New Run Flats vs Winter

[Ducdude]

This is my first post on this list and my first time on any blog so please go easy on me if I am rehashing an old issue here or making some other egregious error. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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In about 6 weeks my wife and I will be blessed with our first new BMW car, an 07 328i with the sport package. We live in the north on the east coast where winters can be nasty at times. As this car will be delivered with run flat tires that are said to have a performance bias I am a tad concerned with their low temperature, wet and snow handling abilities. <o:p></o:p>
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Can the list please share with me their experiences with these tires in winter conditions?

I am not above getting a just rear or a full set of winter or all season tires on spare wheels, if that is what it takes to safely drive my car to work in the winter months. However, I would like to know if I am being overly cautious. <o:p></o:p>
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If winter tires are called for what is the best way to go?<o:p></o:p>
Just rears?<o:p></o:p>
All four?<o:p></o:p>
Which tires are best, all season or snows?<o:p></o:p>
Where is the best place to get wheels that will match the car? <o:p></o:p>
All suggestions are more than welcome.<o:p></o:p>
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Thank you for your time and patience.<o:p></o:p>
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Ciao,<o:p></o:p>
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Ducdude <o:p></o:p>

[Barry626]

Ducdude

You can not run summer tires in winter PERIOD!

No 2 snows always best to go with 4 snows.
Go to tirerack.com & enter your car info for best tires & prices!

I'm from NJ now living in upstate NY & 4 snows are only way to go.
I bought 4 wheels + Blizzak WS-50 cost me last year $1,100.00.

[Ducdude]

Barry,

Thanks for the reply. I was afraid of that. We are in PA and I really did not waht to get this car stuck or crashed. Did you get cast wheels or steel ones for your $1100?

Thanks
Duc

[Ducdude]

From BMW:


Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding winter tires for your 2007 BMW 328i Coupe. We appreciate your inquiry.

Performance tires are not recommended for driving in snow and ice. BMW recommends using M+S radial tires for winter driving. Snow tires can add to the stability and control of your vehicle in winter weather, but are not always needed. In the interest of safe tracking and steering response, winter tires should have the same tread configuration on all four tires. We recommend mounting only winter tires approved by BMW. Please contact the service team at your authorized BMW center for the best information on the winter tires for the winter driving conditions in your area.

If you have any further questions, please respond to this e-mail or contact the Customer Relations and Services Department at 1-800-831-1117, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time. Again, thank you for contacting BMW.

Sincerely,

Darlene Hawley
Customer Relations and Services
Representative