Setting up my winter shoes

[BAX5]

I agree with mrbmwx5 that no winters are really needed. But I opted for 17" wheels (found some cheap bmw wheels on ebay) and got Blizzacks. The 17s while lame stock looking get you a nice thin winter setup if you need to blow through the deep stuff!

[anerbe]

agreed with the last few posts.

don't stagger - you'll get more life from rotations
go thin - prolly go factory 235/17's for the best traction/cutting thru snow

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by anerbe

...don't stagger - you'll get more life from rotations
go thin - prolly go factory 235/17's for the best traction/cutting thru snow

...yes, the 17s don't look cool/hot, but I did 5 winters with a set of those on serious azz snow covered Mtn roads, on our less capable non-XDrive '01, and they really, really work. For the few months per year the OP needs to the winter protection, I think it's worth giving up some cosmetics.
GL,mD

[shooter]

wow, thats some great input. I would love to keep the 19's on but the winter's up here get pretty bad. Litchfield county is full of hills so I need all the traction I can get. I have General Grabbers on my 19's right now and I couldn't even get out of the driveway in the 5 inches of snow on Saturday.

Last month I picked up a set of 17" style 57's (I think) from someone on this forum for $200. I do a lot of commuting on the highway, so I would like them quieter than the 19's. Are the Blizzaks loud?

Using all of your advice I think I am going with 235/65 R17 using a standard non-staggered set up. There has been a lot of recommendations for the Blizzys.

What about the Pirelli Winter Carving Edge?

On tire rack
$510 for 4 Bridgestone Blizzaks DM-V1 @ $110 each and shipping @ $56
And wouldn't you know it, they're out of stock. What is another website that sells cheap tires?

here are all the options for this size
Tire Search Results

I contemplating selling my 19's this winter so I can slap some 87's on her in the spring. I know its a long shot, but does anyone know if they make replica 87's bigger than 20". I would love to find some 21 or 22" style 87 wheels.

[anerbe]

with a 235/65 setup, you'll be fine with almost any snow tire that size.

you might as well got the cheaper route - looks like good reviews for the General Altimax and the GY Ultragrip. The General looks to be a bit beefier with a lower speed rating, while the GY seems to be for more handling and a higher speed rating. I guess it depends if you want to get nasty (Gen) or not (GY).

[anerbe]

Dude, even better for you....

http://www.xoutpost.com/classifieds/...res-250-a.html

[shooter]

Thanks for that link. I pm'ed him. If I don't here back by tonight, I'm ordering the Blizzaks tonight. I need some treads immediately if not sooner! Thanks for all your help