relate to my "winter" configuration. One option is BMW's MP winter package which runs square 245/40 P-Zero Winter rf's on black matte 786M wheels. I like the fact the package is plug and play...expensive but convenient...but they are still rf's....and fully dedicated winters. But that got me thinking...I'm in CT, with sub 40 degree weather from Oct to early Mar, snow typically from Dec to late Feb. Do I need fully dedicated "winters" for only a few snow days or a handful of trips to VT/NH, especially with XDrive?

What I'm contemplating is running good all-seasons for my winter setup on 19's. Would likely keep staggered to maintain driveability/fun factor for the 5-6 months of cold but mostly dry use. Do I need/want the thinner "squared" setup? I've read threads where some have experienced loss of "feel" in such a setup. Have read/seen positive reviews of the Michelin PS All Season 4s and the Conti ExtremeContact DWS06+. Would good AS tires and XDrive be a good compromise?

[ppointer]

I ran Mich Alpin winter tires on my wife's 528i e60 for several seasons in central Ohio. Those tires were amazing, whether in deep snow, hard pack, slush, ice or heavy rain. At the time I had A/S 3's on my 335i e90, and there was a distinct difference in capability between the two types of tires in winter conditions. Still have the e60 but it is now full time in FL and that tire/wheel set is gone.

Regarding your question about feel, yes, the best I can describe it as "squishy". Did not lose any of the fun factor of the e60, but there was some loss of directness that the other Michelins have, whether you're talking P/S or A/S models. However, that was an easy trade for me, knowing how much safer my wife was with that setup. Car was still fine for multi-hour highway trips in the winter. I would totally do that arrangement again if we were in a snow climate full time.

Just bought a G30 for Ohio, where we have a summer home. Ours is a 540i with the 19" OEM Continental all seasons. They are run flats with the usual run flat issues for me. Still contemplating getting a winter set of wheels/tires, but waiting until I know how much time we'll be there during the nasty part of the season. Probably not at all from New Years until spring break, hence the hesitancy.

[bimmer568]

Appreciate the experience. So now I'm wondering if I can save a few $$ and just put non rf A/S's on my 20"s and call it a day.

[540iSUP]

This thread has some good info for you to read:

https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1939354


The main question was what tires are best for cold, dry weather, but the convo dives into winter vs summer vs All season.

[TEF]

Assuming that you do not buy a set of winter tires, I would suggest a square set of 18" wheels and DWS tires in the narrowest size recommended. While a staggered set of wheels and tires may look great, wider tires especially at the rear can be unpredictable. Wide tires, even with dedicated winter tires, do not work well even in just a few inches of snow. Narrower is better and one can see this in winter events with rally cars.

Secondly, don't focus only on forward traction. Often one forgets about the other dimension of snow-covered roads: stopping. If you're prepared to invest in another set of 19-inch wheels and tires, consider going with 18 inchers with inexpensive winter tires of any brand. Most makers have similar rubber compounds used by Michelin or Bridgestone, but it's this compound that makes winter tires supple in cold temperatures.

[rockerosfinest_G30]

I use all season tires (Pirelli) on my G30 and I'm not missing the season specifics.
Before the G30 I used all season tires on my F31 from Goodyear and I never regretted it.

[admranger]

If I could be so bold as to suggest going plus 0 on your sizing. Go a little taller on all 4 tires. Two reasons, a slightly smoother ride (minor issue if you have adaptive dampening) and your speedo will be accurate instead of reading low. I plan on going plus zero all seasons when my current tires die.

GL with whatever you decide to do.

[bimmer568]

Originally Posted by admranger

If I could be so bold as to suggest going plus 0 on your sizing. Go a little taller on all 4 tires. Two reasons, a slightly smoother ride (minor issue if you have adaptive dampening) and your speedo will be accurate instead of reading low. I plan on going plus zero all seasons when my current tires die.

GL with whatever you decide to do.

Bingo. Thats what I was thinking as well. To confirm…by "going plus 0" you mean sidewall? So if the OEM front/rear are 245/35/20 and 275/30/20, respectfully, go with 245/40 and 275/35?

[admranger]

Originally Posted by bimmer568

Bingo. Thats what I was thinking as well. To confirm…by "going plus 0" you mean sidewall? So if the OEM front/rear are 245/35/20 and 275/30/20, respectfully, go with 245/40 and 275/35?

Yes, or even the next size tire width and aspect if the online tire calculators think it'll fit and you want a wider stance (purely cosmetic). Definitely the next taller sidewall. It is not like we're tracking these things and a +5 on sidewall is going to take a second off our lap time on our next Costco run.

[bimmer568]

Originally Posted by admranger

Yes, or even the next size tire width and aspect if the online tire calculators think it'll fit and you want a wider stance (purely cosmetic). Definitely the next taller sidewall. It is not like we're tracking these things and a +5 on sidewall is going to take a second off our lap time on our next Costco run.

Well said. Thanks for the advice.

[Mike 540]

To me the answer lies in your driving style and on how cold your winters are. The allseason tyres are not the best in summer and not the best in winter either. The thing about winter tyres is the rubber mixture they are made of - winter tyres are softer material, providing better grip when cold. Driving on all season tyres when cold means worse grip and longer brake path even on dry road. This is even worse on snow covered roads.

[Volasko]

I like to think of winter tires as good insurance. All you need is one panic situation with snow/ice to justify the choice. I get your thought process though as I struggle with the idea of "needing" winter tires for city driving here in Toronto. We don't get as much snow as people think, so 98% of the time I'm just driving on cleared/wet city streets. I just prefer to be prepared when the situation presents itself to need them. my 2 cents.