can i just throw winter tires on my 18s?

lambammm · 11-19-2008, 07:11 PM

is it so terrible to just put some blizzacks or winter dunlops on the stock rims? i can't really afford to buy new rims. this was definitely asked before, but a new thread is much much easier.

it's 26 degrees in jersey, RFs were starting to become hockey puck-ish today. your input on safety, performance and brand is appreciated.

Maine1 · 11-19-2008, 08:22 PM

You certainly can. I got the tire & wheel set because I didn't want to go through the hassle and expense of having them mounted and rebalanced twice per year (where do you put 4 tires in a 1er?). Over the long haul it is cheaper to install the wheel/tire combo yourself. It also reduces wear and tear of the OEM wheels during the winter driving conditions and through the mounting process. Certainly in the short term it is cheaper to just buy winter tires. As far as tires go, Tire rack has a good price on Michelin PA3's in 18".

never · 11-19-2008, 08:38 PM

It may just be the tires/brands I priced out but 17" winter wheels/tires package wasn't much different in price than 18" winter tires.

Plus like Maine1 indicated, you don't have to pay to have the wheels swapped and balanced twice a year.

dcafs · 11-19-2008, 09:08 PM

Sure you can!

I just had winter tires installed on my stock 135 rims with no damage to them whatsoever. I couldn't decide on another set of rims, so I just had them swap the tires.

Mind you, I found a private BMW/Mercedes garage that personally showed me how their equipment had plastic guides so that no metal touched the rim.

Balancing is near perfect and I couldn't believe it when we easily stowed all four run flats into the back for transport.

The ride is so much nicer than run-flats that I will be purchasing a new set or summer tires come spring.

vtb · 11-20-2008, 02:10 AM

I've got 18R setup with Bridstone Blizzak LM25 on the stock wheels.

front - 225/40R18
rear - 235/40R18

seems to work without rubbing.

vanbmw · 11-20-2008, 09:39 AM

You can use them but it is worth spending the $$$ for a set of rims for the snows. In the long run it may be no more money to buy a set of rims. Here's why...every fall you will spend $50-100 to have your summer taken off and the winters put on. Then in the spring you will pay $50-100 to have the tires changed back. If you get a set of 17" wheels from tire rack ($500 obo) with a set of 17" snows you will re-coupe the cost fo those wheels in a few years. Plus it isn't too hard to change a set of wheels your self so it costs you nothing to install them yourself. Plus getting a set of 17" for you snows saves you a few $$ instead of 18" snows.

Spook · 11-20-2008, 01:42 PM

I bought a set of 18" OEM wheels and tires from a 1Addicts member for $1200. Tires had about 2500 miles on them. I put Blizzak LM25's on the wheels for winters and I'm saving the tires for when my original set wears out. That's $950 for the blizzaks, $1200 for the wheels/tires, and I'll save maybe $750 by applying the used tires when it's time for a new summer tires. Installation is about a wash since you have to pay to have new tires mounted but say it's an extra $100. This approach gets new blizzaks on OEM wheels for $1500. ($950+$1200-$750+$100). Of course you have to be able to make the up front investment and have a place to store wheels and tires. Also you have to be OK with the OEM RFT's for a few years. Not practical for everyone.

BMWTT135i · 11-20-2008, 07:44 PM

I put the blizzaks on my OEM wheels. I plan on getting aftermarket wheels, so the OEMs will be my winter wheels. I am always skeptical of buying cheap aftermarket wheels and putting them on my car, even if it is just for the winter time.

never · 11-21-2008, 11:40 AM

The main problem with winter tires on the OEM wheels is that most winter tires are directional and the OEM wheels are staggered. This means no rotation options and the rears will wear down much faster than the fronts.

robertdelrusso · 11-22-2008, 10:07 AM

... for the run flat. Blizzak seem like a good idea,
but the dealers are saying a Goodyear Eagle DUGW. comments not only welcome but appreciated.

