GB: Winter tires

[dieselgrl]

is anyone interested in getting winter tires for their vehicle? I'm thinking if we get a number of people together, we'll be able to get a better deal. Surk has volunteered to help us out :) If you can list the type of tires and/or rims you'd like, he can check for the cost/etc.

[audiophilia]

I'd be interested...

Artic Alpins are my preferred tire...225/45/R17

[dieselgrl]

thanks for redirecting my message...didn't know where to post :) I thought the GB forum was the place to do it

[Wrentech]

I haven't intensely researched the winter tires available, but I am leaning towards Blizzak LM's (from word of mouth)

Any input on this would be appreciated though. What do you guys recommend for the E46!!? What works best all-around (we don't live in a constant ice storm..) for slush, snowstorm, and hard pack conditions?

I would definitely be interested in a GB on this

[audiophilia]

I haven't intensely researched the winter tires available, but I am leaning towards Blizzak LM's (from word of mouth)

Any input on this would be appreciated though. What do you guys recommend for the E46!!? What works best all-around (we don't live in a constant ice storm..) for slush, snowstorm, and hard pack conditions?

I would definitely be interested in a GB on this
a must for us, even in the GTA's mild winters. Nothing but good things about Blizzaks, but most would do. Nokian Hakapelittas are amazing. I would like Michelin Alpins....

[Surk]

is anyone interested in getting winter tires for their vehicle? I'm thinking if we get a number of people together, we'll be able to get a better deal. Surk has volunteered to help us out :) If you can list the type of tires and/or rims you'd like, he can check for the cost/etc.

Let me know if UR all lookin for 17" or 16" also (for some of us who can't afford new 330's... :(

Anthony>>> Are U sure you got the right size..usually you go higher profile..read the tire stickie on the dr pillar to make sure... ie mine came with 225/50/16 summer..and winter they call for 205/55/16 same aspect ratio..

[audiophilia]

Let me know if UR all lookin for 17" or 16" also (for some of us who can't afford new 330's... :(

Anthony>>> Are U sure you got the right size..usually you go higher profile..read the tire stickie on the dr pillar to make sure... ie mine came with 225/50/16 summer..and winter they call for 205/55/16 same aspect ratio..
I'd like to get winters for my oem type 44 rims -- they are 17s. Possible?

[Surk]

Here's a prelim price... based on 225/45/R17 each

Blizzak LM22 $234.50
Michelin Alpins $230
Dunlop Graspic Sport M2 $127.65
Continental Viking $118.55

The more involved..better volume pricing.

[Jeff 330CI]

I am interested in a set of Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22 front and rear.

[audiophilia]

Here's a prelim price... based on 225/45/R17 each

Blizzak LM22 $234.50
Michelin Alpins $230
Dunlop Graspic Sport M2 $127.65
Continental Viking $118.55

The more involved..better volume pricing.
Thanks, Surk...since winters are pretty generic in quality (or so I'm told), I'm in for the Continental or Dunlop...that's a hell of a difference in price from the Alpins...:eek:

Surk, are you coming to the oil change on Friday? If so, can you pick me up one of those 8 dollar filters? If it isn't ant trouble and you are coming. If not, no problemo, Bud!

[STALKER]

Surk, I need some too,
Can you get a me a price on Dunlop M3 and the LM-22 in the following sizes.
2x 225/45/18
2x 245/45/18

[STALKER]

Oh, and I need them by Thursday, lol.

[Surk]

I bought some Semperit Sport Grips (Continentals) last yr and was amazed how good they were in the snow... Got mine for $75 each for 16"... Not sure if I can make Friday...maybe up North... but I have a 6 pk in my garage of them and get more.... where are you Ant...maybe I can drop one off to ya after work this week in Sauga??




Thanks, Surk...since winters are pretty generic in quality (or so I'm told), I'm in for the Continental or Dunlop...that's a hell of a difference in price from the Alpins...:eek:

Surk, are you coming to the oil change on Friday? If so, can you pick me up one of those 8 dollar filters? If it isn't ant trouble and you are coming. If not, no problemo, Bud!

