Winter Wheel/Tire Thread

[HokieZHP]

Hey everyone,
So I'm in need of a set of winter wheels and tires for this winter since I'll have my car with me at Virginia Tech. I am gonna start looking for some winter wheels soon and wanted to see what you guys were using for wheels. Please post up which wheels your using as well as a picture if possible along with any spacing mods you had to do if any.

[danewilson77]

Just get a used set of oem rims (steelies or al), and call it a day. Hunt around...there are good deals to be had. Post away boys.

[AzkotikBMW]

I'm also going to be lookin for a set of winter wheels. Wisconsin winters can be interesting =p

-- Sent from my Palm Pre using Forums (http://developer.palm.com/appredirect/?packageid=com.newnessdevelopments.forums)

[HokieZHP]

DW, thanks I should have clarified, I'm primarily looking for some OEM al wheels (squared setup for tire longevity) however I will consider others if the price/quality/fitment is good.

[mimalmo]

OEM Style 135 wheels, 10mm spacer in front. Blizzak's in the OEM sizes.

Total overkill but tons of fun when the roads clear because I get lots of traction with this setup.

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg283/mimalmo/SilverGreyZHPonKWV2640x480.jpg

[Oli77]

I've been looking around craigslist and came across this set of OEM style 57s for 80$.

I need rubber now, looks like that will cost $600.

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac208/othibau/DSC06800.jpg

I have seen some deals on craiglist where people sell used rims and tires for ~$400.

No spacers nothing.

[billschusteriv]

Currently - Using all-season performance tires.

Wheel: 16" BMW Style 45's.
Tire: Hankook Ventus V4's. No handling issues - driving habits are altered based on road conditions.

Future - Dedicated winter tire/wheel setup.

Wheel: 16" BMW Style 45's.
Tire: Undecided - looking at performance winter tires. Will seek input/reviews of others setups when I'm ready to buy.

V speed rated tires: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D, Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3, Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero Serie II.
H speed rated tires: Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60, Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D, Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3

[3ZHP]

I'm still a fan of the Tire Rack thing. 205/50R17 XL Bridgestone Blizzak's with new 17x7.5 Sport Edition CE Bright Satin w/Machined Lip wheels for $955.00 + tax, shipping and mounting.

This was one of their packages 5 years ago on my ZHP. Need new rubber this year.
http://i591.photobucket.com/albums/ss351/3zhpguy/Winter%202011/IMG_5963_2.jpg

[HokieZHP]

3ZHPGUY-I was considering doing the TireRack deal. Good price for the package considering it will be all new.

Oli- I like those wheels. Are they off an X3 or X5? Do you happen to know how wide they are?

[mimalmo]

Style 57's are 17x7.5 ET40 according to the Felgen website.

http://felgenkatalog.auto-treff.com/

[HokieZHP]

thanks mimalmo! I'll have to bookmark that site. I do like those wheels so I'll start looking around.

What other wheels are people running in the winter?

[mimalmo]

Too bad you're not local. A set of Style 58's (just slightly different than 57's) hit Craigslist here last night for $175.

[HokieZHP]

I've been all over craigslist looking but have only found a set of x5 wheels for $600 along with some basketweaves.

Luckily I don't need them until thanksgiving when I'll be swapping out my summer tires so I still have plenty of time to find a useable set.

[quikryptonite]

So I found some E36 contour wheels painted black (17 x 7.5). These will fit on our cars without any problem right (clear brakes, lug nuts, offset)? They have got Pirelli Snow Sport tires mounted with lots of tread left for $475.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=16196563&cat=600&lpid=2&search=bmw

What do you guys think?

*I posted this earlier, but I think it got buried. This is the thread it should have been in from the start.

[Oli77]

Style 57's are 17x7.5 ET40 according to the Felgen website.

http://felgenkatalog.auto-treff.com/

Thanks Mimalmo.


So I found some E36 contour wheels painted black (17 x 7.5). These will fit on our cars without any problem right (clear brakes, lug nuts, offset)? They have got Pirelli Snow Sport tires mounted with lots of tread left for $475.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=16196563&cat=600&lpid=2&search=bmw

What do you guys think?

*I posted this earlier, but I think it got buried. This is the thread it should have been in from the start.

Price is great for all that. You need to contact the seller for offset or look around on the internet. Then plug it in the calculator skikied by Dane here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?527-Wheel-Fitment-101). I asked my seller to give me the numbers stamped on the inside of the wheel.

