Tire Rack Winter Set Up

[KEF]

marc - this is what I was referring to regarding the TPMS sensors

[marcx5]

thanks KEF. i did not realize there is a sensor... and i wonder how that works?? does it actually check the pressure and if so, why can't we see the pressures on the screen? does tire rack put these on the tires, or does the installer have to do it?

also, it says those tires are on backorder... i wonder how long? otherwise, i'm thinking the Bridgestones or Michelin's.... any thoughts?

is there any advantage to getting a BMW OEM wheel instead of that one? I guess you don't get the BMW logo, is that all?

thanks.

[marcx5]

i just looked at the wheels you posted above... they are pretty cool looking! i assume these will definitely be appropriate for the 2008?

[nynd]

The advantage of going with a BMW wheel is that "usually" I use the term loosely, the rims and tires are of a better grade. Some rims at times can take excessive weights to be balanced whereas others (which I've seen can never be balanced - rim is that bad). So, just depends on manufacturer and if the wheel was cast or forged. Forged are stronger and lighter whereas cast are heavier.

[marcx5]

there are only two wheel options available at Tire Rack. The OZ Sardegna and the OZ Canyon. Which do you guys like better? any thoughts on these vs. BMW original wheel?

[KEF]

Originally Posted by marcx5

thanks KEF. i did not realize there is a sensor... and i wonder how that works?? does it actually check the pressure and if so, why can't we see the pressures on the screen? does tire rack put these on the tires, or does the installer have to do it?

Yes, my understanding is that you can run without them but the vehicle will indicate a problem with the tire pressure. Tire rack installs them and ships everything assembled and balanced.

Originally Posted by marcx5

also, it says those tires are on backorder... i wonder how long? otherwise, I’m thinking the Bridgestones or Michelin's.... any thoughts? .

I only used these as an example, I am personally partial to the Blizzaks - I run them on my wife's Passat in the winter

Originally Posted by marcx5

is there any advantage to getting a BMW OEM wheel instead of that one? I guess you don't get the BMW logo, is that all?

There is a perceived quality improvement, but OZ does make a quality wheel and I would not personally hesitate to buy a set for winter tires. I would prefer OEM wheels however and am looking to source a set first.

[lakai]

You do not need to buy new sensors!! just have them send you wheels and tires and just take it to your local discount tire center and have them mount and balance your new wheels with the sensors in your stock wheels. It should not cost more than $40 Just rememeber to let them know you have sensors, otherwise they'll try to yank them out like they were normal tire valves and end up breaking your TPS

[KEF]

Originally Posted by lakai

You do not need to buy new sensors!! just have them send you wheels and tires and just take it to your local discount tire center and have them mount and balance your new wheels with the sensors in your stock wheels. It should not cost more than $40 Just rememeber to let them know you have sensors, otherwise they'll try to yank them out like they were normal tire valves and end up breaking your TPS

No thanks, I would perfer not to have to have my 20" OEM wheels opened up by the local tire shop and the TMPS/Valve removed to be installed in the new ones - that is more of a PITA than it is worth, no?

For less than $200, send me everything assembled and save me the time / hassle

Regards,
KEF

[marcx5]

Originally Posted by KEF

No thanks, I would perfer not to have to have my 20" OEM wheels opened up by the local tire shop and the TMPS/Valve removed to be installed in the new ones - that is more of a PITA than it is worth, no?

For less than $200, send me everything assembled and save me the time / hassle

Regards,
KEF

I agree with KEF. The local tire guys really don't know much about this stuff.

What is the BEST price people have been getting on a BMW OEM winter setup or wheels alone?

[STALKER]

Don't believe the hype about OEM wheels, they are not bad quality wheels, but they are not great either, and the dealer over charges for what they are.

You are better off just getting new sensors, they should be located near or in the valve stem assembly.

I was rather upset when BMW decided to not use the pressure monitoring system they use on most M models, as the sensor is built into the ABS system. Its far more accurate, reliable, less false alarms, and you don't need to purchase sensors each time you get a set of wheels.

I guess its cheaper for them to use the current system we see on the the e70 and most of the current BMW line up.