So BMW's are crap in the snow are they??? (Winter tyre review)

[Garth]

This is rubbish in the snow:

But then these arrived:

7.5x17" ET36 wheels with Vredestein Wintrac Extreme 225/45/17 94V tyres
And the car turned in to this:

Here's a comparison of 19" and 17":


Sure, it's not going to will any style awards, but I guarantee that it will be better in the snow than an S3 on summer tyres  

Just been out for a play in the deep stuff and my word it's good! I simply cannot believe how well it grips now, I'm stunned.  

So far I have tested slush, lumpy ice, deep and shallow snow and freezing tarmac. All have been no problem at all. Bear in mind that this is the same car that got stuck on Tuesday and had to be abandoned in shallow snow, now it's a snow mobile  

So then, BMW's are crap in the snow are they? This one isn't!  

[andrewparker]

Another convert!

I reckon those wheels could look OK if they were all black, just for winter of course!




* I posted your wheel bags this morning, so they should be with you on Monday *

[Garth]

Thanks mate   

Yeah, the black/polished finish does not look the best, but these were the cheapest TUV approved rims I could get at short notice. The polished faces should last about as long as a monza 2 wheel, so I'm expecting to have to get them resurfaced in a few months! I'll get them powder coated all anthracite I think when the time comes.

I've given them a couple of coats of wax before they went on the car so they might stay nice for a week or so 

[tony_danza]

BMWs are ace in the snow, I can think of few things I'd rather be driving in this weather. 

It's summer tyres that are crap. The whole of Europe seems to manage ok 

[Garth]

BMWs are ace in the snow, I can think of few things I'd rather be driving in this weather. 

It's summer tyres that are crap. The whole of Europe seems to manage ok 

You're right! I've just been down the shops and straight past a WRX that was spinning all 4 wheels in the snow. Muh ha ha ha hah! He looked mighty p1ssed off to see me pass him with ease 

[TagnuT]

Like the tyres, will have to look into getting some later.

You get a free cat with the wheels???

[Garth]

Like the tyres, will have to look into getting some later.

You get a free cat with the wheels???

That cat is strange. She hates being alone, so no matter where you are or what you're doing, she wants to join in! It's really hard to wax a set of wheels when the cat is attacking your hand as you apply the wax, then attacking the cloth as you buff it off!

She was named Maggie May after the Rod Stewart song but very soon after was renamed Maggie Mayhem!

[SO8]

I have a 320d M Sport coupe on 18" wheels ....

Can I ask where you got yours and how much ??

I currently have snow chains and snow socks but when not on you get stuck - as I did today trying to get into my drive of all places 

[Garth]

I got them from here:
www.wheelbasealloys.co.uk

£890 for the wheels and tyres. Next day delivery for £25

I bought my last set of wheels from them too, their service is excellent 

[Garth]

I have a 320d M Sport coupe on 18" wheels ....

Can I ask where you got yours and how much ??

I currently have snow chains and snow socks but when not on you get stuck - as I did today trying to get into my drive of all places 

You could even get away with 16" on yours, which would be better and cheaper! The 330's have bigger brakes so 17" is the minimum size

[gazbutS3]

sounds good, think you just made up my mind, gonna get some winter tyres for the other halfs 1 series

[Garth]

sounds good, think you just made up my mind, gonna get some winter tyres for the other halfs 1 series

It's worth it. I don't drive the 330i that much as I have a 330d for heavy mileage stuff. My wife uses the 330i as her daily driver and for the kid's school run and I was paranoid about her driving it in this weather. After she got stuck and abandoned the car on Tuesday, I banned her from driving it until I could get some winter tyres for it. I've got myself some chains for the 330d in case I get stuck somewhere. I'd rather struggle safe in the knowledge that she isn't!

She just back in from picking the kids up and she said "It's phenomenal, it's like there's no snow out there". Says it all really  

[gazbutS3]

the other half hasn't driven the 1 series in the snow because all her mates have told her, ooo BMW's are crap in the snow , so if I get her some winter tyres she can go do the shopping , and I can use it and tuck the S3 away 

[Aparoon]

Mytyres.com, you can get 16 steelies for the 1 series, from 100-160 per wheel depending what brand you want

[gazbutS3]

we've still got her old 16's after got her some M sport 18's, so gonna use them