EricPA

You make a good point about driving around on snow tires for an extended period of time. They will indeed wear quickly. Therefore, all season tires seem like your best bet. You mentioned that you are considering the Michelin Pilot MXM4 in 225/45/17. Now I can see where that make sense because it is smart to go will a more narrow (from stock) tire when buying winter tires. I assume you are thinking this would be a good idea when buying an all season tire that is basically going to be your winter tire. Am I right? Anyhoo, in most cases I would agree with that logic. However, there is something that is is making think something different in your case. What? Well there just seems to be some better options in the 235/45/17 size. Specifically I am referring to the Dunlop SP5000 and the Bridgestone RE950. The Dunlops in particular have received a lot of good reviews both on The Tire Rack's web site and right here on AW. Go to the AW search engine and do a "sp5000 snow" search of the Wheel & Tire forum. At $130 a tire the SP5000's are a pretty good deal and they are $152 (total) less than the Michelin Pilot MXM4 tires.The RE950 is a newer tire yet it still has some good feedback over at The Tire Rack.

Again, this is what I would do. Some may disagree with me. I just feel that going with a more narrow is not as important here. Therefore, I would stick with the stock 235/45/17 size, save $152, and let Quattro do the rest. ;-)

EricPA

The Tip seems fine but to be honest I have not used it too much. It's too easy to get the revs up in Tip mode and that is not so good for the break-in.

I waxed part of the car last weekend and will finish the rest this weekend. I really don't think black is tough to clean. Is it as easy as silver? Of course not. Having a garage helps. Some people will have you think black cars are a nightmare. I disagree. They may take some extra work but there is now doubt the end justify the means.

swimmer

Thanks. That sounds very good.