[TTE90]

Driving up to cottage throughout winter. Which do I look for?

[john335i]

Generally a narrower tire is recommended for winter driving.

[Outlaw 06]

^ You'll probably want to go with 1" smaller diameter wheels and a square setup too.

[MIC328i]

225 all around if possible narrower.

[Funk365]

I run 205/55/16... so far so good. As stated above a narrower tire is better for the winter. Just look at what the WRC guys run for the winter rally's.

[TheRox]

have 225 all around

absolutely no problem, have an xi

its a beast in the snow; driven in snowstorms on the 401...up in northern ontario, no problems! though tires are new.

[TheDarkone]

Think of it this way:

everyone knows what a snow shoe is right?



A wider footprint will remain ontop of deep snow due to the added surface area.

Take your snowshoe off (no more surface area) , poof, you go right thru.




Apply that to tires as well.

A tire that can cut thru to the pavement = traction

[hubble bubble]

205/55-17 or 225/45-17, both will work great. Just make sure to get some top quality snow tires. "real" snow tires (XIce or Blizzak) will outperform any performance snow (Dunlop winter sport or Michelin Pilot Alpin) tire on snow covered roads, but will give up something on cold, dry roads.
I ski every weekend and I love my 225/45-17 Hakkapelitta R tires. Recommended by BMW dirving instructor and most of the Subaru/Mitzu guys.

[TheMagician]

If I want to put same size snow tire (225/45/17) on my OEM rims..will mounting/dismounting loosen up the side walls of RFT tire withing few seasons?

[OEMconcept]

the most popular winter tire sizes we sell for 3-series are 225/45-17 all around.

[ OEMconcept ] Winter Tire Selection

[Spoolin335]

225/40R18 all around on the stock 189's. No problems at all.

[shipill]

Originally Posted by Spoolin335

225/40R18 all around on the stock 189's. No problems at all.

same here