Performance winter tire advice

BimmerBri · 10-29-2007, 04:40 PM

I am currently shopping around for some new performance winter tires. I think I have narrowed it down to three choices and wonder if anyone out there has any advice or input that may help me weigh my decision. Here they are.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 RFT

Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 DSST ROF

Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3 EMT

Any comments about rain/snow performance, road noise or dry pavement handling would be appreaciated.

Mikli · 10-29-2007, 06:35 PM

I've been using the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 on my M coupe and they are great. The Goodyears are good too. Do you have more rain or snow?

BimmerBri · 10-29-2007, 07:09 PM

Mikli,

A good combination of both, I am in Michigan so there is certainly a chance for a good amount of snow throughout the winter months.

Dammmittt · 10-29-2007, 07:42 PM

Dunno man...i'm gonna need some soon as well...first day with a high under 50 round here...

BimmerBri · 10-30-2007, 02:12 PM

Dammmit,

Let me know what you decide on, I think I am leaning towards the Dunlops.

Dammmittt · 10-30-2007, 07:55 PM

lol...that's what i was thinking...

BimmerBri · 10-30-2007, 08:04 PM

I just spoke to my uncle, he has a set of the Dunlops on a 350Z and said they were great last winter. No problem in the snow, just motoring right through it, were his exact words.

EdmM3 · 11-07-2007, 10:51 PM

I have Dunlop M3s on my 530i. Interesting tire - It is the best winter I have had from a dry pavement perspective. (Winters usually turn the car into a poor handling noisey car - I can't wait to remove them in the spring). The Dunlops have a little more noise than the summers, but nothing like the Toyo winters I had before. Overall I like the car better with the Dunlop M3s than the runflat Bridgestones that the car came with.

As far as winter goes, I honestly have to say I haven't driven in enough bad winter conditions to pass judgement.

F87LUV · 11-09-2007, 10:59 AM

I had blizzaks on my 350z and Ive driven through some pretty bad storms... I highly recommend them. Im shopping for my new rims so i can slap them onto my stock.

Santa Fe Roadster · 11-27-2007, 03:54 PM

I HIGHLY reccomend the blizzaks . Had my car delived last winter in the middle of a snow storm & it would not even make it up my driveway. The next day I had blizzaks put on it & I never had a problem for the rest of the very snowy winter. (Actually, the ONLY problem after the blizzaks installation was the Z's limited clearance. The front spoiler acts as a snow plow. But the blizzaks offer plenty of traction!)

narcolo · 11-27-2007, 04:21 PM

Blizzaks are the way to go, very soft compound, kinda mushy when there is no snow on the ground though.

I just moved away from Michigan, got a set of 16's with practically new blizzaks if you are interested...

danlauz · 11-27-2007, 06:19 PM

i am in canada and did put the dunlop on the car and, its the perfect match.

yes bring them from tirerack in usa at almost half price compare to a canadian purshase.

speedygirl · 11-30-2007, 04:05 PM

I bought the Dunlops recommended in the winter tire package - 17 inch wintersport M3 DSST.

Has been pretty cold/wet in Toronto since I bought them, and we had a good snow last week.

I must say that they drive really nicely. They are quiet, nice to drive on the highway at speed, and have good traction in cold wet conditions and light snow. I was driving last weekend when conditions changed from rain to snow, and with light snow cover on the road, I stepped on the brakes a few times with noone around to get a feel for how good they were. Stopped on a dime. Haven't tried them in heavier snow yet.

I definitely feel confident with these tires on.

Dammmittt · 11-30-2007, 06:18 PM

Sounds like either way the tires are good. Right now...it looks like I'm driving with my summers on year round...guess I won't leave the city if it snows.

kav · 11-30-2007, 06:30 PM

I just ordered some Hankook Icebears W300 215 55 17 for my Z4M. I am curious to see how they feel. These are the same tires my parents have on their 330XI and they work great on that car.

takedown8 · 12-01-2007, 08:22 AM

I have the Dunlop M3 Winter Sport runflats. Have been very good so far through one winter, though I'm in Southern Ontario so we don't get all that much snow.

The Blizzaks were classically the best tire, but recent reviews have the Dunlops beating them out, so that's why I chose them.

Regardless of which winter tire you choose though, make sure you go with 17" rather than your 18" if possible. Also, drive slow and safe. Winter tires do not make up for the light weight, RWD, and high torque of the Z4's (especially the M's).

Dammmittt · 12-01-2007, 08:34 AM

Yeah...and keep the cruise control off. lol. I learned that when I was 16 and ended up in a ditch

takedown8 · 12-02-2007, 07:23 AM

Just had a decent snowfall last night. The Dunlops held up like a champ. But I had to drive slow....just like everyone else or even moreso.

