[dphjr]

Was wondering if anyone is running winter tires on their oem M235i wheels, as I'm planning on getting new wheels for my PSS and using oem for winter.

[German1967]

Staggered or square? Would generally not use a staggered set up for winter. While you of course can use 18s for winter a smaller set-up is typically better for winter traction (I go 17s).

[VMRWheels]

You can run winter tires on your M235i. Like German1967 mentioned, squared fitments are generally going to be preferred for winter applications. Also, keep in mind, a narrower tire will be preferred to help cut through snow.

[dphjr]

I need whatever tires I get to fit on my OEM wheels, would that mean getting a staggered setup? I know they are 18x7.5" ET45 front and 18x8" ET52 rear.

[Transfer]

You can put 225/40/18 on front and rear. That 0.5" difference in wheel width won't be noticeable. I highly recommend Michelin PA4 and Tire Rack tests confirm it is the best performance winter tire.

[Stacks13]

I have a staggered set up, 225/40/18 all around, just like transfer suggested. I went with the Michelin Pilot Alpina 4s after reading about the best winter tires. Being a RWD car and with those tires, driving through up to a foot of snow in Chicago last winter was no trouble.

I highly recommend them, also used on the Corvette C07 winter tires and any Porsche winter tire. When I did switch to my summer MPSS I expected the difference in grip to be so much better, but in everyday driving, even spirited, I couldn't tell them apart.

[dphjr]

Thanks for all the replies! Looks like I know what setup I'm going with!

[shark715]

Originally Posted by Stacks13

I have a staggered set up, 225/40/18 all around, just like transfer suggested. I went with the Michelin Pilot Alpina 4s after reading about the best winter tires. Being a RWD car and with those tires, driving through up to a foot of snow in Chicago last winter was no trouble.

I highly recommend them, also used on the Corvette C07 winter tires and any Porsche winter tire. When I did switch to my summer MPSS I expected the difference in grip to be so much better, but in everyday driving, even spirited, I couldn't tell them apart.

I'm also thinking of buying PA4's as a winter replacement for my staggered PSS's, but unlike you I have Xdrive.

Does the existence of Xdrive cause any issue with using "square" tire sizes on staggered wheels (I assume the rears will mount slightly different than the fronts given the wheel width difference). In an attempt to preserve as much of the great handling with the PSS's as possible, I would buy the PA4's in staggered sizes, but apparently they are not offered in the 245/35/18 size.

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by shark715

I'm also thinking of buying PA4's as a winter replacement for my staggered PSS's, but unlike you I have Xdrive.

Does the existence of Xdrive cause any issue with using "square" tire sizes on staggered wheels (I assume the rears will mount slightly different than the fronts given the wheel width difference). In an attempt to preserve as much of the great handling with the PSS's as possible, I would buy the PA4's in staggered sizes, but apparently they are not offered in the 245/35/18 size.

I'm in the same boat as you. The options I've come up with:
1) 225/40 square on staggered OEM wheels. This isn't an issue with xDrive. The only thing that matters is differences in rolling diameter and since it's the same size tire, it's perfect.
2) Buy some 18x8 wheels and mount 225/40 or 235/40 square PA4s
3) Buy some 18" wheels to mount 225/40 front and 255/35 rear PA4s as a staggered setup. Ex: VMR 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 wheels.

I'm planning to go option 3 because I don't like the idea of 225s in the rear, but I'll be driving mostly in the cold and wet and will probably see little snow. I had PA4s on my M3 and they were fantastic. As Stacks13 said, it's surprising how little difference in feel there is between PSS in summer and PA4 in winter. Plus the PA4 actually has great snow/ice traction.

M3 snow pic for fun:

[shark715]

Originally Posted by Transfer

I'm in the same boat as you. The options I've come up with:
1) 225/40 square on staggered OEM wheels. This isn't an issue with xDrive. The only thing that matters is differences in rolling diameter and since it's the same size tire, it's perfect.
2) Buy some 18x8 wheels and mount 225/40 or 235/40 square PA4s
3) Buy some 18" wheels to mount 225/40 front and 255/35 rear PA4s as a staggered setup. Ex: VMR 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 wheels.

I'm planning to go option 3 because I don't like the idea of 225s in the rear, but I'll be driving mostly in the cold and wet and will probably see little snow. I had PA4s on my M3 and they were fantastic. As Stacks13 said, it's surprising how little difference in feel there is between PSS in summer and PA4 in winter. Plus the PA4 actually has great snow/ice traction.

You mentioned 255/35, but don't you mean 245/35? 255/35 would have a larger diameter than the 225/40's on the front. And I don't think they make PA4's in 245/35, or at least I have been unable to find them. The only winter tires I've been able to find in 245/35 are the Pirelli's, and based on the reviews I've read I think I prefer the PA4's. Thanks.

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by shark715

You mentioned 255/35, but don't you mean 245/35? 255/35 would have a larger diameter than the 225/40's on the front. And I don't think they make PA4's in 245/35, or at least I have been unable to find them. The only winter tires I've been able to find in 245/35 are the Pirelli's, and based on the reviews I've read I think I prefer the PA4's. Thanks.

Actually, 255/35 is almost exact same diameter as 225/40. 245/35 is shorter and a bit of a strange choice by BMW. 255/35 is really the proper diameter to match up with the 225s but could promote more understeer by out-gripping the fronts.