Winter Tire Q's HELP! E39 (archive)

Since we're now in the middle of a snow/ice storm here in balmy Central Massachusetts, I've decided it's time to stop procrastinating and get a winter tire package for my '00 528 (Sport package)

My local dealer seems to order their packages from Tire Rack, marks them up, and charges to re-balance them.

Tire Rack (obviously) will send them straight to my house, and claims they're ready to be installed.

My questions are;
1. Am I safe having TR just ship me the tires, and installing them myself in my own garage?
2. What about the cap on the 17" wheels, do they include the tool to remove it?
3. Is my dealer blowing smoke about having to re-balance them, etc?
4. I'm looking at the Dunlop Winter Sport M2's, any negative feedback?

I'm more concerned about time and convenience than the cost of the dealer vs tire rack, and've never had snow tires/etc before.

I'm starting to think of this car as my 'green metal sled', and am pretty disgusted with its performance in the two storms we've had to date. I think it's the tires, but I'd like some reassurance.

Thanks

-Dan L

Follow Ups:

My experiences ... Daniel 08:36 12/15/2000 (0)
Decision Made - Order Placed, Thanks Aaron! Dan L 20:01 12/14/2000 (0)
Decision Made - Order Placed, Thanks Aaron! Dan L 19:56 12/14/2000 (0)
Winter help..... Aaron@tirerack.com 13:12 12/14/2000 (0)
TR is cool.... Alex T 12:29 12/14/2000 (0)

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