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Re: winter tires revisited

> The Roundel has an advertisement where I can purchase (4)15 inch steel wheels
>with (4)205/55TR-15 Pirelli W190P for $580 (mounted and balanced) for my '89 ix.
> I really don't want to run the alloys this winter, but, is this a good price ?
>(Shipping would cost me $50).

That is Tire Rack I believe.  If they are using the same wheels they
were earlier this fall, they are NOT bmw wheels, and there are some
minor fit problems (I can't remember what right now, maybe hit the
calipers on some cars?).  I decided to go with the 14"x6.5" BMW
steel wheels (~$70 each from Hendrick BMW) and Nokia Hakkapalitta
10's (~$75 each, free shipping, from Greer Enterprises).
  I like that the BMW wheels are 14" because that gives added
protection from pot-holes.  Because they are narrower, I can use
narrower snow tires (185) which grip better.  The Hakka's are much
better snow tires than the  W190P's.  They sing a little on the
road, though, and the soft sidewall makes dry handling a little
looser.  They are probably overkill on the 'iX.  If I were to do it
over, I'd consider getting either the Gislaved Euro Frost, the Nokia
NRWs or possibly the Pirelli's.

FWIW,
rick
'90 325iX w/ 4 studded Hakka 10's - bring on the snow!