Pics of good looking snow tires & wheels

tbucella · 11-22-2009, 04:20 PM

I don't normally promote any products, but I have to say that the package I got from the Tire Rack with the Sport A7s looks great on my sedan. I went with the staggered 18" setup and so far I am very happy (235/40+255/40 Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D ). The stock 18s had a mean look that I really love, but these wheels really look sharp. Not so mean, but more "steal me" good looks that show off the big brakes. I opted to pay the extra $11 a corner for the roundel center caps and this really makes the setup fit with the vehicle. It's not going to fool anyone in this forum, but 99% of the population would assume they are OEM BMW. As far as driving goes they aren't bad but your not going to win any autocross meets with these tires. Ride quality is improved on highways, small bumps and expansion joints, but over big bumps they are actually a little harsher. Cornering is mushy compared to the pilots and power oversteer is higher (but actually fun). Under hard acceleration the rear swims a bit, but these are snow tires! Before too long I'll be driving mellow as a lamb anyway when the snow, ice and slush hit. Delivered the cost was $1517 (without pressure sensors).

Installation was seamless without any need for centering rings or special lugs. I used a deep dish 6-point 17mm 3/8 inch drive socket and they was no scrubbing on the paint in the rear lug bores. Below are some pictures, I took them at a low angle; I should have added ones in from a standing view as they don't really do the setup justice, the deep dish of the rears looks better than in the photos:

P.S. Does anyone know how to get the TPM system to stop complaining? I have used the reset button but it still complains each time I start up and the warning lamp never goes out.

Leozap · 11-22-2009, 05:49 PM

$1517 = tires and rims?

MShao825 · 11-22-2009, 07:01 PM

My favorite winter wheels

Can't wait for mine to arrive (with Blizzak LM-60's)

Kev · 11-22-2009, 07:10 PM

Did someone say good looking winter wheels / tires?

Here's mine:

Recycling my 19" Blizzak LM-25 from last season.

warzilla · 11-22-2009, 08:30 PM

Ok, I'll join in this one.....here is my winter setup. Same tires as the OP but rims are 18' VMR VB3 (aka CSL) in gunmetal. I'm ready for the snow.

signes · 11-22-2009, 09:01 PM

Like all these setups, although I am biased towards the OEM 18s...

I think they look great, esp on a dark colored car. Tires are Nokian Hakka R, phenomenal in the white stuff.

aw_330i · 11-22-2009, 09:09 PM

looking good guys...but i prefer oem 19's

warzilla · 11-22-2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signes

Like all these setups, although I am biased towards the OEM 18s...

I think they look great, esp on a dark colored car. Tires are Nokian Hakka R, phenomenal in the white stuff.

I agree, the OEM 18s look great on a dark color car...was originally trying to get a set but it was hard without getting the tires with it as well, which would have cost more.....since I also had to buy winter tires.

At the end of the day, I got a brand new set of VMR VB3 in gunmetal for a good price, and they work perfectly as a winter set (and gunmetal looks great on black IMHO).

Your car looks great with the OEM 18s...I guess you get alot of snow in your parts?

signes · 11-22-2009, 10:57 PM

Your VMR's look great, like the style a lot. As for snow here, yup, loads of the white stuff. Still, plenty of warm days as well throughout the winter so it balances out. I went with the aggressive snows since I wanted to be able to drive in the mountains to go skiing without worry if i got caught in bad conditions (which happens all too easily...)

AMOCHOSTO · 11-22-2009, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbucella

I don't normally promote any products, but I have to say that the package I got from the Tire Rack with the Sport A7s looks great on my sedan. I went with the staggered 18" setup and so far I am very happy (235/40+255/40 Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D ). The stock 18s had a mean look that I really love, but these wheels really look sharp. Not so mean, but more "steal me" good looks that show off the big brakes. I opted to pay the extra $11 a corner for the roundel center caps and this really makes the setup fit with the vehicle. It's not going to fool anyone in this forum, but 99% of the population would assume they are OEM BMW. As far as driving goes they aren't bad but your not going to win any autocross meets with these tires. Ride quality is improved on highways, small bumps and expansion joints, but over big bumps they are actually a little harsher. Cornering is mushy compared to the pilots and power oversteer is higher (but actually fun). Under hard acceleration the rear swims a bit, but these are snow tires! Before too long I'll be driving mellow as a lamb anyway when the snow, ice and slush hit. Delivered the cost was $1517 (without pressure sensors).

Installation was seamless without any need for centering rings or special lugs. I used a deep dish 6-point 17mm 3/8 inch drive socket and they was no scrubbing on the paint in the rear lug bores. Below are some pictures, I took them at a low angle; I should have added ones in from a standing view as they don't really do the setup justice, the deep dish of the rears looks better than in the photos:

P.S. Does anyone know how to get the TPM system to stop complaining? I have used the reset button but it still complains each time I start up and the warning lamp never goes out.

