Anyone ever drive on studded snow tires?? - BMW Forum

bimmerfan620 · 12-21-2003, 03:55 PM

Ok, so when i bought my car I sold off my stock wheels and bought a set of 19"'s. anyway, here it is, winter, and I just picked up a set of wheels with new snowtrakker studded st/2's 195 60 15's. Now I've never had studded tires, and I heard it from the grapevine that they wear out super fast, like if i drive on the pavement with them, they will wear out in a week??? is this true, or is it a myth? any info would help, thanks guys..

fresh328 · 12-22-2003, 02:29 AM

My E36 is riding on Bridestone blizzak studless winter tires so far I haven't lost control of the car here in Minnesota. I cant answer about the studded tires but if you need winter tires get a blizzak.

Furious · 12-22-2003, 04:41 PM

i thought studds were illegal? as well as chains. my rally tires dont have studs but do have the hole to retrofit them in

bimmerfan620 · 12-22-2003, 05:51 PM

ye, they are illegal in some states.......... Like MINE, haha....but wtf do i care, i would rather not crash up my ride and i think at most, it's a non moving violation.... i did read somewhere that in like oregon, they have rules that make vehicles carry chains in their cars, and some trucks have to keep a set of studded tires with them in case they run into certain area's that they have signs to tell you that you have to chain up and stuff..... boy that is one long fragment of a sentence....

RallyE36 · 12-22-2003, 08:48 PM

I have driven with studded tires for years.
They are noisier on pavement but if you drive "normal", meaning don't spin them right on the pavement they should last you at least 5 seasons minimum. That is if used between October and April.
I have also used the newer ice studless tires. These are quieter but in general I have found them not as good overall as a true studded snow tire.
My experience has been on Hondas (FWD), Legacies (AWD) and my latest 318i (RWD). Needless to say the AWD has the best traction.
Remember to always use the same type of tire on all 4 corners.

the///man · 12-23-2003, 01:28 AM

furious, are you serious? how can that stuff be illegal in canada of all places haha

bimmerfan620 · 12-23-2003, 01:37 PM

I was told by a buddy that worked at Belle tire that they would only last me a week if I drive with them on dry pavement at all.... so if you say at least a couple seasons, then that is the best...

RallyE36 · 12-25-2003, 03:30 PM

As I said, unless you do something as "unwise" as burn outs or similar on pavement, there no reason why you can't use studded tires like millions of other people. Remember to take them off when the winter is over.

BTW .... your buddy is .... hmmmmm .... how can I put this diplomatically .... MISINFORMED !!

Merry Christmas

bimmerfan620 · 12-30-2003, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RallyE36@Dec 25 2003, 05:10 PM

BTW .... your buddy is .... hmmmmm .... how can I put this diplomatically .... MISINFORMED !!

Merry Christmas

haha, right on brother.....he is at times, a toolbox, but non the less, a good guy..

Furious · 12-30-2003, 10:37 AM

remember gentlemen the odd burnout dosent wear out tires quite as much as hard cornering on a constant basis.

ehlpitel · 12-30-2003, 04:51 PM

the whole few year duration of owning a 84 528e, it had studded tires, and i drove that car(it being my first whip after getting my license) like a dick, always making the tail break out and whatnot, i even got a ticket for driving with the tires in summer

....the prognosis: theyre fine and probably nice for winter, and i always drive my car hard, and predominantly sideways :P

97328is · 12-31-2003, 01:06 AM

speaking of snow...it's snowing here in vancouver..and i just picked up my E36 328 from the dealer...and man...does it suck in the snow. i must get some snows....any suggestions on brands?

RallyE36 · 12-31-2003, 03:58 AM

97328IS,
I have used Nokia Hakkappellitta 1's and 10's studded. Even though they noisy on pavement they are the best, but won't be available for much longer.
Since you live on the West Coast most of the snow you will experience are wet and slushy conditions.
If you try an ice type winter tire like the Hakkappellitta Q, Toyo Observe 2, Bridgestone Blizzaks or similar they are quiter on pavement but will not give you the same grip on your type of snow conditions.
I live on Vancouver Island but travel quite a bit into the interior and will be picking up a set of either Hakkappellitta 2's or Hakkappellitta AW's. The latter are the lattest on the Canadian market and are the best all around tire, all weather - great in the rain and snow, with 100,000 km rating.
Try Kal Tire, Western Canada Nokia dealer.

1996 318i
Victoria, BC

97328is · 12-31-2003, 04:03 PM

thanks rallyE36...very informative reply. i think i'll definitely invest in some snows and i will look into the brands metioned.