[AzkotikBMW]

Too bad you're not local. A set of Style 58's (just slightly different than 57's) hit Craigslist here last night for $175.

I'm local!!! Can you send me a link Eli?

[Oli77]

While on the subject of winter setup, hope you don't mind Hokie, what do you guys think about mixing and matching tires?

I can get some used Pirelli sottozero (runflats) with 90% thread (only two of them) for ~$100.

This means I'd have to buy two new ones before winter comes.

Do they have to be exactly the same ?

[HokieZHP]

Not a problem Oli! I was hoping this would serve as a general knowledge thread for Winter setups since we don't have one.

So everyone, feel free to post your winter questions here

[AzkotikBMW]

Not a problem Oli! I was hoping this would serve as a general knowledge thread for Winter setups since we don't have one.

So everyone, feel free to post your winter questions here

That and I'm generally confused on the whole fitments of the tires as a whole....I'm good with stuff under the hood...but these wheel sizes/tire sizes and offsets confuse the shit outta me

[mimalmo]

I'm local!!! Can you send me a link Eli?

They must have sold. I went back and searched for them and they don't come up anymore.

[HokieZHP]

I found a craigslist ad for some 2005 X5 wheels for $200. Hopefully he'll get back to me and say their still available!

[Oli77]

While on the subject of winter setup, hope you don't mind Hokie, what do you guys think about mixing and matching tires?

I can get some used Pirelli sottozero (runflats) with 90% thread (only two of them) for ~$100.

This means I'd have to buy two new ones before winter comes.

Do they have to be exactly the same ?

What are your thoughts gentlemen and ladies of the mafia?

[danewilson77]

What are your thoughts gentlemen and ladies of the mafia?

I don't think it would matter that much on a DD. I ran mismatched for a while and could not tell a difference.

[Oli77]

Grace patron.

[HokieZHP]

Would these fit over my perf. brakes? They're 16"
http://eastnc.craigslist.org/cto/2485172377.html

[quikryptonite]

So I have decided to go with a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires. For those of who you run a separate set of summer and winter tires, when do you usually make the switch?

Do you use a set time every year (Oct 15 - Mar 15)?
Whenever you feel like it?
Wait until is snows once?

This will be the first time I am running ultra high performance summer times and switching the wheels for ones that are equipped with specific snow tires. I am just looking for some advice and/or suggestions. Thanks.

[quikryptonite]

Would these fit over my perf. brakes? They're 16"
http://eastnc.craigslist.org/cto/2485172377.html

From what I understand it's iffy with 16's, but all the BMW OEM 17 wheels are ok. Someone else who knows more than me can confirm or deny this.

[danewilson77]

Some 16's will fit. Some will not.

[mimalmo]

I have only heard of 1-2 16" wheels that fit. So obscure I can't even recall what brand/model they were. It's much easier to just find a set of 17" OEM wheels and put snows on them.

If I can find a decent winter beater, I may have a few different 18" Blizzaks to sell in the fall.

[danewilson77]

Actually Eli....someone hear got a set to fit. Remember reading that thread a couple/few weeks ago?

[Oli77]

Knowledeable friends,

I found so Pirellis zerozotto 225, 40R,17 to fit my 7.5X17 rims (style 57s i recently got).

I was wondering if the combo would work and according to this site (http://customwheelsmarket.com/rimwheelwidth1.html) it should.

Can you guys concur that you can put a 225 on a 7.5" rim?

[mimalmo]

Yeah, I guess the point I was trying to make is that it is the exception - not the norm that 16" wheels will fit over our brakes.

[danewilson77]

Knowledeable friends,

I found so Pirellis zerozotto 225, 40R,17 to fit my 7.5X17 rims (style 57s i recently got).

I was wondering if the combo would work and according to this site (http://customwheelsmarket.com/rimwheelwidth1.html) it should.

Can you guys concur that you can put a 225 on a 7.5" rim?

I'm going to go out on a limb and confirm this.

[zhpnsnv]

I use these because they came with the car:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a107/mbcoops/P1060471.jpg

They are bent, beaten, filthy, and generally terrible. Plus, you can't find them anywhere anymore (they're apparently made by Fox).

Ideally, I'd have some M68s for winter, but they get so beat up every day that I'm not stressing about it.

