Almost wintertime.....
 

Only 10 Celsius tonight.....Time to get winter tires ready.

I would like to use the stock 19" but looks really stupid with the extended flares.

Any body got an idea how to make the wheels stand out a bit?

30 mm HR spacers for the rears, 10 mm (or nothing) in front

:iagree:

I've got to make the same decision but I've got 3 months. Here is what I'm deciding:
Stock is staggered 19's with performance tires.
Option 1: Keep the 19s for summer tires and buy 18's or non staggered 19s with winter tires.
Option 2: Find winter tires that fit the staggered 19s and upgrade to 20s and max performance summer tires.

Option 1 would be less $$$ and not wasting the current tires. But I want the 333M wheels.
Option 2 could be done in parts, 19 in. winter tires late November and 20's next spring.

Honestly, I am going to use 214's running Pirelli snow and ice in the stock 20" size. I know that many many people will say that you are better on a less wide tire, and I see the virtue in it.

When I had an e46 M3, I ran the stock 18" stock staggered set up, with 255 in the rear and 225 in the front. For a car that had a LSD, but no all wheel drive, I can tell you that I had absolutely amazing traction in the winter, even in 12" of white stuff.

Keeping in mind that I never drive like Paul Tracy in the winter, and that the roads are cleared within 48hrs, I have no problem doing the 20's. The xDrive is amazing and the traction on the Pirelli's, I believe, will be up to the challenge.

Winter is too long to lose the 20" look. I think that the compromise is worth it.

Think the spacers would be the best option. I really don't want to put 315's winter tires on the 20" rims. First of all they will be $$$ and as I will driving to the ski hill here lots of times, lots of snow can be expected.

I did have the Pirelli Snow/Ice (18") on the Touareg, and they where awesome.

Thanks for the replies. Who sells the HR's ?

Unless you are driving in snow every day I also went with the 19" with winters. I like the mix of handling along with snow performance. Like you said, we have actual snow on the ground maybe 20 days in the winter and want better performance during the other 100+ days of cold weather and now snow

You guys got me thinking seriously about 19's. I always went for 18's but suffered when the roads were dry. I have two very small children though and want the absolute best winter performer when the conditions are very bad. I live in North NJ. We get some sonow and a lot of slush that turns to ice, it's a mess. I also live in a very hilly neighborhood, Palisades on NJ.. Very steap hills.. Decisions decisions..

I can say this. I have winters on both cars and believe they are much safer than anyone on all seasons. Chicago conditions are much like NJ and I also have two children. I am not sure how much better the 18's would be over 19's In the snow because you would be driving more cautious and i am pretty sure you are more worried about the other drivers My concern is having to do an evasive manuver in dry or wet conditions and feel the 19" will perform better. Plus the excellent AWD that BMW has will just complement any snow tire.

:iagree: