Winter tire choices
 

I am obsessing over winter tire choices for my new '02 BMW 530. I have it down to either Bridgeston Blizzak WS 50s ($114) or Dunlop Wintersport M2 or M3 (newer variation on M2) ($105).

The Dunlops are an H rated tire that sacrifices some snow/ice traction for better handling. The Blizzak is Q rated and sacrifices higer speed and handling for better snow/ice traction.

Can any one offer me experiences with these tires?

I've used Blizzak tires on F-Body cars for years with exceptional results. The older generation Blizzaks were incredible in the snow. The worse it got, the better the tires gripped. The newer generation tires (WS50's) improved dry weather handling, but now give up some ultimate snow grip. They are still a very good winter tire.

A co-worker of mine used a set of WS-50's on his 2002 M3 last winter and had zero problems making it to work in even poor conditions.

I have no experience with Dunlops you mention, but I've read other posts which have people claiming they are good winter tires as well.

As with any dedicated snow tire with these new softer compounds, you will give up quite a bit of handling response for the improved snow traction.

Best,

Jay
90 964

I used Pirelli Winter 210s for the past 3 yrs on my S4. Very good tires.

For my new S4 I have pretty much decided on M3s

Is the M3 just a newer version of the M2, or are there other differences? The Dunlop web site is no help, and gives the same description of both.

Alot of the people I know use Blizzaks here in Michigan for their winter tires...

The M3s are a newer version using silca tread compounds. I am a huge fan of this compounding.

The problem I have w/ Blizzacks is the dual tread compound. When new, the softer tread is used, but eventually it is worn out just when it is neeeded most. W/ reduced tread depth you are riding on a harder compound. Seems backward to me.

Interesting point. Bridgestone says the first 55% is the new compound and the remaining 45% is "normal winter tire" material. Hmmm ... maybe I will go for the M3s. Guy at Tirerack told me the Blizzaks will definitely give better snow & ice traction.

Kinda hard to go wrong with either tire, really. But I'll throw in a vote for the M3s just because I have them on my Boxster for winter driving. Never had any problems. I even took it out in 6" of unplowed snow one night just to see if it would go. It did. Even up hill. :p

You might look at Nokian. They mix nylon fibers into the tread which is supposed to act like studs on ice, without the handling problems of studs.

I used to run Coopers on my car. They make very good winter tires as well. When I lived in the Northeast, I commuted 54 miles each way, so I kept snow tires in the trunk of the car, and if it snowed, I'd take 20 minutes and change the tires. And then change them back after the snow was cleared.