My Winter 209 (18") set-up

[Kief]

Nothing special, but I just wanted to post some pics for fellow members who may have to make the dreaded decision to downsize from 20" to 18"s for the winter. Usually, most folks would post pics of the opposite, going from 18"s to 20" or higher (like another thread recently started). But these pics give those of us who experience winter conditions what our E70s would look like. I know when I was debating this situation, there were very limited pictures of 18" winter set-ups and it made it difficult to visualize how bad it would be j/k. Overall, I think it looks fine. Certainly, some angles are better than others. But it is only for 3 months and soon those monster 214s will be back on.

I want to thank a fellow member (Aqua Bliss) for hooking me up with his OEM rims/tires/sensors/caps. Thanks again Aqua!

[Syndicate]

Nice ride. I've got the same color combo in the 40d model, but without the running boards

I'm not sure where you are located, but I can confirm that the 20inch 214s are doing great in the snow. It has snowed for about a week straight here in Switzerland, and I've had no issues on snow, slush, ice, etc. I was skeptical at first, given the obvious short comings of wide snow tires, but so far so good.

Anyhow, just a thought if you wish to sell your 18s in the future and just buy snow tires for the 214s.

Cheers,

[Kief]

Originally Posted by Syndicate

Nice ride. I've got the same color combo in the 40d model, but without the running boards

I'm not sure where you are located, but I can confirm that the 20inch 214s are doing great in the snow. It has snowed for about a week straight here in Switzerland, and I've had no issues on snow, slush, ice, etc. I was skeptical at first, given the obvious short comings of wide snow tires, but so far so good.

Anyhow, just a thought if you wish to sell your 18s in the future and just buy snow tires for the 214s.

Cheers,

I'll trade you my running boards for your engine! Wish we could get the 40d here in the States.

Once my summer tires are shot, I plan to get the Conti's DWS on my 214s for all year. My winter traveling needs do not require dedicted snows, although I have dedicated snows/rims for my Z4--that makes sense

[BMWenvy]

Very nice. I think you should run those 18" all year and let me take the 214's off your hands.

[X548i20"]

I'm a newbie here and just picked up an 09 48i (err, see SN). I have 20's with Dueler HP's. I live on Long Island, NY and some of the winters can be cold, even though we had a mild one last year.
Is there any chance I can make it through a typical winter (4" of snow on ground, temps in the 30's) with these?
And anyone have an idea how many more MPG's I can get switching from the 20's to 18's?
Thanks.

[jimbopa]

With the 18's that is identical to my car, including the lack of roof rail, except I put Blizzaks on the 18's and run 19" 232's from an X6 in the summer. I just prefer the ride of 19's over the lower profile tires.

I would stand next to your car in the parking lot wondering why the comfort access didn't work, though.

[X548i20"]

Sharp X5 Jim!
I'm a lil conservative and find the 20's a little too, uhh, pimpin' for me and would actually prefer 19's. But the 5'1" missus loves 'em. Go figure.

I guess I'm going to have to look for a set of 19" rims and winter or all season tires. I'll research how to swap them with the 20's when winter comes and goes. I have to research if I can:
1. just jack the car up and do it myself in the driveway one tire at a time
2. if I can share TPMS sensors with both sets or if I need a set of TPMS for each
3. I've heard that swapping tires doesn't void the CPO warranty, which is good.
4. maybe cancel my tire & rim insurance on the 20's

Thank very much!

[X-cellent]

TPMS sensors are part of the valve stem in each wheel..while it's possible to swap them, you're practially dismounting the tires to get them out...buy a set of OEM wheels with sensors in them - makes it easier (or a set of whatever you want and you can get sensors installed)...

[X548i20"]

If I install my winter tires without TPMS, can I disable any warnings that will pop up?
Or will I have to constantly have to deal with these warnings all winter?
Or does someone know where I can get a cheap set of TPMS for a 2009 E70?

[M5D]

I decided not to put the sensors in mine. It is not that bad. You get used to it and certainly not worth hundreds of dollars. I am running snow cats with studs.