Milwaukee weather

bimwxyz · 11-08-2010, 05:40 PM

Hey all,

New to the forums, so excuse me if this has been answered ad nauseum. I'll get the hang of it.

But I'm thinking of getting some winter tires (recently moved to Milwaukee), but:

a) am not sure if it's necessary (as I have all seasons)

or

b) if so, should I go with the tirerack.com recommendations?
i.e. downsize to 16" rial salerno's with Blizzak LM-25s
(quoted about $1460 from a local BMW dealer)

or

b) should I stick with some 17" rims (have the stock rims ('09 328i coupe)) and Blizzak's?

I appreciate any input!!!

GaryS · 11-09-2010, 05:49 AM

Last time I was in Milwaukee, there was no snow plowing because the county was broke and trying to save money. I would get real snow tires like Blizzak WS60.

CirrusSR22 · 11-09-2010, 06:23 AM

Probably not necessary, but just like any vehicle, adding winter tires will totally transform how it behaves in the snow and ice. With all-seasons you'll get from A to B most likely, but there will be some sketchy moments occasionally.

I discovered winter tires about 6 years ago and I will NEVER use an all season tire again in MN. It makes driving in almost any winter condition a non-issue. They are not magic, but the increase in grip and driving confidence is downright amazing. I can almost guarantee you will not regret buying them.

As for 16" or 17", it's not going to matter much (snow/ice performance wise) if you keep the tire width similar or the same. It's really more of an aesthetic issue, and you pay extra to have a better look with the 17"ers

cb1111 · 11-09-2010, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

Probably not necessary, but just like any vehicle, adding winter tires will totally transform how it behaves in the snow and ice. With all-seasons you'll get from A to B most likely, but there will be some sketchy moments occasionally.

Did you read what you wrote? Let me translate for you.

"Probably not necessary, with the all season tires there is a slight possibility that you might arrive at your destination alive but there will be several close calls."

To the OP

Watch this video and decide for yourself.

http://www.tirerack.com/videos/index...=23&tab=winter

AlanAZ · 11-09-2010, 02:14 PM

Milwaukee is bad for snow and ice removal. My cousin rocks Hakka RSi on her Honda, and even then it's sketchy. I had Blizzak LM-22s on my BMW in Boston, and they weren't great in deeper snow.

I'd get serious snow tires there. Hakkas are THE best. And narrower tires are better, don't run a wider rear tire.

jeffvb9 · 11-09-2010, 02:30 PM

I have OEM sport setup with 18" up front 18.5" in the rear with Blizzak LM-25s. I am in Kansas City and have no issues with that setup unless the snow gets above 6 inches which is rare.

11-08-2010, 05:40 PM	#1
bimwxyz Registered 4 Rep 3 Posts Drives: black 328i coupe 2009 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Milwaukee iTrader: (0)	Milwaukee weather - winter tires needed? Hey all, New to the forums, so excuse me if this has been answered ad nauseum. I'll get the hang of it. But I'm thinking of getting some winter tires (recently moved to Milwaukee), but: a) am not sure if it's necessary (as I have all seasons) or b) if so, should I go with the tirerack.com recommendations? i.e. downsize to 16" rial salerno's with Blizzak LM-25s (quoted about $1460 from a local BMW dealer) or b) should I stick with some 17" rims (have the stock rims ('09 328i coupe)) and Blizzak's? I appreciate any input!!!
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11-09-2010, 05:49 AM	#2
GaryS Colonel 37 Rep 2,084 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 6MT Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [6.50]	Last time I was in Milwaukee, there was no snow plowing because the county was broke and trying to save money. I would get real snow tires like Blizzak WS60.
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11-09-2010, 06:23 AM	#3
CirrusSR22 Major 342 Rep 1,325 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (0)	Probably not necessary, but just like any vehicle, adding winter tires will totally transform how it behaves in the snow and ice. With all-seasons you'll get from A to B most likely, but there will be some sketchy moments occasionally. I discovered winter tires about 6 years ago and I will NEVER use an all season tire again in MN. It makes driving in almost any winter condition a non-issue. They are not magic, but the increase in grip and driving confidence is downright amazing. I can almost guarantee you will not regret buying them. As for 16" or 17", it's not going to matter much (snow/ice performance wise) if you keep the tire width similar or the same. It's really more of an aesthetic issue, and you pay extra to have a better look with the 17"ers
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11-09-2010, 02:14 PM	#5
AlanAZ Captain 40 Rep 818 Posts Drives: E90 325i sport manual Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (4)	Milwaukee is bad for snow and ice removal. My cousin rocks Hakka RSi on her Honda, and even then it's sketchy. I had Blizzak LM-22s on my BMW in Boston, and they weren't great in deeper snow. I'd get serious snow tires there. Hakkas are THE best. And narrower tires are better, don't run a wider rear tire. Last edited by AlanAZ; 11-09-2010 at 02:20 PM..
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11-09-2010, 02:30 PM	#6
jeffvb9 Lieutenant 29 Rep 425 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW x4m comp Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (3)	I have OEM sport setup with 18" up front 18.5" in the rear with Blizzak LM-25s. I am in Kansas City and have no issues with that setup unless the snow gets above 6 inches which is rare.
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