Thanks,

ptack · 11-22-2008, 06:23 PM

I've got an appointment on Dec 11 to get an early oil change and to have 4 Dunlop 3Ds (225/40) put on the OEMs. My thinking is to leave the OEMs as winter wheels and get something nicer in the spring.

lambammm · 11-22-2008, 08:45 PM

i guess that settles it, putting some winter tires on the OEM rims and saving up for nice rims in the spring/summer. i'll let you guys know which brand and the ride quality asap. thanks for all the input.

lambammm · 11-24-2008, 05:47 PM

i can't decide between blizzak lm-25, dunlop sp winter sport 3d, michelin pilot alpin pa3. has anyone driven these is bad conditions? has anyone driven these back to back? what size do i get for oem wheels 18"?

ptack · 11-25-2008, 05:15 AM

Ask Gill.

robertdelrusso · 12-09-2008, 06:12 PM

Had the car out for a long run today about 200 miles up 95 north to Fairfield and then back down thru 287 to Morristown. Along windy river road, and the Huthinson saw Mill, and Henry hudson Parkways Tires performed very well. They are inflated with nitrogen for a smoother ride Eagle run flat snows, what the folks At BMW reccomend

PA135i · 12-09-2008, 07:50 PM

I just purchased these 17" K11 Sport Edition wheels with LM25 Blizzaks.

The car rides better and with the pot holes that usually appear in the Winter the damage will be less then if I would be riding on 18's. 17" tires are much cheaper also then 18's.

lambammm · 12-09-2008, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kja325ci

I just purchased these 17" K11 Sport Edition wheels with LM25 Blizzaks.

The car rides better and with the pot holes that usually appear in the Winter the damage will be less then if I would be riding on 18's. 17" tires are much cheaper also then 18's.

funny you should post this because i actually decided not to go with just changing tires on my oem 18s. upon further research and number crunching i felt it prudent to go with km11s at 17". i'm copying gills set up 17x8 all the way around. tirerack here i come!

john970 · 12-15-2008, 01:29 PM

What sizes are recommended for winter tires on the stock rims?

I'm also considering throwing a pair of snows on the back only to get me through the worst of the winter. Anyone else doing this?

Gary@TireRack · 12-15-2008, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john970

What sizes are recommended for winter tires on the stock rims?

I'm also considering throwing a pair of snows on the back only to get me through the worst of the winter. Anyone else doing this?

225/40/18 all around for winters.

2 snows = very bad idea, 2 snows with summers on the other axle = unthinkable.

EmeraldRx · 12-15-2008, 01:49 PM

Check out craigs list, I bought a set from a guy, 4 wheels and 4 tires, BUT 2 tires were shot. paid $300. Then found a guy with a almost new set of Michelins, had less that 2500mi on them, and paid $325, so I have a set of wheels, and a new set of tires and an extra 2 tires to sell, for $625.
Shawn

Tom K. · 12-15-2008, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john970

I'm also considering throwing a pair of snows on the back only to get me through the worst of the winter. Anyone else doing this?

Not a good idea - unless your braking and steering will only be done on non snow covered roads at above freezing temperatures.
Tom

focusedsketch · 12-16-2008, 06:12 PM

If I decide to purchase just tires, will I need to worry about purchasing TPMS for it as well? And how difficult would it be to try and replace the tires myself and then drive to have them balanced at a near by tire shop? I'm in about 20 degree weather right now parked on gravel with my runflats still on... I'm not going anywhere anytime soon... a little advice would be greatly appreciated.

