A little help needed: Snow Tire setup

chippychip · 12-06-2016, 09:21 PM

Hello,

I'm interested in purchasing a snow tire setup from tirerack but became a little confused on their site so here I am.

My 340i has the track package with the 18 inch stagger setup. Do i need to buy the same size snow tires for the front and back or do i keep larger tires on the back? So many choices and I don't want to make a mistake. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Wires · 12-06-2016, 09:23 PM

You can go staggered front and back, but it's typically recommended to do a "square" setup with the same width of tires front/back.

That gives you better traction since the fronts will carve a path that the rears follow. And wider tires in the back tend to be worse for snow (less pressure on the contact patch).

chippychip · 12-06-2016, 09:28 PM

Thanks! Will I have to get the car coded if I run a square setup?

Also, if I purchase the TPMS sensors from tire rack will my BMW learn them after performing a reset from the idrive?

MuffinMan910 · 12-06-2016, 09:29 PM

I'm running staggered winters because I already had rims. My tires show recommended against it as square setup is better in the snow (the thinner the tires the better for snow). But my staggered is fine so far

bjcarls · 12-06-2016, 09:35 PM

I purchased the BBS 18's with TPMS, square setup which is easy to rotate. You reset the sensors in the settings menu I think. Very easy, the BBS offset is also very good.

Niart906 · 12-06-2016, 09:38 PM

I'm about to pull the trigger on a set for my 335 as well. Personally I'm trying to run a squared 17" setup for the winter. Larger sidewalls for all the potholes, and overall cheaper tires. That said, 18's will look better.

Broadsword · 12-06-2016, 09:56 PM

I purchased a square set up for my staggered wheels. I went with the squared set up cause of the better selection; was difficult trying to find selection when using the staggered sizes. No need to code the vehicle for tire set up changes.

zcspec · 12-06-2016, 11:52 PM

I am running a square 245/40/19 setup on my M Performance wheels. The tires I choose were the Falken Pro G4 A/S. It snowed here in Seattle on Monday and the RWD F30 did remarkably well in the the slush. Stopping power and traction were very good. I cannot wait to see how the tires do in a downpour of snow heading our way on Thursday.

the dope steez · 12-07-2016, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chippychip

Hello,

I'm interested in purchasing a snow tire setup from tirerack but became a little confused on their site so here I am.

My 340i has the track package with the 18 inch stagger setup. Do i need to buy the same size snow tires for the front and back or do i keep larger tires on the back? So many choices and I don't want to make a mistake. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Get a 225 width square setup on the stock wheels. Narrower is better for winter tires.

bri1042 · 12-07-2016, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Niart906

I'm about to pull the trigger on a set for my 335 as well. Personally I'm trying to run a squared 17" setup for the winter. Larger sidewalls for all the potholes, and overall cheaper tires. That said, 18's will look better.

17's may not fit on your brakes (they do not with the blue M-Sport brakes).

Rick4345 · 12-07-2016, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chippychip

Thanks! Will I have to get the car coded if I run a square setup?

Also, if I purchase the TPMS sensors from tire rack will my BMW learn them after performing a reset from the idrive?

No you won't have to have the car coded.

Yes, your car will learn the TPMS sensors installed by TireRack.

Rick4345 · 12-07-2016, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Niart906

I'm about to pull the trigger on a set for my 335 as well. Personally I'm trying to run a squared 17" setup for the winter. Larger sidewalls for all the potholes, and overall cheaper tires. That said, 18's will look better.

I have 17 inch tires on my 15 335i. They work just fine as long as you don't have MSport brakes. I used the same set on my 12 328i. I just needed new TPMS sensors.

To me, they look just fine. I bought Rial Salerno wheels and paired them with Michelin PA2 tires in size 225/50R17.

Jbrock22 · 12-07-2016, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chippychip

Thanks! Will I have to get the car coded if I run a square setup?

Also, if I purchase the TPMS sensors from tire rack will my BMW learn them after performing a reset from the idrive?

No coding needed. Just do a TPMS reset through idrive. Make sure the wheels you purchase clear the performance brakes.

canukgtp · 12-07-2016, 08:30 AM

We ran 17 inch mags we picked up from tire rack with a tire/mag package on the 335i with Msport (not the brakes package) and a square set up with 225 tires...was fine, cleared the brakes...I'm running the same mags on the wagon

You want a square set up to be able to rotate and get a little more use out of the winters

metallicpea · 12-07-2016, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chippychip

Thanks! Will I have to get the car coded if I run a square setup?