[Surk]

Surk, I need some too,
Can you get a me a price on Dunlop M3 and the LM-22 in the following sizes.
2x 225/45/18
2x 245/45/18

For the Stalker-mobile :yourmyido ..N\P Let U know tomorrow day.. :thumbsup:

[audiophilia]

I bought some Semperit Sport Grips (Continentals) last yr and was amazed how good they were in the snow... Got mine for $75 each for 16"... Not sure if I can make Friday...maybe up North... but I have a 6 pk in my garage of them and get more.... where are you Ant...maybe I can drop one off to ya after work this week in Sauga??
Erin Mills Pkway/Battleford Road

[Surk]

Erin Mills Pkway/Battleford Road

I can swing up there from work in Oakville...maybe meet at the Timmies Fri hangout @403\Dundas...pm me and let me know what day\time.. I'm done at 5PM.. :thumbsup:

[STALKER]

much appreciarted Surk.

[dieselgrl]

Here's a prelim price... based on 225/45/R17 each

Blizzak LM22 $234.50
Michelin Alpins $230
Dunlop Graspic Sport M2 $127.65
Continental Viking $118.55

The more involved..better volume pricing.

Thanks Surk for the quotes!! I'm leaning towards the Blizzaks (17"s as you costed above), but still debating b/w the Alpins. I will confirm with you by early next week.

does anyone have suggestions for type of 17" rims for the winter? do people normally just buy the steel case ones? i am concerned about look, but if the rims just get damaged in the winter, I'll probably consider steel case :(

[Surk]

Most people just get steel wheels and hubcaps if you want to be stylish.... if a steel wheel gets bent in a slide....it can usually be hammered out again..

[Rice]

Thanks Surk for the quotes!! I'm leaning towards the Blizzaks (17"s as you costed above), but still debating b/w the Alpins. I will confirm with you by early next week.

does anyone have suggestions for type of 17" rims for the winter? do people normally just buy the steel case ones? i am concerned about look, but if the rims just get damaged in the winter, I'll probably consider steel case :(

Concerned about looks....women. Actually I got alum wheels as my winter. I don't know about anyone else but I don't feel safe with steelies :Qboy:
And yes steelies look ugly :p
I guess I'll be spraying the car frequently this winter to get the salt off so that it doesn't damage the rims and paint.

[Surk]

Concerned about looks....women. Actually I got alum wheels as my winter. I don't know about anyone else but I don't feel safe with steelies :Qboy:
And yes steelies look ugly :p
I guess I'll be spraying the car frequently this winter to get the salt off so that it doesn't damage the rims and paint.

Some get replica wheels for winter... ie www.tiretrends.com in Vancouver..

[Surk]

Surk, I need some too,
Can you get a me a price on Dunlop M3 and the LM-22 in the following sizes.
2x 225/45/18
2x 245/45/18

Pej>> PM'd U deluxe Burlington M3 pricing.. :thumbsup:

[Regin8r]

Here's a prelim price... based on 225/45/R17 each

Blizzak LM22 $234.50
Michelin Alpins $230
Dunlop Graspic Sport M2 $127.65
Continental Viking $118.55

The more involved..better volume pricing.

I couldn't find info about Dunlop Graspic Sport M2.

The Dunlop's winter tire models are the Graspic DS2 or the Winter Sport M2.

There is a big difference between the 2 tires which is probably why there is a big price difference between the Michelins and Dunlops.

[dieselgrl]

Concerned about looks....women. Actually I got alum wheels as my winter. I don't know about anyone else but I don't feel safe with steelies :Qboy:
And yes steelies look ugly :p
I guess I'll be spraying the car frequently this winter to get the salt off so that it doesn't damage the rims and paint.

...AND I'm really sure you guys aren't too concerned about looks ;) if that were the case, why so many mods?! hahaha

[Rice]

...AND I'm really sure you guys aren't too concerned about looks ;) if that were the case, why so many mods?! hahaha

To make the car go faster heheh. :blaaaa:
Soon I'll put on my performance mod to give my car an extra 10 horsie...the e46toronto sticker :p

[Surk]

...AND I'm really sure you guys aren't too concerned about looks ;) if that were the case, why so many mods?! hahaha

"look good" mods are for summer... so some women tell me...j\k ;)

[christyles]

...AND I'm really sure you guys aren't too concerned about looks ;) if that were the case, why so many mods?! hahaha
The car has to look as good as the driver... y'know... Christyles... str8pimp

[Surk]

I couldn't find info about Dunlop Graspic Sport M2.

The Dunlop's winter tire models are the Graspic DS2 or the Winter Sport M2.

There is a big difference between the 2 tires which is probably why there is a big price difference between the Michelins and Dunlops.

