Folks,
I'm about to order a set of winter tires for our '08 MCS.
I have a spare set of OEM 16" wheels sitting in the garage for that purpose (with TPMS cut-outs in the wheels).
I do not care for RFTs, and already ditched them in favor of quality RE-11s for summer. Most likely, I will be going with quality non-RFT rubbers for the winter as well.
Before I pull the trigger on a yet another set of Blizzaks (195/55R16 WS60s for $119/per @TireRack), are there any other tires I should consider?
- Michelin X-Ice Xi2 ?
- Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 ZP ?
- Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D DSST ?
- Hakkapeliitta 5 ?
- ?
Money is no object - I want the best winter tires for our climate, that work great on a Mini.
TIA,
alex
Best winter tires for '08 MCS ?
Re: Best winter tires for '08 MCS ?
If anyone cares, I went with WS60s and finally had a chance to give them a proper work-out in the snow. Overall traction in the snow and slush, together with breaking, are Blizzak-great.
However, uphill acceleration in MCS (w/out LSD - can't have it in a slush box) is just OK, with TC light flashing and power cutting out no matter how gentle you are with the accelerator. As a reference point, accelerating up the same driveway with 6" of un-plowed snow in 335iX (shod in OEM all-season tires) is TC-light and excitement free.
I'm attributing this to the MCS's cheap-ass open diff and FWD, and not the tires.
YMMV,
alex
However, uphill acceleration in MCS (w/out LSD - can't have it in a slush box) is just OK, with TC light flashing and power cutting out no matter how gentle you are with the accelerator. As a reference point, accelerating up the same driveway with 6" of un-plowed snow in 335iX (shod in OEM all-season tires) is TC-light and excitement free.
I'm attributing this to the MCS's cheap-ass open diff and FWD, and not the tires.
YMMV,
alex
afadeev wrote:Folks,
I'm about to order a set of winter tires for our '08 MCS.
I have a spare set of OEM 16" wheels sitting in the garage for that purpose (with TPMS cut-outs in the wheels).
I do not care for RFTs, and already ditched them in favor of quality RE-11s for summer. Most likely, I will be going with quality non-RFT rubbers for the winter as well.
Before I pull the trigger on a yet another set of Blizzaks (195/55R16 WS60s for $119/per @TireRack), are there any other tires I should consider?
- Michelin X-Ice Xi2 ?
- Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 ZP ?
- Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D DSST ?
- Hakkapeliitta 5 ?
- ?
Money is no object - I want the best winter tires for our climate, that work great on a Mini.
TIA,
alex
Last edited by afadeev on Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:40 am, edited 1 time in total.
-
victory1auto
- Posts: 643
- Joined: Wed Nov 10, 2004 1:37 pm
-
larryengel328
- Posts: 678
- Joined: Fri Sep 17, 2004 4:02 pm
- Location: Westfield, NJ
We also have WS-60's on our MCS. In conditions like you describe, I find I get better results when I turn the traction control off, particularly when trying to accelerate up a hill. (You just have to remember that you've turned off some of the safety systems and adjust accordingly.)
CURRENT FLEET
2017 X5 35d
2000 328i (my first and still probably favorite)
2019 230 X-drive
2006 M3
2022 M3
Gone but not forgotten- 2008 E90 M3, 1991 325iX, 1989 325i, 2015 M235i Cabrio, 2019 Miata RF
2017 X5 35d
2000 328i (my first and still probably favorite)
2019 230 X-drive
2006 M3
2022 M3
Gone but not forgotten- 2008 E90 M3, 1991 325iX, 1989 325i, 2015 M235i Cabrio, 2019 Miata RF
-
jnscaldwell
- Posts: 1102
- Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2007 2:53 pm
- Location: Millstone Twp., NJ
My recent purchase of an '04 MCS came with a set of brand new WS70 tires mounted on steelies and on the car. I was out in yesterday's snow/ice/slush from here to the city and back without incident. I took my usual roads, highways, tunnel and drove a bit slower. The car felt more sure-footed than my Suburban in 4WD. It was a comfortable drive and I did not mind the minimal road noise of the snow tires. Handling was great!
Doug
Doug