[PrinceBarin]

I simply had to post my delight at the performance of my 320d in this evening's snow.

I had Pirelli Sottozero's fitted in October but only today was I finally able to put them to the test. After months of "nice car but it'll be useless in the snow" you can imagine the smug grin on my face as I powered up inclines and cruised round corners in everything from slush to deep powder. In the end I couldn't find anything to bring me to a halt so I've given up and come home to write this post.

There are undoubtedly better pure winter tyres out there but these have proved a great all-rounder through the Autumn and they didn't let me down today.

Tomorrow I am going hunting for stranded Quattros.

[KORALLROT]

Originally Posted by PrinceBarin

I simply had to post my delight at the performance of my 320d in this evening's snow.

I had Pirelli Sottozero's fitted in October but only today was I finally able to put them to the test. After months of "nice car but it'll be useless in the snow" you can imagine the smug grin on my face as I powered up inclines and cruised round corners in everything from slush to deep powder. In the end I couldn't find anything to bring me to a halt so I've given up and come home to write this post.

There are undoubtedly better pure winter tyres out there but these have proved a great all-rounder through the Autumn and they didn't let me down today.

Tomorrow I am going hunting for stranded Quattros.

Yes, but are you really a prince?

[SomeRandomer123]

I've kept my 328i on its Bridgestone Potenza's (255's on the back too) so I'm not expecting it's going to move much this weekend. That said, we've not had all that much snow here in Rossendale, Lancashire. Just a light covering that will be gone in the morning probably.

[Raspartan]

Originally Posted by PrinceBarin

Tomorrow I am going hunting for stranded Quattros.

Nice. Do they often get stranded in your area?

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by PrinceBarin

Tomorrow I am going hunting for stranded Quattros.

Not going to find any. Hate Audi all you want, that awd sets the bar.

Glad you had no issues with the snow though.

[GB72]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

I've kept my 328i on its Bridgestone Potenza's (255's on the back too) so I'm not expecting it's going to move much this weekend. That said, we've not had all that much snow here in Rossendale, Lancashire. Just a light covering that will be gone in the morning probably.

Ha ha I'm from rammy!

[PrinceBarin]

Ha ha. My last car was an Audi and I'd gladly have one again

But, joking aside, I was blown away with the performance of the 3 series with these tyres, particularly given the middle-of-nowhere village road conditions I was faced with. If anything was going to cause me trouble it was ground clearance (understandably) but grip for starting/cornering/stopping was beyond my expectations.

Couldn't recommend it enough - I'm a total winter tyre convert.

[CoolDude196]

Originally Posted by PrinceBarin

Ha ha. My last car was an Audi and I'd gladly have one again

But, joking aside, I was blown away with the performance of the 3 series with these tyres, particularly given the middle-of-nowhere village road conditions I was faced with. If anything was going to cause me trouble it was ground clearance (understandably) but grip for starting/cornering/stopping was beyond my expectations.

Couldn't recommend it enough - I'm a total winter tyre convert.

How much were they? Did you get them from BMW or alternate supplier?

Good to see the money's worth it! Should winter tyres be made mandatory? I guess that's another story...

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by GB72

Ha ha I'm from rammy!

No way, seriously?! I'm only in Hassy! Wow I will keep a look out for you!

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by PrinceBarin

Ha ha. My last car was an Audi and I'd gladly have one again

But, joking aside, I was blown away with the performance of the 3 series with these tyres, particularly given the middle-of-nowhere village road conditions I was faced with. If anything was going to cause me trouble it was ground clearance (understandably) but grip for starting/cornering/stopping was beyond my expectations.

Couldn't recommend it enough - I'm a total winter tyre convert.

That's great to hear! I was tempted to get a set for mine but didn't think we really get all that much snow. Mind you, it's only 3 roads off my estate onto the main road (which are downhill) so the main road is usually clear. It's just getting back up the hill which is the problem! Bet winter tyres would definitely be helpful there.

[GB72]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

That's great to hear! I was tempted to get a set for mine but didn't think we really get all that much snow. Mind you, it's only 3 roads off my estate onto the main road (which are downhill) so the main road is usually clear. It's just getting back up the hill which is the problem! Bet winter tyres would definitely be helpful there.

Yer a small world!

[Raspartan]

Originally Posted by PrinceBarin

Couldn't recommend it enough - I'm a total winter tyre convert.

Winter tires are not that common in England I take it? How much snow do you usually get?

[bimmer man]

bmw 320d is very good in the winter. Replaced 116d F20, to F30 320d luxery and it is much better on ice and snow roads. Have Nokian Hakka 7 studded tires on.

[zofinger]

Originally Posted by Raspartan

Winter tires are not that common in England I take it? How much snow do you usually get?

Not a lot. In the south every other year we'll have 1-2weeks of lying snow. North England into Scotland it's probably every year. But i thought winter tyres are beneficial as soon as the temp falls below 7c - so they would help Nov through to Feb.

[Raspartan]

Originally Posted by zofinger

Not a lot. In the south every other year we'll have 1-2weeks of lying snow. North England into Scotland it's probably every year. But i thought winter tyres are beneficial as soon as the temp falls below 7c - so they would help Nov through to Feb.

Yes, the rubber compound provides better grip at lower temperatures vs the all-season variety.

[Daveyc]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

That's great to hear! I was tempted to get a set for mine but didn't think we really get all that much snow. Mind you, it's only 3 roads off my estate onto the main road (which are downhill) so the main road is usually clear. It's just getting back up the hill which is the problem! Bet winter tyres would definitely be helpful there.

The key question is, is the main road downhill in both directions? If so, you're sorted and will never need winter tyres!

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by Raspartan

Winter tires are not that common in England I take it? How much snow do you usually get?

Not as much as the media would have you believe. This country is pathetic when it comes to snow. I know it's a quintessentially British thing to do; talk/moan about the weather, but f**k me every news report rattles on about snow disruption and "potentially dangerous levels of snow". Really pisses me off.

[PrinceBarin]

Originally Posted by CoolDude196

How much were they? Did you get them from BMW or alternate supplier?

Good to see the money's worth it! Should winter tyres be made mandatory? I guess that's another story...

I was lucky enough to be supplied these under my company car scheme. I think they recognise that I will go through 2 sets of tyres anyway so better to make them season-specific. I've stored the all-seasons in the garage. Plus, it reduces the risk of accidents which reduces the company's insurance whilst also appealing to the corporate responsibility agenda!

The extra grip through the Autumn has been noticeable particularly when accelerating and stopping on greasy/frosty roads.

But they've come into their own in the snow this weekend. I'm sold for life on the benefits.