Mid-winter feedback on Pirelli Sottozero II tires

Bronze · 01-28-2013, 03:45 PM

I thought I'd share some midwinter feedback on my tires so far. I have 225/40-18 tires on all four corners of my OEM 162 wheels. Here in Detroit we've had three good storms, all providing a varied amount of surface conditions in just 6 weeks time. I am stock in the powertrain category. Here are my impressions:

1) Hard packed snow turned to ice: Tires have decent grabbing power. I found this surface on my subdivision streets before any plowing or salting. I was able to get the rear end to slide when I attempted to turn while starting from a stop sign. The stability control quickly sensed it, and as I continued to tip in, the car accelerated while staying straight.

2) Fresh wet snow: Here is where I am pleasantly surprised. On more than one occasion I've backed off on the throttle expecting the tires to slip, but they just don't slip. So I'm starting to give it more gas, and the car moves nicely, with no stability control activation.

3) Powder snow and slush: Excellent bite. No issues. Like driving on rain in the summer time with these tires. Cornering is very predictable.

So far, I'm very pleased with the purchase.

iDriveanXi · 01-28-2013, 07:49 PM

Good to hear a little feedback on these tires. I was checking on winter tires and found it a little difficult to make a decision. It's nice to hear a real world review, albeit I'm AWD, but they can only be better. I've gone over the survey results quite a few times, I'm also over analyzing it as well. Keep us updated on the full season results.

01-28-2013, 03:45 PM	#1
Bronze First Lieutenant 12 Rep 394 Posts Drives: 2008 335i sedan Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Berkley, MI iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	Mid-winter feedback on Pirelli Sottozero II tires I thought I'd share some midwinter feedback on my tires so far. I have 225/40-18 tires on all four corners of my OEM 162 wheels. Here in Detroit we've had three good storms, all providing a varied amount of surface conditions in just 6 weeks time. I am stock in the powertrain category. Here are my impressions: 1) Hard packed snow turned to ice: Tires have decent grabbing power. I found this surface on my subdivision streets before any plowing or salting. I was able to get the rear end to slide when I attempted to turn while starting from a stop sign. The stability control quickly sensed it, and as I continued to tip in, the car accelerated while staying straight. 2) Fresh wet snow: Here is where I am pleasantly surprised. On more than one occasion I've backed off on the throttle expecting the tires to slip, but they just don't slip. So I'm starting to give it more gas, and the car moves nicely, with no stability control activation. 3) Powder snow and slush: Excellent bite. No issues. Like driving on rain in the summer time with these tires. Cornering is very predictable. So far, I'm very pleased with the purchase. __________________ Bronze 2008 335i sedan \| black/black \| Sport \| Premium
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01-28-2013, 07:49 PM	#2
iDriveanXi Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 231 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Good to hear a little feedback on these tires. I was checking on winter tires and found it a little difficult to make a decision. It's nice to hear a real world review, albeit I'm AWD, but they can only be better. I've gone over the survey results quite a few times, I'm also over analyzing it as well. Keep us updated on the full season results.
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