[TTG]

Congratulations! Post some pictures.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by TEF

Oddly, a recent edition of Consumer Reports rated the Michelin X-ice X3 ahead of the Nokian R3 and three other brands ahead of Michelin. Granted testing conditions can vary as much as winter road conditions, but the difference between top-rated tire (and also one of the cheapest) and the 7th rated tire is virtually nothing. I suspect that the special tread compound, initially used in Blizzaks, is common to most most manufacturers these days. In the case of the CR test, prices for the first seven top rated tires varied from $84/tire up to $147/tire. If one were to believe CR, there seems little reason to spend a fortune on tires that used only in winter and often at lower speeds.

I'm not sure about CR, it might as well be correct, especially given my experience is with "2" version of each tire, but from personal experience, having both of these mounted on two different vehicles, while great tire, I can tell you that x-ice 2 isn't as good as Nokian R2.

Also, Nokian tends to be longest lasting winter tire for me, additional bonus that's worth slightly higher price in my opinion - can't recall but difference between the two wasn't exactly huge.

[Houranimd49]

I am in Michigan as well and I chose xDrive for the winter. I also am an odd one because I wheel spin drama. When I mat the pedal, I want the car to haul booty.

Agreed though, that's hard to find those specifications in M sport.

[BurrNinja]

From experience all season tires and x drive is ok but stopping and go will be a problem. You are better off RWD with set of winter tires. Less rotational problems with RWD if things go wrong or even basic maintenance if changing fluids.