Also, if I purchase the TPMS sensors from tire rack will my BMW learn them after performing a reset from the idrive?

Yes, with the track pack you should get an 18" square set-up of wheels, sensors and tires from the tire rack. They can ship you the complete mounted set ready to put on your car. Call Keith at TireRack - he is the forum sponsor, and he will make sure you get something that fits your track pack brakes and help you select an available tire best suited for your use.

335BOY · 12-07-2016, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuffinMan910

I'm running staggered winters because I already had rims. My tires show recommended against it as square setup is better in the snow (the thinner the tires the better for snow). But my staggered is fine so far

Narrower tire IF you are driving in deep snow. Otherwise (dry or wet)I believe you are sacrificing grip. I'm in Ontario and rarely are we driving in deep snow. I've always gone OEM sizes fro winters...in fact I just went UP 2 sizes to 275 for winters on current car.

Slickz · 12-07-2016, 10:48 AM

I would recommend you read over information in the wheels & tire forum, it is very helpful. I started look there about a week ago with very little knowledge and now I'm confident in the setup I'm going with. Keith also volunteered to assist me (from tirerack/com he is the moderator).

chippychip · 12-07-2016, 02:52 PM

Anyone know Keith's last name to ask for when I call tirerack? (Please PM it or the best way to contact him). I'm going with the Michelin set but not convinced on the rims they're selling.

metallicpea · 12-07-2016, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chippychip

Anyone know Keith's last name to ask for when I call tirerack? (Please PM it or the best way to contact him). I'm going with the Michelin set but not convinced on the rims they're selling.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1240557

Ask him about the tires too. Use his expertise to the fullest.

For my use, I would do Blizzak WS80 on the least expensive wheels they have to fit the track handling package and you are at $1400 plus tax/shipping. But he could qualify choices for your use better than I could.

bjcarls · 12-07-2016, 04:35 PM

I did the Michelin x-ice xi3's and my wife loves them, I used them in 3 inches of snow and also find them way better than the performance snows in was using Dunlop 3d's.

My setup
BBS SR's, 225/45/18's, they clear the 340i with track package, and as I said earlier, it's a great offset front and back, and it looks good.

Sunnyledge · 12-07-2016, 04:42 PM

If you buy a winter tire set with cheap alloy wheels make sure you take the time to clean them well before putting them away in the spring. The finish on these wheels deteriorate quickly, then the wheel corrodes. Corrosion around the tire bead will cause leaks.

chippychip · 12-07-2016, 05:52 PM

Thank you everyone for the information. I called Keith and placed an order for the Michelins. He said when you select the track package on their site you will only be shown rims which clear the brakes.

Excited to put these on and not fly everywhere when the tires are cold.

