#Replacing a flat tire [2004 BMW 325i]

19 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

vestal merlin
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Hi all,
Last winter, one of my winter tires was obliterated. I live in a city that gets lots of snow, so I need to replace that winter tire. Do I need to buy 4 new tires, or can I buy just 2? And if I can buy just 2, do they need to be the same model as the other 2 tires that I have?
Similarly, what should I look out for when choosing tires for a RWD car for driving in thick snow?

gritty solstice
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How old and how much tread are on the others? Generally speaking, if the tires are new enough and have over 50% tread life, I’d do a pair and not all four, but I’d match the brand and model with the existing tires as you don’t want to mix them. Different traction characteristics can be dangerous in some conditions.

vestal merlin
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The tires are fairly old, but I don't drive that much. Issue is, the existing tires were bought by the previous owner, and are well outside my price range...

still vineBOT
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vestal merlin
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But I think tread life is probably roughly 50% on the existing tires

gritty solstice
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What are the existing tires?

vestal merlin
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I don't know the model exactly, but they're Michelin

gritty solstice
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Ok. So your dilemma is, two expensive tires versus four possibly less expensive tires?

vestal merlin
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Yeah exactly

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(assuming if I buy 2 they need to be the same as my other 2)

gritty solstice
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I’d do the whole set of four then you can shop around to who has the best deal right now; and you can set yourself up for a cheaper replacement if one of them gets a flat)

vestal merlin
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Yeah, that makes sense

gritty solstice
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Good luck mate!

vestal merlin
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Thanks a lot!

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Ah one more question --- it looks like my current tires are 205/50R17. But the site I'm on says for my model I should get either 205/55R16 or 225/45ZR17. How do I know which is compatible with my wheels? I'm guessing the R17 one?

gritty solstice
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Great question. Are you still using factory rims or aftermarket rims?

vestal merlin
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Factory rims

gritty solstice
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Ok so the size ending in 17 matches your current rims. OEM size is the 225/45 but the previous owner opted for a slightly narrower tire with the 205/50. Narrower tires do slightly better in the snow, so that would be the choice I personally would make.

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And your summer tires can be the 225/45 size