16" or 17" winter tires for 330i

jrougeux · 09-20-2009, 05:30 PM

I'm about to buy a set of winter wheels/tires for my 330i, which currently has the staggered 18" wheels and RFT summer tires that come with the sport package.

Two choices to make here for the winter set up:

#1 - 16" or 17" wheel
#2 - 205mm width tires or 225mm width tires

I live in Kentucky, so I won't be driving in the snow constantly. But we always have a few ice/snow storms that will completely disable a BMW with summer tires! They will go on the car in late November and come off in early March.

I am considering going with a 205/50R16 setup, as this would be the least expensive. This is the OEM size for the 325i.

Any reason to go with the 17" wheel or the wider tire?

remmib · 09-20-2009, 05:33 PM

You need 17" because 16" wouldn't fit over the brakes on the 330i.

jrougeux · 09-20-2009, 05:54 PM

Thanks! Good to know, I was about to order some 16's.

Any thoughts on the 225/45R17 tires vs the 205/50R17?

remmib · 09-21-2009, 06:11 AM

I've got 225/45/17 tires with no problem in the snow. I think most have 225 tires, can't remember seeing many 205/50/17 on e9x in here.

Nikos335i · 09-21-2009, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by remmib

I've got 225/45/17 tires with no problem in the snow. I think most have 225 tires, can't remember seeing many 205/50/17 on e9x in here.

Agreed most run 225-45-17. I run Toyo Garrit KX tires in this size.

jrougeux · 09-21-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikos335i

Agreed most run 225-45-17. I run Toyo Garrit KX tires in this size.

But wouldn't the 205 tire provide better bite in the snow? The 325i/328i base models come with a 205/55R16 tire stock, so it's not like the 205 width would be too narrow for the car...

Gary@TireRack · 09-21-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrougeux

But wouldn't the 205 tire provide better bite in the snow? The 325i/328i base models come with a 205/55R16 tire stock, so it's not like the 205 width would be too narrow for the car...

If they both are the same brand and model of tire, the 205/50R17 should have a slight (but not huge) advantage in loose or deep snow. On packed snow and ice there should be little difference.

Winter
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...nter/index.jsp

jrougeux · 09-21-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary@TireRack

If they both are the same brand and model of tire, the 205/50R17 should have a slight (but not huge) advantage in loose or deep snow. On packed snow and ice there should be little difference.

Winter
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...nter/index.jsp

Thanks Gary, I will be going with the 225/45R17 tires.

I noticed that tirerack.com has the Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 ROF and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT within a couple of dollars in this size (runflat).

Do you recommend one over the other?

Gary@TireRack · 09-22-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrougeux

Thanks Gary, I will be going with the 225/45R17 tires.

I noticed that tirerack.com has the Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 ROF and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT within a couple of dollars in this size (runflat).

Do you recommend one over the other?

We consider these to be pretty equal to each other, with perhaps a slight advantage in snow traction with the LM25.

alsamtu · 10-30-2009, 08:13 PM

From my experience up here in Ottawa, Canada, the larger the aspect ratio the better in snow. As far as ice is concerned, nothing works.

So Gary from TireRack is partially right. And because when it snows, it does not snow "ice" all the time, I would go for the 50s.

09-20-2009, 05:30 PM	#1
jrougeux Private First Class 10 Rep 149 Posts Drives: 2006 330i - 6SPD ZSP ZPP Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisville, KY iTrader: (0)	16" or 17" winter tires for 330i I'm about to buy a set of winter wheels/tires for my 330i, which currently has the staggered 18" wheels and RFT summer tires that come with the sport package. Two choices to make here for the winter set up: #1 - 16" or 17" wheel #2 - 205mm width tires or 225mm width tires I live in Kentucky, so I won't be driving in the snow constantly. But we always have a few ice/snow storms that will completely disable a BMW with summer tires! They will go on the car in late November and come off in early March. I am considering going with a 205/50R16 setup, as this would be the least expensive. This is the OEM size for the 325i. Any reason to go with the 17" wheel or the wider tire? __________________ 2006 330i - 6MT ZSP ZPP
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-20-2009, 05:33 PM	#2
remmib General 1566 Rep 29,202 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	You need 17" because 16" wouldn't fit over the brakes on the 330i. __________________ F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White \| HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 \| Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 \| KW V3 Coilover \| M5 Front Sway Bar + M550d Rear Sway Bar \| 3DDesign Front Lip \| BMW M Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW M Performance Diffuser \| BMW M Performance Black Grills \| BMW M Performance Pedals \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-20-2009, 05:54 PM	#3
jrougeux Private First Class 10 Rep 149 Posts Drives: 2006 330i - 6SPD ZSP ZPP Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisville, KY iTrader: (0)	Thanks! Good to know, I was about to order some 16's. Any thoughts on the 225/45R17 tires vs the 205/50R17? __________________ 2006 330i - 6MT ZSP ZPP
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-21-2009, 06:11 AM	#4
remmib General 1566 Rep 29,202 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	I've got 225/45/17 tires with no problem in the snow. I think most have 225 tires, can't remember seeing many 205/50/17 on e9x in here. __________________ F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White \| HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 \| Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 \| KW V3 Coilover \| M5 Front Sway Bar + M550d Rear Sway Bar \| 3DDesign Front Lip \| BMW M Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW M Performance Diffuser \| BMW M Performance Black Grills \| BMW M Performance Pedals \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-30-2009, 08:13 PM	#10
alsamtu New Member 1 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2009 323i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (0)	From my experience up here in Ottawa, Canada, the larger the aspect ratio the better in snow. As far as ice is concerned, nothing works. So Gary from TireRack is partially right. And because when it snows, it does not snow "ice" all the time, I would go for the 50s.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search