I was not looking forward to having winter tires, but living in the Seattle area requires being prepared for wet weather and sometimes a bit of snow. Since the Z is my daily driver, I didn't want to be one of those guys that slid into the ditch because I diddnt want to spend the $ for proper gear.

I had purchased the Pirelli Winter 210 snowsport rear tires (235/50/17) this summer on a closeout online ($35 each). Couldn't find such a good deal on the fronts ($118 ea), but had them mounted yesterday on my stock 17" wheels. Needless to say, I now have some stock tires that I won't be needing.

I am impressed with the handling so far of the Pirelli's, as they seem quite responsive and corner pretty well for winter tires. This shouldn't be as bad as I had feared.....and I'll be able to sleep a little better knowing I'm ready "just in case".

 

Wow, the price was definately right! I've heard good things about the Pirelli 210's...I know they're not as well known as Blizzaks, but their performance is supposed to be good.

I just got a set of Dunlop Graspics with 17" OEM rims from some dude nearby for $500...not too shabby for wheels ans tires.

 

I'm sure the other tires out there handle as well, but so far I really like the Pirelli's. I wanted a winter tire that handled well in the rain and also on dry roads, as that is 95% of the driving I'll be doing because it really doesn't snow much here. But when it does snow, things getting pretty crazy since most people are not ready for it. So far, I'm quite happy.

 

Just got my Dunlop M3s in today from Tirerack. Wont go on for another few weeks but wanted to make sure I could get ahold of them before the first snow of the year and everyone ordering at once.

 

I have pirellis used them last winter they are great. (I have the stock 18 inch sizes)

 

No and what is this winter you speak of?

It's 80 degrees out and sunny and we haven't had a drop of rain since March.

 

I hate you.

I picked up a set of Enkei DM5 (I think thats the model) and a set of Blizzak WS50's for the Michigan winters two years ago. The wheels are only 16x7 so they look a little tucked in obviously but they are phenomenal in the winter. I have more grip than most SUVs with these tires and regularly pass them on the highways with complete confidence. They even work well on the ice patches I've hit . . . with TCS firing off as usual.

The tires still have tread and I'm heading into their 3rd winter. But a little warning . . . they suck on dry roads, feels like your driving on sponges but I'd rather have that then run into a ditch when it does snow.

Picked them up at Discount Tire if anyones interested . . . cost around $800 for wheels and tires, mounted/installed.

Jake

 

you guys dont get much snow up there do you??

 

No, we don't get much snow. But when we do, people tend to panic and most seem to have no idea how to get around. You see the tire dealers raking in cash hand-over-fist, etc....

I'd much rather find a reasonable bargain for a good set of tires before they become necessary. And these ones do seem to run pretty good on dry pavement, not that we have much "dry" pavement this time of year.

 

Same reason I bought my M3s early. Last year online sites ran out when the first snows started to hit our area and the local dealers where just raking you over the coals, if they could even get their stuff in stock.

 

Dunlap M3s are on the way - nice of the warm weather to hold out so I have a chance to get them ordered and mounted (70 today in Delaware).

 

I already have mine ready to swap on.

Front:
17x7 Sport Edition E2
225/50/17 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22

Rear:
17x7 Sport Edition E2
235/50/17 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-22




Just keep checking to forecast to see when the snow is coming.