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      10-08-2015, 10:00 AM   #1
GABMAN
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Winter Tires

As much as I rather not even give this subject any thought, I need to decide on which brand of 19' Run Flats I will get for this winter. I am coming off a set of Pirelli's which were not bad on traction but they wore sort of
fast and uneven .

Can some of you share some of your experiences with 19" Winter Run Flats.

I know I will hear many comments on switching out of Run Flats but I only keep my cars for 3 winters and I have a set of dedicated 351 wheels for them so I would rather stick with Run Flats .

Thanks
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      10-08-2015, 10:29 AM   #2
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Can't comment on 19s exactly, but I'll try to help.

I have 18s Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D and grip on snow and hard packed is fantastic (that's with RWD too), not too bad handling in dry conditions either for winter tire.

They do wear faster (but even), than my previous Nokian or Michelin did (non run flat) though both of those I had on different cars so, not exactly fair comparison.

I haven't checked but was told Nokian started making runflats. Nokians are the best winter tire I've ever had, hands down, perfect for conditions in our area. A bit louder in dry conditions, but just fantastic, and longer lasting than any winter tire I ever had.
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      10-08-2015, 11:08 AM   #3
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No RFT from Nokian in 19", only 18" and smaller. In 19", I think I've only seen Pirelli RFT winters in 245/40/19.
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      10-08-2015, 11:27 AM   #4
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Thanks for the replies guys, I made some calls locally and so far I have 2 choices
Dunlop Winter Max or Pirelli Sottozero , Tire rack has the Pirelli @ $382.25 while the same tires retails in Canada at $ 579.00 . I would have thought by now there would be more choices on the market. I will keep searching but if these are the only choices, I am leaning towards the Pirelli again .
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      10-08-2015, 11:38 AM   #5
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My 2012 535i X-drive came with 18" standard.
I have 245/45R18 100V RF Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D ROF on 281 OEM rims (BMW package).
I find the Dunlops to be slightly softer and more comfortable than my GY LS2s.
Noise levels are slightly better than the GYs as well. Hard to imagine but handling is better as well.
They perform very well in all conditions and I have never been stranded.

My retired E60 had Michelin X-Ice tires that I found to be very comfortable, smooth and excellent at what they were designed for. However, they were non-run flats and as a result were much better in handling and longevity. They definitely drove better than any run-flat tire.

p.s. I replaced a destroyed Dunlop in Feb 2013 for $409 plus tax. Of course the $ was worth more then.
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      10-08-2015, 12:18 PM   #6
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check tirebuyers.com. i think they have competative pricing and they ship free to authorized installers so that could save you some bucks.

I think the pirelli you mentioned is a good choice. Ive had a bunch of different snow tires on my previous cars and My wife x5 has the pirelli scorpions and they have been great.

I currently have the older version of the dunlop before the 3d and im not a big fan. I still slip on braking conditions.

the Michellins xice is also good if you are expecting a lot of heavy snow and icing condition.
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      10-08-2015, 12:41 PM   #7
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BMW is replacing my 2015 with a 2016 owing to the fact that Transport Canada has condemned my 2015 as part of a recall of 3000 BMW & Mini Vehicels, so I just got news that they are throwing in 4 winters into the replacement car, how sweet it is!!!

Thanks for the replies guys, I guess I will take what they give me considering I am not paying for winter tires.
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      10-08-2015, 01:45 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GABMAN View Post
Thanks for the replies guys, I guess I will take what they give me considering I am not paying for winter tires.
Almost any winter tire with xDrive is more than enough to keep you safe, nice of them to do so.
Usually BMW recommended winter packages come with nice tires, good news might soon get even better for you.
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      10-10-2015, 10:58 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bbb34 View Post
Can't comment on 19s exactly, but I'll try to help.

I have 18s Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D and grip on snow and hard packed is fantastic (that's with RWD too), not too bad handling in dry conditions either for winter tire.

They do wear faster (but even), than my previous Nokian or Michelin did (non run flat) though both of those I had on different cars so, not exactly fair comparison.

I haven't checked but was told Nokian started making runflats. Nokians are the best winter tire I've ever had, hands down, perfect for conditions in our area. A bit louder in dry conditions, but just fantastic, and longer lasting than any winter tire I ever had.
Those Dunlops are spectacular tires. Had them on a G37 and felt like I was driving on rails.
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      10-11-2015, 01:50 PM   #10
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I have driven through three Ottawa winters on Nokian Hakkapeliitta run flats, 245/50R18 (yes, I know, they should be 245/45R18, but that's another story) and they are undoubtedly the best winter tire I've ever used.
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      10-11-2015, 08:38 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cdmulders View Post
I have driven through three Ottawa winters on Nokian Hakkapeliitta run flats, 245/50R18 (yes, I know, they should be 245/45R18, but that's another story) and they are undoubtedly the best winter tire I've ever used.
Are you lowered? I'm running 245/50/18 too before getting lowered on HR and I have no issue with it. Not sure if I'm gonna have rubbing issues now.
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      10-12-2015, 10:05 PM   #12
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+1 on the Hakkas (Nokian Hakkapeliitta).

