[tcbrown76]

Howdy F30 community! In about 2 weeks I'll finally have my 1st Bimmer. I am completely excited!

Living in Germany, however, requires the use of winter tires (and of course it's a good idea). I have been looking at tirerack and other websites lately searching for the right tire for my sweet ride. My question to all of you, in light of your vast experience, is two fold. What is the difference in Performance winter vs studless ice/snow tires and what is everyone's preference and why?

Thanks!

[.BMW.]

In Europe winter tires are divided into three categories:
Central Europe winter tires (Performance winter tires)
Nordic studless winter tires
Nordic studded winter tires

The Performance winter tires were developed for high-speed driving on autobahn during winter, while the Nordic winter tires were developed for use during the cold months with snow and ice on the roads in northern Europe.

I live in Sweden and therefore use Nordic studless winter tires (Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2). If I lived in Germany I would still use Nokian tires during winter, but probably WR D3 or WR A3.

Nokian performs best in winter tire tests year after year.

[stormlv]

If I'm not mistaken, you're not allowed to have studded winter tires in Germany.

I personally use Michelin Pilot Alpine 4 now.

At least one thing's for sure ... this topic won't spark a controversy

[.BMW.]

Originally Posted by stormlv

If I'm not mistaken, you're not allowed to have studded winter tires in Germany.

Thats correct!

All of us in the Nordic countries that travels through Germany to the Alps for skiing holidays needs to chose non studded winter tires.

[lens]

Difference is performance winters have a special compound or something made with the tire rubber that reduces tread wear on dry pavement while keeping winter tire grip on snow/ice. Though if dry pavement doesn't exist and we're talking snow on the ground only, then studless/studded winter tires are of course.

[Blubaron79]

Only thing I can add: I love my set of winter performance Pirelli Sotozeros.

[lens]

Originally Posted by Blubaron79

Only thing I can add: I love my set of winter performance Pirelli Sotozeros.

^

Bought and am running sottozero 3s.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by tcbrown76

... What is the difference in Performance winter vs studless ice/snow tires and what is everyone's preference and why?

As mentioned, performance winter tires give up some grip (in snow) for dry-road performance, including high-speed (>128 mph) abilities. The difference in grip is noticeable especially in un-tracked/deep snow, or on ice.

I prefer Michelin Pilot Alpine PA4, although I currently have a set of Bridgestone Blizzak LM-26 on my 335d. Since you're in Germany, you could look at Nokkian Hakkepelita or Falken, too. Obviously, Dunlop, Continental, Pirelli and other big manufacturers make competitors. I simply believe that Michelin and Bridgestone make the best; and for less in most cases.

[canukgtp]

hmmm I'll have to look at some different options when my current set is finished...I'm running dunlops for winter tires, very satisfied, good grip on dry winter roads and gets through the snow and slush quite well.

[bimmercar]

I am getting 400M winter wheels with pirelli sottozero 3 performance winter tires

[Blubaron79]

Originally Posted by bimmercar

I am getting 400M winter wheels with pirelli sottozero 3 performance winter tires

Good choice. I was going to buy 400M's but found a cheaper set of 397's to put them on. Love my Sotozeros.

[cmplaya]

Originally Posted by bimmercar

I am getting 400M winter wheels with pirelli sottozero 3 performance winter tires

from dealership? around how much is the set? i kept emailing for a quote and no one responding

[bimmercar]

Originally Posted by cmplaya

from dealership? around how much is the set? i kept emailing for a quote and no one responding

second hand, i was looking around forums and local area, its from a guy who taking their 400M wheels off of a new 435i

[lens]

Originally Posted by cmplaya

from dealership? around how much is the set? i kept emailing for a quote and no one responding

From dealership is super expensive, around 3000$+ CAD. Contact 05mdriver for rims. Bought a brand new OEM 400M set for 1600-1700$ CAD including shipping and import.

[tcbrown76]

Originally Posted by floydarogers

As mentioned, performance winter tires give up some grip (in snow) for dry-road performance, including high-speed (>128 mph) abilities. The difference in grip is noticeable especially in un-tracked/deep snow, or on ice.