[AzkotikBMW]

I have only heard of 1-2 16" wheels that fit. So obscure I can't even recall what brand/model they were. It's much easier to just find a set of 17" OEM wheels and put snows on them.

If I can find a decent winter beater, I may have a few different 18" Blizzaks to sell in the fall.

Dibs!!

You're probably only about 20 minutes from my dads place

[Oli77]

I'm going to go out on a limb and confirm this.

Thanks again Boss.

[HokieZHP]

Can anyone tell me what ET stand for? I found some style 245's that are 18x7 and are ET20 for $400 but I can get for cheaper.

[danewilson77]

Can anyone tell me what ET stand for? I found some style 245's that are 18x7 and are ET20 for $400 but I can get for cheaper.

ET = Offset.

Distance from hub to edge of rim.

ET 20 is a tough fit...but it can be done.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=101

[HokieZHP]

So a higher offset would be easier to fit?

[danewilson77]

Yeah...ET35 to 45 is good for E46.

Do a quick read here....

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?527-Wheel-Fitment-101

[Oli77]

Good link Dane ;)

[mimalmo]

Yeah...ET35 to 45 is good for E46.

Do a quick read here....

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?527-Wheel-Fitment-101

Dane, you should edit your first post in that thread to include this website:

www.willtheyfit.com

It helped me a TON when I was trying to figure out how to fit the X5 wheels.

[danewilson77]

Will do Eli. Thanks.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[danewilson77]

Will do Eli. Thanks.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

LOL.....Boooooosssssssss!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

^^ ???

[danewilson77]

^^ ???

Someone added Eli's link to my thread. Thought it was you. Must have been KG.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I'm on vacation. Couldn't you tell that I've been gone? LOL.

Seriously, it must have been KG. :ninja

[kayger12]

Someone added Eli's link to my thread. Thought it was you. Must have been KG.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

Negative ghost rider.

Wasn't me.

:strange

[danewilson77]

Hmmm. Maybe it was there and Eli didn't see it.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[AzkotikBMW]

Phantom of the forum IMO....

[quikryptonite]

I'm going to go out on a limb and confirm this.

I am running 225/50 R17's on my winter setup.

[AzkotikBMW]

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=13366536#post13366536

Opinions on what kind of deal these are for $600?

"Two tires have about 10/32 of tread remaining and the other two have about 8/32, all worn very evenly." Were his words in a PM to me.

What do you think?

[Oli77]

I don't think that's a bad deal. Steal rims at $80 a piece and tires are at least 150 a piece. So its at least 1K for a new set that looks bad.

This one looks good, is balanced and off you go. Should last a long time too.

[danewilson77]

Bump.

[HokieZHP]

Hey guys so I'm going to look at some x5 wheels later today (around 6 ET) after visiting an amusement park and I was just double checking to see if they will fit. If you guys can confirm this it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Oli77]

Sorry, too late, but Mimalmo has gorgeous X5 wheel on his ZHP.

[HokieZHP]

It's alright I went and looked at them and the seller *forgot* to tell me on the phone that one wheel was bent...good 'ole craigslist

[Alphatek45]

It's alright I went and looked at them and the seller *forgot* to tell me on the phone that one wheel was bent...good 'ole craigslist

Hey, at least he didn't stab you... so done w/ CL.

[Oli77]

I went and picked up 2 Pirelli zottosero today for $90 (Craigslist locally).

http://www.1010tires.com/images/tires/pirelli/pirelli_scottzero_210_lg.jpg

Tires look new to me.

I will mount them and post impressions after the first snow hits.

[Oli77]

Bugger!

One of them has a bulge on the side wall. Couldn't tell until it was mounted and inflated.

Since it is a winter setup, I am tempted to put the bulged tire in the back right and see how it works out this winter.

Who knows, it may bust before then with the heat in the garage!

New tires are $189, I'm still coming on top if one blows.

[Oli77]

Bump-&-quest.

Do runflat tires blowout?

[CERF04ZHP]

Run-flat tires do not "blowout", but they can puncture and leak. If you continue to drive on a runflat tire with no air pressure, it will eventually fail.

I run style 44's in the winter with General Altimax Arctic. Excellent snow and ice traction, but because they are Q speed rated, they are like warm marshmallows on dry pavement. Next time around, I am going with an H or V speed rated, probably Michelin or Bridgestone. I am confident that if I give up some winter traction for dry road responsiveness, I will still do fine when the flakes fly!