F87LUV · 12-02-2007, 08:31 AM

NooOoOoOoOo Blizzaks are sold out for the season. Im going to be trapped!

takedown8 · 12-02-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZGirl4U

NooOoOoOoOo Blizzaks are sold out for the season. Im going to be trapped!

I guess you haven't been reading the entire thread. Dunlops, woman!

Dammmittt · 12-02-2007, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZGirl4U

NooOoOoOoOo Blizzaks are sold out for the season. Im going to be trapped!

Welcome to my world. I found it might snow today, so I had to bring my car back to the garage last night.

speedygirl · 12-02-2007, 11:20 PM

OK, so we had something like 8 inches of snow in Toronto overnight and guess who had to work at 8 AM on Sunday morning... Got out of my plowed lot only to get stuck in a drift of snow at the end of my driveway. After a few minutes of cursing

, a nice man stopped and gave the Z4 a good push from behind. I didn't look back, except to wave thanks

. Roads weren't yet plowed, but managed to get to work downtown in one piece.

DSC came on a few times, but Dunlops were great! I should say that the local news was also showing SUVs getting stuck and pushed out of drifts which made me feel better. I guess now I can say I have had them out in REAL snow! Should have taken a pic to post.

10-29-2007, 04:40 PM	#1
BimmerBri Private 11 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2007 Sparkling Graphite 328i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 e92 328i [0.00]	Performance winter tire advice I am currently shopping around for some new performance winter tires. I think I have narrowed it down to three choices and wonder if anyone out there has any advice or input that may help me weigh my decision. Here they are. Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 RFT Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 DSST ROF Goodyear Eagle Ultra Grip GW3 EMT Any comments about rain/snow performance, road noise or dry pavement handling would be appreaciated. __________________ 2007 328i Sparkling Graphite, Sport, Luxury, Convenience, Hot seats. Last edited by BimmerBri; 10-29-2007 at 07:27 PM..
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10-29-2007, 06:35 PM	#2
Mikli First Lieutenant 88 Rep 380 Posts Drives: G05F36F16F82E90E86E46E36E30 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Van_City iTrader: (1)	I've been using the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 on my M coupe and they are great. The Goodyears are good too. Do you have more rain or snow?
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10-29-2007, 07:09 PM	#3
BimmerBri Private 11 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2007 Sparkling Graphite 328i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 e92 328i [0.00]	Mikli, A good combination of both, I am in Michigan so there is certainly a chance for a good amount of snow throughout the winter months. __________________ 2007 328i Sparkling Graphite, Sport, Luxury, Convenience, Hot seats.
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10-29-2007, 07:42 PM	#4
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 169 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	Dunno man...i'm gonna need some soon as well...first day with a high under 50 round here... __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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10-30-2007, 02:12 PM	#5
BimmerBri Private 11 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2007 Sparkling Graphite 328i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 e92 328i [0.00]	Dammmit, Let me know what you decide on, I think I am leaning towards the Dunlops. __________________ 2007 328i Sparkling Graphite, Sport, Luxury, Convenience, Hot seats.
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10-30-2007, 07:55 PM	#6
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 169 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	lol...that's what i was thinking... __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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10-30-2007, 08:04 PM	#7
BimmerBri Private 11 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2007 Sparkling Graphite 328i Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 e92 328i [0.00]	I just spoke to my uncle, he has a set of the Dunlops on a 350Z and said they were great last winter. No problem in the snow, just motoring right through it, were his exact words. __________________ 2007 328i Sparkling Graphite, Sport, Luxury, Convenience, Hot seats.
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11-07-2007, 10:51 PM	#8
EdmM3 Enlisted Member 3 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 635CSi, Z4, 330xi, 530i, E90M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Edmonton, Ab, Canada iTrader: (1)	I have Dunlop M3s on my 530i. Interesting tire - It is the best winter I have had from a dry pavement perspective. (Winters usually turn the car into a poor handling noisey car - I can't wait to remove them in the spring). The Dunlops have a little more noise than the summers, but nothing like the Toyo winters I had before. Overall I like the car better with the Dunlop M3s than the runflat Bridgestones that the car came with. As far as winter goes, I honestly have to say I haven't driven in enough bad winter conditions to pass judgement.
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11-09-2007, 10:59 AM	#9
F87LUV Lieutenant General 3689 Rep 15,081 Posts Drives: '16 M2, '23 GT4 Join Date: May 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2023 Porsche GT4 [5.00] 2016 BMW M2 [8.66]	I had blizzaks on my 350z and Ive driven through some pretty bad storms... I highly recommend them. Im shopping for my new rims so i can slap them onto my stock. __________________ IG: Trackinheels
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11-27-2007, 03:54 PM	#10
