Question on Winter Tires (Germany)

[davipt]

Hello all.

Anyone from Germany or around and with a X3 (or X5?) that can give me some hints about winter tires?

I'm from Portugal, and over there we don't change the tires - there's no snow, and there's rain almost all year (or used to, not it's way dryer), so we just get one set of generic all season tires for the whole year.

In Germany, and through my employee's leasing contract, I'm entitled to a set of winter tires, so my questions are related to what am I expecting from them, or what would you advise me to demand them.

Q1: In Germany one has to change the tires in winter time. As far as I know, until end of this year, the change wasn't mandatory, though if one would have an accident, the tires would be a factor when deciding who's guilty. From next year, the tire change is mandatory. Is this correct?

Q2: When is the right time to change the tires? Is there a common date/month? Is it when it gets cold enough? And then when to change back?

Q3: I have the standard rims and tires - Rims 112 with 235/something R17. What is the expected set of tires for winter? In some 3 and 5 series, I saw that they change to steel rims in winter. Is it the same with the X3? Will I get a awfull set of steel rims? And what size are they supposed to be? Smaller?


Please share your experiences with the European's Winter. Last year we decided to stay home whenever some snow were falling, because I never have drive in snow, and my Opel Astra is not "prepared" for it. This year I wanna have some fun with the X3 ))