slk55er

I've run studded Hakkas on several AWD BMWs and they are the best as proven in annual Gymkhanas on the 18" thick ice on the Georgetown, Colorado lake every January.

The photos show the combination I chose -- 235/55R18 Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV tires with full studs from the Tire Factory ($257 each). The wheels are TSW Vortex (size 18x8 5-112 32 HS) from Discount Tire at $216 each plus TPMS unts and lug bolts. I like the wheels 'cause they are easy to clean and they look larger than 18" because the spokes come out all the way to the edge of the rim.

I've run this setup about 1500 miles on mostly dry pavement. Of course they emit more noise than the Bridgestone Dueler HP Sports that I have for dry pavement, but the stud noise is not objectionable, thanks to good sound insulation in the GLK. It's the sound of confidence in snow and ice.

BTW -- the photos were taken at a rest stop on I-70 in Utah east of Green River on a stretch that warns, "No Services Next 113 Miles."

gsrjc

I'm probably going to be taking my snow tires off this weekend as the temperatures in the DC area are in the 70s now. Pirelli snow tires didn't get any use this year but that's okay. Better to be safe.