Sent from my HTC EVO using Tapatalk.

[HokieZHP]

I've heard that as long as the temperature is cold, Blizzaks will hold up just fine on dry pavement.

[HokieZHP]

I found a set of style 119's I'm going to look at. They're ET 47. That will fit front and rear correct?

[Oli77]

I have 119s on my car and love them. Easy to clean, big 5 spokes.

My car is a ZSP though, a bit lower than a non-ZSP and it doesn't have the big brakes like on your ZHP.

Should fit.

How much for the set?

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac208/othibau/DSC06569.jpg

[HokieZHP]

Listed as OBO so I emailed the CL person to ask. How much do you think they're worth? Here's the ad... http://wilmington.craigslist.org/pts/2482891376.html

[Oli77]

I would buy them for up to $400 the set. I have seen them around forums at 600-800 the set with winter tires on.

[Oli77]

Look at the deal I got here (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?3798-Winter-Wheel-Tire-Thread&p=81619#post81619) on some winter wheels. I was stoked.

[quikryptonite]

Another quick question, since we run 255/35 R18 on the rear axle, would it be a good idea to add some 10mm spacers when I put my 225/50 R17 winter wheels on next week? The guy I bought the wheels from threw them in for free. I think they were made by Eibach. I am not worried about the front.

[Oli77]

Switching to a 225 (thinner) tire is probably going to help you out the most (that, and the tread of a winter tire), but I don't think spacers would do much for you.

Keep 'em for the summer (or sell them to me :)).

[quikryptonite]

Here are a few snapshots from my wheel change this weekend. I ended up not using the spacers and the wheels (17 x 7.5) clear the ZHP brake calipers fine. It is a little snug, but presents no problems. Got the wheels torqued to 88 lb/ft and we should be good to go when the white stuff starts flying here in the Rocky mountains. Although, I hope the E30 can take the brunt of the winter driving.

Here is my car with the dirty 135's on before being washed:
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x428/dcrider48/BMW%20330i%20ZHP/DirtySummer.jpg

Here is my car after washing the 135's:
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x428/dcrider48/BMW%20330i%20ZHP/CleanSummer.jpg

Here is my ZHP with the new E36 M3 Contour wheels mounted with Pirelli winter rubber. I am still not used to seeing her like this...
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x428/dcrider48/BMW%20330i%20ZHP/Winter.jpg

[danewilson77]

Looks great Quickie.

[quikryptonite]

Thanks, I have a slow leak in the front passenger side tire, I am hoping it's just a faulty valve stem. I've got to check that out tomorrow.

[TonyP]

Hi gang,

I'm just purchasing my ZHP now, and I'm also trying to find the right rims/tires for winter here in New England, and I'm realizing that I know nothing about bolt patterns/offsets, etc...it seems some folks are using wheels off of X5's, etc.? Can someone tell me the parameters I need to stay within when I buy wheels? I'm told I'm in the range of 225/45 R17, 17 x 7.5 or 8...any wisdom is appreciated!

Tony

[danewilson77]

225/18 front, 255/18 rear is stock setup. You want to stay ET38 to ET45 on offset. Bolt pattern is 5x120.

I run 235/45/18 all around, ET 45, with 10mm spacers front/rear.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Mike V]

Hi gang,

I'm just purchasing my ZHP now, and I'm also trying to find the right rims/tires for winter here in New England, and I'm realizing that I know nothing about bolt patterns/offsets, etc...it seems some folks are using wheels off of X5's, etc.? Can someone tell me the parameters I need to stay within when I buy wheels? I'm told I'm in the range of 225/45 R17, 17 x 7.5 or 8...any wisdom is appreciated!

Tony


225/18 front, 255/18 rear is stock setup. You want to stay ET38 to ET45 on offset. Bolt pattern is 5x120.

I run 235/45/18 all around, ET 45, with 10mm spacers front/rear.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

What Dane said... and to add to that, the stock wheel widths are 8 front and 8.5 rear. However, a square setup of 17 x 8 (or 7.5) with 225/45/17 would work great. A 225/45/17 is very close in height to the stock tires, according to tire size calculator sites such as http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html. If you get a lot of snow in your area, you could also consider 205/50/17.