11-19-2008, 07:11 PM	#1
lambammm Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 206 Posts Drives: 2009 135i montego/coral Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: jersey/nyc iTrader: (0)	can i just throw winter tires on my 18s? is it so terrible to just put some blizzacks or winter dunlops on the stock rims? i can't really afford to buy new rims. this was definitely asked before, but a new thread is much much easier. it's 26 degrees in jersey, RFs were starting to become hockey puck-ish today. your input on safety, performance and brand is appreciated.
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11-19-2008, 08:22 PM	#2
Maine1 Private First Class 4 Rep 172 Posts Drives: M235xi Join Date: May 2008 Location: Scarborough, Maine iTrader: (0)	You certainly can. I got the tire & wheel set because I didn't want to go through the hassle and expense of having them mounted and rebalanced twice per year (where do you put 4 tires in a 1er?). Over the long haul it is cheaper to install the wheel/tire combo yourself. It also reduces wear and tear of the OEM wheels during the winter driving conditions and through the mounting process. Certainly in the short term it is cheaper to just buy winter tires. As far as tires go, Tire rack has a good price on Michelin PA3's in 18".
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11-19-2008, 08:38 PM	#3
never driver 1 Rep 142 Posts Drives: not a 135 anymore Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	It may just be the tires/brands I priced out but 17" winter wheels/tires package wasn't much different in price than 18" winter tires. Plus like Maine1 indicated, you don't have to pay to have the wheels swapped and balanced twice a year.
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11-19-2008, 09:08 PM	#4
dcafs Private First Class 18 Rep 149 Posts Drives: Join Date: Sep 2008 iTrader: (0)	Sure you can! I just had winter tires installed on my stock 135 rims with no damage to them whatsoever. I couldn't decide on another set of rims, so I just had them swap the tires. Mind you, I found a private BMW/Mercedes garage that personally showed me how their equipment had plastic guides so that no metal touched the rim. Balancing is near perfect and I couldn't believe it when we easily stowed all four run flats into the back for transport. The ride is so much nicer than run-flats that I will be purchasing a new set or summer tires come spring.
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11-20-2008, 02:10 AM	#5
vtb Enlisted Member 4 Rep 30 Posts Drives: Join Date: Nov 2008 iTrader: (0)	I've got 18R setup with Bridstone Blizzak LM25 on the stock wheels. front - 225/40R18 rear - 235/40R18 seems to work without rubbing. __________________ Thank you for your answer.
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11-20-2008, 09:39 AM	#6
vanbmw Major 130 Rep 1,101 Posts Drives: 2015 Black 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	You can use them but it is worth spending the $$$ for a set of rims for the snows. In the long run it may be no more money to buy a set of rims. Here's why...every fall you will spend $50-100 to have your summer taken off and the winters put on. Then in the spring you will pay $50-100 to have the tires changed back. If you get a set of 17" wheels from tire rack ($500 obo) with a set of 17" snows you will re-coupe the cost fo those wheels in a few years. Plus it isn't too hard to change a set of wheels your self so it costs you nothing to install them yourself. Plus getting a set of 17" for you snows saves you a few $$ instead of 18" snows.
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11-20-2008, 01:42 PM	#7
Spook Bring Bail Money 12 Rep 492 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jan 2008 iTrader: (0)	I bought a set of 18" OEM wheels and tires from a 1Addicts member for $1200. Tires had about 2500 miles on them. I put Blizzak LM25's on the wheels for winters and I'm saving the tires for when my original set wears out. That's $950 for the blizzaks, $1200 for the wheels/tires, and I'll save maybe $750 by applying the used tires when it's time for a new summer tires. Installation is about a wash since you have to pay to have new tires mounted but say it's an extra $100. This approach gets new blizzaks on OEM wheels for $1500. ($950+$1200-$750+$100). Of course you have to be able to make the up front investment and have a place to store wheels and tires. Also you have to be OK with the OEM RFT's for a few years. Not practical for everyone. __________________ Spook New Mexico
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11-20-2008, 07:44 PM	#8
BMWTT135i First Lieutenant 14 Rep 356 Posts Drives: BMW 135i MT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I put the blizzaks on my OEM wheels. I plan on getting aftermarket wheels, so the OEMs will be my winter wheels. I am always skeptical of buying cheap aftermarket wheels and putting them on my car, even if it is just for the winter time.
