Snow tires: 205/50-17 vs. 225/45-17 on 3.5i

[donelpgh]

I have a new 2009 Z4 3.5i on the way to my local dealer, picking up next week. (Dealer traded to get what I wanted.) It has the 18" wheels with performance tires, which are obviously a no-go for the snow. I do not plan on driving the Z4 much in the winter as I have a beater, but I want the Z4 to be snow-capable for the times I need to arrive in something nice, or if I have it out and get stuck in an unexpected snowstorm. In fact, we have less than 10 really bad snow days every year and I want the car to drive OK on dry pavement, too.

I have ruled out buying 18" snow tires for the existing rims. Tire Rack recommends 225/45-17 tire size, with 205/50-17 as an alternate. No matter what I do, I am going to be buying 17" wheels.

I had a 2007 Z4 3.0si without Sport Package and have a set of Michelin Arctic Alpin snow tires (no wheels) in 205/50-17 size. They drove fantastic in the dry and did just fine when there was snow. They probably have enough tread to get me through one more season, maybe a season and a half. Obviously, the 205s will go great in the snow because they are narrower than 225s. My concern is that though the tires felt great on dry pavement with my old car, the 205 contact patch will be too small for the heavier, 300hp/300 torque 3.5i. I won't be pushing the car hard in winter weather, but I do not want it to feel squirmy or like it is on tip-toes. (As for squirmy, my Michelins do not have that feel and I do not think they have an exotic rubber compound like the Blizzaks.)

So, I either:

1) Buy 17" wheels with TPMS from The Tire Rack, mount my current tires on them, and get another season from them.

2) Sell my existing tires for $100 for the set and use the money towards a package from The Tire Rack- 17" wheels with TPMS and four brand new 225/45-17 snow tires.

What do you all think? How would 205s feel on dry pavement on a 3.5si?

[Oh Captain My Captain]

Living in the same area as you do, I would go with option 2. I think you would be able to drive free of mind and not have to "baby" the car when taking it out. I also look at it as new car = new wheels

I will have a winter beater myself and don't plan on driving the Z4 in the snow. Maybe next winter I would. Please let us know about your winter driving experience in the future.