Suggestions for good winter tires for the E89?

tranquility · 06-21-2022, 12:23 PM

Since my thread for summer tires turned out great, I'd like to get your opinions on winters. I've only known/used the BMW-suggested 17" wheels/Pirelli Sottozero RFT set, supposedly they are winter performance tires. Personally, I don't really care about performance in winter and I'm mainly about maximizing traction and having good treadlife. I'm debating about staying w RFTs too since how often does one get flats during winter (knock wood, I've never had one)? However, considering I don't care about winter performance, would having RFTs be good just for less worry if one gets a flat? Not sure if RFTs or non-RFTs perform better on snow/ice.

I actually dunno how much I pay for these but if there's a better tire AND it's less expensive, I'm all ears. My general thoughts about them are they are quite good, I've never really gotten stuck save for a handful of times I was stupid and ran into some very deep snow. They seem to last well but I have nothing to compare them to.

Just in case, only considering pure winter tires, no all-seasons. Tx.

KennyP · 06-21-2022, 01:51 PM

Im running Goodyear Ultragrip Performance Plus winter tires. Have used them for 2 winters now. My opinion is that they are ok. Dont have any complaints but i wouldnt really praise them either.

B21 · 06-24-2022, 05:08 AM

FWIW I’ve always used premium rubber..my winter tyres have been Conti TS830 / 850s..

The latest generation of all season tyres for anyone not spending the whole period in snow are a revelation in terms of their winter performance plus they don’t rapidly wear as the temperature goes up…

I used GY Vectra 4 Seasons on a 35is and were pretty pleased…

I’ve given up on winter use of the Zed now but have got the Michelin Climate 2 for my Volvo XC70 which seems to be the best winter tyre and be pretty good by summer standards..but it is a very premium priced tyre..

ray7792 · 07-06-2022, 05:40 PM

I ran a square set up of 245/40/18 michelin X-Ice xi3 on the Z4 and other cars throughout many northeast winters highly recommend them.

Honestly didn't even know they made runflat winters lol Can't put a price on peace of mind but I don't think it is necessary especially if you live in a populace city.

I think most winter tires would be comparable...its the clearance issues that really get you in these cars lol

tranquility · 07-06-2022, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray7792

I ran a square set up of 245/40/18 michelin X-Ice xi3 on the Z4 and other cars throughout many northeast winters highly recommend them.

Honestly didn't even know they made runflat winters lol Can't put a price on peace of mind but I don't think it is necessary especially if you live in a populace city.

I think most winter tires would be comparable...its the clearance issues that really get you in these cars lol

Tell me how I know lol. Yup, the tires grip, it's when I stupidly beach-whale my car argh.

Zed4USA · 07-07-2022, 12:21 AM

I know I am in the minority for preferring the RFT, but I really like my Pirelli Winter Sottozero Serie II RFT. I have the 225/40R18 on the front (with BremmerKraft BR17 18x8 wheels) and P255/35R18 on the back (with BremmerKraft BR17 18x9 wheels). I love my winter setup so much that I'm getting Pirelli Summer P Zero RFT on the stock wheels for my summer setup (same specs) to replace my original aging tires.

tranquility · 07-07-2022, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zed4USA

I know I am in the minority for preferring the RFT, but I really like my Pirelli Winter Sottozero Serie II RFT. I have the 225/40R18 on the front (with BremmerKraft BR17 18x8 wheels) and P255/35R18 on the back (with BremmerKraft BR17 18x9 wheels). I love my winter setup so much that I'm getting Pirelli Summer P Zero RFT on the stock wheels for my summer setup (same specs) to replace my original aging tires.

I don't mind RFTs for winter for that extra security. Last thing I wanna do is to change tires in a crazy snowstorm.

06-21-2022, 12:23 PM	#1
tranquility sportscars only 3236 Rep 3,194 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montréal iTrader: (0)	Suggestions for good winter tires for the E89? Since my thread for summer tires turned out great, I'd like to get your opinions on winters. I've only known/used the BMW-suggested 17" wheels/Pirelli Sottozero RFT set, supposedly they are winter performance tires. Personally, I don't really care about performance in winter and I'm mainly about maximizing traction and having good treadlife. I'm debating about staying w RFTs too since how often does one get flats during winter (knock wood, I've never had one)? However, considering I don't care about winter performance, would having RFTs be good just for less worry if one gets a flat? Not sure if RFTs or non-RFTs perform better on snow/ice. I actually dunno how much I pay for these but if there's a better tire AND it's less expensive, I'm all ears. My general thoughts about them are they are quite good, I've never really gotten stuck save for a handful of times I was stupid and ran into some very deep snow. They seem to last well but I have nothing to compare them to. Just in case, only considering pure winter tires, no all-seasons. Tx. __________________ The richest one percent of this country owns half our country's wealth, five trillion dollars. One third of that comes from hard work, two thirds comes from inheritance, interest on interest accumulating to widows and idiot sons and what I do, stock and real estate speculation...It's bullsh*t. I create nothing. I own. We make the rules, pal...Now you're not naive enough to think we're living in a democracy, are you buddy?
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06-21-2022, 01:51 PM	#2
KennyP Lieutenant 141 Rep 459 Posts Drives: 2009 Havana E89 Z4 Sdrive35i Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Estonia iTrader: (0)	Im running Goodyear Ultragrip Performance Plus winter tires. Have used them for 2 winters now. My opinion is that they are ok. Dont have any complaints but i wouldnt really praise them either. __________________ 2009 35i DCT Havana brown with ivory white interior. Mods: Cobb stage 1+FMIC, Wagner EVO1 FMIC, BMS DCI, KW V3 suspension, M3 front control arms, Hardrace RTAB, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
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06-24-2022, 05:08 AM	#3
B21 Captain 145 Rep 602 Posts Drives: E89 Atacama Yellow 35is Join Date: May 2022 Location: Scotland..God’s own country iTrader: (0)	FWIW I’ve always used premium rubber..my winter tyres have been Conti TS830 / 850s.. The latest generation of all season tyres for anyone not spending the whole period in snow are a revelation in terms of their winter performance plus they don’t rapidly wear as the temperature goes up… I used GY Vectra 4 Seasons on a 35is and were pretty pleased… I’ve given up on winter use of the Zed now but have got the Michelin Climate 2 for my Volvo XC70 which seems to be the best winter tyre and be pretty good by summer standards..but it is a very premium priced tyre..
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07-06-2022, 05:40 PM	#4
ray7792 Private 12 Rep 65 Posts Drives: '14 35is Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I ran a square set up of 245/40/18 michelin X-Ice xi3 on the Z4 and other cars throughout many northeast winters highly recommend them. Honestly didn't even know they made runflat winters lol Can't put a price on peace of mind but I don't think it is necessary especially if you live in a populace city. I think most winter tires would be comparable...its the clearance issues that really get you in these cars lol
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07-07-2022, 12:21 AM	#6
Zed4USA Enlisted Member 0 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	I know I am in the minority for preferring the RFT, but I really like my Pirelli Winter Sottozero Serie II RFT. I have the 225/40R18 on the front (with BremmerKraft BR17 18x8 wheels) and P255/35R18 on the back (with BremmerKraft BR17 18x9 wheels). I love my winter setup so much that I'm getting Pirelli Summer P Zero RFT on the stock wheels for my summer setup (same specs) to replace my original aging tires.
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