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11-21-2008, 11:40 AM	#9
never driver 1 Rep 142 Posts Drives: not a 135 anymore Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	The main problem with winter tires on the OEM wheels is that most winter tires are directional and the OEM wheels are staggered. This means no rotation options and the rears will wear down much faster than the fronts.
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11-22-2008, 10:07 AM	#10
robertdelrusso New Member 3 Rep 24 Posts Drives: Join Date: Nov 2008 iTrader: (0)	What kind of tire is BMW recommending ... for the run flat. Blizzak seem like a good idea, but the dealers are saying a Goodyear Eagle DUGW. comments not only welcome but appreciated. Thanks,
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11-22-2008, 06:23 PM	#11
ptack Brigadier General 271 Rep 4,470 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	I've got an appointment on Dec 11 to get an early oil change and to have 4 Dunlop 3Ds (225/40) put on the OEMs. My thinking is to leave the OEMs as winter wheels and get something nicer in the spring. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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11-22-2008, 08:45 PM	#12
lambammm Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 206 Posts Drives: 2009 135i montego/coral Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: jersey/nyc iTrader: (0)	i guess that settles it, putting some winter tires on the OEM rims and saving up for nice rims in the spring/summer. i'll let you guys know which brand and the ride quality asap. thanks for all the input.
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11-24-2008, 05:47 PM	#13
lambammm Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 206 Posts Drives: 2009 135i montego/coral Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: jersey/nyc iTrader: (0)	i can't decide between blizzak lm-25, dunlop sp winter sport 3d, michelin pilot alpin pa3. has anyone driven these is bad conditions? has anyone driven these back to back? what size do i get for oem wheels 18"?
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11-25-2008, 05:15 AM	#14
ptack Brigadier General 271 Rep 4,470 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	Ask Gill. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
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12-09-2008, 06:12 PM	#15
robertdelrusso New Member 3 Rep 24 Posts Drives: Join Date: Nov 2008 iTrader: (0)	Goodyear Eagles are fine. Had the car out for a long run today about 200 miles up 95 north to Fairfield and then back down thru 287 to Morristown. Along windy river road, and the Huthinson saw Mill, and Henry hudson Parkways Tires performed very well. They are inflated with nitrogen for a smoother ride Eagle run flat snows, what the folks At BMW reccomend __________________ Cheers Bob
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12-09-2008, 07:50 PM	#16
PA135i Brigadier General 969 Rep 3,323 Posts Drives: 08 135i 08 CR-V Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	I just purchased these 17" K11 Sport Edition wheels with LM25 Blizzaks. The car rides better and with the pot holes that usually appear in the Winter the damage will be less then if I would be riding on 18's. 17" tires are much cheaper also then 18's. Attached Images
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12-15-2008, 01:29 PM	#18
john970 1er 73 Rep 1,205 Posts Drives: 08 135 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	What sizes are recommended for winter tires on the stock rims? I'm also considering throwing a pair of snows on the back only to get me through the worst of the winter. Anyone else doing this?
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12-15-2008, 01:49 PM	#20
EmeraldRx Private First Class 12 Rep 165 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Check out craigs list, I bought a set from a guy, 4 wheels and 4 tires, BUT 2 tires were shot. paid $300. Then found a guy with a almost new set of Michelins, had less that 2500mi on them, and paid $325, so I have a set of wheels, and a new set of tires and an extra 2 tires to sell, for $625. Shawn __________________ 135 Convertible 6MT Cashmere Silver/Terra Interior/Black Top/All Options(except Active Steering and HD radio)[/COLOR][/FONT] 1987 Corvette Convertible-29k mi 1989 Bronco Eddie Bauer 2008 Nissan Armada (wifes)
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12-16-2008, 06:12 PM	#22
focusedsketch Private First Class 10 Rep 119 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	If I decide to purchase just tires, will I need to worry about purchasing TPMS for it as well? And how difficult would it be to try and replace the tires myself and then drive to have them balanced at a near by tire shop? I'm in about 20 degree weather right now parked on gravel with my runflats still on... I'm not going anywhere anytime soon... a little advice would be greatly appreciated.
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