Need advice: Used BMW 640M winter kit

[aboulfad]

Hi,
I know it's early to talk about winter but My dealer called To tell me about a "steal" as he puts it for a M used winter kit, 18" with the continental contiwinter TS830P for $3k. These are the 640M. I checked them and they looked perfect, tires worn from 10/32" to 9/32".

I have offered $2600, do you guys think it's a good deal? It bothers me that I wouldn't be able to rotate them because of the asymmetric wheel size (8.5" front, 9" rear). I still prefer to get a combo where tires and wheels are same size.

[bobblehead]

that sounds like a decent offer @ 30% off from brand new set (MSRP for $3600).

If you buy aftermarket Chinese replica + tires, you may have to pay about $1800 + taxes

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by bobblehead

that sounds like a decent offer @ 30% off from brand new set (MSRP for $3600).

If you buy aftermarket Chinese replica + tires, you may have to pay about $1800 + taxes

But I am not sure about the continental, it seems very few forum members run those. Other option is BBS wheels or Avanti and my choice of tires.

[bobblehead]

I had conti T830P before (on my dad's MB C class). Not bad for winter traction and grip. Noise level on dry is alright. Overall, I think they are pretty good. They may be replaced with T850P for North American market this coming winter.

I had Michelin PA4 on my M5 and they were basically gone in two winter uses, esp. the rear ones due to the car's high torque . Extremely soft winter compound but it does have pretty good traction. I was good driving with them of up to around 20-25cm.

Are you sure what want to spend more $ on winter wheels, like you said on BBS, etc ? Afterall, the salt may eat into the factory clearcoat finish on this higher priced wheels.

[aboulfad]

Thanks for the advice. rotating them is another downfall of the OEM setup. Given the high torque I am sure the rears sill wear out faster. If I find a new set around $2600 I may get that.

[01ON19]

I have these wheels and tires and had no problems in GTA last winter except for one day with fairly extreme conditions. I plan to continue using them.

You have to decide on the trade off on something that works fine 90% of the time or something that works well the other 10%.

I would go for it as lower C$ means prices will rise.

[bobblehead]

unfortunately, the stagger winter setup usually does not make sense but sometimes we have to pay to make the car look good.

You may want to check in mid to late August with some of the dealers in GTA to see if they do any clearance of the 2014/15 winter sets.

In the past, Autohaus (will run Kijiji ads) and Parkview/Downtown Toronto will have specials post to their website under "parts promo" for clearing out the inventory before the upcoming winter sets are due to arrive in early October.

A few years ago, Parkview must have a number of sets and they were clearing out at invoice + $400 as the Parts guy showed me the dealer cost on his computer screen.

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by Kanuck

I have these wheels and tires and had no problems in GTA last winter except for one day with fairly extreme conditions. I plan to continue using them.

You have to decide on the trade off on something that works fine 90% of the time or something that works well the other 10%.

I would go for it as lower C$ means prices will rise.

Oh I def want something for the worst, snow and ice, don't care much about performance during winter... I do have some USD stashed for those kind of purchases if I pull the trigger on a tire rack solution. But my salesman is pressuring me to decide this week and I wasn't mentally ready for this. Need to enjoy the summer

[01ON19]

Originally Posted by aboulfad

Thanks for the advice. rotating them is another downfall of the OEM setup. Given the high torque I am sure the rears sill wear out faster. If I find a new set around $2600 I may get that.

My dealer actually put one wider wheel on the front (the tires are the same size). I had them change it when I noticed a few days later but, to be honest, I didn't notice much difference. Not sure why they went with the staggered wheels but I think there are some threads that speculate.

Hard to discuss winter wheels when it is +30C and blue skies!

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by Kanuck

My dealer actually put one wider wheel on the front (the tires are the same size). I had them change it when I noticed a few days later but, to be honest, I didn't notice much difference. Not sure why they went with the staggered wheels but I think there are some threads that speculate.

Hard to discuss winter wheels when it is +30C and blue skies!

But then again we are Canadians, and weather is the nb 1 on the list of small talk

[bobblehead]

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Co...t-TS-830-P.htm

here is the Euro site testing of the conti TS830P

[Mikster]

Originally Posted by aboulfad

Oh I def want something for the worst, snow and ice, don't care much about performance during winter... I do have some USD stashed for those kind of purchases if I pull the trigger on a tire rack solution. But my salesman is pressuring me to decide this week and I wasn't mentally ready for this. Need to enjoy the summer

I ran the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 last winter. Reviewed as the best winter tire, and I had no problems in the GTA with them.
M

[aboulfad]

The dealer accepted to consider my counter offer of $2600, so if they accept does it sound like a good deal now? Given they are used for one season I guess I'd have max 3 seasons usage. Not sure how the rear will wear or I can remove the tires from the wheels once every two years and rotate them... Decisions decisions decisions...

[bobblehead]

as long as they are worn lightly and evenly. No sidewall damage. No visible scratches to the wheels. Then IMO. It's a decent buy.

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by bobblehead

as long as they are worn lightly and evenly. No sidewall damage. No visible scratches to the wheels. Then IMO. It's a decent buy.

They are down to 9/32", so that's 12.5% wear, I'll re-inspect them but I am much tempted by the Nokian R2 on BBS SR019. Just called kal tires and they repeated the same thing that the R2 are no good for our M... Because of the R speed rating.

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by Mikster

I ran the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 last winter. Reviewed as the best winter tire, and I had no problems in the GTA with them.
M

Did the shop where you got/installed warn you of the huge difference in handling because of the speed rating difference? R2 rated as R?

[bobblehead]

speed rating is not a big concern as long as you are doing conservative driving. The only questionable issue would be the Nokian's sidewall and how it interacts with the M car suspension setup. I guess "Mikster" can comment.

For instance, some suggest a 'mushy' sidewall may cause your daily drive ride a bit unpleasant due to squirmy feel, after all, the M suspension is setup stiffer than the ordinary 3 series car.

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by bobblehead

speed rating is not a big concern as long as you are doing conservative driving. The only questionable issue would be the Nokian's sidewall and how it interacts with the M car suspension setup. I guess "Mikster" can comment.

For instance, some suggest a 'mushy' sidewall may cause your daily drive ride a bit unpleasant due to squirmy feel, after all, the M suspension is setup stiffer than the ordinary 3 series car.

+1, and thanks for the support.

[bobblehead]

if you have technical question. perhaps, the Tire Rack can provide you with some comment as well.

[aboulfad]

Originally Posted by bobblehead

if you have technical question. perhaps, the Tire Rack can provide you with some comment as well.

They don't sell Nokian, and kal tires said no no for Nokian R2 on M. Anyways I think I deviated from my original thread so now it's time for me to decide! Thanks for all the help.

[bobblehead]

I know TR does not sell Nokian. I was just thinking if you want some feedback on the Conti tire or any other brands (if you opt to go with your aftermarket proposal).


Ah! You thought shopping for winter set is a challenge. Just wait til you have to decide what mods to go with, for example, exhaust, tune, etc. Best of luck with your decision. I think you will do fine whatever you choose.