non run flat tire size for 128i sport coupe

[danyboy]

Hi, newby here, great site. I was wondering if the non run-flat tire size would defer from the run-flat ones I have on now which are 205/50 R17 ? I live in snow country and wheel wells often get full of snow and ice. I imagine I shouldn't get tires that would be too big. Not too keen on run-flats and would like to try normal tires.
Thanks,
danyboy

[MarcoZandrini]

Typically the tire measurements remain the same regardless of the tire being a RFT or a non-RFT. As for snow tires, it’s recommended that you buy snow tires that are narrower then the 3 seasons tires. Why? The tires will sink into the snow a bit deeper and thus have more contact with the snow.

As far as the snow “clogging” the wheel wells, there’s not much you can do.

[danyboy]

Thanks Marco for your help. It’s surprising how well it performs in snow, 2 bags of sand in the trunk , can ride up to 6 inches of snow in the flat lands, forget the hills. Just have to clear wheel wells more often. When I was à kid (50 years ago), there weren’t many four wheel drive véhicules, mostly rear wheel drive. People used weight in the trunk during winter and survived. It’s not uncommon to see AWD in the ditch in the winter. Too many over-confident drivers loosing contrôle.

[MarcoZandrini]

I live in the metro DC area. When we get any snow the roads turn into a demolition derby. My last car, a 330Ci, came with the original Michelin PS. So I bought a set of 4 alloys and snow tires from the sponsor. I used to laugh as SUVs skidded around the road because they had all season tires. But, but, but I have all wheel drive! Ha!

[danyboy]

Marco,
Not surprised. The worst in snow storms is not the snow but others drivers without much experience or proper equipment. AWD won’t guarantee safety if not properly used. When all wheels are in traction, you have less steering flexibility and you have to keep in mind that when you slip out of control, you really slip out of control.
You can get by with RWD or FWD and a cold head on your shoulders.
Worst scenario, keep a set of chains in your vehicule in case you urgently have to drive in deep snow and take them off as soon as you don’t need them anymore.
I remember watching cars pulling over in the alps, put their chains on and go up the hills in snow storms.
Dan