snow wheels & tires - E46 M3

[bigfatgeek]

Hello -

Just doin' some research for a friend who owns an '02 M3. He wants some snow tires and alloys and is curious to know what others plan on using.

Thanks,

Chris

[rayster]

I think it an issue of Automobile mag last year, they were testing an S4, C32 and M3 in Europe, during the winter time, and the M3 had 330ci sport pkg wheels on it. The 17" split-spoke M wheels. I'm assuming that they must fit over the brakes, since BMW provided that car to the press...

Just a thought.

[jblack]

Wheels - www.discounttiredirect.com . I am buying the M2 (not a mis-type) knock-offs. $175 a pop.

Tires - www.tirerack.com . I am buying 225/50-17 Bridgestone Blizzak LM22. $166 a pop.

The 17" are perfered to the 18" for winter driving - narower in the 7 1/2" wheels to cut through the snow better. This looks very similar to the factory winter setup - pretty sharp IMHO.

Do not use the size suggested by BMW - they are too small in circumference for the fitment. BMW does this to clear snow chains.

Also, I will be buying rear wheel spacers. Not needed for clearance, but the wheels will look better not sucked into the rear wheel wells. I'm considering 10mm.

[bigfatgeek]

Some of the replica wheels come in 20 and 40 something offsets.

Thanks!

-Chris (bigfatgeek) and my hoopty Saab.

[jblack]

I'm going with the front wheel offset, that way I can rotate if I want for next year....

[SJJ28]

Ive got a set of BRAND NEW Blizzaks on wheels from Tire rack (17's) that retail for over $1300 for the setplus shipping, I'll sell for $1200. I ordered them, and then bought a winter beater!!

Chicago area preferred, only one wheel/tire has even been unwraped from shipping!!

Steve

[bigfatgeek]

Hey Steve -

E-mail me your phone number - my friend is interested. He (Richard) will call you direct. We're in the Chicago area as well - Lake County.

Thanks!

-Chris