Best winter tire size...

wiseweasel · 09-01-2011, 12:57 PM

Hey all, i'm trying to determine the best winter tire size to go on my factory 7JX16 et:34 Model 268 wheels. I will probably throw some spacers in order to flush the tires out a little.

So the OEM runflats were 205/55/r16 but I'd like to improve the handling performance by going a little wider. Since the tires won't handle as well on dry pavement as those stock RFT's do. I know that going wider will hurt deep snow traction, but I'm willing to take a little hit there for improved performance over a tall skinny tire. Tire Rack has listed a 225/50/r16 as an alternative. But the only winter performance tire there is the Dunlop SP winter Sport M3. (not that it's a bad tire, i just was hoping for some options).

Can I go wider than 225 on these wheels? Any thoughts?

BTW, I did some searching and I didn't see much for the 16" wheels and winter options. Also, I am running 18" summer staggered for the warmer months!

BMWsky · 09-01-2011, 02:38 PM

Wider tires only help in dry conditions, more narrow tires help in wet conditions as well as snow. (It doesn't have to be deep snow, either.)

With that being said, I run a square set of 17's for my winter setup. I think they're either 225 or 205, I can't remember. I'm using the Dunlop Winter Sports and am happy with them. Oh, and my car is RWD.

Gary@TireRack · 09-01-2011, 04:13 PM

For 16" winter setups, stick with the more narrow 205/55R16.

Winter
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...nter/index.jsp

wiseweasel · 09-06-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary@TireRack

For 16" winter setups, stick with the more narrow 205/55R16.

Thanks Gary, my concern is that in Michigan, winter can often be 6 or more months!

So I don't want to kill my handling. Are you recommending the 205's mostly due to tire options? I noticed many more tires available in that size on TireRack.com

Thanks!

wiseweasel · 09-07-2011, 10:48 AM

Okay, so lets say I stick with the stock size 205/55/16... how wide can I push with spacers? I have never run spacers before and I am a little concerned with durability, and overall effect.

remmib · 09-07-2011, 11:37 AM

If you have e90 pre-lci, you can put on huge spacers in the rear, at least 20mm.

wiseweasel · 09-07-2011, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by remmib

If you have e90 pre-lci, you can put on huge spacers in the rear, at least 20mm.

thanks remmib... what's the max I can go? I love the fitment of my summer setup which is flush. Does anyone have good numbers for front and rear spacers on the stock 16" wheels? is it going to be like 15mm/25mm Fr/Re?

Gary@TireRack · 09-08-2011, 12:21 PM

Yes, tire options and better snow traction. To improve handling, you can use a more performance oriented winter tire like the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D or Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3.

Winter
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...nter/index.jsp

09-01-2011, 12:57 PM	#1
wiseweasel The wisest of weasels! 2 Rep 64 Posts Drives: Fast! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Mi iTrader: (0)	Best winter tire size... Hey all, i'm trying to determine the best winter tire size to go on my factory 7JX16 et:34 Model 268 wheels. I will probably throw some spacers in order to flush the tires out a little. So the OEM runflats were 205/55/r16 but I'd like to improve the handling performance by going a little wider. Since the tires won't handle as well on dry pavement as those stock RFT's do. I know that going wider will hurt deep snow traction, but I'm willing to take a little hit there for improved performance over a tall skinny tire. Tire Rack has listed a 225/50/r16 as an alternative. But the only winter performance tire there is the Dunlop SP winter Sport M3. (not that it's a bad tire, i just was hoping for some options). Can I go wider than 225 on these wheels? Any thoughts? BTW, I did some searching and I didn't see much for the 16" wheels and winter options. Also, I am running 18" summer staggered for the warmer months!
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09-01-2011, 02:38 PM	#2
BMWsky Major 24 Rep 1,244 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Webster NY iTrader: (1)	Wider tires only help in dry conditions, more narrow tires help in wet conditions as well as snow. (It doesn't have to be deep snow, either.) With that being said, I run a square set of 17's for my winter setup. I think they're either 225 or 205, I can't remember. I'm using the Dunlop Winter Sports and am happy with them. Oh, and my car is RWD.
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09-01-2011, 04:13 PM	#3
Gary@TireRack Moderator 369 Rep 4,745 Posts Drives: Formerly 1995 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Bend, IN, Tire Rack HQ iTrader: (2)	For 16" winter setups, stick with the more narrow 205/55R16. Winter http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...nter/index.jsp __________________ Gary. Tire and Wheel Forum Moderator. Tire Rack Sales Rep Gary@Tirerack.com http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&url=index.jsp Please refer to 'Gary/E90 Post' as your previous contact when you order online to help support this forum.
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09-07-2011, 10:48 AM	#5
wiseweasel The wisest of weasels! 2 Rep 64 Posts Drives: Fast! Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Mi iTrader: (0)	Okay, so lets say I stick with the stock size 205/55/16... how wide can I push with spacers? I have never run spacers before and I am a little concerned with durability, and overall effect.
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09-07-2011, 11:37 AM	#6
remmib General 1569 Rep 29,202 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	If you have e90 pre-lci, you can put on huge spacers in the rear, at least 20mm. __________________ F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White \| HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 \| Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 \| KW V3 Coilover \| M5 Front Sway Bar + M550d Rear Sway Bar \| 3DDesign Front Lip \| BMW M Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW M Performance Diffuser \| BMW M Performance Black Grills \| BMW M Performance Pedals \|
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09-08-2011, 12:21 PM	#8
Gary@TireRack Moderator 369 Rep 4,745 Posts Drives: Formerly 1995 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Bend, IN, Tire Rack HQ iTrader: (2)	Yes, tire options and better snow traction. To improve handling, you can use a more performance oriented winter tire like the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D or Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3. Winter http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...nter/index.jsp __________________ Gary. Tire and Wheel Forum Moderator. Tire Rack Sales Rep Gary@Tirerack.com http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&url=index.jsp Please refer to 'Gary/E90 Post' as your previous contact when you order online to help support this forum.
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