TheOtherEric

Hmm. Here in the states, NONE of those are available in 285/30-19" except the Pirelli SZ. Maybe he actually meant 255/255??

The only available staggered setup 255/285 is the Pirelli.

ace10

For studless snows, there is only one option for 255/285 in 19". And that is the Pirelli SottoZero Serie II.

For studless snows in 255/35-19 (square), there are many options:

B-Stone Blizzak LM-32
B-Stone Blizzak LM-60
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D
Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2
Vredenstein Wintrac Xtreme


I believe that's everything out there in winter studless 19"

kart125

I know... I find it weird but he showed me the pdf document with 4 tire choices and the price and if I remember they where 255/285... still waiting for his email.

It could be SZ in 255/285 and the rest in 255 all square? That would make more sense.

kart125

I just talked to parts/service tech at MB dealer concerning winter tires. I called to inquire about load rating and when I said I was contemplating the Hakka R2s, he said it's not a good tire for the E63 as the speed rating is only R (106 mph). He said the tire will flex too much. I was under the impression that the load rating was more important... Hakka R2 also rated at 96! He highly suggested not to go that route and recommanded Michelin PA3 all arround. No other options than SZ in the 255/285 setup.

Any of you have experience with an R rated tire on a car like the E63? The promotional video of the Hakka R2 is an A6 I think. Should be same weight as the E63! I would love to go Nokian but don't want to regret it.

I also looked at the new PA4 and it seems like a good alternative (better than PA3 dealer is recommanding).

ace10

I'm confused.

PA3 has three strikes going against it:
1) It's Obsolete. So replacements will be difficult to find.
2) Not available in a 255/35-19
3) "R" speed rated

How can that be better than the Hakka R2?

Chocofishez

I don't think you'll find a winter tire that is faster than R rated... my quick check on the usual suspects on tire rack didn't turn up any.

I really want PA4s in 285s. I think 255s on the back will be chewed up too fast. I might have to give the pirelli's a shot.

kart125

PA3 is available in 255/35/19 since dealer made me estimate for 4 of them. They are not listed on Michelin's website since it's probably the end of it's life. MB canada probably has a bunch to move so that's why they push it... I googled them and they exist.

I agree that they are obsolete and PA4 would be my choice in the Michelins.

PA4 are V-rated (149 mph), as well as Dunlops and SottoZeros. The Hakkas are R rated (106 mph). The Blizzaks are H-rated (130 mph).

Other option is the Vredestein Wintrac Extreme wich is W-rated (168 mph). It's harder to find good reviews on the Vredesteins compared to the Nokians.

I just dont see how a speed rating would affect stiffness and loading capacity... the hakkas are 96 XL load same as the others!!

Damn, after that I have to decide if I keep stock wheels or buy winter set, go 19x8.5, 19x9.0, 19x9.5... OEM vs aftermarket wheels, gunmetal, chrome, matte? Then the offset nightmare!! Jesus this is getting complicated! I'm keeping my Saab with studded hakka 7's!!

Chocofishez

I am going to have winters mounted on the oem rims for delivery. If I'm going to get aftermarket it'll be for my summer wheels. Thinking Pirelli but am going to do a little more research first

kart125

I think I'll mount on OEM wheels also. It's a 3 year lease so 200$/year for change tire = 600$. The thing is some Wheel sets are 650$!!

It will be between PA4 and Vredestein, just need to read more on the Vreds...

drjimrd

Got the PA4's mounted yesterday - 255/35/19. Only slight difference front to back in how they fill out the wheel. I think they will be good. For some reason, I thought that the fronts were 8.5" an d the backs were 9.5" - turns out the fronts are 9", so only 1/2" difference front to back.

Jim

335X-ray

Looks great. Back is only noticeable if you know what you are looking for and compare to front. Glad it is a non-issue. Dr, why did you make the switch so soon? You in the real North? I don't usually switch to my winter setup till near Turkey day.

Love to hear ride difference feed back.

Congrats! Mine winter setup arrive today (fingers crossed) They will look nice in the garage till November delivery )

X

drjimrd

Heading to Beaver Creek today, and Gunnison next week. Supposed to snow tomorrow. I have had the unfortunate experience of being caught in an early winter storm on high performance summer tires. Almost destroyed an S4 avant the second day I had it, sliding helplessly through an intersection as I watched an F-350 miss me by inches. I was being careful, not speeding. Gently applied the brakes and it felt like I floored the accelerator..... . High performance summer tires on snow and ice - not good. Not aking any chances with this car - I kind of like it.
Jim

ace10

85F here today in Virginia.

To those of you who are donning your snow tires at this early point in the season, would you mind reporting back on your experiences? Both in snow and in dry roads.

I'm particularly interested to hear how the newest generation of snow tires will hold up on this car on warm, dry days.

335X-ray

I totally understand. In your location I would make the same choice. You are so right regarding high performance summers and snow/ice/cold weather. Like driving on rocks even with AWD. Have fun at the Creek! Love BC.

X

otakki

This car must be a blast in the snow. Keep us posted with how it handles in the snow.

kart125

After countless hours of internet browsing and tire review reading, I just ordered 4 Michelin PA4 255/35/19 for my not even built car... how crazy is that? A lot if you ask my wife... Anyways now I just need to decide if I buy a set of winter wheels or mount on stock wheels. Anyone had experience with Power Wheels Pro? 335-X-ray steered me to their website. For the price it seems like a good buy!

http://www.powerwheelspro.com/shop/p...roducts_id=675

ace10

You can get this guy down a bit on pricing. I almost bought this set, but went with another deal that was a it better for me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171135154224...84.m1438.l2649


For $3200 you get decent wheels with good dimensions, TPMS and a nearly new set of summer tires.

$0.02

kart125

Thanks for the tip Ace10! I'll look into it more when I get home.

rhukster

I'm in the same boat as all you guys and have been following every winter tire thread on this board! Anyway, I also bit the bullet today and after consulting a couple of offset calculators:

http://www.willtheyfit.com/

and

http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp

I decided to go with 19x8.5" with 45mm offset all around. They are going to be a little more inset up front (0.6" narrower), but almost the same as stock in the rear (0.2" narrower).

I also went with the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4s 255x35s all round.

The wheels in question are the 19x8.5" Bremmer Kraft BR09s in Black with machined lip.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...3&autoModClar=

Price for wheels+tires+TPS monitors+balancing+lugnuts+shipping+tax = $2588.42

Chocofishez

Just bought a set of the pirelli sottozero IIs in 285/255.

I think you guys putting 255s on the back of such a heavy car with so much power better watch those wear bars closely!

rhukster

255s are 1 of the 2 recommended options as per the owner's guide. Personal choice of course, but during the winter months, I tend to be rather more gentle with the old throttle, and 255s are better in the snowy stuff that 285s would be. Also the only 285 options are those Pirelli Sottozeros and the reviews of those are not as good as the Pilot PA4s. I guess we'll see what happens

kart125

I wish I could have gone 225 front and 255 back for winter but no matching tires where available... I always like narrower tires in the winter, for sure at the expense of dry traction. But I have 8 months to enjoy the summer tires!

The PA4's should arrive tomorrow... maybe gonna order wheels also next week but still debating it.

Chocofishez

This is an instance when you can use the car's weight to your advantage. I don't think you would need to go as narrow as you would on your C63

ace10

Any feedback on the new Michelins or the new Pirellis?

rhukster

I've not put them on yet. We had a 1 day of snow last friday, but it dried out very fast. I'm kinda holding on as long as possible before I make the switch to winters.