Good luck!
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      10-22-2015, 03:39 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Carbonm3ny View Post
Are you lowered? I'm running 245/50/18 too before getting lowered on HR and I have no issue with it. Not sure if I'm gonna have rubbing issues now.
Sorry for the late response. No, I'm not lowered.
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      10-23-2015, 05:38 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bbb34 View Post
Almost any winter tire with xDrive is more than enough to keep you safe...
The change to winters is the key. There is a bit more choice is you run square setup for winter, staggered you're limited to Pirelli and Bridgestone, I think.

Last edited by Errowen; 10-23-2015 at 05:44 PM..
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      10-23-2015, 07:00 PM   #15
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The Nokian tires are really REALLY great. I put four of them on my "12 X5 and it completely transformed the car. I didn't put the Dunlops back on until the day before I returned the car.
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      10-24-2015, 09:23 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Errowen View Post
The change to winters is the key.
Yeah, I'm starting to think that Quebec has it right all along. They should simply be mandatory in certain areas. Most responsible drivers do have them, but still share the road with too many who don't. Handling/stopping difference is staggering, and cost, really is not that much different (installation and dedicated rims - one time expense) given you extend the life of your all season/summer setup.
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      10-29-2015, 02:01 PM   #17
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I purchased a set of 17" mags from the dealer for my 2011, and then continued to use them on my 2013. I just now purchased new snows from the dealer and got Dunlops. Previous were Pirelli and were excellent.

It may be worth your while to swap out for 17's. The tires are less expensive (helps cover the cost of the rims) and the traction and ride are greatly improved on snow and nice. Just my 2 cents.
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      10-30-2015, 07:13 AM   #18
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I find that my 19" wheels/tires look small on the F10 so I would not consider moving down for the winter, what I did when I got my 2012 MSport was to purchase an extra set of 351 Msport wheels from a US Member of this forum and use them for my winter set up, they were mounted with Pirelli winters , car felt like a tank and went through
a few heavy snow storms without any problems. My Pirelli's are still in good condition but my dealer is throwing in a new set of winters on my 2016 lease so I will probably list my old winters in the classifieds here. My 2016 will be equipped with 20" wheels/tires , so the 19's for winter is as low as I will go . 17" must look tiny on your car?
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      10-30-2015, 09:00 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GABMAN View Post
I find that my 19" wheels/tires look small on the F10 so I would not consider moving down for the winter, what I did when I got my 2012 MSport was to purchase an extra set of 351 Msport wheels from a US Member of this forum and use them for my winter set up, they were mounted with Pirelli winters , car felt like a tank and went through
a few heavy snow storms without any problems. My Pirelli's are still in good condition but my dealer is throwing in a new set of winters on my 2016 lease so I will probably list my old winters in the classifieds here. My 2016 will be equipped with 20" wheels/tires , so the 19's for winter is as low as I will go . 17" must look tiny on your car?
I get the need to have car looking good, but smaller is better (can't believe I'm saying this - but true in this case).

You often get massive snow falls in Montreal, and smaller more narrow tires will handle that better. Not saying it's night and day 18" or 19", but consider that with 18" you would pay less and have more choice for tires next time around. I do agree with you that 17" looks small on these cars, but, safety first.
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      10-30-2015, 09:16 AM   #20
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OK, I see from your signature that you have a RWD (i), so now I understand where your coming from. My first F10 (2011) was a RWD, and if I recall I was running 18" winters, the car was horrible in the winter, I would be at a traffic light in snow and by the time the car got going all the other cars at the light with me were long gone. I think I lasted 2 winters like that , my Dealer switched me out of that car and into his 2012 XI
Demo with Msport Pkg, AWD makes all the difference in our climate with this car, I can never go back to RWD, I just switched into a 2015 XI this past June which BMW needs to take back so I am awaiting a new 2016 which should arrive in December. As previously mentioned an XI with 19" winters was a breeze the last few years,the car went through everything and I never had an issue in snow or ice .
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      10-30-2015, 09:29 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GABMAN View Post
OK, I see from your signature that you have a RWD (i), so now I understand where your coming from. My first F10 (2011) was a RWD, and if I recall I was running 18" winters, the car was horrible in the winter, I would be at a traffic light in snow and by the time the car got going all the other cars at the light with me were long gone. I think I lasted 2 winters like that , my Dealer switched me out of that car and into his 2012 XI
Demo with Msport Pkg, AWD makes all the difference in our climate with this car, I can never go back to RWD, I just switched into a 2015 XI this past June which BMW needs to take back so I am awaiting a new 2016 which should arrive in December. As previously mentioned an XI with 19" winters was a breeze the last few years,the car went through everything and I never had an issue in snow or ice .
Of course, AWD is much, much better, our other car is AWD with great winter tires and it's shocking good, I'd be a fool to argue that RWD is a better option in the winter.

That said, (personal opinion) it's "oh-so-much" more fun to drive (manual) RWD 5 series the rest of the year. So.... I'm willing to live with it in the winter with good winter tires. I honestly wasn't really sure I would be OK with it when I picked it up, but so far, I don't think it's horrible. I ski a lot and haven't cancelled any trips just yet - common sense and caution worked for me so far.
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      10-30-2015, 09:41 AM   #22
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I hear you , I missed the fact that you have a 6 speed, it is always better handling in the winter with a manual car, so you probably do not encounter the issues I had with
my RWD Automatic . I did have a RWD 545i years ago and it was much easier to drive in the winter than my F10 despite the fact that it was 8 cylinders. Take care
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