I got the same size Dunlops (on the OEM 18's) and I totally agree with you on them. I can't wait to test them out in the snow!

Griz · 11-23-2009, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbucella

I don't normally promote any products...

Your thread swayed me. I just purchased this setup from Ben (good guy). I also passed on the TPMS sensors as the '10 sensors were gonna run roughly $350 more.

I was set on putting Dunlops on the stock 18s, but this is such an attractive option.

bavarian19 · 11-23-2009, 08:03 PM

nice setup!

bavarian19 · 11-23-2009, 08:04 PM

I also really like the OEM winter wheel option. I do not have any pics on hand, but I actually really like them as an 18 inch wheel option.

MrHarris · 11-23-2009, 08:05 PM

OP, I really like your snow setup. Looks subtle, clean, and OEM (which is a good thing)

rsmamg · 11-23-2009, 08:05 PM

OEM 18s +1

tbucella · 11-24-2009, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leozap

$1517 = tires and rims?

Yes, wheels and tires for $1517

Pimp Star · 11-24-2009, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrHarris

OP, I really like your snow setup. Looks subtle, clean, and OEM (which is a good thing)

+1

Looks like they belong on a 335i non-sport or something of the like. Very classy

JohnGarziglia · 11-30-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

I opted to pay the extra $11 a corner for the roundel center caps and this really makes the setup fit with the vehicle.

Where did you get the Roundel center caps from for the Sport A7s? I recall asking Tire Rack and was told they were not available for the 18" Sport A7.

Griz · 12-01-2009, 12:29 AM

Just got my wheels in today.

PN for center caps that were supplied by TireRack: 36136783536

tbucella · 12-01-2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnGarziglia

Where did you get the Roundel center caps from for the Sport A7s? I recall asking Tire Rack and was told they were not available for the 18" Sport A7.

Tire Rack had them when I ordered my setup.

True Faith · 12-01-2009, 08:37 AM

I'm running A7s just like the OP, though I've got a set of Dunlop M3s from my previous car (a 335) that I had mounted on the wheels. I love the setup, and I think I actually prefer the way the car looks with the winter wheels to the OEM 18s. Three nice things about the A7s: 1) they show off the brakes very well; 2) they have a nice, aggressive offset on the rear that looks almost factory, and 3) the spear shaped design element on the spoke echoes the spear shaped design element on the rocker panel of the car. A coincidence, but it helps with the factory look.

I've had some trouble with balancing; after a third attempt it's finally tolerable but there still is a bit of shake in the wheel around 80 mph. Maybe that is because of the TPMS sensors? Or maybe the tire guys at my local shop are not as skilled as they should be.

OP, if you didn't get the pressure sensors in the wheels I don't think there is any way to get the TPMS to stop bitching.

FWIW, the BMW center caps from the OEM wheels pop out (from behind--use a lug wrench) and snap right in to the A7s. Since your OEM rims are going to be sitting in the garage, there's no need to buy an extra set of center caps. Just swap them back and forth when you change wheels.

