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[steverb5000]

First off, I did a search on this issue and came up with a lot of info so pardon me if I'm being redundant here...

I just bought a 2006 CPO 330i w/sports package with 14K miles on it...

The car came with the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Run flats, two of which are brand new due to an alignment issue by the previous owner.

I live in DC and find the ride a bit harsh but roads here aren't so hot.

What I'm most concerned about however, is winter performance.

Although we don't get a ton of snow here, it does snow from time to time and definitely does ice up during the winter.

I've been told that the current tires will render the car undriveable in ANY ice and snow and I'm looking for the best solution that keeps me on the road.

First off, I don't want to own two sets of tires so winter tires are out.

Secondly, I'm not a performance nut. I just replaced the high performance tires on a VW GLI with all season tires and barely noticed a difference. Oh wait, there was a difference. The all seasons were cheaper and lasted longer And I know, a VW isn't a BMW, but it was a really nice car and was fun to drive.

So that leaves me with my 330i.

Option 1) Leave the current tires on call it a day. Use the metro is I can't drive in the snow.

Option 2) Replace the Run Flat tires with all season NON run flats. There are plenty of options. Throw a spare in the trunk (The LeatherZ kit looks fine) and I'm off to the races.

Option 3) Change the wheels out so that an all season run flat will fit. I currently have the 18 inch wheels. If so, what size wheels do I go with? I know that the "look" of the car will change, but I'm cool with that.

Option 2 and 3 look best to me but I'm not thrilled with losing a lot of the trunk to a stupid spare.

Any words of advice?

S

[LI E90]

take the metro when it snows and leave those 162's alone

[Staszek]

If they are brand new tires, I would wait and then swap them out for non run flats later.

Unless you sell the bridgestones then I would do it now. I hate them to they ride aweful.

[ex-poster]

I want to emphasize that what the OP heard about trying (and I stress "trying") to drive on summer tires in winter conditions is exactly correct. I've been caught out by just a little bit of precip in the winter and it was like driving on ball bearings.

Yes, it's that bad.

[nicknaz]

Yes, those tires will not be usable in the snow. They are dedicated summer only performance tires.

Have you tried a dedicated snow/ice tire before? The difference going from an all season to a winter tire is phenomenal. Nokian winter tires are especially good at giving great winter traction and acceptable dry handling and noise.

Also, just my personal opinion, but if you can't notice the difference going from a good performance tire to a commuter all season tire, you should have gotten a Lexus

[BK]

Use them for the summer. In the winter, swap out to 17" winter tires on dedicated rims. Tire Rack will have good options beginning around October or November -- plenty of time for winter in DC. Don't try to leave the summer tires on all year.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34696
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41227
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...3&postcount=65 (my car)

[DenverJayhawk]

I would not replace the summers with all seasons as your only tire. You'll lose a lot of the driving dynamics. If you don't want to spend the cash to get a winter tire setup, then take the metro when it snows. Whatever you do, do not drive in the winter with a RWD car on summer tires. You'll most likely crash your wonderful car and probably take another car or two out with you.

[DenverJayhawk]

Originally Posted by Staszek

If they are brand new tires, I would wait and then swap them out for non run flats later.

Unless you sell the bridgestones then I would do it now. I hate them to they ride aweful.

You hate the Bridgestones? I think they ride nicely.

[BK]

The Bridgestone Turanza(sp?) all season tires are the ones that everyone really hates. The Potenza RE050A ride pretty good, but they aren't as good as, say, the Pilot Sport PS2 non-RFT that people replace them with.

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by DenverJayhawk

You hate the Bridgestones? I think they ride nicely.

I have the RE050a RFT's I dont like them one bit, they handle decent, but the I feel every bump in the road, they are a very stiff tire.

I was running 19's for a while on my E46 with the ZHP suspension and it was no where near as harsh a ride as these RFT's are on only 18's.

Yes on smooth roads like the turnpike in NJ they are just fine, but most of the roads around here are horrible and my car feels like a ping pong ball.

Btw I would definitely get a dedicated set of snows if you get snow. I drive the E46 in the snow not this car and have a second set.

[DenverJayhawk]

I really don't mind the Potenzas at all. I live in Denver where the roads are so-so and I think they provide a nice blend of performance and comfortability. What are you using in place of the RFTs?