Better road safety... 18 or 19 winter tires

ZZ-mtl · 09-06-2018, 02:51 PM

Have an F36 with stock ones at 20 but the rubber on it seems too thin for the winter here...

Can some of you please help me understand the difference between these following tire set?

Front 225/45 R18 91Y
Rear: 255/40 R18 95Y

Front: 225/40 R19 89Y
Rear: 255/35 R19 92Y

I got this off the manual and seems both have the same width, and the difference is (1) how big the rim is; (2) speed rating? Did I read this correctly?

Will there be any difference in term of traction? Ideally I am looking for one that is able to continue to drive around even in the heavy snow. If even traction is the same then I guess it is comes down to if 18 or 19 looks better and the cost of it?

Thanks!

doncarlyon · 09-07-2018, 02:15 AM

I think you'd be better off going with 225 all round, rather than having 255 on the rear for winter/snow.

The speed rating is "Y" for all of the above. The number before the speed rating is the load rating I believe.

insanecoder · 09-07-2018, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZZ-mtl

Have an F36 with stock ones at 20 but the rubber on it seems too thin for the winter here...

Can some of you please help me understand the difference between these following tire set?

Front 225/45 R18 91Y
Rear: 255/40 R18 95Y

Front: 225/40 R19 89Y
Rear: 255/35 R19 92Y

I got this off the manual and seems both have the same width, and the difference is (1) how big the rim is; (2) speed rating? Did I read this correctly?

Will there be any difference in term of traction? Ideally I am looking for one that is able to continue to drive around even in the heavy snow. If even traction is the same then I guess it is comes down to if 18 or 19 looks better and the cost of it?

Thanks!

if you have to choose betw/the two sets.. go with the 18s
better protection against potholes
speed rating is same the 18s have better load ratings

ZZ-mtl · 09-07-2018, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doncarlyon

I think you'd be better off going with 225 all round, rather than having 255 on the rear for winter/snow.

The speed rating is "Y" for all of the above. The number before the speed rating is the load rating I believe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by insanecoder

if you have to choose betw/the two sets.. go with the 18s
better protection against potholes
speed rating is same the 18s have better load ratings

Many thanks!! I'll try with 18 then.

cfm56d7b · 09-07-2018, 02:09 PM

I also recommend 18" wheels for the winter. What winter tires are you considering?

enjoythemusic · 09-07-2018, 03:03 PM

18 SINGLE PIECE RIM and yes a narrower profile is better imho.

Billfitz · 09-07-2018, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

18 SINGLE PIECE RIM and yes a narrower profile is better imho.

It's not just your opinion. The shorter sidewalls of 19s make them more prone to pothole damage, while narrower tires push through snow and slush better to reach the pavement below, giving better traction. I wouldn't be all that concerned about the speed rating for winter use either.

ZZ-mtl · 09-10-2018, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

I also recommend 18" wheels for the winter. What winter tires are you considering?

Thanks! If I have to stick to runflat it seems there aren't many options here with the local shops. I see Costco have pirelli. I have used pirelli in the past as well as nokian. Both seem have done a good job.

Pothole had damaged 3-4 tires with the pirelli 19" I had but the road here in Montreal is tough... We have more potholes than flat surface.

Never had a single damage with Nokian but that was with my old 17".

wdeerfield · 09-11-2018, 07:57 AM

i run a 235/45/18 on an 8.5 for winter. provides slightly more sidewall at 26.3 compared to 26 stock.

yes i know narrower is better but maybe 10 times a year do you actually drive in snow deep enough to need pizza cutters. Id prefer the traction on dry pavement over the snow traction.

M Smurf · 09-14-2018, 03:11 PM

I realize that 17s aren't be discussed here but I a can only assume your snowfall in CA is similar to MN?

Im running RWD with a cheap set of winter 17s and they are masterful!! One of the best cars on the road during a storm. Cornering not great but good trade-off. Did i mention CHEAP!! Compared to 18 winters

BTW...for M Sport drivers. Tirerack and other sites will try to tell you that 17s wont fit. Don't buy it...the info I mean.

Billfitz · 09-17-2018, 05:12 PM

I have 225/55-17s, for better resistance to damage and better traction. I try not to drive in snow, but when I have to I have to. X-Drive is shockingly good. I can drive through six inches of fresh snow like it isn't there. I swear I could plow with it, and I know about plowing, I've done plenty of it.

09-06-2018, 02:51 PM	#1
ZZ-mtl Enlisted Member 3 Rep 34 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville iTrader: (0)	Better road safety... 18 or 19 winter tires Have an F36 with stock ones at 20 but the rubber on it seems too thin for the winter here... Can some of you please help me understand the difference between these following tire set? Front 225/45 R18 91Y Rear: 255/40 R18 95Y Front: 225/40 R19 89Y Rear: 255/35 R19 92Y I got this off the manual and seems both have the same width, and the difference is (1) how big the rim is; (2) speed rating? Did I read this correctly? Will there be any difference in term of traction? Ideally I am looking for one that is able to continue to drive around even in the heavy snow. If even traction is the same then I guess it is comes down to if 18 or 19 looks better and the cost of it? Thanks!
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09-07-2018, 02:15 AM	#2
doncarlyon Captain 258 Rep 757 Posts Drives: Megane RS 300 Trophy Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne iTrader: (0)	I think you'd be better off going with 225 all round, rather than having 255 on the rear for winter/snow. The speed rating is "Y" for all of the above. The number before the speed rating is the load rating I believe.
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09-07-2018, 02:09 PM	#5
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5886 Rep 10,256 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	I also recommend 18" wheels for the winter. What winter tires are you considering?
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09-07-2018, 03:03 PM	#6
enjoythemusic Captain 364 Rep 775 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 435i Dinan Stage 4 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	18 SINGLE PIECE RIM and yes a narrower profile is better imho. __________________ Enjoy the Drive, Steven 2014 435i M-Opt, M LSD, Dinan CAI/IC/BTurbo/Stage 4, ER TIC/CP, GFB DV+, Fabspeed HJS cat DP & Mich PS4S.
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09-11-2018, 07:57 AM	#9
wdeerfield A family of bimmers 2745 Rep 7,741 Posts Drives: '18 G01 X3M40i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Clifton Park, NY iTrader: (0)	i run a 235/45/18 on an 8.5 for winter. provides slightly more sidewall at 26.3 compared to 26 stock. yes i know narrower is better but maybe 10 times a year do you actually drive in snow deep enough to need pizza cutters. Id prefer the traction on dry pavement over the snow traction. __________________ 2018 PB/Black G01 X3M40i \| 699M \| ZDA \| ZPP \| ZPX \| Maxton front lip \| X3M vents \| 15mm Spacers \| Diamond G20 style grills
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09-14-2018, 03:11 PM	#10
M Smurf Lieutenant 157 Rep 425 Posts Drives: 2013 328i M Sport Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (1)	Don't rule out 17s I realize that 17s aren't be discussed here but I a can only assume your snowfall in CA is similar to MN? Im running RWD with a cheap set of winter 17s and they are masterful!! One of the best cars on the road during a storm. Cornering not great but good trade-off. Did i mention CHEAP!! Compared to 18 winters BTW...for M Sport drivers. Tirerack and other sites will try to tell you that 17s wont fit. Don't buy it...the info I mean.
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09-17-2018, 05:12 PM	#11
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8242 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	I have 225/55-17s, for better resistance to damage and better traction. I try not to drive in snow, but when I have to I have to. X-Drive is shockingly good. I can drive through six inches of fresh snow like it isn't there. I swear I could plow with it, and I know about plowing, I've done plenty of it.
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