11-22-2009, 04:20 PM	#1
tbucella New Member 8 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 23 M240iX; 09 M3 Sedan Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Upstate, NY iTrader: (0)	Pics of good looking snow tires & wheels I don't normally promote any products, but I have to say that the package I got from the Tire Rack with the Sport A7s looks great on my sedan. I went with the staggered 18" setup and so far I am very happy (235/40+255/40 Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D ). The stock 18s had a mean look that I really love, but these wheels really look sharp. Not so mean, but more "steal me" good looks that show off the big brakes. I opted to pay the extra $11 a corner for the roundel center caps and this really makes the setup fit with the vehicle. It's not going to fool anyone in this forum, but 99% of the population would assume they are OEM BMW. As far as driving goes they aren't bad but your not going to win any autocross meets with these tires. Ride quality is improved on highways, small bumps and expansion joints, but over big bumps they are actually a little harsher. Cornering is mushy compared to the pilots and power oversteer is higher (but actually fun). Under hard acceleration the rear swims a bit, but these are snow tires! Before too long I'll be driving mellow as a lamb anyway when the snow, ice and slush hit. Delivered the cost was $1517 (without pressure sensors). Installation was seamless without any need for centering rings or special lugs. I used a deep dish 6-point 17mm 3/8 inch drive socket and they was no scrubbing on the paint in the rear lug bores. Below are some pictures, I took them at a low angle; I should have added ones in from a standing view as they don't really do the setup justice, the deep dish of the rears looks better than in the photos: P.S. Does anyone know how to get the TPM system to stop complaining? I have used the reset button but it still complains each time I start up and the warning lamp never goes out. Attached Images
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11-22-2009, 05:49 PM	#2
Leozap Captain 58 Rep 954 Posts Drives: AW E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (5)	$1517 = tires and rims? __________________ 11 335is, KW1, M3 bits and what not 08 M3 Sedan 6mt, loaded, modded to the bone Old: 04 M3 SMG
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11-22-2009, 07:01 PM	#3
MShao825 Go Terps! 53 Rep 1,375 Posts Drives: 2009 SSII/FR E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Jersey City, NJ Gaithersburg, MD iTrader: (2)	My favorite winter wheels Can't wait for mine to arrive (with Blizzak LM-60's) __________________
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11-22-2009, 07:10 PM	#4
Kev Critical Care Anesthesiologist 481 Rep 8,828 Posts Drives: SMB F83 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (24) Garage List 2009 Porsche 911 Ca ... [9.50]	Did someone say good looking winter wheels / tires? Here's mine: Recycling my 19" Blizzak LM-25 from last season. __________________ kev { divinum est sedate dolorem } "your friendly neighborhood critical care anesthesiologist"
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11-22-2009, 08:30 PM	#5
warzilla Lieutenant 148 Rep 598 Posts Drives: E46 M3, f31 330, f31 328d Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NYC iTrader: (-1)	Ok, I'll join in this one.....here is my winter setup. Same tires as the OP but rims are 18' VMR VB3 (aka CSL) in gunmetal. I'm ready for the snow.
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11-22-2009, 09:01 PM	#6
signes Brigadier General 199 Rep 4,318 Posts Drives: 991 GT3 RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Living at (almost...) 9k iTrader: (5)	Like all these setups, although I am biased towards the OEM 18s... I think they look great, esp on a dark colored car. Tires are Nokian Hakka R, phenomenal in the white stuff.
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11-22-2009, 09:09 PM	#7
aw_330i Second Lieutenant 19 Rep 214 Posts Drives: 2016 AY M4 Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Toronto / Richmond Hill iTrader: (1)	looking good guys...but i prefer oem 19's
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11-22-2009, 10:57 PM	#9
signes Brigadier General 199 Rep 4,318 Posts Drives: 991 GT3 RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Living at (almost...) 9k iTrader: (5)	Your VMR's look great, like the style a lot. As for snow here, yup, loads of the white stuff. Still, plenty of warm days as well throughout the winter so it balances out. I went with the aggressive snows since I wanted to be able to drive in the mountains to go skiing without worry if i got caught in bad conditions (which happens all too easily...)
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11-23-2009, 08:03 PM	#12
bavarian19 General 517 Rep 18,858 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	nice setup!
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11-23-2009, 08:04 PM	#13
bavarian19 General 517 Rep 18,858 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	I also really like the OEM winter wheel option. I do not have any pics on hand, but I actually really like them as an 18 inch wheel option.
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11-23-2009, 08:05 PM	#14
MrHarris yodog 197 Rep 5,025 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	OP, I really like your snow setup. Looks subtle, clean, and OEM (which is a good thing) __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
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11-23-2009, 08:05 PM	#15
rsmamg Flying First Class 30 Rep 582 Posts Drives: M Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	OEM 18s +1
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12-01-2009, 12:29 AM	#19
Griz Captain 182 Rep 630 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Crook County, IL iTrader: (0)	Just got my wheels in today. PN for center caps that were supplied by TireRack: 36136783536
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12-01-2009, 08:37 AM	#21
True Faith New Member 0 Rep 25 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: WDC iTrader: (0)	I'm running A7s just like the OP, though I've got a set of Dunlop M3s from my previous car (a 335) that I had mounted on the wheels. I love the setup, and I think I actually prefer the way the car looks with the winter wheels to the OEM 18s. Three nice things about the A7s: 1) they show off the brakes very well; 2) they have a nice, aggressive offset on the rear that looks almost factory, and 3) the spear shaped design element on the spoke echoes the spear shaped design element on the rocker panel of the car. A coincidence, but it helps with the factory look. I've had some trouble with balancing; after a third attempt it's finally tolerable but there still is a bit of shake in the wheel around 80 mph. Maybe that is because of the TPMS sensors? Or maybe the tire guys at my local shop are not as skilled as they should be. OP, if you didn't get the pressure sensors in the wheels I don't think there is any way to get the TPMS to stop bitching. FWIW, the BMW center caps from the OEM wheels pop out (from behind--use a lug wrench) and snap right in to the A7s. Since your OEM rims are going to be sitting in the garage, there's no need to buy an extra set of center caps. Just swap them back and forth when you change wheels. Attached Images
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