I'm looking to either pick up another set of wheels with snow tires or perhaps just mount some snow tires onto my stock MR wheels, and was just looking for any suggestions.

I'm trying to see what tires are decent for snow driving, but would like to avoid studded tires. I'm looking to purchase a set and wanna keep the cost down, so would consider buying some used tires or any nice deals on new ones.

I ran across these while looking on CL:

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/pts/3431593954.html

Does this seem like a decent deal, and this may be a stupid question, but is the bolt pattern on a 3 series BMW match an Evo? Looks like a set of these tires is about $520 new, so I was debating on getting some and putting on my wheels or just getting this used set if it makes sense.

Any input/advice is appreciated, and I guess this is kinda a WTB thread as well if anyone has any for sale. Thanks!

 

The only tire choice: Blizzak LM-60 (pretty sure the 60 is the new one).

 

I know those snow tires are sick, but remember - I'm being a cheapass with the winter tires....I normally don't even buy any, but the extreme summer tires may not work so well, but I'm only going to need to use the snow tires a few times per season, so if I could keep my cost around or under 500, that would be ideal. If my car saw snow / ice more and really cared about performance, I'm sure those would be great.

 

Heard Blizzaks are good.. what about finding a lightly used set?

 

Or the Blizzak WS-60, or the Michelin X-Ice (both are grippier in the snow and im pretty sure cost less than the LM-60). You have a nice car, spend the extra 200 dollars and outfit it correctly.

 

OP are you on stock suspendion? a 45 with no tread seems really tall... Id look for a 225-245 40 if possible just help avoiding rubbing issues

 

Good point, I'm on Swift Spec Rs, so I'll need to make sure whatever I end up with doesn't result in rubbing. Think a 225/40/17 would be ok w/ that setup? I'm not real familiar with how sizing works on snow tires and where rubbing issues, etc., come into play.

 

yeah you should be fine with stock size with springs. i have stock size snow tires on my x now with 20mm spacers and springs. only rub is at full lock cause the wheels are pushed out...

 

You're already driving an EVO, why would you want to save a couple hundred dollars on tires that would possibly put your car and your life at risk? Seems to be the wrong place to be trying to save money.

Anyway, I have the Michelin X-Ice on my car and I've had no problems in several inches of snow or on the packed snow on the roads up to Mt Hood. The only other option I would consider are the Blizzaks. I went with the Michelins because they came with a mileage warranty, unlike many other snow tires.

Good luck with your search OP

 

The difference being that the LM series are for performance cars, and are still viable tires in the dry/wet, where as the WS series and the X-Ice are a dedicated snow/ice tire. I.E. they suck in the dry/wet. The LM series are better tires for an Evo.

 

The reason I'm not gonna be spending top dollar on snow tires is because I simply don't drive the car in the snow that much and when I do I drive very easy; not looking to use the car's AWD to the max. I'm pretty sure I'm at less risk than someone who goes out with the "I have the world's greatest snow tires on my car!" mentality and overcooks it into a turn or assumes they can stop on a dime in the snow. I'll push the car in the dry and on the track way more than I will in the harsh winter weather...but some of the suggestions here look decent and I may do a little further research before making the purchase. Would kinda like to get a set of 8 wheels or perhaps decent aftermarkets if I could so that I don't have to swap tires. If anyone has a spare set of wheels they're looking to part ways with, feel free to let me know!

 

If that's the case, why don't you go with all seasons? Cheaper than snow tires and they'll manage a little snow fine. I live in Beaverton and the only reason I bought snow tires is for my snowboarding trips up to Hood.

 

True, I was debating whether or not those would do the job. I'm on Dunlop Star Specs right now and they're awesome in the dry and work okay in the wet with some caution, but I know they're practically worthless in the snow. I'll be heading up to Hood a number of times, and sometimes will be parking in tough spots for hiking or snowshoeing, and not getting stuck would be fun! I've never been stuck before, but have always been in an SUV with snow tires, but I've seen cars in these areas that struggle, and I have yet to take the Evo up there.

 

Not to jack this thread, but I have used both, and the LM series are still absolutely terrible for handling in the dry/wet. So I have no problem giving up that other maybe 5 percent of dry grip and gaining probably another 20 percent traction in the snow. Given I am in a much snowier climate than most, minus possibly the pacific northwest with your 100+ inch storm that was supposed to come in yesterday. Seems logical to put the better snow tire on your car and not one that has a performance factor in it, when the performance factor is virtually useless anyway.

Also OP, I'm on swift Spec R's with 225-45-17s and have no problems with rubbing what-so-ever.

 

Oh...nevermind, go with snow tires. haha, I thought maybe you were staying down here and wanted them for the occasional dusting. I'd even stick with the SUV just in case the snow gets deep. I'm looking for a 4x4 truck to take up to Hood instead of the Evo. More ground clearance is always a plus