[strumbringer]

Hey folks,

I'm seriously considering trading my 535i xDrive for an M3/M4. I've been driving the 535 with the stock all-season tires without any issues and I'm wondering what those of you with more powerful RWDs do in the Seattle winter... I won't be taking it skiing, so in the winter it will be mostly in the metro area. I had winter tires on my previous 335i (non-x), but they got chewed up in just over a single winter, so I'm hoping not to need to do that.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts / advice.

[E30toF30]

I'm in Vancouver so essentially the same climate as the pnw.

I think if you had an m3/m4, you might as well throw on winters. Your pss summers are probably not a good idea. Besides, if you get into an accident due snow (or even really cold weather) you run the risk ofinsurance not covering you adequately or at all due to not having proper tires.

If I were you, I'd buy winters for the stock wheels, and them get some aftermarket wheels for the pss (or if you love the stock wheels, you can simply buy a cheaper winter wheel and winter tires) .

Just my opinion.

[strumbringer]

I guess I was wondering if I can make do with A/S tires in the winter rather than dedicated snows (which, if past experience is any indicator, will not work very well since it isn't normally very cold, and it rarely snows).

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by strumbringer

I guess I was wondering if I can make do with A/S tires in the winter rather than dedicated snows (which, if past experience is any indicator, will not work very well since it isn't normally very cold, and it rarely snows).

If you're only in the metro area, never go over the Tiger Mt. Summit, never go to North Bend, you should be ok. Just don't abandon your M3/M4 on the freeway!

[strumbringer]

Originally Posted by floydarogers

If you're only in the metro area, never go over the Tiger Mt. Summit, never go to North Bend, you should be ok. Just don't abandon your M3/M4 on the freeway!

Don't worry, I have no intention of being that guy.

[Broadsword]

Is there a garage in the Seattle area that'll remove, store, and install your wheels and tires? Thanks.

[strumbringer]

Sorry for not seeing this sooner. BMW Seattle will do it, I believe.

[pacificsky]

M235 RWD owner here with PSS summers. I swapped for the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4's for the winter. They're great. Highly recommend them.

Please don't use the PSS's in the winter. The tire compound is subject to cracking in the cold (the tires have temp ratings), and with the slightest bit of slow/ice you will lose all traction.

[pdx_m3r]

Originally Posted by strumbringer

Hey folks,

I'm seriously considering trading my 535i xDrive for an M3/M4. I've been driving the 535 with the stock all-season tires without any issues and I'm wondering what those of you with more powerful RWDs do in the Seattle winter... I won't be taking it skiing, so in the winter it will be mostly in the metro area. I had winter tires on my previous 335i (non-x), but they got chewed up in just over a single winter, so I'm hoping not to need to do that.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts / advice.

Strumbringer, I'm sure the snow a few weeks ago had you rethink using a/s tires. I had a 535i with a/s tires and it was a nightmare in the icy streets of Seattle/Bellevue. When I moved to New England, I bought a set of Blizzaks and never looked back. Now, keep in mind that the volume of snow in the east is much easier to drive than the icy streets of the PNW. I strongly suggest getting winter tires if you haven't yet. Even in the rain <40 degrees, this thing sticks like crazy glue. Just my $0.02.