Winter boots for my '04 BMW 325i

[obanthedog]

I've been reading some recent posts about the various merits of winter tires.  I need an H rated (205/55HR16) tire for my 325i  that will not compromise handling too much, but at the same time offer decent  traction on snow and ice.  I was originally leaning towards the new Michelin Pilot Alpin  PA2  but have heard some negativity on this forum.  Others I've considered include the Pirelli Snow 210's, Bridgestone LM-25's etc.  Any suggestions??}

[Driver]

Welcome to the "swamp" Obanthedog

Hankook W300 IceBear is very good value for money!  H-rated, asymetric and available in 205/55/R16.  check it out in www.tiretrends.com

[panda_tsx]

Dunlop Wintersport M3's!

they just look bad ass and good reviews on www.tirerack.com

[stodge]

I'd like to hear peoples' opinions on the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2.

[paradox]

> I was originally leaning towards the new Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2
> but have heard some negativity on this forum.

Negativity, really--where?  I went looking here recently for news on the PA2's as well, but didn't see anything bad.  The Pilot Alpin's are too new.

I've just ordered a set of PA2's, was swayed by their having a "BMW" version.  They should be arriving any day now, but I imagine it will be a while before I'll truly know anything about them.

BTW, if you're not too set on purchasing new, I've  four Pirelli Snowsport 210's on 16" steelies with BMW wheel covers for sale.  Traded my '01 325 for an '04 330 last spring, and the 330 needs minimum 17" rims.

Kevin

[obanthedog]

Sorry - it was some so-so reviews that I read on Tire Rack's website however I'm not sure if the tires reviewed there were this year's version or not.  What is the PA2 "BMW" version that you alluded to?  Also, how many klicks on your 210 Pirellis?

[paradox]

> What is the PA2 "BMW" version that you alluded to?

I was told by various retail outlets that my car takes a 225/45R17 tire.  If you check the PA2's sizes on TireTrends or Michelin's websites, you'll notice there's a model of 225/45R17 with a BMW designation.  Michelin's PDF indicates "Developed for BMW".  That sounded like the one for me.

> Also, how many klicks on your 210 Pirellis?

Somewhere between 20 and 25K.  If you're interested, write me at kloberle@uwaterloo.ca

Thanks,

Kevin

[obanthedog]

Thanks for everyone's comments.  A special thanks  to Panda _tsx for recommending the excellent and well-reviewed Dunlop Winter Sport M3 which I ordered from the fine folks at Tiretrends.

[panda_tsx]

woooo hooo!!
i too was going to get the wintersport M3's, but last moment changed and ended up with Nokian RSi's, our intersections are quite slippery in the prairies!

let us know how you like them after!

[obanthedog]

Aaack!  The Dunlop Winter Sport M3's are sold out for the season!  After all the research and feedback!  Oh well, here goes round #2. What's the best overall choice for the 325i in terms of nasty winter conditions:
1) Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2
2) Hankook W300 Ice Bear
Any comments/suggestions?  Thanks.

[mark]

I suspect that given its a new introduction, the PA2 will have some advantage in technology over the Hankook.  On the other hand, the Hankook is pretty good, and will save you a load of $$$.

[morty]

Sorry you didn't get the M3's. Huge winter shortages this year and everyone seems to be getting ready early. We thought we order a lot, but they were snapped up.

I can recommend both the PA2 and W300 with confidence, but buy the one you feel comfortable with. We have had good feedback on both tires.



TireTrends - Get ready for winter!

[obanthedog]

Decided to go Michelin  with the Pilot Alpin PA2's (w/OEM steels & BMW hubcaps).  I checked out the Michelins  today at my local BMW dealership and the parts dude there raved about them.  Further  research and positive feedback has indicated that I was wrong about these tires, so I hereby  retract what I said originally in my first post . Muchos Gracias to the gang at Tire Trends for their great advice and, more importantly, an excellent deal!  ...Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

[brock]

Hey guys, I'm also in the market for a good winter package for my 325Ci/04. Oban, would you care to share with me how much your package cost, it sounds like something I would get. Can someone also comment on the Michelin PA2's vs Pirelli W210's vs Dunlop M2's. Thanks.

[snoopy]

Why not get the Toyo Observe Garit HT's? Very good tread compound, and it's H-rated. I just bought these and they've worked fine so far.

[obanthedog]

Got a fabulous deal on new Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2's with BMW OEM wheels & hubcaps from TireTrends.  I saved over $400 CDN from what my local BMW dealer wanted for the exact same package! Give TireTrends a call for pricing!  First wintery conditions encountered this past week - tires worked beautifully!!  Very stable on dry roads too.  

[davidm]

Have the M3 on my bimmer and 210's on the Audi.  Very happy so far.  Garit HT's might be a little squishy on a 325Ci unless you need the snow traction.