18 inch snow tires

[csejl]

It's snowing like crazy right now and I drove to work this morning with my summer tires on. It wasn't too bad cuz it wasn't icy... but I know I better hurry and get those snow tires.

I looked into buying 17 inch rims (I currently have 18s) with Mich. Artic Alpine (205/50) and Discount Tires is asking about $1200 including tax. I don't want to mess with AT Italia 16s...

There is another option. They said that they have Mich. Pilot (not Artic) Alpine 18s (225/40) that will fit my car and I don't have to buy a new set of rims. $800 including tax.

Would you recommend 18 inch snow tires? This is my last winter in Utah. I don't want to spend too much but at the same time I'd like to know that I am safe all thoughout the winter. Please advise!

 

[Akakubi]

I'd say get a wheel/tire combo, instead of just tires, especially if it's you last winter. With just the tires you will have to pay first to have them installed and then removed in the Spring, which will be close to $100 total. Then what are going to do with the tires? It's hard to sell 17" or even 18" winter rubber. But a whole set of wheels/tires is easier to sell. I bet you can get at least $600-700 for them on e-bay or clasifieds if not damaged. And you'll save yp your summer rims from salt and sand...

BTW, 16" wheels will NOT fit 330. The brakes won't clear.

 

[frolf]

yeah, and if you get a new set of wheels you can change them whenever you want instead of having to pay some tire-jockey to do it. also buying a package allows you to choose a size, the more narrow the better. my final reason, ripping the tires off and stretching them on is bad for your tires in general.

 

[andreyiv]

I just recieved a mag from tirerack.com with their winter combo deals and they say it's better to get 17" wheels for winter when you have 18" wheels for summer, same goes with thickness. They say it's better to get the next smaller diameter and thinner tire/wheel combe for winter. Don't know if they are right but 18" wheels/tires cost more than 17" so they don't really have a financial reason to advertise smaller wheels/tires.

 

[MrElussive]

Well, here is what they say about tires....let's say your car comes with 17" wheels. They say that you can safely get aftermarket wheels that are 1" larger or smaller and put them on your existing car without having any problems. And the consensus on snow tires is that you get the best performance from smaller tires...narrower tires to better "cut through the snow" and thicker sidewall so that you have more rubber and are riding higher on top of the snow. So if your car comes with 17" wheels, they say to go with 16" snow tires and rims for the absolute best performance in the snow.

 

[andreyiv]

Thats exactly what was said in the mag, did you get a copy too?

 

[MrElussive]

Lol, maybe. Seems like every auto magazine contains a TireRack add for snow tires now...

 

[tsquared]

Tirerack.com sells a 16" wheel that works on a 330i. I've got them installed on my 2004 330i right now.


AT Italia Type 5
16X7.5
Silver Painted
Price Each: $139

Regards,

 

[Akakubi]

Wow, interesting. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Average Jae]

mounting, dismount, remounting costs add up, every summer and winter and the $400 saved may not be worth the hassle and cost..

also, do you really want your nice 18 inchers to get hacked up in the winter conditions?

and as mentioned above, having fat snow tires is a no no. maybe a good idea also to get 4 of the same size tires. i know yer not gonna have em after this year, but rotating them every winter will make the tires last a bit longer.

i believe the AT 16 inchers maybe one of few that accomodiate the larger front calipers. also check the offset on the front to make sure they clear. 47mm is a good size, but from what i hear, not too many rim co's make that offset.. dunlop m3 winter tires seem to be one of the best according to tirerack.com's user surveys. and i was going to pick them up, until i decided to get some good m&s all season tires for my older car to be used as a winter beater.. saved me nearly a grand.. and keep the salts off o my new baby ^^;;

 

[RatBastard]

BTW, 16" wheels will NOT fit 330. The brakes won't clear.

Not true.. The Italias are 16" and they clear the brakes just fine. As I was told by the folks at tirerack.com, they are the only 16" wheels that will clear them...

EDIT: yeah.. what tsquared said up above.

 

[MrElussive]

I'm all for snow tires and wheels. But I must say, driving with your wheels in the snow isn't really damaging them. As long as you wash your car like once a week, your wheels will not get damaged at all. Snow is harmless...it's the salt that hurst the car.