[happyjack]

i've replaced six tires in 15 months driving the DC-area -- roads are just abysmal! so i'm going to take the plunge on my first set of winter wheels and tires. 17x7.5 seems to be the most common set-up...but i'm wondering if that's enough meat to protect me from the cavernous pot holes i encounter on DC-295 and the beltway?

i'm considering BBS SRs 16x7 with michelin x-ice xi3...

thoughts?

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by happyjack

i'm considering BBS SRs 16x7 with michelin x-ice xi3...

thoughts?

If they'll fit, why not.

[happyjack]

Originally Posted by dradernh

If they'll fit, why not.

the looks of a thicker sidewall don't bother me -- i'm practical about diminishing the impacts of potholes and expansion joints -- but i am concerned about any potential negative impacts on handling.

given that the 3-series came stock with 16-inch wheels for decades, i don't suspect there will be any issues...although i did find a post from a user here stating that a specific 16-in set-up did not fit on his 228i x-drive....and that's why i'm looking for any real-life experience.

i'm also considering these alutec grips in 16x7...different looks than the BBS SRs...a little less busy and brighter, which i like...maybe an older school wheel goes with thicker sidewall?

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by happyjack

i'm practical about diminishing the impacts of potholes and expansion joints -- but i am concerned about any potential negative impacts on handling.

You'll get the reduction in impact harshness that you're looking for with the 50- or a 55-series tire that goes on an F22's 16" wheel.

Drivers opting for winter tires in the snow belt generally choose tires that are narrower and taller than all-season and summer tires, and both those factors can have an impact on handling.

Generally, winter tires deliver a reduction in steering sharpness, esp. at turn-in. How much will depend upon the tire compound and design (e.g., high-performance winter tire vs. performance-on-ice-and-snow winter tire), the tire's aspect ratio and tread width, the tire's tread depth, and what you choose to do with tire pressures. I don't notice any of this unless I'm pushing the car, and I rarely do that in the winter.

[BEM-S4]

Not exactly your setup but I had the 17x7.5 SRs on my M235. Then I put them on GF 328 and went up to a 255/55 which is oversized for that car and looks ridiculous, but the car handles well and is like a f*cking tank. She drives on shitty roads all day long and is a pothole magnet and we haven't had a problem since switching her to those.

[happyjack]

yeah...im pulling the trigger on the alutec grip 16x7 with the michelin x-ice 205/55R16. my son’s E90 is running 16” wheels and it looks fine to me.

thanks for the feedback.

[Sypher]

I hope they can clear your brakes. I'm pretty sure that 16's does not clear the M Brakes; not sure about the standard brakes.

[happyjack]

Originally Posted by Sypher

I hope they can clear your brakes. I'm pretty sure that 16's does not clear the M Brakes; not sure about the standard brakes.

tire rack says they will. they list six different 16-inch wheels that will fit...and they confirmed via chat. i'll let you know next week!