[gtsussex]

Well, I've bunged the winters on and it's good and bad news.

The worst news is some ##cker in a Corsa nearly rammed me in a car park so had to avoid and hit kerb - only had done 3 miles. NOT happy.

Other badish news - steering has gone out the window and now with higher profile tyres, Sport suspension is must for pressing on.

BUT (and it's a big but), whilst the tyres bed in it's an absolute scream - I have no grip. Was damp 7 degrees today. Had to pop off to chemist for son no1's chickenpox and my 8 mile trip turned into nearly 30 as was having an absolute giggle.

Really had a chance to push the chassis and drivetrain. Front end is not good at turning in so have to 'encourage'. Then push lightly and car will understeer but (and this will come as a surprise to all x-drive nay sayers) be brave and press the loud pedal and you can drive the car on the rear. I was astonished how good it was.

Shame that most will never truly realise as driving new winter tyres on damp day with DSC off is not everyone's cup of tea (and possibly a bit non PC).

I've had some 4wd performance cars but the chassis/drivetrain combo is up there with best (RS4). Truly astonishing. Just would like 10% increase in spring rate.

Oh and if you're getting an x Drive, no question for drivers who like pressing on, get 19's - bit bouncier on 18's..

[ll71]

Yeah, I've been enjoying mine on new winters. The car acts like RWD most of the time, but you mostly notice it when entering tight corners, it redistibutes the power which helps the nose tuck in and pull you around.

[-AndyH-]

That's really frustrating about the alloy. Is the damage bad?

I am going to put in one of the dashboard cameras to use as evidence in situations just like yours. It's happened to me several times over the last few years.

I find it so strange how you put winter tyres on for the improved grip during the lower temperatures etc. and you get less grip than summers. I know the tyres need to wear in, but it's not something you would expect. My Continentals have been really good - no loss of grip or loss of traction warning lights on the dashboard.

[ll71]

This is just for the first 50 miles or so and it's true of all new tyres summer or winter, it's the mold release agent they use, grip is always a bit iffy until they wear slightly. Get a new set of summers now and it would be even more interesting!

[gtsussex]

Correct, they just need to scrub in. Had a longer journey this morning and grip's coming. Also I've gone for square setup so I don't have as much rubber on the rear whilst wearing winters which leads to a more playable back end.

Damage is bearable for the winter - just going to wind me up every time I see it. Will get it sorted when the summers go back on. To be honest, the car doesn't stay clean much during winter and when the wheels get dirty I won't see it!

[PrinceBarin]

Originally Posted by ll71

This is just for the first 50 miles or so and it's true of all new tyres summer or winter, it's the mold release agent they use, grip is always a bit iffy until they wear slightly. Get a new set of summers now and it would be even more interesting!

I only realised this when I had winters fitted for the first time last year. The impact of having new tyres on all four wheels meant I felt like Bambi on ice for the first few journeys. It's an unnerving sensation but they soon bedded in.

[GEP77]

I've had the same experience with how winter tyres bed in, provides some hilarious moments for the first couple of hundred miles!

As for summer's I had 4 new P-zeros on a certain other manufacturers car a few years ago. That time I used Micheldever tyres and I went for a drive round the leaf covered lanes around there afterwards - terrifying at times!

[Englishbloke]

I have to admit I was worried. Had my winters fitted a couple of days ago and I'm felt a bit unstable, slipping a bit on roundabouts.

[ll71]

Mine are worn in now, feel great. They can take more than 500 miles sometimes, I had some Nokians that took nearly 700. My Sottozero's started getting grippy about 250 mls in, on about 700 now and they're fine.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by ll71

Mine are worn in now, feel great. They can take more than 500 miles sometimes, I had some Nokians that took nearly 700. My Sottozero's started getting grippy about 250 mls in, on about 700 now and they're fine.

Yes, can require a good few miles on some tyre examples. Even BMW reminds us it can take 200 miles to bed in a tyre.

Benefit for me this time, fitted the same wheels/tyres as last year, so a true 'back to back' from summer to winter tyres. Much more confident on the winter tyres at 2.5C this afternoon with snow in the rain.

HighlandPete

[Alexmac10]

Originally Posted by ll71

Mine are worn in now, feel great. They can take more than 500 miles sometimes, I had some Nokians that took nearly 700. My Sottozero's started getting grippy about 250 mls in, on about 700 now and they're fine.

That's not great news, I've just bought a set of Nokian WR A3's, new car due in around 2 weeks time. Should make for some fun journeys.

[HiBee]

Nice.
My deale rhas let me down on proposed delivery.
I would like to play about on new winters, unfortunately mine have not arrived yet.
Then again, it's has not snowed heavy yet.

[-AndyH-]

Which winters are you waiting for? I read some winter packages are not scheduled until Jan now due to tyre shortages.

[HiBee]

Ordered 397's 18"225/45 Sottozero RF from dealership. Although they are not in the brochure, they can be on order. It's been over three weeks, without a peep from dealer. Phoned them last week, still no update

[-AndyH-]

Someone else has the same problem: http://www.f30post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=410

I think there must be a shortage of the Sottozero tyres. I am just reading some German forums to see what people say there.

[jbtco]

Awoke to ice with snow on top so the pilot Alpins got their first test on snow and initial impressions very good so far. The lower part of our drive is steep enough to stop starting from stationery on Summers but start from stationery no trouble on winters

[ZigmundUK]

Originally Posted by -AndyH-

Someone else has the same problem: http://www.f30post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=410

I think there must be a shortage of the Sottozero tyres. I am just reading some German forums to see what people say there.

I got them from mytyres - staggered set up. Some snow fell today whilst I was in the office. Looking forward to the proper white stuff this year