winter tire

[torpedo]

Any suggestion where I can find the best deal on winter tire/rim package in Toronto area?
The dealer charges $1300 - $1400. I went to GreenActive, they want $1800 for "16" Aluminum rim + Michellin Tire" WTF!
I heard you can get a descent package like 16'' Perilli for $800. Where can I find them?
All $$$ are quoted in Canadian currency

 

[torpedo]

what i meant by GreenActive = Active GReen and Ross.. I can't believe they ask for more than dealership.

 

[xmas63]

I just ordered a set of 16" alloy rims and Dunlop Wintersport M3's for less than $1K (US), including shipping, from TireRack. I don't think you'll find a deal much better.

 

[Average Jae]

what kind of rims did you get xmas63?

 

[xmas63]

what kind of rims did you get xmas63?

I got the AT Italia Type 5 rims. Not exactly my favorite style, but they seem to be the only 16" rims in existence that are known to fit over the larger calipers of the 330i/Ci/xi. Ordered them from Gary at TireRack.

 

[torpedo]

i wonder

Is my car going to fit 225/50R16 tires? I think i'm going with Pirelli SnowSport. But I looked it up, it's only for 1995 325i. For 2002, it's only got 205/50R16.
I currently have 17" 225, but one guy at the shop told me winter tires are little thicker than summer tire, so it might not fit my car. Is this true? I have 325i with sports pkg, (2002). Anyone have 255mm tread width winter tire fitted on their e46?

 

[MrElussive]

Winter tires should be a bit thinner than summer tires, as you want the tires to "cut" through the snow. The standard snow tire size for the newer BMW 3-series is 205/50-16. You should not have any trouble with wheel sizes...from what I understand, it is only the 330 BMW's that need to worry about the wheels clearing the brake calipers.

 

[Average Jae]

i was leaning towards getting 225 snows, since last year's model was on sale for $25 off per tire, but after speaking to the bmw parts guy, and the bmw recommendation of 205s, i'll opt for that.

i heard many different stories from different tire salesman, saying how i should get at least 215 if not a 225s all around, since i have bigger summer tires, but i'm beginning to think that's either misinformation or to get more money off of me.. wider tread/ lower profile = more money.. even if the difference isn't all that much.

as mr curb hopper said, narrower the better. (one thing i learned, dun buy gm cars, and dun listen to their marketing ploy.. wider is not always better )

 

[torpedo]

asked several dealers in the area. They all pretty much have same price. $1300 + tax it the cheapest one. OH well, I'll settle for 205. I think 215 option will cost $2700.

 

[Average Jae]

is that for a steel doughnuts or one actually set on a half descent rim?

btw, from what i read, dunlop m3s are really good snow tires.. i plan on ordering tomorrow