albe1

Anyone have any new thoughts here? It appears (Tirerack reviews) that the M3s may be slightly better on snow and the M2s slightly better on dry. My trip to the mountains is 65:35, dry/snow. Of course, I value my ability to maintain traction on the snow many times higher than the dry handling of a snow tire. Just wondering if the quattro would make up for the V rated M2s sub-winter traction performance (compared to the H rated M3).

Although both tires appear to be available in V rated, Tirerack seems to carry only the M2s in V rated. Perhaps the best alternative would be the M3s in V rated. Anyone find these? Other thoughts?

schnellmb

I live in NW PA only about 1 mile inland from Lake Erie. We get nailed with lake effect, about 12-14ft of snow a year. Also, alot of ice, freezing rain, and dry times too, depending on conditions.

The M3s are great tires and handle extremely well in all conditions--even better then the stock Michelin Pilot MXM HX All season in the dry on my 03 3.0q. Ice and snow traction is excellent, as well in the rain--very resistant to hydroplaining. I'm actually looking forward to putting on my snowtires this year, as the Michelins are about 1/8th from their wear bars.

They only reservations I have is when we get really greasy snow--when temps are in the 28-34 range, the snow is moisture-rich. If you goose it, you can break the tail loose and set the traction control off pretty easily. (I know, you shouldn't). Nokian's old Hakka 1s would be better in these conditions IMO, I've had 3 sets on other cars, and on my old C4 A6 avant. Otherwise, the tires are very predictable, if you're not looking play rally car around corners.

All around, I don't think you can beat the M3, I know there are several users of the M2 that love their tires too. Dunlop makes very good snows for the money. Considering I was quoted near 900 locally for Hakkas, Tireracks quote or 449 shipped was a bargain last year.

MachineMan

Pasted from my own previous M3 posts:
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Ordered 4 oem size 225/55HR-17 today at $135 each from local Discount Tire (chain) dealer who says they will "match or beat any price". I steered the salesman to the Tire Rack web site price page while on the phone and he says he'll match the price PLUS only $10 each shipping from warehouse 50 miles away, $10 each lifetime Road Force balance, $5 each mounting fee, one $10 state fee, FREE Road Hazard warranty, FREE twice annual seasonal tire changeovers, FREE rebalancing of M3s and summers after twice/year remounting, FREE lifetime rotation, and FREE coffee/donuts. Total installed w/sales tax = $692.05 with 1-3 day delivery.

I used to pay $80/season to switch tires back forth and will save enough here to pay for the tires in 4+ years! Now if they would just toss in a free shoe shine this would be a fantastic deal. Yes, the $135 each price is the same at Tire Rack but you won't get all these extras for free.

Tires Plus down the road quoted $219.95 each/$914.96 total for a lesser deal. Sales guy says we have room to "do a little better".

Hopefully we will get snow soon so I can try out these new shoes <bsg>.

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They called yesterday "$500 deductible day" in the NE because there were so many car accidents. The extra confidence and margin of safety winter tires give you far outweighs the cost. Eight deaths related to weather so far and I think that was just yesterday. Up to 24" more snow on the way. They are great in snow and far superior to my Pirelli P6 allroads in ALL weather conditions and ALL seasons; smooth, quiet, great wet or dry. I find it difficult to break traction even at full throttle in snow. Once at night with the left side tires only I hit a 150' long 12" deep drift that had 6" of snow plow accumulated slush ice hidden under it on the interstate at 50mph in a blizzard right as I came alongside a semi ... I lifted off the gas not touching the brake and the combination of the tires and ESP snapped the car back in line automatically as the back end started to quickly come around at least 2 feet off track aiming me into the semi. If I'd had "all season" tires or some bargain tires I would have been wedged under the semi.

While I have no experience with them, Nokian winter tires should also be considered.

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Coming back to IL on Monday from Minneapolis on I-294 east was deadly icey. We counted 10 cars off the road over a 5 mile stretch; 3 were upside down, one was vertical against a tree, 2 were on their sides and the balance had spun out into the ditches. Every one had at least one state trooper on site and several had multiple fire engines and ambulances. All the 18 wheelers had slowed to 30mph. The air temp was 30-31 F. The M3s provided a very smooth quiet ride and never slipped or slid once.

Finman

I don't think going 130 or 149 on snows is the smartest thing...so I don't think the speed rating matters.

Both tires are excellent. I had M2s that were great in ice and snow in Tahoe, never had any issue with them going up and down outta Tahoe...rain, ice, snow. M3s are supposed to be just as good or better...

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12452/s6-tape-snow.jpg">

mowog

but they have free shipping and a $60 rebate on 4 tires which meant around $128 per tire delivered. I've had pilot alpins on my TT for 4 seasons and love them- also have a set for my MB E300. I don't plan to get them on until mid Nov and will post some feedback then. Just something else to confuse you. Tirerack rates M3s 1 and PA2s 2 in their snow tire review ratings.

fun2fly

but you paid for what Discount Tire normally does for free. tire rotation, lifetime balancing, road hazard insurance, value stems and mounting and installation are all free. Check out their web site. And they also this month have a $25 rebate on a set of 4 winter tires and $100 for tire/wheel packages. Click on the "Compare Our Pricing" link below the "No Hidden Charges" text.<ul><li><a href="http://www.discounttire.com/dtc/searchWinterTiresByVehicleAndSize.do?vid=006739&am p;sw=true&amp;yr=2001&amp;rd=17&amp;rc=MNMINT">htt p://www.discounttire.com/dtc/searchWinterTiresByVehicleAndSize.do?vid=006739&am p;sw=true&amp;yr=2001&

All Italian

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/41143/dsc00708.jpg"></center><p>Plus they are extra load rated for the heavy Allroad!<ul><li><a href="http://www.nokian.com/passengercars_product_en?product=610499&amp;name=N OKIAN+HAKKAPELIITTA+RSi">http://www.nokian.com/passengercars_product_en?product=610499&amp;name=N OKIAN+HAKKAPELIITTA+RSi</a</li></ul>

Griff5

Wow... they look awesome!! I'll bet that you will be unstoppable this winter!!

On the ar that I just bought, the PO had put on Pirelli Winter 210 Snowsports. I'm guessing that this is their second season. There still seems to be quite a bit of tread left... so I'm going to use them throughout the winter.

In the spring, I'll probably get a set of RS6 reps with Falkens or Kumhos... and then next winter, some of these Nokian RSis!!

Thanks for the pic and the link.

P.S. If you don't mind my asking, whom did you buy them from and what was the price?

albe1

I thought the higher rated tire might have a stiffer sidewall which might mean better handling in dry.

I'm looking for the best of both worlds. My typical weekend drive is a 350 trip from Seattle to Kelowna, half of which is high mountain passes (snow traction is key at 60 mph) and the other half is typically fast highway driving (handling is key at 100 mph).

albe1

16s. They were good, but I didn't think they were available in our stock 17" size.

I gave my leased car back with the 16" alitalia wheels with those tires still on.

Any chance you've got my car??