Optimal snow tire size for stock iX basketweaves?

[audiquattrot]

i know the stock size is 205/55/15, but i can't seem to find any snow tires in this size. I was thinking of going 195, but wasn't sure what you guys would recommend. Any links to actual available snow tires would be great. I really wanted the General Artic Altimax's, but i Tirerack is limited in sizes for them.

[nando]

I like 195/65-14s (light, cheap/free bottlecap wheels if I bend one)

for a 15" wheel I think 195/60-15 would work well

[Stevo-iX]

I like 195/65-14s (light, cheap/free bottlecap wheels if I bend one)

for a 15" wheel I think 195/60-15 would work well

+1

Bottle caps are perfect for snow tires.

If there are some available, e30 steelies are pretty awesome too.

With snow tires, less width is better. 195's should work well if you stick with the iX weaves.

[nrubenstein]

195/60 is really the only option, unless you want to experiment with larger diameters and hope that they don't rub on anything.

And nando, 195/65-14 snows don't really exist anymore. 14" is all about the 185/70 now. :(

[nando]

lame. I think I got a couple more years on this set at least. I'll probably just get some cheap 15" wheels next time.

[nrubenstein]

lame. I think I got a couple more years on this set at least. I'll probably just get some cheap 15" wheels next time.

That was pretty much my decision this year. Luckily, the red car came with a set of Koseis, so I'm using those.

[audiquattrot]

great thanx guys...im gonna go w/ 195/60/15s!

[redhatpat]

I use 185/70/14 size for my snowies on bottlecaps. Pretty common size, I think they came on Hondas of some kind. They're slightly narrower and taller than a 195/65 so they work well in snow/ice and fit just fine.

[nrubenstein]

I use 185/70/14 size for my snowies on bottlecaps. Pretty common size, I think they came on Hondas of some kind. They're slightly narrower and taller than a 195/65 so they work well in snow/ice and fit just fine.

There's no question that that is good for snow. It's just a matter of how tall a sidewall can you stand. 195/60 is really pushing my tolerance for sidewall squirm, much less 195/65 or 185/70. Honestly, if I'd had another set of 16s around, I'd go with them for snows (yes, I recognize that I'm giving up some snow traction).

[nando]

yeah, I can tolerate the 195/65s, but taller than that.. I used to have a car with ~175/75-13s. no thanks!

[packratbimmer]

I use Nokian WR G2 205 60 15 tires on my 325iX with no rubbing assuming stock ride height. They have done well the last two winters!

[maniacmatt]

I also run 205/60 snow tires with no issues. Nokian Hakkapallita's to be precise, they are fantastic.

[chuckdizzle]

195/60/15 on mine

they're Dunlop Graspic DS-2 tires.

[325ix]

195/60 is really the only option, unless you want to experiment with larger diameters and hope that they don't rub on anything.

And nando, 195/65-14 snows don't really exist anymore. 14" is all about the 185/70 now. :(

I found 185/65/14 which is a little smaller but, according to the calculators it was like a 1% difference.

[Kershaw]

i run 225/50/17s blizzaks on my rx8 and i have no problems. if i bought snows i'd probably keep to the 205/50/15. they are so narrow already.