New to Bimmerforums! Assistance and deals on tires?

[droopy172]

Just recently signed up on bimmerforums.com to get some information on tires and noticed there is also a sales guy from Tire Rack so why not ask before buying.

First, a little background information to give a better recommendation, I live in Chicago home of winter and construction all year long LOL j/k but we do have pretty harsh winters lately from November to May where its below 50 degrees sometimes below 0. I drive a 2007 335i sedan with the sports package currently on the OEM Bridgestone RFTs and wheels. I'm torn between all seasons because right now I have a bad rear driver side tire that leaks slowly, if I get a set of winter wheels and tires I still have to buy summer tires regardless because of the bad one but if I get all seasons then I won't have to worry about getting 6 new tires (4 winter, 2 rear). So i have a couple of questions.

-Is it really night and day from having a dedicated winter tire set and summer tire set then from all seasons for the spirited driver?

-Is it possible to vulcanize RFTs maybe I can just get it patched so I do not have to buy a new pair?

-Last but not least any specials or rebates on wheels+winter tires and/or all season tires? Any other recommendations on sizing? I also prefer to stick with run flats to avoid getting a spare tire unless I see a great suggestion of some sort.

[Stevedotmil]

Check out the TireRack sponsor link on the homepage to answer all of this. Do a Search for RFT's and you will be enlightened.

[droopy172]

Yeah thanks, I know that search works well like google however, I thought I ask to see if I can get an answer based on my specific questions rather than looking through multiple threads that answer a part of my question. Plus I do see that their are multiple deals going on for multiple vendors but the question still comes up which one?!?! So what's your experience with all seasons vs dedicated summer/winter tires?

[Kyle Anderson]

-Is it really night and day from having a dedicated winter tire set and summer tire set then from all seasons for the spirited driver?

Yes.

I'll never give up my winter tires on the Z3. I've driven everything from summer tires to winter tires and a range of all-seasons in the snow, and nothing compares to having the right tires. You can pick up used sets of wheels/tires on Craigslist for a few hundred dollars. And in Chicago, you should have a lot of listings to choose from.

On the same point, dedicated summer tires are also a big difference over all-seasons.

[droopy172]

Yes.

I'll never give up my winter tires on the Z3. I've driven everything from summer tires to winter tires and a range of all-seasons in the snow, and nothing compares to having the right tires. You can pick up used sets of wheels/tires on Craigslist for a few hundred dollars. And in Chicago, you should have a lot of listings to choose from.

On the same point, dedicated summer tires are also a big difference over all-seasons.
Did you stick with RFT's? I read a lot of mixed reviews on different tires RFTs and non, Continental, Goodyear, Michelins, Pirelli's, not sure which ones to pick i did noticed a lot of people went with the all seasons for the Michelins and Continental? I've always been a big fan of Bridgestones but last time I had pole positions for another car during the summer it lasted 3 months the tread ware was horrible I didn't really see much on Bridgestones except a lot of people seemed unhappy with the OE RFTs.

I think i will definitely go the winter tire/summer tire route just wondering what summer tires to look for. Has anyone had good luck with the Continental comfort kit? in case I decide to not go with RFTs?

[Kyle Anderson]

I never had run-flats to begin with, and I've never had them on any of my cars. I'm honestly not the person to ask for a comparison on them. I'm sure someone else will chime in. I figure if you know how to change a flat, then there's not much reason to need them. I run BF Goodrich KDW2's on my summer wheels. They're extremely loud compared to most tires, but I bought them for the grip... and they do quite well.

For winter tires, Bridgestone Blizzak is the top choice for most people. I use a set made by Dean that have the ability to run studs. I haven't yet, but I like the option... "back home" for me is an area where the roads don't get plowed well or often, and we can get some serious snow up here. Even so, I haven't had to run studs because I've found the tires to be good enough without them.