Blizzak LM-60 vs. Hankook IceBear for Z4 3.5?

[donelpgh]

Having decided to get a set of wheels and snow tires for my new Z4 3.5, , I have it narrowed down to two choices in the 225/45-17 size: The Blizzak LM-60 and the Hankook IceBear.

The LM-60 package was recommended by The Tire Rack. It comes out to around $1430 delivered with TPMS, mounted and balanced. Delivery expected around the end of December (longer than I want to wait, actually.)

Looking for a lower cost alternative, Discount Tire Direct has the Hankook IceBear in a package for only $1083 delivered, including TPMS and mount/balance. It seems that most of the reviews of the IceBear are glowing, with a few really bad ones thrown in that almost make me think there are message board trolls at work.

I don't usually go cheap but I am tempted to try the IceBear. My main goal is to have a nice-driving tire that will get me home if I get caught in an unexpected snowstorm, or when I want to drive my nicer car on a date, etc. If the weather is really bad I have a FWD beater with all season tires I will take instead. Not sure the Blizzak is going to be worth an extra 35%, though broken out over 3 seasons it is around $100 a season more. After reading the IceBear consumer reviews though I am not convinced the Blizzak will be hands down better anyway.

All comments are welcome! Has anyone tried the IceBear or know anyone who has used it? Would you definitely pay about 35% more for the Blizzak?

[dszpiro]

I live just a bit further north in central NYS. I drove my 2007 Z4 through the past two winters on Dunlop SP Winter Sports which, in the fall of 2007, were tires recommended by Tire Rack. I am planning on mounting these on my 2009 35i Z4 (need new wheels: the ones from the 2007 won't fit around the front brake calipers on the 2009).

The Dunlops were not the most exotic winter tire when I purchased them but they've been fine. I only drive my car in the winter around town and never on a road trip. If I don't like the weather outside then I have my wife drop me off at work and pick me up in her AWD Highlander. I don't think that occasional winter driving requires a high-performance winter tire like the Blizzak. If I was doing lots of driving in the snow / ice, then that would be my choice, but based on your description of your winter driving plans (that sound much like mine), I'd go with the Hankooks.

[donelpgh]

These particular Blizzaks are performance winter tires- they do not have the multicell rubber compound of the other Blizzaks, so they drive nicer on dry pavement. That's about the only reason I would opt for them over the Hankooks. I am sure both would be fine in the snow for the winter driving I would do.

They have some other packages that just cropped up today:

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...=17&vid=016494

You can click in the IceBear to see the reviews there. Almost all very positive.

[dszpiro]

I think you're probably right about the Blizzaks being superior on dry pavement. Given that these tires will end-up on the car for a substantial portion of the year (winters can be long in this corner of the country), it may be worthwhile to spend the additional $400 and have better performance (and fun).

[donelpgh]

I just ordered the Hankooks... only $1077 delivered gets four 225/45-17s mounted and balanced on wheels with TPMS installed. That was almost $500 less delivered price vs. the Bridgestones, and the many positive reviews of the IceBear's pushed me over the top. This thread was illuminating:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89273

I will report on my findings as I drive them through different weather conditions. I am expecting them late next week.

[Memphis1]

when i put what kinda car i have there aren't any packages availabe

[donelpgh]

Originally Posted by memphis2012

when i put what kinda car i have there aren't any packages availabe

Try this link. (Does not include TPMS, I ordered that before checkout.)

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...=17&vid=016497

I had a great rep when I called there, will post or send his contact info if you want to talk to him about tires.

[dszpiro]

Okay Z4 experts, I have a tire question for you.

The standard 17" wheels on a 2009 35i are Style 292. The width of the front tires are 225 and the wheels in the front are 8" in width. The tires on the rear are 255 in width and the wheels are 8.5" in width. As it turns out, I have four 17" 225 winter tires from my 2007 Z4 that I'd like to mount on the new car.

So, here's my question: is it a problem to mount a 225 tire on an 8.5" wheel? Given that BMW puts the 225 tires on an 8" wheel, I think the answer is likely that this would not be a good match, but I'll wait to hear back from the experts.

TIA.

[MDLFCS]

I have a 2009 35i with the adaptive suspension with the upgraded Sport 19" tires.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires not make tire size for the 19s, but they do have the 18s as well as the 17s.

I am wondering if I can have the 17" or 18" rim/tires to match the 19s without negatively affecting the M suspension setup?

[bobbydog]

The Nokians are amazing!...You can do stock 225/40/18 in the front and 255/35/18 in the rear OR
for better traction in winter 205/45/18 in the front and 235/40/18 in the rear.

[bobbydog]

Yes you can mount 225s on 8.5 wheels. And if you have Blizzaks, the rubber should still stick out far enough to protect the rims.