Santa Fe Roadster Member 7 Rep 76 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 2.5 Sport Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Santa Fe, NM iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 2.5i sport [7.00]	I HIGHLY reccomend the blizzaks . Had my car delived last winter in the middle of a snow storm & it would not even make it up my driveway. The next day I had blizzaks put on it & I never had a problem for the rest of the very snowy winter. (Actually, the ONLY problem after the blizzaks installation was the Z's limited clearance. The front spoiler acts as a snow plow. But the blizzaks offer plenty of traction!) __________________ BMW rear spoiler - de-badged - MTEC HIDs (DEFECTIVE) - XENESIS high beams & fogs - shadowline front grill - 20% tint - keyhole plugs - Roadster Solutions acrylic wind deflector - LeatherZ center console & door arm rests - Parrot 3100 bluetooth - USA SPEC IPod integration - Xenon interior lighting
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11-27-2007, 04:21 PM	#11
narcolo New Member 4 Rep 26 Posts Drives: E85 E89 Z4 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: OC iTrader: (0)	Blizzaks are the way to go, very soft compound, kinda mushy when there is no snow on the ground though. I just moved away from Michigan, got a set of 16's with practically new blizzaks if you are interested...
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11-27-2007, 06:19 PM	#12
danlauz Private First Class 8 Rep 134 Posts Drives: z4m 2007+x5 2009+330 cic 2003 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: canada iTrader: (0)	dunlop i am in canada and did put the dunlop on the car and, its the perfect match. yes bring them from tirerack in usa at almost half price compare to a canadian purshase.
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11-30-2007, 04:05 PM	#13
speedygirl Private 1 Rep 74 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0si, Jet Black Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	Bought Dunlops a couple weeks ago I bought the Dunlops recommended in the winter tire package - 17 inch wintersport M3 DSST. Has been pretty cold/wet in Toronto since I bought them, and we had a good snow last week. I must say that they drive really nicely. They are quiet, nice to drive on the highway at speed, and have good traction in cold wet conditions and light snow. I was driving last weekend when conditions changed from rain to snow, and with light snow cover on the road, I stepped on the brakes a few times with noone around to get a feel for how good they were. Stopped on a dime. Haven't tried them in heavier snow yet. I definitely feel confident with these tires on.
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11-30-2007, 06:18 PM	#14
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 169 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	Sounds like either way the tires are good. Right now...it looks like I'm driving with my summers on year round...guess I won't leave the city if it snows. __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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11-30-2007, 06:30 PM	#15
kav Lieutenant 49 Rep 401 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I just ordered some Hankook Icebears W300 215 55 17 for my Z4M. I am curious to see how they feel. These are the same tires my parents have on their 330XI and they work great on that car.
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12-01-2007, 08:22 AM	#16
takedown8 Major 56 Rep 1,068 Posts Drives: 2005 BMW Z4 3.0i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	I have the Dunlop M3 Winter Sport runflats. Have been very good so far through one winter, though I'm in Southern Ontario so we don't get all that much snow. The Blizzaks were classically the best tire, but recent reviews have the Dunlops beating them out, so that's why I chose them. Regardless of which winter tire you choose though, make sure you go with 17" rather than your 18" if possible. Also, drive slow and safe. Winter tires do not make up for the light weight, RWD, and high torque of the Z4's (especially the M's).
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12-01-2007, 08:34 AM	#17
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 169 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	Yeah...and keep the cruise control off. lol. I learned that when I was 16 and ended up in a ditch __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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12-02-2007, 07:23 AM	#18
takedown8 Major 56 Rep 1,068 Posts Drives: 2005 BMW Z4 3.0i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	Just had a decent snowfall last night. The Dunlops held up like a champ. But I had to drive slow....just like everyone else or even moreso.
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12-02-2007, 08:31 AM	#19
F87LUV Lieutenant General 3689 Rep 15,081 Posts Drives: '16 M2, '23 GT4 Join Date: May 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2023 Porsche GT4 [5.00] 2016 BMW M2 [8.66]	NooOoOoOoOo Blizzaks are sold out for the season. Im going to be trapped! __________________ IG: Trackinheels
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12-02-2007, 11:20 PM	#22
speedygirl Private 1 Rep 74 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0si, Jet Black Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	OK, so we had something like 8 inches of snow in Toronto overnight and guess who had to work at 8 AM on Sunday morning... Got out of my plowed lot only to get stuck in a drift of snow at the end of my driveway. After a few minutes of cursing , a nice man stopped and gave the Z4 a good push from behind. I didn't look back, except to wave thanks . Roads weren't yet plowed, but managed to get to work downtown in one piece. DSC came on a few times, but Dunlops were great! I should say that the local news was also showing SUVs getting stuck and pushed out of drifts which made me feel better. I guess now I can say I have had them out in REAL snow! Should have taken a pic to post.
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