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BMW M2 Forum > BMW M2 Discussions > Car feeling much less nimble after 18” winter wheel and tires installed

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      11-05-2019, 10:32 PM   #1
bmw_m2_
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Car feeling much less nimble after 18” winter wheel and tires installed

Greetings,

I installed a new set of aftermarket 18” winter rims and tires (not staggered). The car feels a bit sluggish, softer suspension and a lot less nimble. I understand that the surface area of tires is less and the aftermarket mags are slightly heavier than the OEM 19’s.

Just wondering if it’s normal what I’m experiencing? Or shall I check for something.

Thnx
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      11-05-2019, 10:51 PM   #2
babym2
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what do you expect? haha
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      11-06-2019, 12:10 AM   #3
Phil-on-Cars
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Totally fine, that's just what the winter tires do to your car.
Winter tires are a lot softer, both the compound and the side wall, which is what you need in cold, snowy or slippery condition.
My car has Blizzak ws80, comparing to my ps4s, the car feels like it has softer suspension, more body roll, and louder tire noise. On my car, steering weight even feels lighter with winter tires (I think because of less grip).
Also, smaller wheel size 19" -> 18" also contribute to the softer feel, even with same tire. don't worry, it's normal.
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      11-06-2019, 07:30 AM   #4
CTSean
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switching to taller softer sidewall tires with deeper more flexible tread? of course the car feels softer.
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      11-06-2019, 08:02 AM   #5
hz101
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I put Alpin PA4 19s on the staggered OEM wheels, and the car drives better than when I had the summer Contis on lol
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      11-06-2019, 08:56 AM   #6
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So not sure your question, but yes, you will not get great performance from a taller, more narrow tire.
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      11-06-2019, 10:40 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil-on-Cars View Post
Totally fine, that's just what the winter tires do to your car.
Winter tires are a lot softer, both the compound and the side wall, which is what you need in cold, snowy or slippery condition.
My car has Blizzak ws80, comparing to my ps4s, the car feels like it has softer suspension, more body roll, and louder tire noise. On my car, steering weight even feels lighter with winter tires (I think because of less grip).
Also, smaller wheel size 19" -> 18" also contribute to the softer feel, even with same tire. don't worry, it's normal.
Thanks, thats what I thought. Just wanted to be sure. It's my first year with the car in the winter.

I have the same tire set as well. How has your experience been with with WS80's? I'm in Canada, so wondering how did the tire perform in snow?
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      11-06-2019, 10:45 AM   #8
bmw_m2_
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Thanks everyone. I've had other BMW's and MINI's in the past, but they all had RunFlat Tires on them and the difference was minimal. I know RFT's have stiffer sidewalls, so a smaller wheel size, did not make a huge difference in the handling, softness and ride quality.

I guess, I will be eagerly looking forward to spring time, so I can my summer's back on.
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      11-06-2019, 11:08 AM   #9
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Tires are just another suspension component. You've made it more compliant but sacrificed turn-in. Enjoy playing in the snow.
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      11-06-2019, 01:40 PM   #10
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Tires are important
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      11-06-2019, 09:27 PM   #11
Phil-on-Cars
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmw_m2_ View Post
Thanks, thats what I thought. Just wanted to be sure. It's my first year with the car in the winter.

I have the same tire set as well. How has your experience been with with WS80's? I'm in Canada, so wondering how did the tire perform in snow?
In short, I really like them. Pretty good grip for winter tires on dry clean winter roads. It really shines on snowy conditions.
I live in Indiana, so maybe we get around 2 weeks of serious snowy road conditions per winter. Other times, the roads are relatively clean and dry. I drive a e90 335i 6mt, rwd. Winter tires are 17", 225/45 on all 4 corners. Absolutely no problem for me in winter.
Things I don't like, noise is a little louder than summer tires, but all winter tires are louder. Very soft, not as good handling as summer tires. But it's a trade-off between snow performance and handling. I heard really good things about michelin alpine pa4. I might try it someday, but for Indiana and Canada (and other really snowy places), I think ws80 are brilliant.
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      11-07-2019, 01:09 AM   #12
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Every car I've put narrower winter tires on has felt significantly more eager to change direction, albeit less stable and softer especially if the aspect ratio has changed.
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