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[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

Hi all,

I got a 17" KM11 setup from tire rack with these tires on them. After a bunch of back and forth and a new tire and rim later they are all finally balanced. I appreciate all Gill had to go through on this one.

So the question:

Do any of you notice a slight, and I mean slight vibration in the wheel and shifter on DRY roads around 60MPH and up? It seems to be worse on certain types of road surfaces and non-existent on other surfaces. Although I love these tires this pretty much drove me crazy on my 750 mile trip I just did. Some people I've spoken with attribute this to the tread design of snow tires, is this true?

And yes they have been balanced 2 separate times now. And yes we swapped the summers on and found no vibration what so ever too. Thanks guys. Sorry to be so long winded.

[CoolToolGuy]

No issues like that - but then I am a Steptronic with 18", so different enough. I have been amazed at how smooth it is at 80+

Have Fun,
Rick

[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

Yeah, I feel like it's kinda weird. I'm not super happy about the headache I've had to deal with for these tires. At this point I kinda wish I had just gotten them from the dealership, and that's pretty bad.

[BMWTT135i]

I had issues with my local shop balancing my wheels right with my snow tires. I had them do it twice and had no luck. I took it to the bmw dealership and they balanced them without a problem with the road force equipment they have.

[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

Cool. How bad was the "jiggle" in your wheel from the wheels after the first balancing attempt? Maybe I'll try a different place for the balance.

[BMWTT135i]

After about 70mph, it was very noticeable and from what I understand the wheel only has to be off by a little (less than an ounce) for it to vibrate. I think it comes down to the equipment your shop uses. Road Force balance equipment is supposed to be the best and most BMW shops use it. BTW I have Blizzak winter tires.

[bman6074]

I experience the same thing. The steering wheel will ever so slightly vibrate back and forth. I kind of figured it was just that they are witner tires. Maybe i should get them checked. I got them at tire rack too mounted on the KM11's.

Will tire rack re-balance them for free at a local shop?

[warmtoes]

I've taken it over 85mph on my 3D's (225/40/18's) without any vibration whatsoever. I had your issue on my prevous vehicle with inexpensive wheels and Wintersport M3's. In the end the only way I could get them to not vibrate was to bring them to a shop that had a Hunter Roadforce balancing machine like TireRack has.

Once I Roadforce balanced them they were much better. Still had one spot around 60mph where it would vibrate slightly but all I had to do was stay out of that speed range and it was fine.

[desmat]

I have the same problem... same tires but not the same wheels. Had my wheels balanced twice and, even if it's less shaky, it's still there a bit. Went to the dealer and they said they couldn't do anything. Rebalancing the wheels would not cure the problem as the wheels needs hubcentric rings and they don't have any. Right now, the wheels are centered with the wheel bolts, wich is not ideal...

I don't know if KM wheels are BMW hubcentric but if not, might be your problem right here...

[Bahuba]

I have the 3Ds on 225/40/18's mounted on Sport Edition KV5s. No vibration at any speed up to 100 mph. These are the smoothest and quietest winter tires I've ever owned.

[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

I was under the understanding that these were hub-centric. Maybe Gill can clarify this for us??

[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

I will be having the tires balanced for the 3rd time tomorrow at a different shop that is an SCCA prep shop. I'll let you guys know how it turns out above 60MPH tomorrow night. I hope I will be afterwards, and not anymore!!!

[aznqtboy984]

Please keep us posted. I'm getting these tires installed this weekend. Hopefully i wont have any vibration issues.

[ptack]

Running smooth and wobble free at all speeds.

[vanbmw]

I have blizzaks on KM-11 and they are smooth as glass up until at least 80mph. Then I do notice a very minor vibration in the steering wheel. It certainly isn't bad. I wonder if I notice it because the stock ummer tires/wheels are smooth as glass right up to stupid fast speeds.

[bimmerBaron]

I have Dunlop M3s (Gill told me they are nearly equivalent to 3Ds) on KM-11s and I had a similar problem. Last week I had the rims Road Force balanced by a local dealership and they seem like new (no shimmy/shakes!), but frankly any small bump on the road seems to be enough to knock them out of balance.

Since the balance they have been great up through at least 80 mph. I'm pleased with the combination overall, these are my first winters and the difference to all seasons is amazing..

[Kokanator135]

I have the 3D's - no issues up to around 80 also. Above that, I feel like I might be somehow approaching the limits of the tire, or the limits of the even the run-craps were so high I feel like I'm approaching the limits. Either way, I'm satisfied, figuring winter's not the season to be satisfying that high-speed urge anyways...

[pit1]

I had the same experience with the M3s. rebalanced, 3 were a bit off...Gill was a great help. All fixed now, baby butt smooth

[Tom K.]

I also have the M3s on my E46 daily driver. They were mounted & balanced by an excellent local tire retailer and have no vibration problems at any speed.
Tom

[TunedM2C]

I have the 3D's and never noticed it.

[JB135i]

Have the Wintersport M3's, but yeh mine need a rebalancing as well. Noticed it the first day, but haven't taken the time to get it corrected yet. It's not severe but it is annoying.

[boxerdog]

I have the 3Ds on the KM11 17" from Tire rack and no issues either