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[lhsa]

i'm looking to buy snow tires and wondering what other's think about my choice. i live in portland and we don't see much snow, more slick and sometimes icy conditions. this is going on a square 18x9.5 setup.

since snow performance isn't the primary consideration, i'm thinking either blizzak lm-60, artic alpins or pirelli 240's. which would be best in these conditions? also, has anyone tried the 240 series II which was just released? difference from the original 240?

TIA

[BMW Fanatic]

If you don't go the Pilot Alpin PA3 route then LM-60 is the one.

Don't know much about the 'Arctic Alpin' that's why I recommend PA3 from Michelin. Had em on my E90 and damn they are good.

Michelin also has a longer life than the Bridgestones.. Disregard Pirelli in every aspect if you want a much better tire.

[lhsa]

the comments on this board about the pirelli's seemed to indicate they were good tires, but more performance-oriented than snow-focused.

is it commonly understood that pirelli's are bad?

i made a type and alpin PA3's are correct.

[M3SQRD]

If you are looking for maximum grip in icy conditions then I'd recommend the Bridgestone WS60 or WS70 (excellent in deep snow as well). However, the trade off is your car will not perform as well in wet and dry conditions. Winter ice/snow tires have taller tread blocks, more sipes and wider channels to better "bite" on ice and snow but this results in a very squirmy tire in the dry and reduced hydroplane resistance in the wet. The LM60 trades deep snow and ice performance for improved cold dry and wet driving conditions.

[Radiation Joe]

The Michelin Alpin PA3s are awesome in the cold and wet. They seem to be the best cold weather performance tire. Less awesome in the snow than other tires but fully capable. Their performance in cold dry or cold wet conditions more than make up for their snow shortcomings. IIRC, they aren't available in a 265 width. You might have to go with the PA2s which are almost as awesome, or stretch a 255 PA3 onto your wheels.

Also keep in mind that a 265/40-18 winter tire will almost certainly rub in the front (on the rear of wheel well). I have experienced this first hand.

[lhsa]

i'm leaning towards lm-60's in 255/40/18. i don't need killer snow capability, so a performance oriented tire should be better suited for me.

the wheels are 18x9.5 ET25. i'm hoping with the 255's, it won't rub. thoughts?

[Radiation Joe]

Originally Posted by lhsa

i'm leaning towards lm-60's in 255/40/18. i don't need killer snow capability, so a performance oriented tire should be better suited for me.

the wheels are 18x9.5 ET25. i'm hoping with the 255's, it won't rub. thoughts?

I think you're good here. I ran 265/40-18 PS2s in front on the stock (et23) rear wheels. The rub was very light.

[alann]

Originally Posted by lhsa

i'm leaning towards lm-60's in 255/40/18. i don't need killer snow capability, so a performance oriented tire should be better suited for me.

the wheels are 18x9.5 ET25. i'm hoping with the 255's, it won't rub. thoughts?

ihsa- Have you considered Dunlop Wintersport 3Ds? I have used them on several cars, including an S4 cab, and a 335 x drive. They got me through significant snow in NJ for the past 6 years, were quiet, handled nicely, lasted forever, and were good in the rain and dry pavement situations too. I have also used them on an A8, 528 x drive, presently on my daughters 328 x drive, and my wife's 535 x drive. Of course the fact that all of these cars were/are 4 wheel drive helped too! But i never had an issue with the Dunlops.

I am told that the LM60s are a touch better in the heavier snow, but not quite as good in the dry as the Dunlops.

[HT1000]

I've had excellent results with the Dunlop 3Ds and highly recommend them. Tire squirm on the Blizzak LM-60s is very annoying and obvious on anything but snow coverd roads.

[lhsa]

update. i ended up getting the lm-60's because of availability and cost. i can definitely feel additional squirm, but all in all they seem acceptable so far.