winter tyres

[geordie56]

Hi, ive been searching a while for winter tyres for my bmw 535d. They are 225/55/17 y on run flats. I looked at michelin alpin pa and a4. However spoken with camskill and unavailable apparentley for my model. They have said dunlop 3d or the pirelli. Can anyone vouch for either of these and what they are like in comparison to the michelin? Cheers.

[Andy]

have you tried my tyres.co.UK

[Scottymon]

The 3d's are ok, had them on my T5 Volvo... but I'd look at the Continental 830/850P's, they are the best allround winter rubber imo... it isn't snowing all through winter.  I'd also rate the Goodyear Ultragrip 8P and Goodyear Ultragrip Performance 2

[geordie56]

Which of them are runflats though? Is there any reviews that rate them aswell?

[Scottymon]

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2012-Winter-Tyre-Buying-Guide.htm

[geordie56]

Does anyone know if you have to or are required to run runflats, or can i change to normal tyres? Will the sidewalls be stiff enough for the weightor will there be a lot more flex?

[Hedge]

To be fair you're probably better off asking on a BMW forum but I'm pretty sure you can change from runflats to normal tyres just make sure you get the right load index.

[Scottymon]

Yeah swap those nasty things out.  As above load index is important... Speed index less so, but most of the ones above are V rated for the 18 variety.

[Andy]

i have swapped loads of run flat tyres to standard ones,like Hedge says as long as the loading number is the same..