I prefer Michelin Pilot Alpine PA4, although I currently have a set of Bridgestone Blizzak LM-26 on my 335d. Since you're in Germany, you could look at Nokkian Hakkepelita or Falken, too. Obviously, Dunlop, Continental, Pirelli and other big manufacturers make competitors. I simply believe that Michelin and Bridgestone make the best; and for less in most cases.

I'll have to go to the local shops re the Nokkians and check them out. Currently in TireRack they are out of the Sottozero 3 in my size 225/45/18. I was comparing performance sottozero serie II runflats vs studless snow/ice tires of Bridgestone blizzak WS80 vs the Michelin X-ice XI3. They are seem the same and everyone seems to be extremely happy with any of them, but the non-performance tires are a lot cheaper without seemingly losing too much on performance...

Speed is not a concern as I can't see myself going above 130 mph (210 kph) during the winter times with bad road conditions.

[cmplaya]

has anyone confirmed that 2016 TPMS is the exact same as the other 2014+ TPMS that people are talking about?

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by tcbrown76

Howdy F30 community! In about 2 weeks I'll finally have my 1st Bimmer. I am completely excited!

Living in Germany, however, requires the use of winter tires (and of course it's a good idea). I have been looking at tirerack and other websites lately searching for the right tire for my sweet ride. My question to all of you, in light of your vast experience, is two fold. What is the difference in Performance winter vs studless ice/snow tires and what is everyone's preference and why?

Thanks!

When reading the answers, please keep in mind that you have two models of tires in Europe that are not available in North America and therefore unknown to most responders, but that are worth taking a look at: Dunlop Winter Sport 5 and Nokian WR D4.

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by cmplaya

has anyone confirmed that 2016 TPMS is the exact same as the other 2014+ TPMS that people are talking about?

ETK says yes, the part is from 03/2014.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by tcbrown76

I'll have to go to the local shops re the Nokkians and check them out. Currently in TireRack they are out of the Sottozero 3 in my size 225/45/18. I was comparing performance sottozero serie II runflats vs studless snow/ice tires of Bridgestone blizzak WS80 vs the Michelin X-ice XI3. They are seem the same and everyone seems to be extremely happy with any of them, but the non-performance tires are a lot cheaper without seemingly losing too much on performance...

Non-performance tires generally are a bit "squishier" and "squirmier". The tread isn't as blocky and rolls a bit more when cornering.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by tcbrown76

I'll have to go to the local shops re the Nokkians and check them out. Currently in TireRack they are out of the Sottozero 3 in my size 225/45/18. I was comparing performance sottozero serie II runflats vs studless snow/ice tires of Bridgestone blizzak WS80 vs the Michelin X-ice XI3. They are seem the same and everyone seems to be extremely happy with any of them, but the non-performance tires are a lot cheaper without seemingly losing too much on performance...

Speed is not a concern as I can't see myself going above 130 mph (210 kph) during the winter times with bad road conditions.

I'm using these tires.

I think they are a good medium between your Performance Winters and your Studless winter tires. The Michelins are classified as a "studless" winter tire according to TireRack. However, they have an H speed rating and handle much better on the dry pavement compared to a tire such as the Blizzak WS80.

[bimmercar]

I would try to buy winter tires soon, a lot of the more popular performance winters are already sold out for the season

[BavarianFanatic]

Originally Posted by tcbrown76

I'll have to go to the local shops re the Nokkians and check them out. Currently in TireRack they are out of the Sottozero 3 in my size 225/45/18. I was comparing performance sottozero serie II runflats vs studless snow/ice tires of Bridgestone blizzak WS80 vs the Michelin X-ice XI3. They are seem the same and everyone seems to be extremely happy with any of them, but the non-performance tires are a lot cheaper without seemingly losing too much on performance...

Speed is not a concern as I can't see myself going above 130 mph (210 kph) during the winter times with bad road conditions.

One important item of note - depending on your situation and priorities, if snow and ice traction are your primary concern, you should consider a (-1) or even (-2) tire size to narrow the contact patch and increase grip. If you're not familiar with the concept, you chose a tire with a narrower tread cross section and a taller aspect ratio (sidewall). I think Tirerack even shows the minus combinations as options when you plug in your vehicle info.