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[gsrbri]

Ben and guys:

Any thoughts/recommendations on inflation pressure for the winter tires? I went with the Tire Rack set-up with the 18" sport edition wheels with 235 and 255 Dunlop 3Ds.

I'm currently running the recommended inflation for the factory 18" wheels on the E90 M3, but this factory recommendation is for 10mm wider tires per corner (about 35 psi all around).

Any other ideas or calculations to be had?

Thanks.
-Brian

[Factoy Pilot]

I'm looking at at the A7 rims with Blizzacks but I prefer black rims. Do you have anything that compares for approx the same price?

[BMWNTHZST]

someone told me that I can't run 225/40/18 for a winter set up because the speedo will not read accurate. Is this true do I need to run 235/40/18 or will I be ok?

Thanks!

[SymphOfEvil]

Ben and everybody,
I'll be needing some winter tires to drive my inbound E90 (on stock 18's) from the PDC in SC, through DC, through IN, and then eventually to North TX. Aside from the possibility of real winter weather on that drive, where I live we might get hit with one "snow storm" that drops 6" and shuts down the town for a couple days, so no real snow driving. Other than that, it stays around 20-40 degrees and is only occasionally icy, so I'm planning on sticking with a staggered setup, but I'm flexible on width (235/255 vs. 245/265). Not a whole lot of options on tirerack.com right now, any recommendations between Michelin PA2's, Pirelli SnowSports/Sottozeros, or Blizzak LM-60's? Thanks in advance!

[Factoy Pilot]

Do the A7 (Black)w/ Blizzacks available? 18in for M3.

[ben@tirerack]

Originally Posted by SymphOfEvil

Ben and everybody,
I'll be needing some winter tires to drive my inbound E90 (on stock 18's) from the PDC in SC, through DC, through IN, and then eventually to North TX. Aside from the possibility of real winter weather on that drive, where I live we might get hit with one "snow storm" that drops 6" and shuts down the town for a couple days, so no real snow driving. Other than that, it stays around 20-40 degrees and is only occasionally icy, so I'm planning on sticking with a staggered setup, but I'm flexible on width (235/255 vs. 245/265). Not a whole lot of options on tirerack.com right now, any recommendations between Michelin PA2's, Pirelli SnowSports/Sottozeros, or Blizzak LM-60's? Thanks in advance!

Staggered is hard to do right now given stock availability. PA2's and Pirellis fit well with the driving you intend, which seems to be mostly cold weather without a whole lot of deep snow involved.

[ben@tirerack]

Originally Posted by kevin.m.timmons

Do the A7 (Black)w/ Blizzacks available? 18in for M3.

Black A7's are sold out. Silver A7 are available, as are the Blizzaks.

[ben@tirerack]

Originally Posted by username11

TireRack:

Why don't you have Dunlop 3D 255/35/19 ?

We sold all we got from Dunlop, and they have no more.

[ben@tirerack]

Originally Posted by BMWNTHZST

someone told me that I can't run 225/40/18 for a winter set up because the speedo will not read accurate. Is this true do I need to run 235/40/18 or will I be ok?

Thanks!

Speedo will be slightly less accurate. That's getting pretty small for a tire on the M3, esp on the rear. I would stay with 235 if possible.

[ben@tirerack]

Originally Posted by gsrbri

Ben and guys:

Any thoughts/recommendations on inflation pressure for the winter tires? I went with the Tire Rack set-up with the 18" sport edition wheels with 235 and 255 Dunlop 3Ds.

I'm currently running the recommended inflation for the factory 18" wheels on the E90 M3, but this factory recommendation is for 10mm wider tires per corner (about 35 psi all around).

Any other ideas or calculations to be had?

Thanks.
-Brian

The short answer: OE pressure should be fine.

Longer answer: Gross Axle weight ratings may vary slightly with vehicle options, but shouldn't be much over 2300 lbs F and 2650lbs R. At 35psi your 235 and 255 setup will carry (1312lbs x 2 tires) front and (1477 lbs x 2tires) rear. So you have plenty of capacity over and above the heaviest expected weight ratings for a fully loaded vehicle.

The front Dunlop is extra-load rated, and adding 3psi or so would bring it back to the load rating of the bigger tire, but as there is no corresponding benefit for the standard-load rear tire, and given that pressure recommendations are related to ride/handling characteristics and not just load, factory pressure seems to be the best way to go.

Information on load at specific pressures was obtained from appendix B here:
http://www.tiresafety.com/images/Tir...t%20Manual.pdf

[lhsa]

ben, if i have 18x9.5 et25 square setup on stock suspension, can i fit 265/40/18 LM-60 or PA2 without rubbing inside or is 255 recommended?

[ben@tirerack]

Originally Posted by lhsa

ben, if i have 18x9.5 et25 square setup on stock suspension, can i fit 265/40/18 LM-60 or PA2 without rubbing inside or is 255 recommended?

255 is better. 265 might rub in front. The 255 will fit the wheel just fine, and is the safer bet.

