[Party013]

As the title says I'm looking for info on downsizing my rims for winter. Currently have the Sport Line set up on my 2014 328Xdrive so running staggered 19's Double Spoke Style 401 - 19" 19x8 225/40/19 front, 19x8.5 255/35/19 rear. I am aware that I will need to go with a square setup for winter but...

What are my downsize options for 18" and 17"?

Can I downsize to 16"?

Is it worth going with new generation run flats for winter or just regular?

Note. I live in Montreal so have to live with a lot of potholes
Thanks

[Jimminez]

I'm going to assume since you have the 401M wheels you have the blue m performance brakes which means you can only use 18" wheels or larger.

I'm in the same boat and will likely run 225/45R18 tires on either 18x8" ET32 or 18x8.5" ET35 (most common aftermarket sizing). I was considering running 235/40R19 on my stock wheels but am not happy with my tire options.

I'm also not planning on using RFT and will put a compressor in the trunk for an emergency.

Edit: I realized that the wheels that come with M Performance packaged are 403M wheels and not the 401M.

[2blu]

I live in Montreal too, have an 18" square setup on nokian tires. Wheels are replika BMW wheels and look top notch. Not runflats but as others have mentioned I keep a compressor and tire repair kit in my trunk. Keep in mind nokians are covered and replaced for free in case of damage (such as a flat from a pot hole).

[JimmersBimmer]

I have had Nokians on three vehicles and swear by them in winter.

[Jimminez]

Originally Posted by 2blu

Keep in mind nokians are covered and replaced for free in case of damage (such as a flat from a pot hole).

That seems to be more of the seller's/dealer's road hazard coverage like Kal Tire but it doesn't seem to be Nokian's policy:
http://www.nokiantires.com/innovatio...kian-warranty/

[2blu]

Originally Posted by Jimminez

That seems to be more of the seller's/dealer's road hazard coverage like Kal Tire but it doesn't seem to be Nokian's policy:
http://www.nokiantires.com/innovatio...kian-warranty/

Possibly... My brother hit a pothole and blew his tire and it was replaced at no cost !

[Dan_335i]

My winter setup is 225\35\18 all around. Blizzak lm60 performance winter non run flats.

On rwd in ottawa. This setup is good never got stuck last winter

[Party013]

Correct I have the 401M style wheels but don't have the M Sport package... they didn't (and still don't) offer it on the 328xDrive sedan. So given that I don't havce the larger rotors and calipers I do have the option of downsizing

[joz]

Originally Posted by JimmersBimmer

I have had Nokians on three vehicles and swear by them in winter.

Nokians are amazing. Hands down the best winter tire out there IMO. If you mainly do city driving a nokian may be overkill given their price point.

When I got the 335 I got a set of Blizzak ws60 and they were pretty good (90% performance compared to the nokains I had). I would have gotten nokian but they didn't have any stock at the time and the wait time was too long. I couldn't risk anymore time on summer performance tires in January!

[34.50]

Not in Canada, but live ~65 miles away from the border - also doing shopping for winter tires/wheels. Not sure if I want just tires only (on current stock wheels), or if I want dedicated tire/wheel for winters. The second sounds ideal, but is also more expensive.

I think I'm going to do a dedicated winter setup and downsize to 17". Need to find good wheels, and going to go with Pirelli Winter Sottozero Serie II

[focal]

I run replica 16" winters on my 328i sport line. no M-sport brakes so clears the calipers.

cheaper tires, cheaper wheels and better ride quality with 16"

still looks better than steelies or steelies with covers

[Fanitron]

Bought a set of 17" Rial Salerno rims to run winter tires. Still need to purchase the tires though... and seeing as how we've dipped to just above freezing, looks like I'll be purchasing them sooner rather than later. lol

[CHCCubs]

17's will fit fine for a Sport Line. I'm running 17 inch style 162 rep's from my old E90. Just had to change the tires to the correct size (225/50/17). I'm using Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2's and have been happy with the so far (2 winters now).

[35mmSummicron]

I have the same setup 19" staggered. I plan on going 17" square with Bridgestone WS80's. I think you technically can go down to 16" (I remember seeing a youtube vid of someone doing that) but I feel like it might be an awkward size for F30.

Hope this helps.