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Re: Why do you want 16" winter wheels? (archive)
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Posted by Leigh on October 05, 2000 at 13:31:15:

In Reply to: Snows for 540iA Sport 2 part ?s posted by Shad on October 05, 2000 at 09:36:11:

I have a '99 540i/6sp acquired in 3/99 that now has about 31K miles. I live in the NY suburbs & commute to Boston area weekly. I have also used the car for ski trips in Vermont & NH where I encountered lots fresh and packed snow conditions. The snow conditions are thus comparable or perhaps a bit rougher than the mid-Atlantic.

My snows are Dunlop Wintersports 235/45/17 fr, 255/40/17 rear (ie same as OEM). They have been wholly satisfactory in snow/ice while maintaining about 95% of the performance characteristics of the OEM Dunlop 2000 E tires. That is in marked contrast and a whole lot better than about any other snow tire I have used on any vehicle.

We have Blizzaks for my wife's Saab 900 SE turbo. They are very good in the snow, but further compromise the slightly quirky Saab handling. I'd probably consider them if I was exhiled to the snow belt (like Rochester, NY or Siberia), but would not choose them with enthusiasm.

Bottom line: you don't need to give up BMW handling to have a good snow tire. Skip the 16" wheels.

I suggets that you speak with Aaron at Tire Rack, who I have found to be very knowledgeable about tires and BMWs and helpful, in fact, I just bought new Bridestone S02 Pole Positions from him. He answers a lot of questions on this forum and includes his phone & extension in the posting.

Part 1 It seems that the front tires on a 00 540iA Sport are a little taller than the rears. 235/45x17 vs 255/40x17. To go -1 on wheel size it appears that 215/55x16 match the front and 205/55x16 match the rears. What is recommended size for this application?

Part 2 Can anyone comment on which tire is more suitable Blizzak LM22 or Hakka Q's? This application is for winter in the MidAtlantic area and I have Floor jacks and Snapon electric impact gun and am used to changing back to the stock wheels and tires for Dry road usage.

any feedback appreciated

Shad




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