Are winter tires really necessary?

telegix · 04-07-2002, 10:25 PM

I’m going to be getting my 2002 325i in May/June they tell me. The wait it killing me. I’d just like to hear some comments from BMW owners here in Toronto with experience in winter driving on the RWD BMW’s..? BMW has some convincing video’s showing a 3 series not being able to go up a hill without the traction control on. I remember driving an early ‘80s Chevrolet and having RWD wasn’t the most pleasant thing. Of course there was no traction control back then. I’m wondering if it really necessary to buy winter tires or not? I’m not planning on taking off major roads (no cottage trips, etc.) during the winter.

**thinair** · 04-07-2002, 10:30 PM

Simply, yes, my mom's regular tires (Michelin MXV4) suck in the snow. I convinced my dad to get her some tires, Michelin Artic Alpine, quite a bit of a difference, on ice and total snow cover, they hook up decently, and less ABS interference under braking. Marginally better on slush. That said, don't expect winter tires to defy physics.

**SickFinga** · 04-07-2002, 10:50 PM

not winter, but M+S(all season) tires are million times better than ZR tires in winter

telegix · 04-07-2002, 11:08 PM

Well, i looked up the spec again and the stock tires are "Tires:16 x 7.0 Star spoke alloy wheels, style 45, 205/55R-16 all-season tires" Are the Michelin MXV4 what come with a stock 325i?

Furious · 04-07-2002, 11:17 PM

my opinion,,is yes winter tires are god sent,,,,, these cars are hard to handle in heavy snow,,, a decent pair of all seasons could also work..

04-07-2002, 11:21 PM

I've got winter tires on my 89 325is and the car is still absolutely terrible in snow, but im sure the new ones are alot better in the snow than the old ones with all the new advancements

'88 325e · 04-07-2002, 11:28 PM

How can I put this? All season tires are CRAP!!! I will never use all season tires again in my life! I put on Michelin Artic Alpens on my car and I could not believe the traction. And summer tires have way better traction in the rain! So I suggest that you save your pennies for proper tires because tires are your first safety option!

MPRESION · 04-07-2002, 11:31 PM

Yes. It makes a big difference in the way the car handles and all in the snow. Even though we didn't have much snow this year, it still was a life saver when snow did fall. The other plus to this is that you save tread life on your summer tires which in most cases are more expensive then winter tires.

E36COMPACT · 04-08-2002, 01:18 AM

Winter tires definately make a difference...I bought my car used and it came with all-seasons. I put on michelin arctic alipnes.....there was a big difference.

KIRASIR · 04-08-2002, 01:56 AM

It's all a matter of what you are used to. I've never had snow tires on any of my cars in last 6 years, and I just can't justify to myself spending 600-800 bucks on them.

To each his own I guess.

SL

***Gamite*** · 04-08-2002, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MPRESION
Yes. It makes a big difference in the way the car handles and all in the snow. Even though we didn't have much snow this year, it still was a life saver when snow did fall. The other plus to this is that you save tread life on your summer tires which in most cases are more expensive then winter tires.

haha, Enio you experienced that first hand eh?

I used to have Pirelli P6000's as my all seasons, and, well, have you ever walked on an oily floor in an auto garage? Thats how it feels on the highway.

I only paid $380 for my winter tires, and when my stock wheels are as wide as 225, let me tell you its so worth it.

Unfortunately they're only T-Rated, so its not safe for me to go past 200km/h

SWHEEEET · 04-08-2002, 10:50 AM

There is also the option of storing your car. It would save on the wear and tear of winter driving and picture this:
You are driving down a highway and you get stuck behind the salt truck flinging salt and little rocks at your car the one that you cherish....

djcontra · 04-08-2002, 10:51 AM

I drove all winter on some crap tires i got from a junkyard with 98% tread on them. they were thinner than stock by quite a lot too. having the narrow all season tires with that much tread helped alot. I paid $80 for all four installed.

it helps if you drive carefully too, i would usually stop slowly and accellerate using 2nd gear instead of 1st.

telegix · 04-08-2002, 11:09 AM

Well, how long do you think my Honda Accord '86 with 290,000km is going to last? I just put a new tranny in it and hope to repaint and sell it... I don't really drive on the highway during the winter.. Not that i can't, it's more so that i drive down yonge street to work everyday. I drive from highway 7 and yonge to the sheppard subway station, thats the building i work in.

Quote:

Originally posted by SWHEEEET
There is also the option of storing your car. It would save on the wear and tear of winter driving and picture this:
You are driving down a highway and you get stuck behind the salt truck flinging salt and little rocks at your car the one that you cherish....

SWHEEEET · 04-08-2002, 11:43 AM

I guess it depends on everything else on your accord, the milage is pretty high...
But if you consider spending $500 for a beater car each winter season is it worth it to save your bimmer? Comes down to personal opinion