Winter rims/tires

[Danty]

Hi guys,

winter is coming soon, sucks, but I'll need to get a new set of tires and rims for my 09 323i sedan. I have few options:

1. buy 16" steel rims with winter tires from BMW (package)
2. buy 16" alloy rims with winter tires from BMW (package)
3. keep original stock 16" alloy rims for winter, switch to winter tires and buy either nice 16" alloy rims for summer or may be even 18" or 19" with tires (http://www.bmw.ca/ca/en/owners/accessories/tires/summer/3_series_star_spoke_199.html is NICE).

Option 3 might be more expensive and I'd have to sell my current summer tires.

I'll have to get a car was membership with local gas stations so that I can do regular car washes.

What do you recommend for winter? Alloy or steel? Is BMW alloys better than other alloys out there for winter? 16" or 18" or 19", is there a difference for basic 09 323i with regular suspension?

Thanks for your input.

[slidingd1]

You should call up tirerack. They have great options for winter tires. Do you have any intention of driving in snow or just wet???

[97 Ex/SiR]

if you're worried about how your car looks, find some nice wheels. but snow tires are a must where you live. i know, im close, and i drive on snows. :D

[Jason540i]

Tirerack packages, plenty of closeout deals right now. Do it.

[Danty]

Hi,

Tirerack doesn't list my car model 2009 323i. I guess they assume it's same as 328i (which it really is but it would've been nice to see the model number on their web page).

Anyway, so I did emailed tirerack, one response was "Good morning, we do not have wheel fitment information for this car, therefore I am unable to quote wheels. ".

Ok, sure, so I go to their web site and I quickly pickup some tires and wheels and prices comes to:

Additional Fees and Taxes
Excise Tax: $0.00
GST: $65.32
PST: $123.35
Duty: $65.08
Provincial Tire Fee: $23.36
Brokerage Fee: $30.00
Grand Total (USD):

$1,753.99

The above prices doesn't include exchange rates and installation cost.


My local BMW dealer quoted me ~1700 for tires with steel rims and around $500 or alloys. I guess I'll be going with the dealer ship, at least I think I gave tirerack some chance :)

[steely eye]

Danty, I too don't know what is the best option. I live in NE. Oh and really can't decide. I have always run all season tires on previous sport model vehicles but now own a rear wheel drive e46 coupe. Many on this site highly recommend having an extra set of tires and rims. Winter tires for cold months and summer tires for the remaining 8 months. This can be costly when choosing between 4 extra rims and possibly 10 tires to cover our ass. Tire rack was somewhat helpful but i have seen better deals on this forum. Let me know which direction you go, Old man winter is breathing down our necks.