I think UR right it is the WS M2's he priced..

[dieselgrl]

The car has to look as good as the driver... y'know... Christyles... str8pimp

true dat! It's the driver that makes the vehicle ;) hahaha....altho, some can argue that a car can make you look good.

[ianS]

I bought some Semperit Sport Grips (Continentals) last yr and was amazed how good they were in the snow... Got mine for $75 each for 16"... Not sure if I can make Friday...maybe up North... but I have a 6 pk in my garage of them and get more.... where are you Ant...maybe I can drop one off to ya after work this week in Sauga??

I have Semperit Sport Grips last yr too. Mime is 225/45/17 for $135/each and they are excellent! quiet, good ride and good traction on all conditions (dry/wet/snow). :thumbsup: :thumbsup: But still dunno about the life of the tire. Well with that price, it seems nothing wrong to go for it! So I may consider to get a set for my TSX this year. So will you able to get a quote on it too and the size for TSX is 215/50/17. :wink2:

[Surk]

Depending on brand..most winter tires are good for maybe 3 winters depending again on how many kms U drive... I really liked my Semperits too...I'm sure I'll get another winter (maybe 2) out of them.. If not..I want to try the Dunlops next... a friend has them and he like em..

I can PM U a quote on Fri for your TSX n\p


I have Semperit Sport Grips last yr too. Mime is 225/45/17 for $135/each and they are excellent! quiet, good ride and good traction on all conditions (dry/wet/snow). :thumbsup: :thumbsup: But still dunno about the life of the tire. Well with that price, it seems nothing wrong to go for it! So I may consider to get a set for my TSX this year. So will you able to get a quote on it too and the size for TSX is 215/50/17. :wink2:

[Cabrio]

Here's a prelim price... based on 225/45/R17 each

Blizzak LM22 $234.50
Michelin Alpins $230
Dunlop Graspic Sport M2 $127.65
Continental Viking $118.55

The more involved..better volume pricing.
Are the Michelin Alpins "91H PILOT ALPIN PA2" or "94V PILOT ALPIN PA2 XL"?

I want 4 Michelins. Size 225/45/17.

By the way I had Blizzak before and they were amazing for 1 season. After that they perform just like 4 season tires.

I have never used Michelin Alpin but I have seen pretty good reviews on other newsgroups therefore I have decided to give them a shot.

[Surk]

Are the Michelin Alpins "91H PILOT ALPIN PA2" or "94V PILOT ALPIN PA2 XL"?

I want 4 Michelins. Size 225/45/17.

By the way I had Blizzak before and they were amazing for 1 season. After that they perform just like 4 season tires.

I have never used Michelin Alpin but I have seen pretty good reviews on other newsgroups therefore I have decided to give them a shot.

I believe supplier said they were H rated..

[Regin8r]

Which Blizzak model did you use?

The Blizzak LM-22 are different from the normal Blizzak winter tires. In the normal Blizzak, the outer 55 percent is made of Blizzak multicell compound, remaining 45 percent is made of standard winter tread compound. The Blizzak LM-22 on the other hand is made the same high-silica compound throughout the tread.

Here is a blurb copied from Tirerack:

What Makes the Blizzak LM-22 Different?

The Blizzak LM-22 studless winter tires are performance winter tires developed for use in Europe and around the world. In order to accommodate high-speed European driving, it trades some snow and ice traction for handling and high-speed capability by featuring a winter driving tread compound able to support its H-speed rating. Blizzak LM-22 tires are for the drivers of high performance sport cars, sport coupes and sport sedans. Although the Blizzak LM-22 features a single winter tread compound, "snow platform" tread depth indicators are used to identify when the tire should be retired from winter service.

http://www.tirerack.com/winter/tech/blizzfaqs.html#lm22

More info about the Blizzak LM-22 winter tire:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Blizzak+LM-22

There is also a new V-rated tire Blizzak LM-25, which should have even better performance than the H-rated LM-22. :D
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Bridgestone&tireModel=Blizzak+LM-25

FYI, Tire Speed Ratings
N 87 mph 140 km/h Temporary Spare Tires
P 93 mph 150 km/h
Q 99 mph 160 km/h Studless & Studdable Winter Tires
R 106 mph 170 km/h H.D. Light Truck Tires
S 112 mph 180 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
T 118 mph 190 km/h Family Sedans & Vans
U 124 mph 200 km/h
H 130 mph 210 km/h Sport Sedans & Coupes
V 149 mph 240 km/h Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars
W 168 mph 270 km/h Exotic Sports Cars
Y 186 mph 300 km/h Exotic Sports Cars

On Tirerack, there is a $13US/per tire premium over the LM-22 ($159US) for the V-rated LM-25 (so that makes $173US).

