[Andycc]

Originally Posted by cento

Its the new WR A4

For some reason I assumed if it's Nokian, it has to be Hakka R2

[Pol]

I got an answer from BMW Group BeLux concerning my wheel problems.
They did the test with an identical winterset, 235-40-18 and 255-35-18, as prescribed by BMW AG and in the same circumstances as I did.
They didn't experience any problem and refer to the BMW Star identification which is lacking on my rear tyres and who can make the difference with a tyre who has the star, as they say.
And they continue by referring to the tyre structure, in particular the diagonal plies type (bias ply) in which the carcass is stabilised by a belt comprising two or more layers of substantially inextensible cord material laid at alternate angles close to those of the carcass. And those angles should be optimal for the power transfer.

[Nicname]

Does anyone know if a square set up of BMW 513's 18 x 10 with blizzak LM 255/40/18 will fit our M2's??

[Pol]

Originally Posted by Nicname

Does anyone know if a square set up of BMW 513's 18 x 10 with blizzak LM 255/40/18 will fit our M2's??

Check mail.

[Pol]

Since I don't expect further help from BMW for my problem, I thought, why not try Michelin and tell them my story.
And so I did.. The operator was well informed about the possible tyre sizes for a winterset on the M2.
On the end of my story I told him that BMW refused further investigation under guarantee as a result of the lack of a star on my rear tyres.
The man replied that in that case Michelin is prepared to take responsibility and replace the two rear tyres by the same sizes but with a star.
Big surprise.. and what a service!
Now I will be able to test my M2 with a complete Michelin "STAR"-set and in the same conditions as BMW already did for me. I am curious for the result although I don't believe that a Star can make the difference. But wait and see...
And for sure, I will keep BMW informed about my sensations with the new star-set on the back.

[flyaway]

Originally Posted by Pol

Now I will be able to test my M2 with a complete Michelin "STAR"-set and in the same conditions as BMW already did for me. I am curious for the result although I don't believe that a Star can make the difference. But wait and see...
And for sure, I will keep BMW informed about my sensations with the new star-set on the back.

Do you really believe this ****?

Great news for your peace of mind otherwise and excellent customer service by Michelin

Personally I'm sure your winter tires are (and will be) just fine, just drive carefully, especially in winter times

[Pol]

Originally Posted by flyaway

Do you really believe this ****?

Great news for your peace of mind otherwise and excellent customer service by Michelin

Personally I'm sure your winter tires are (and will be) just fine, just drive carefully, especially in winter times

BMW BeLux did a test with an identical winterset as mine, but with four star tyres in the same circumstances that I did, viz. accelerate beginning from 120 km/h ... They could not affirm a car behaviour as I described.
And for sure my actual rear wintertyres are fine up to 120/130km/h. But my point of vue is that tires with the highest speed ratings on that kind of car must be able to exceed amply 120km/h without instability problems.
Do I believe in that star label? Honestly no... but we will see..

[Transfer]

I'm confused as to why anyone would mount 255/35/18 to the rear of their M2. That is grossly the wrong tire size at 1.3" (34 mm) shorter diameter compared to stock. Is that the BMW winter spec? The right size is definitely 255/40/18 or 255/35/19.

In my future M2 planning I will mount 255/35/19 all around vs 255 rear and 235/40/19 in the front.

EDIT: Looks like they don't make 255/40/18 in PA4s and 235/40 is too short so the 19s are the way to go in my book.

[flyaway]

Originally Posted by Pol

BMW BeLux did a test with an identical winterset as mine, but with four star tyres in the same circumstances that I did, viz. accelerate beginning from 120 km/h ... They could not affirm a car behaviour as I described.
And for sure my actual rear wintertyres are fine up to 120/130km/h. But my point of vue is that tires with the highest speed ratings on that kind of car must be able to exceed amply 120km/h without instability problems.
Do I believe in that star label? Honestly no... but we will see..

Were you present at the moment of the "testing" done by BMW BeLux in their deepest concern and respect for you as a customer? As this seems to be an official answer as you suggest, where exactely (on which circuit/ closed road in Bel/Lux , in which country) did they perform this official test to meet the evident legal requirements? How were the conditions (meteo, tyre wear, driving mode) of the test standardized and how many tests were performed, is it reproductible, etc?

Don't drink (too much of the BMW Kool-Aid) and drive

P.S. I bet there isn't a single official "BMW BeLux" M2 equipped with winter tires at this moment.

[Pol]

Originally Posted by flyaway

Were you present at the moment of the "testing" done by BMW BeLux in their deepest concern and respect for you as a customer? As this seems to be an official answer as you suggest, where exactely (on which circuit/ closed road in Bel/Lux , in which country) did they perform this official test to meet the evident legal requirements? How were the conditions (meteo, tyre wear, driving mode) of the test standardized and how many tests were performed, is it reproductible, etc?

Don't drink (too much of the BMW Kool-Aid) and drive

P.S. I bet there isn't a single official "BMW BeLux" M2 equipped with winter tires at this moment.

Maybe you are right but up to now, they got benefit of the doubt.

[Pol]

The new Michelin Pilot Alpin4 's STAR tires 255-35-18 are on now.
On the way back from the garage, I couldn't help doing it and did a 180 pull on the motorway, realising that this was not the most safe way to do with brand new tires.
And.. indeed the vibrations I felt with the non star tires were gone. No flickering lights whatever.
I nevertheless got a kind of woolly sensation, most likely a normal phenomenon as a result of the brand new tires plus the fact that you cannot compare the adherence of a PSS with an Alpin.
Anyway at this moment I am already convinced of the better feeling i.e. road conditions of the Michelin with star.
I tried to compared the two tires on external differences : grooves, slipes, sidewalls and contact patch, but I did not find any. However the tire inner liner showed a cleaner finishing.
I also let them bounce from a 50cm (20in) height. The used tire showed a higher bounce compared to the new one. Perhaps, but I am not an expert, this could be described as normal : used (600miles) and warmed up tire versus unused and cold tire.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by Transfer

I'm confused as to why anyone would mount 255/35/18 to the rear of their M2. That is grossly the wrong tire size at 1.3" (34 mm) shorter diameter compared to stock. Is that the BMW winter spec? The right size is definitely 255/40/18 or 255/35/19.

In my future M2 planning I will mount 255/35/19 all around vs 255 rear and 235/40/19 in the front.

EDIT: Looks like they don't make 255/40/18 in PA4s and 235/40 is too short so the 19s are the way to go in my book.

I completely agree. I have no idea why BMW is selling people 255/35/18s. It is not correct and it makes no sense. It almost feels like a mistake and they meant 255/40/18 or 255/35/19.

[Pol]

Originally Posted by chris719

I completely agree. I have no idea why BMW is selling people 255/35/18s. It is not correct and it makes no sense. It almost feels like a mistake and they meant 255/40/18 or 255/35/19.

Problem here is that if you deviate from the recommendations given by BMW, you can lose guarantee claims.
You also risk a "no go" by the federal inspection services because they use the EC-Certificate of conformity as a reference.

[Pol]

I received an update today from BMW with tire pressures for the M2. As you see they now take into account the 255-35-18 M+S as a winter alternative.