[CAMOETO]

Does anyone here that lives in states that get snow drive in the winter on their OEM Pirelli Cinturato P7? Are they at all acceptable for driving in light snow?

[msej449]

I used to work for Pirelli, and while I don't live in a snow area, I do take my M235i to the Alps for skiing a couple of times each winter. I wouldn't recommend going onto snow on P7s, PZeros or similar summer tyre. The car would stay in my garage, even in light snow. I suspect that I'm in a similar position to you in that where I live means I'm relatively unlikely to encounter snow but where I go makes it more likely - but perhaps only for a few days in the year.

So I have a square setup of 7.5Jx17 wheels and 225/45-17 tyres from a local independent using Pirelli Winter Sottozero S3 for the winter months. Last winter, I actually found winters to be superior in the very wet weather we often get here on the coast of Southern England, in comparison to my summer setup. Much more stable in heavy rain and standing water. I've driven my M235i on this setup in fairly deep snow, on fairly steep inclines, and it's been fine. Remember to set your DCT to TRACTION as directed in the manual (the car with wiggly lines button by the shift). I would not have been able to move at all on the Summer tyres. The square winter setup is as much to do with shortened stopping in winter temperatures and more stability on wet roads as it is for dealing with snow, although that's useful as well.

Cue posts to say that 'all seasons' have advanced in recent years (which they have) and that you don't need full winters (well ......) but I'll let others make the case, as I don’t agree, but I can understand why people compromise. Just be clear, 'all seasons' are not and never will be as good as summers in summer or winters in winter, but they may represent a reasonable compromise for people in 'marginal' areas who can leave their car in the garage in the worst weather.

[JP's M2xx]

I drove mine in the Chicago suburbs with the Cinturato's but I am x-drive. They weren't the best tire I have ever driven in the snow but they were acceptable. I will probably use them as my Winter set until they need to be replaced.

[CAMOETO]

Originally Posted by JP's M2xx

I drove mine in the Chicago suburbs with the Cinturato's but I am x-drive. They weren't the best tire I have ever driven in the snow but they were acceptable. I will probably use them as my Winter set until they need to be replaced.

Thanks you for the info! I may get a set to do some light winter driving.

[zipphreak]

I have used my p7's as my winter tire for 2 years.. I have separate summer wheels/tires.

[Aezetyr]

On my M235i xDrive they weren't bad. They will in a pinch, but I would strongly recommend getting true snow tires. the xDrive *really* helped.

I've recently updated to the M240i xDrive with the same Pirelli tires; and since WINTER IS COMING I will get some true snows to see how much better it is.

[M3 Esq]

My car is RWD. I had a hard time getting up hilly roads with the P7s in any snow. I would not recommend them if you have RWD.

[bryan_G01]

used them as cold weather tires until a bubble in one blew out. I took the rest off and sold them and swapped onto the DWS06's from conti. I use these now for the colder months.

[CAMOETO]

I ended up getting a set of Conti DWS on some 17s in the end

[ramy_who]

I wouldn't do it man. Those tires suck when it's raining and my car dangerously fishtails when I give it a bit extra on turns. A winter setup is worth it IMO.

[BodegaBay]

Originally Posted by bryan_f22

used them as cold weather tires until a bubble in one blew out. I took the rest off and sold them and swapped onto the DWS06's from conti. I use these now for the colder months.

Bryan,

And how has the DSW06 served you in light snow with your RWD?

I've used the DSW06 before in a WRX and Golf 7R but those vehicles have AWD. I liked the Contis a lot but am new to RWD so I'm not sure how they would perform.

[bryan_G01]

im awd... If rwd, get your self some dedicated blizzacks.

[SlowM235i]

Originally Posted by BodegaBay

Bryan,

And how has the DSW06 served you in light snow with your RWD?

I've used the DSW06 before in a WRX and Golf 7R but those vehicles have AWD. I liked the Contis a lot but am new to RWD so I'm not sure how they would perform.

Hey man, I drove a 230i on Blizzak WS90’s and never had any trouble whatsoever with snow and I live in upstate New York. I was hesitant, and nervous driving a rear wheel drive Bimmer in that weather, but the tires really helped. Hopefully this can be of use!

[dradernh]

Not a record, but way to bring back an older thread that will never become irrelevant.

[SlowM235i]

Originally Posted by dradernh

Not a record, but way to bring back an older thread that will never become irrelevant.

Appreciate you! yeah man, I just know I was nervous my first time with that rwd. But new cars traction control+a good set of tires makes all the difference. I know that Bimmerpost is the reason I was able to find those good tires, so I just wanted to try and pass the torch now on this thread lol
I have a M235i now with AWD and typically just drive it on all seasons if I have to and the AWD makes it work as long as I’m being smart.