[Cabrio]

Regin8r:

It's been years since I last used Blizzak so they might have been the normal type as you mentioned.

Surk:

Is there any delivery cost in addition to the preliminary quote? I assume there will be GST & PST on top.

[SaRiDi]

So how's the group buy thing goes? I am in the market looking for a set of Pilot Alpin PA2 for my new sweetie coming home this friday :D

[ianS]

Depending on brand..most winter tires are good for maybe 3 winters depending again on how many kms U drive... I really liked my Semperits too...I'm sure I'll get another winter (maybe 2) out of them.. If not..I want to try the Dunlops next... a friend has them and he like em..

I can PM U a quote on Fri for your TSX n\p

Haven't heard ne thing from you yet! I did some research and seems like Semperits didn't 215/50/17 and seems like I dun have that much choice on that size! I may go for Dunlops DS2 or Toyo Garit HT.

[DonnieB]

Surk,
can you get a group price on the Semprits & the Dunlop Sport M3 225/45/17 ?? I heard good stuff about both of them and haven't decided what to get yet.

Dieselgrl,
I think I've decided to get winters & put them on my OEM type 96. Then I'll go out and buy 18" or 19" rims for good summer tires.
Just a thought

[dieselgrl]

Ok, we gotta revive this group tire buy!!! Winter is getting close.

Surk --> if I accumulate a list, would you be able to hook us up still?

[Cabrio]

I called Mississauga Tires couple of days ago their price is pretty darn good.

I inquired about the Michelin Arctic Alpin PA2 225/45/17 installation included $215 + tax each.

I think we should give them a call.

[dieselgrl]

I called Mississauga Tires couple of days ago their price is pretty darn good.

I inquired about the Michelin Arctic Alpin PA2 225/45/17 installation included $215 + tax each.

I think we should give them a call.

I'd like to get the michelin pilot alpin PA2 as well....i went to Steelcase today and they can't get me a good price...i think they quoted like $280 + tax. (i'll be getting rims from them tho) btw, they have excellent service.

they also mentioned that i should get 205/50-17 rather than 225/45...i know there was a thread talking about this...can someone quickly let me know why go for 225 rather than 205?

[Cabrio]

I'd like to get the michelin pilot alpin PA2 as well....i went to Steelcase today and they can't get me a good price...i think they quoted like $280 + tax. (i'll be getting rims from them tho) btw, they have excellent service.

they also mentioned that i should get 205/50-17 rather than 225/45...i know there was a thread talking about this...can someone quickly let me know why go for 225 rather than 205?
If you're getting new rims then 205's will work better.

In my case I have an extra set of bmw oem rims that are 8 x 17 therefore 205 tires won't fit.

See below for tire fitting

http://www.michelinman.ca/assets/pdfs/doc_pilotalpinpa2.pdf

[dieselgrl]

Dieselgrl,
I think I've decided to get winters & put them on my OEM type 96. Then I'll go out and buy 18" or 19" rims for good summer tires.
Just a thought

That's a good idea...go for 18" in the summer. if you don't mind your type 96 rims to get abused in the snow, then go for it. i'd definitely go for 18" in the summer cause it will look hotter than your existing rims.

[dieselgrl]

If you're getting new rims then 205's will work better.

In my case I have an extra set of bmw oem rims that are 8 x 17 therefore 205 tires won't fit.

See below for tire fitting

http://www.michelinman.ca/assets/pdfs/doc_pilotalpinpa2.pdf
how come it says the 225/45R17 (94V) are the only ones developed for BMW?

[BlueSky]

they also mentioned that i should get 205/50-17 rather than 225/45...i know there was a thread talking about this...can someone quickly let me know why go for 225 rather than 205?

in snow.. the narrower the tire, the better it grips...
wider tires will tend to "float" easier than narrower tires...

but as long as u drive carefully... 225 won't hurt... especially when the road is clear, u will get better handling...

who did u talk to at Steelcase??

[SaRiDi]

Jim at Steelcase quoted me $269 on 225/45-17 Pilot Alpin PA2, but still much expensive than the group buy price.

