e90: winter run-flat tires wisdom needed

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Anybody wants to share some wisdom re: winter run-flat tires for e90 in Alberta? Ouestions that come to mind: where, when (on and off), how much, what type, dos and don'ts...

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No one?!

[bpepper19]

winters. Do you have specific tires in mind? Run flats are going to sacrifice some performance but that shouldn't matter in winter tires.

[knows]

BMW Canada sells pre-mounted packages on 16" steel rims and 17" alloy rims, with Blizzak tires. These would be packages that BMW has tested for use on the E90, it does not mean it is you only choice. Your local Dealer can help you with these.
Regarding when to put them on.. if they are mounted on another set of rims and you are up to it, you can install them yourself on the first day it snows (or sooner would be better), same for removing them. Because winter tires are a 'softer' tire compound, they will wear quicker on 'dry roads', so you don't want to put them on too soon or take them off too late - otherwise they won't last very long.

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Thanks!

Is there a really good reason to have them with the rims instead of changing only tires? Four new rims (Allow 17')... it feels somehow as if I am going to pay triple for a set of tires.

I also am aware about Michelin run-flats (Alpin P2) (I believe that Bizzaks are run-flat too). Do you have any insight into which are better (from any speculative or subjective point of view)?

[bpepper19]

that is one reason to have two sets. And if you work out the costs it is not that bad when you factor in how much they charge you every time you swap them. If you keep them for a few years it almost makes sense.

[OFF]

Good point. Thank you. Do you personally use winter tires? Do you have any opinion regarding brands?

[knows]

while taking them on and off. Because of the stiff sidewalls, the tires are more difficult to work with. Besides the extra cost of mounting balancing the tires twice a year, you get to save even more if you do it yourself - and you don't have to 'get in line' with all the others who need their tires installed. The Blizzak's BMW Canada sells with their tire packages are Runflats. Actually BMW only specifies Runflats for the E90 - the car was designed specifically for them. In Edmonton - winter tires a 'must' - on all four wheels - otherwise your great handling car, won't handle so great.

[bpepper19]

last winter. I didn't drive it in the winter the 2 years before that. I may invest in some new summer rims and keep the stock rims for winter. I don't have run flats on my M3 and I wouldn't for this car, it affects performance too much.

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