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E46General discussion and technical help for 1999-2004 3 series cars.
Don't I just need snow tires on the drive wheels for traction?
This myth was laid to rest when we went out on the dry test track and drove a pair of BMW 330Ci coupes, one with a full set of snow tires (Michelin Artic-Alpins) and the other with those snows on the back (the 330Ci is rear-drive) and high-performance rubber in front (Michelin Pilot XGT H4s).
This was definitely an eye-opener. Before we ran each car, we shut off the stability control system and were warned that one of the cars might end up biting us (car-guy talk for a car sliding out of control). Taking the 330 with the four snows through the course, the car felt solid and predictable. Running the 330 with the Pilots in front and Alpins in the back, the tail wagged increasingly as we zigzagged through the cones and then the car spun 180 degrees. Whoa! We drove home the point of the test with an exclamation point made in rubber marks on the track.
Mismatched tires can (and will, if pushed) adversely affect a car's handling; with the ends of the car having differing levels of grip, it is more apt to slide the tail or even spin out. Had we been driving in the snow, the rear tires probably would've had no problem propelling the car but steering and braking wouldn't fare as well — the high-performance Pilots would've washed out as the snow would easily pack their small grooves, essentially turning them into slicks. Not good on snow, slush or ice.
Sadly, the Dunlop WinterSport M3's go on next week. But for a winter tire they really do perform. They are a nice mix of dry performance and snow/ice traction. I also am impressed with how quiet they are. I have about 11,500 miles on them in the last 2 yrs and they look virtually new.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by exjarhead328
Sadly, the Dunlop WinterSport M3's go on next week. But for a winter tire they really do perform. They are a nice mix of dry performance and snow/ice traction. I also am impressed with how quiet they are. I have about 11,500 miles on them in the last 2 yrs and they look virtually new.
11-11-2005, 06:01 AM
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