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Winter tyre sizes on a BMW

This year a purchased a 2005 BMW 530d M Sport Auto. I am looking to purchase a set of winter wheels and am somewhat confused as to which size of tyre would be best. My car currently has Goodyear Eagle NTC5 245/40/R18 93Y fitted.

BMW are currently offering a set of four Alloys with Goodyear winter run flats for £1760 - they are 245/45/R17.

I have seen second hand wheels and tyres 225/50/R17 in good condition BMW Alloys with Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 225x50R17 94H run-flat winter tyres with lots of tread left. They are nearly half the price.

What tyre size is best for winter on my car and are thier any implications for my insurance on the tyre size I fit to the car.

Asked on 16 October 2012 by ianjm

Answered by Honest John
In the snow the 225/50 R17s will probably be better than 245/45 R17s and about the same rolling circumference. I'd go for them. You have to inform your insurer that "BMW 17" wheels and runflat winter tyres have been fitted." They should not increase your premium for increasing the safety of your car. If they do, complain like hell and threaten to take your business away from them.
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