[audiophilia]

I think the 215 price is great for Alpins, and with 10 or so sets, they may go lower. Maybe somebody would like to call Mississauga Tire and find out how low they'll go for what number of tires?

Peter's contact, though, is 100 dollars cheaper per tire...winter tires are winter tires...the difference is there between brands (wear, especially), but not the huge differences that exist between summer performance tires.

[glenspeed]

Hey guys (and gals) I was wandering at Sam's Club in Vaughn and they had Dunlop Graspic snows 225/45/17 for $111!!! I also saw they carried Michelin and other brands...didn't have time to check those out, but I think it's worth while to take a closer look...

[dieselgrl]

in snow.. the narrower the tire, the better it grips...
wider tires will tend to "float" easier than narrower tires...

but as long as u drive carefully... 225 won't hurt... especially when the road is clear, u will get better handling...

who did u talk to at Steelcase??
I spoke to Steve who quoted me that price. (Dave was there too to offer suggestions on rims)

[glenspeed]

I've lived in Montreal (not now) for 10 years driving BMW's for most of those years and you need to assess what kind of conditions you will most be driving in and what kind of performance you require.

skinnier in deep snow is better than wider so it can cut through and contact the hard pack or pavement underneath, but your dry performance will suffer.

ice biased compounds (Blizzack, Pirelli ice) are better for just that.

performance biased snows (Michelin Pilot, Pirelli 210's) are better for cold dry pavement with a bit of snow, slush.

you will compromise one for the other so don't expect good snow performance from a performance tire and don't expect good dry performance from a snow biased one...

For TO, I would go with something that performs good in cold, slushy and icy conditions rather than snow biased because actual snow remaining on the ground, especially in the city is rare. This means Pirelli's, Michelins or Blizzaks. Blizzaks have one of the highest ratings I've seen, however the ice compound wears very quickly...but hey, you pay for the performance! One very useful rule of thumb I always use is think of the conditions of the country of tire origin has and those are the kind of tires most suited to those conditions. Nokia - deep snow, Blizzak - slush, ice, Pirelli, Michelin - dry, little bit of snow

[Cabrio]

how come it says the 225/45R17 (94V) are the only ones developed for BMW?
I guess BMW's spec is "V" rated.

But be serious, who's gonna drive 240km/hr in winter?

[Cabrio]

Comparison of various high performance tires

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=W&VT=C

[audiophilia]

Hey guys (and gals) I was wandering at Sam's Club in Vaughn and they had Dunlop Graspic snows 225/45/17 for $111!!! I also saw they carried Michelin and other brands...didn't have time to check those out, but I think it's worth while to take a closer look...
111..that is a great price!!!

[jls330ci]

Hey guys (and gals) I was wandering at Sam's Club in Vaughn and they had Dunlop Graspic snows 225/45/17 for $111!!! I also saw they carried Michelin and other brands...didn't have time to check those out, but I think it's worth while to take a closer look...

Has anybody owned a set of the Dunlop's before or have heard how they perform/handle in canadian winters?

Thanks,

[audiophilia]

Has anybody owned a set of the Dunlop's before or have heard how they perform/handle in canadian winters?

Thanks,
they are up there....most winters will do the job in the GTA...

[oyster]

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t53054.html

saw this on another board

Steve's Tire
(905) 660-3131

someone check it out

[glenspeed]

they are up there....most winters will do the job in the GTA...


c'mon there really isn't any snow in TO...think about it how many times have you driven in TO on actual snow, not slush or wet/icy pavement?

[jls330ci]

c'mon there really isn't any snow in TO...think about it how many times have you driven in TO on actual snow, not slush or wet/icy pavement?

Agreed. However, I frequently travel to Waterloo or up to Ottawa where the road conditions aren't as friendly. All it takes is one wipeout to regret not getting the better tires.

[glenspeed]

then that's different. my comments were mostly for TO dwellers! I travel to Montreal often as well, and my solution is to rent something like a Volvo XC70 or 4x4 so I don't have any worries...

[oyster]

Santiago >>>

I got these winter tires at the local WalMart, works great in deep snow/packed snow, slush like Quebec.

Think I paid like $80-90 per tire for 16 inch

http://www.kelly-springfield.com/graphics/auto/products/magna_grip.gif

Kelly tire web site (http://www.kelly-springfield.com/auto/products/magna_grip.html)