[Tekoah]

Hi all,

My first time posting as I just bought this car a month ago. I live in Chicago so a winter set is a must. Did my research on this forum and decided to make my purchase through TireRack.com which I highly recommend to all those considering it.

Wheels:
18x8 Sport Edition A7 (Black) to achieve the "Blackout" I am looking for.

Tires:
235/40R-18 Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D XL

With BMW center caps it came out to $1,525 w/ tax&shipping.

Everyone always asks for pictures so I took a few. I am very happy with them so far. If you are interested in specific pics let me know.

My previous car was a 2010 STi with Blizzaks so my winter performance expectations are pretty high. So far these handle extremely well on dry/wet. The snow will be coming soon so I will post updates then.

[GOVCO]

Hey Ben - Sorry I'm posting in this Winter forum, but I ran over a nail or something on the highway this morning. I currently have the Bredgestone S-04s on my car. I need one 265/35/R19 (98Y) shipped to 21158. Tried PM'n you, but couldn't.

[zibawal]

Me too! 2 rear 265/ 20 inch contis for e93

[Nine]

Is there some sort of Winter Tire shortage, locally (DC area) nobody seems to have any stock left.

[ben@tirerack]

Originally Posted by GOVCO

Hey Ben - Sorry I'm posting in this Winter forum, but I ran over a nail or something on the highway this morning. I currently have the Bredgestone S-04s on my car. I need one 265/35/R19 (98Y) shipped to 21158. Tried PM'n you, but couldn't.

Sorry for slow reply. They'd be 324.50 delivered for 1 tire. Price official as of 12/7/11 and subject to change. If you ever need me fast 877.522.8473 ext 660 is fastest. Email ben@tirerack.com is 2nd fastest.

[ben@tirerack]

Originally Posted by Nine

Is there some sort of Winter Tire shortage, locally (DC area) nobody seems to have any stock left.

It is a tight year for winter tire supply. It's like they didn't think it was gonna snow this year.

[ksporty]

Ben,
Set up following winter wheel & tire package on Tirerack.com/ready to order:
19x8.5 * Breyton*Race GTS
19x9.5 * Breyton*Race GTS
235/35R19 Bridgestone*Blizzak LM-60
255/35R19 Bridgestone*Blizzak LM-60
Any issues with fitting these tires on these wheels? Looking for perfect fit, no compromises.
Thanks!

[ben@tirerack]

Originally Posted by ksporty

Ben,
Set up following winter wheel & tire package on Tirerack.com/ready to order:
19x8.5 * Breyton*Race GTS
19x9.5 * Breyton*Race GTS
235/35R19 Bridgestone*Blizzak LM-60
255/35R19 Bridgestone*Blizzak LM-60
Any issues with fitting these tires on these wheels? Looking for perfect fit, no compromises.
Thanks!

By spec, those tires are perfect for the wheels, but the Blizzak LM60 do run a bit narrow. They will work correctly, but will look stretched. They will not offer any protection to the edge of the wheel if you rub against a curb.

If you want the tire to go out over the edge of the wheel, 255/35R19 F and 275/35R19 R would give more wheel coverage. Most people prefer the fit of these sizes when mounted on those wheels, and these are the sizes I usually recommend.

To place an order, you may call me at 877.522.8473 x660, or click through any of the Tire Rack banner ads.

[4sevens.com]

Originally Posted by ben@tirerack

I have been receiving a lot of questions about this, and the website has not gotten the winter packages up for the M3, so I am putting winter package info out here for everyone.

BMW Recommended winter setup is 235/40R18 with 18x8 wheels all around. This will fit, although it does not fill the fender well in the rear. The narrower tires are better in snow and ice.

The best winter wheel is the Sport Edition A7


They have a silver painted and clearcoat finish, and are a direct fit with no spacer. They will even use the original bolts. I have used this style for 3 winters. They will not win any car show trophies, but they have held up well, and they look fine on a BMW .

18x8 is $129. 18x9 is $134 for those who want to keep the staggered setup.

If you want a staggered setup, use 255/40R18 for the Rear. The only snow tire in 265/40 is a Pirelli that will not be here until late October/early November. A little narrower will help in snow anyway. Front can be 245 or 235/40R18.

Tires are pretty much all good. Most popular are the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25's and Dunlop Wintersport 3D's. The new Pilot Alpin PA3's look very good as well. The Pirellis and Continentals are the sportiest handling, but the least focused on snow, more of a cold-weather performance tire, but still much better than all-season tires in snow.

An example cost for a package would be around $1400 with non-staggered Blizzak LM-25's delivered. Add $200 to any package to have BMW original Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors (TPMS) installed. That will prevent the annoying "low tire pressure" light from coming on. (Unless you really have a flat)

The website does not show the wheels yet, but I am always in the office Monday-Friday 10AM-6PM Eastern. 800.428.8355 x660
Our website should have most of this info up soon.

Please visit: http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AW8&...nter/index.jsp

Ben will the A7 fill stoptech trophies st-60?

[NOTFA5T]

Will these work? TSW Mondello 18x8 22540R18 et20 Square offset This is for 08 E92 M3