11-01-2020, 03:57 PM | #1 |
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18 inch winter wheel recommendation
Hi everyone,
I have a 2018 LCI. I daily drive the car, even in the rough Canadian winter. The previous owner gave me a square 18 inch wheel and tire set. The wheels are some bmw replicas, but am running Bridgestone blizzard ws80 (225/45/R18 96H). The user manual recommends, 235/40 R 18 95 V M+S XL. The 18’s with the winter tires have completely transformed the car. It’s has more body roll, not nimble at low and high speed and even when I break, it doesn’t have that solid feel that you get while driving on the staggered 19’s. I can’t figure out whether it’s the size of the wheels, or tire spec, or since they are replicas (they are heavier) is causing the car to be “less exciting”? My guess is the aspect ratio and the tire width is making it feel that way. I’m good to go buy a new set of wheels and tires (if necessary), if you guys share some of your experiences, while driving on an 18 inch square winter set that bmw recommends? Would love some valuable feedback, before I go and buy a new set. Many thanks. |
11-02-2020, 08:11 PM | #2 |
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I’m confused as to what you expected. You’re going from a wider, low profile, high performance summer tire to a narrow, wide sidewall, soft rubber compound designed for low temps. Winter tires aren’t performance tires. This is normal.
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11-03-2020, 06:49 AM | #3 | |
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11-03-2020, 12:52 PM | #4 | |
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11-03-2020, 10:15 PM | #5 | |
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11-04-2020, 07:29 AM | #6 |
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I would switch the size to 235/40 and that should tighten up the handling a bit.
Also, the Blizzaks are pretty squishy. Michelin X-Ice have better road manners but can still handle deeper snow and ice. |
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11-05-2020, 09:30 AM | #7 |
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I have found a big difference between "winter" tires and "snow" tires.
Your WS80s are for driving in deeper snow (for an M2). If you want to have more performance you may want to try an Alpin or Sottozero. |
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