[eleven11]

Sorry to start another winter wheel thread, but I can't make up my mind. I appreciate any input.

Car: 2017 330i xDrive Sports Wagon
Wheels: F: 19/8.5 R: 19/9.5
Planned tire sizes: F: 245/35 R: 255/35
Location: Louisville, KY - Some snow and ice, but nothing too nasty or prolonged. Usually switch in mid-November, and return to summers late-March.

Given my location, I'm leaning toward All-Season versus performance Winters.

Leading candidates:
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06
Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4

My Thoughts:
Of the first 3 options (the All-Season choices), I'm leaning toward the A/S 3+. Why? I've had good luck with Michelin, and these have a strong reputation. My only hesitation? Possible short tread life.

According to Tire Rack, however, the RE980AS has taken the lead for high performance all-season. However, I've not read enough from owners regarding snow performance to boost my confidence.

The Alpin PA4 seems to be the king of high performance SNOW tires. However, in my location, are the All-Season options a better overall choice? Or, are these that good in non-snow use versus the others? If so, what about tread life?

Thanks!


UPDATE (11/16/2018):
I decided to go with the Alpin PA4. I'll update in a few weeks with my experience.

Thanks again for the input. Also, I'd like to thank alohasurftoad, Jake at Tire Rack (4694), and Brian Morales at Louisville BMW.

[.BMW.]

You already have the staggered wheels?

I usually recommends square setups, especially for winter wheels.

In this case 8.5x19" square wheels with 235/40 or 245/40-19 tires.

[chowser51]

Why not just drop to a square 18” setup with dedicated winter tires?

What’s the temperature range for your winters?

[cross90]

+ 1 for the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4's... Had a set last year on my F31 330d S-Drive staggered setup on 18" 400m's.

Front: 8J 225/45/R18 XL
Rear: 8.5J 255/40/R18 XL

They performed excellently, best winter tyres I've had to date.

Ran them well into May as well when things had warmed up, and they performed quite adequately, certainly not Pilot Sport 3's and maybe a little louder than a summer tyre... But great all round tyre. Wouldn't have an issue running them year round if needs be.

Unsure why everyone says go square for winters ? Maybe just to switch back to front if using a second year ?

[cfm56d7b]

Square vs staggered tires for winter driving - especially if the winter may not be as severe - is not as critical as the choice of winter tires.

Few considerations for winter driving and tire selection:

- Dedicated wheels / tires set will reduce wear and tear on rims and tires as a result of mounting / dismounting
- 19" wheels are OK but 18" wheels will provide a taller sidewall and more comfort while absorbing winter potholes and other surface imperfections
- Run flat tires will provide a measure of convenience to get to the repair shop without changing the tire in slushy conditions. This recommendation will most likely trigger a separate thread with at least few thousand of for and against points of view.
- There is no substitute for winter tires during the winter; all season tires are not winter tires
- Pirelli Sottozero 3 provided exceptional grip and performance in my experience. Worth exploring.

[eleven11]

Originally Posted by .BMW.

You already have the staggered wheels?

I usually recommends square setups, especially for winter wheels.

In this case 8.5x19" square wheels with 235/40 or 245/40-19 tires.

Originally Posted by chowser51

Why not just drop to a square 18” setup with dedicated winter tires?

What’s the temperature range for your winters?

Through a strange sequence of events, I actually own 2 sets of HRE FF04 wheels, 20 and 19 inch. They look awesome, so my choice of 19 weighs heavily on their aesthetics. I completely agree that 18 inch are superior for snow. In fact, I have the 18 inch OEM set on all seasons sitting in my garage.

Originally Posted by cross90

+ 1 for the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4's... Had a set last year on my F31 330d S-Drive staggered setup on 18" 400m's.

Front: 8J 225/45/R18 XL
Rear: 8.5J 255/40/R18 XL

They performed excellently, best winter tyres I've had to date.

Ran them well into May as well when things had warmed up, and they performed quite adequately, certainly not Pilot Sport 3's and maybe a little louder than a summer tyre... But great all round tyre. Wouldn't have an issue running them year round if needs be.

Unsure why everyone says go square for winters ? Maybe just to switch back to front if using a second year ?

Thanks for the feedback. Any comment on their durability (mileage)?

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Square vs staggered tires for winter driving - especially if the winter may not be as severe - is not as critical as the choice of winter tires.

Few considerations for winter driving and tire selection:

- Dedicated wheels / tires set will reduce wear and tear on rims and tires as a result of mounting / dismounting
- 19" wheels are OK but 18" will provide a taller sidewall and more comfort while absorbing winter potholes and other surface imperfections
- Run flat tires will provide a measure of convenience to get to the repair shop without changing the tire in slushy conditions. This recommendation will most likely trigger a separate thread with at least few thousand of for and against points of view.
- There is no substitute for winter tires during the winter; all season tires are not winter tires
- Pirelli Sottozero 3 provided exceptional grip and performance in my experience. Worth exploring.

Thanks. I think I had those tires in my M5 Winters. I'll look into that option.

[eleven11]

Originally Posted by chowser51

Why not just drop to a square 18” setup with dedicated winter tires?

What’s the temperature range for your winters?

Oh, temperature range is 5-45 F during the winter.

[chowser51]

Check the temperature range of the all seasons if you get those. I’m up in Ohio where it gets colder and because of my job sometimes I have to head out before the roads are plowed so I got a dedicated winter setup. My original wheels have all seasons on them. I try and follow my stupid work schedule. Long sleeves and snow tires on November 1st and short sleeves and all seasons on April 1st. Work trusts me with a gun but not to dress accordingly for the weather. Lol.

[FSociety]

Having gone through winters in my RWD cars (daily driver) with Conti DWS (2yrs) and in my X3 DWS06 (2yrs).
When I got my X4 M40i the MPSS were so bad in rain i took the tires off within 8 months and got a set of DWS06 for almost a year, sold to a friend who needed tires. I grabbed a set of Michelin AS3+ and performed better in rain than MPSS with the winter capability.

I'd say either AS3+ or PA4 will be a great choice, I usually go with the cheapest deal at the moment of my top 2 choice.