[shsolus]

Hello, I purchased an 30i for my wife recently and understand that it is still 6 months away from winter. However I would like to know your thoughts on approaching winter tires so that I can get prepared.

Do you use:

1. Build a set from 3rd party provider such as Tire Rack?
2. or OEM BMW winter tire/wheel set?

I used to use Tire Rack for all my other cars but then realized that BMW's is not too much more expensive.

What's your experience with OE winter tire/wheel packages?
I am leaning toward 18" (too many potholes) so will pick between 36110003052 and 36110003057
Where do you buy them? Local dealer or online? Brochure says TPMS included, but do they come mounted and balanced?

Thanks for your help and have a nice day.

[335dFan]

Well, even though I really can't justify winter tires in Northern California, my plan was to put winter tires on my OEM 19" wheels when the time comes, and buy my tires wherever it seems best (Tirerack.com, etc.). I have a local installer who is pretty gentle with the wheels. Then I was going to buy some 20" aftermarket wheels and put non-RFT Michelins on them.

For my Forester, which is a different story of course, I bought the installed wheel/tire set from Tirerack.com. They were Michelin X-Ice3, and they were great, and so great that I am actually using them now just to get use out of them before the rubber reaches end of life.

[nord1899]

My M40i came with the staggered 20s. I went with 19s from TireRack, 19X8 SPARCO ASSETTO GARA. And then got 235/55-19 winter tires, Conti VikingContact7. OE for 19s is 245/50-19 but 235/55-19 is very close and provides more non run flat options.

[JJ 911SC]

3rd party at around half the price.

Square set-up and these 18's fit the Sport Brake.

Great tire and size for Snowy Pot Holes ridden location.

[Coi]

My car came with summer tires (20" Pirelli p zero) so I had to figure something out for skiing. I got 19" wheels from tire rack with some "all weather" tires mounted. They're not as good as true winters but are better than most all-seasons. Kind of perfect considering I drive up to the mountains a lot but it doesn't snow where my primary residence is. Took a chance with these random wheels called Flow One F3 in bronze but they haven't cracked and the finish has held up so far. They're fairly lightweight too, which is always nice. The wheels barely clear the brakes but haven't had any issues with rubbing/contact. Got TPMS installed and everything from tirerack too. The whole setup was under $2100 total, so pretty cheap but this was back in 2018.

Only issue is that the tires aren't run flats so if I get a puncture I'm in pretty big trouble.

[Lady Jane]

Mine came with staggered 20s and I opted for the 19s square package by BMW. Not cheap at CAD$5300. Click on My Pictures.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/album.php?u=487736

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Coi

... Only issue is that the tires aren't run flats so if I get a puncture I'm in pretty big trouble.

BMW Roadside Assistance or AAA/CAA

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

... Not cheap at CAD$5300...

Mine were $2200 CAD: TPMS, Hunter Road Force Balance, taxes and delivery included.

The LCBO got the difference

[Lady Jane]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

The LCBO got the difference

Crafty bugger!!! No wonder you served in the Navy.

[wdeerfield]

19s off tire rack with pirelli rft snows. With tpms and shipping it was $2100.

[Skidriver]

Mine came with 19" Y-spoke ferric grey wheels, style 693 with all-season run-flat tires. I live in the Colorado mountains and assumed I'd need snows. Took delivery on November 4th and was amazed by how well the tires/car performed all winter--I never swapped them out. We get 350 inches a year here... a foot at a time is normal, as is the slush and ice that come with it.

Really impressed.

In fact, the critical issue--for me even more important--were the brakes, which outperformed every other car I've driven in these conditions. By a LOT.

[Yellowmattei]

My X3 has the 20" staggered setup. I bought a square setup of 19" BMW rims on eBay for $899, and mounted Vredestein Wintrac Pros to them. Total cost with mounting, shipping, etc, about $1900 US. The Vredesteins are just great, and I can't say enough about them.

[BavMachina]

I got 18’s from Tire Rack with Michelin Pilot Alpins. Mounted, balanced, with TPMS, delivered to my home and installed in my garage by Tire Rack’s ASAP Tire, all for a little under $1,800.