12-06-2016, 09:21 PM	#1
chippychip Enlisted Member 28 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2017 F30 340i \ 2010 E90 328i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (0)	A little help needed: Snow Tire setup Hello, I'm interested in purchasing a snow tire setup from tirerack but became a little confused on their site so here I am. My 340i has the track package with the 18 inch stagger setup. Do i need to buy the same size snow tires for the front and back or do i keep larger tires on the back? So many choices and I don't want to make a mistake. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
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12-06-2016, 09:23 PM	#2
Wires Brigadier General 1646 Rep 4,876 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	You can go staggered front and back, but it's typically recommended to do a "square" setup with the same width of tires front/back. That gives you better traction since the fronts will carve a path that the rears follow. And wider tires in the back tend to be worse for snow (less pressure on the contact patch).
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12-06-2016, 09:28 PM	#3
chippychip Enlisted Member 28 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2017 F30 340i \ 2010 E90 328i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (0)	Thanks! Will I have to get the car coded if I run a square setup? Also, if I purchase the TPMS sensors from tire rack will my BMW learn them after performing a reset from the idrive?
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12-06-2016, 09:29 PM	#4
MuffinMan910 Lieutenant 135 Rep 524 Posts Drives: 2013 f30 335i xDrive mSport Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (0)	I'm running staggered winters because I already had rims. My tires show recommended against it as square setup is better in the snow (the thinner the tires the better for snow). But my staggered is fine so far
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-06-2016, 09:35 PM	#5
bjcarls Lieutenant 459 Rep 576 Posts Drives: 22 Tahoe, 22 R1S, 23 Z07 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Hog Country iTrader: (0)	I purchased the BBS 18's with TPMS, square setup which is easy to rotate. You reset the sensors in the settings menu I think. Very easy, the BBS offset is also very good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-06-2016, 09:38 PM	#6
Niart906 First Lieutenant 179 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 2017 M3, 2003 M3 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Dalton, PA iTrader: (0)	I'm about to pull the trigger on a set for my 335 as well. Personally I'm trying to run a squared 17" setup for the winter. Larger sidewalls for all the potholes, and overall cheaper tires. That said, 18's will look better. __________________ 2017 F80 M3 - Mineral White/Amaro Brown 2003 E46 M3 - Jet Black/Cinnamon
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12-06-2016, 09:56 PM	#7
Broadsword Sustinendum Victoriam 80 Rep 349 Posts Drives: '13 335i Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Texas iTrader: (2)	I purchased a square set up for my staggered wheels. I went with the squared set up cause of the better selection; was difficult trying to find selection when using the staggered sizes. No need to code the vehicle for tire set up changes.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-06-2016, 11:52 PM	#8
zcspec Lieutenant 212 Rep 456 Posts Drives: 911/Boxster/Model Y Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Orange County iTrader: (0)	I am running a square 245/40/19 setup on my M Performance wheels. The tires I choose were the Falken Pro G4 A/S. It snowed here in Seattle on Monday and the RWD F30 did remarkably well in the the slush. Stopping power and traction were very good. I cannot wait to see how the tires do in a downpour of snow heading our way on Thursday.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2016, 08:30 AM	#14
canukgtp First Lieutenant 107 Rep 333 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: New-Brunswick iTrader: (0)	We ran 17 inch mags we picked up from tire rack with a tire/mag package on the 335i with Msport (not the brakes package) and a square set up with 225 tires...was fine, cleared the brakes...I'm running the same mags on the wagon You want a square set up to be able to rotate and get a little more use out of the winters __________________ 2018 F80 M3 6MT (current) 2014 F31 328i Touring (sold) 2008 E92 M3 6MT (sold) 2011 E90 335xi (lease up)
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12-07-2016, 10:48 AM	#17
Slickz Second Lieutenant 117 Rep 255 Posts Drives: 2020 F82 M4 Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	I would recommend you read over information in the wheels & tire forum, it is very helpful. I started look there about a week ago with very little knowledge and now I'm confident in the setup I'm going with. Keith also volunteered to assist me (from tirerack/com he is the moderator). __________________ 2011 X5 xDrive 50i - retired 2016 340i xDrive - retired 2020 M4 Coupe
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12-07-2016, 02:52 PM	#18
chippychip Enlisted Member 28 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2017 F30 340i \ 2010 E90 328i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (0)	Anyone know Keith's last name to ask for when I call tirerack? (Please PM it or the best way to contact him). I'm going with the Michelin set but not convinced on the rims they're selling.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2016, 04:35 PM	#20
bjcarls Lieutenant 459 Rep 576 Posts Drives: 22 Tahoe, 22 R1S, 23 Z07 Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Hog Country iTrader: (0)	I did the Michelin x-ice xi3's and my wife loves them, I used them in 3 inches of snow and also find them way better than the performance snows in was using Dunlop 3d's. My setup BBS SR's, 225/45/18's, they clear the 340i with track package, and as I said earlier, it's a great offset front and back, and it looks good.
	Appreciate 1 gongtowjai106.00 Quote

12-07-2016, 04:42 PM	#21
Sunnyledge Enlisted Member 19 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 2013 328i X Drive, 1984 318i Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	If you buy a winter tire set with cheap alloy wheels make sure you take the time to clean them well before putting them away in the spring. The finish on these wheels deteriorate quickly, then the wheel corrodes. Corrosion around the tire bead will cause leaks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2016, 05:52 PM	#22
chippychip Enlisted Member 28 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2017 F30 340i \ 2010 E90 328i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (0)	Thank you everyone for the information. I called Keith and placed an order for the Michelins. He said when you select the track package on their site you will only be shown rims which clear the brakes. Excited to put these on and not fly everywhere when the tires are cold.
	Appreciate 0 Quote