Winter Sport M3's... - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

MattR · 2004-09-17, 05:01 PM

Best snow tire for the $$...very fairly priced...at Tire rack.. Wish I had the m3's.

Dunlops Winter Sport M3

sperry · 2004-09-17, 05:06 PM

Surprisingly, they trounce the Blizzack LM-22's in TireRack's reviews, which was the reiging champ back when I was shopping for snow tires 3 winters ago.

Maybe I'll get some M3's for the SVX and then just sell my WRX rims w/ the Blizzacks on 'em, since swapping the Blizzacks onto the stock SVX rims means running a pretty narrow tire on a 7.5" rim.

<hijack>
Anyone interested? Stock 16"x6.5" WRX wheels (minor rash on one of 'em) with stock WRX sized (205/55/16 IIRC) Blizzack LM-22's, $600 OBO. Tires have 2.5 winters on 'em, plenty of tread!

Kevin M · 2004-09-17, 05:52 PM

Wow, $105 each in stock size. That owns, maybe I'll just go that route this winter.

MikeSTI · 2004-09-20, 09:18 AM

I still like my 240 Winter Sports

maybe I'll try something different in 5 years when these are worn down

sperry · 2004-09-20, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperry

Surprisingly, they trounce the Blizzack LM-22's in TireRack's reviews, which was the reiging champ back when I was shopping for snow tires 3 winters ago.

Maybe I'll get some M3's for the SVX and then just sell my WRX rims w/ the Blizzacks on 'em, since swapping the Blizzacks onto the stock SVX rims means running a pretty narrow tire on a 7.5" rim.

<hijack>
Anyone interested? Stock 16"x6.5" WRX wheels (minor rash on one of 'em) with stock WRX sized (205/55/16 IIRC) Blizzack LM-22's, $600 OBO. Tires have 2.5 winters on 'em, plenty of tread!

Well, I checked into M3's for the SVX, and wouldn't you know it, they don't make 'em in the stock SVX size (225/50-16)! The closest size in M3's is a 215/55-16, and those will cause my speedo to read low, as well as cost me $113/tire. The only size in M3's that match the OEM revs/mile are the 205/55-16's which are exactly the size Blizzacks I already have for the WRX.

So, instead of paying money for wider snowtires that don't match the OEM overall diameter, I'm just going to swap the Blizzies onto the SVX rims and be done w/ it.

So, all I'm gonna have for sale are some OEM WRX rims sans tires... any one interested in them?

Nick Koan · 2004-09-20, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperry

Well, I checked into M3's for the SVX, and wouldn't you know it, they don't make 'em in the stock SVX size (225/50-16)! The closest size in M3's is a 215/55-16, and those will cause my speedo to read low, as well as cost me $113/tire. The only size in M3's that match the OEM revs/mile are the 205/55-16's which are exactly the size Blizzacks I already have for the WRX.

So, instead of paying money for wider snowtires that don't match the OEM overall diameter, I'm just going to swap the Blizzies onto the SVX rims and be done w/ it.

So, all I'm gonna have for sale are some OEM WRX rims sans tires... any one interested in them?

Damn, well there goes my option for what to do for snow tires... M3 here I come! (or perhaps M2)

Kevin M · 2004-09-20, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nKoan

Damn, well there goes my option for what to do for snow tires... M3 here I come! (or perhaps M2)

Hmmm... will M2s be on closeout here soon?

Nick Koan · 2004-09-20, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

Hmmm... will M2s be on closeout here soon?

On sale at Tire Rack for $89 a pop (16") last I checked.

sperry · 2004-09-20, 02:45 PM

I don't think *any* snow tires will be on "closeout" until say next April. And by then they're out of stock (and have been out of stock since December). Especially the M3's... those things sell out in larger sizes by November... which is why MattR's on the M2's, no?

MattR · 2004-09-20, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperry

I. which is why MattR's on the M2's, no?

Yeah, the M3's sold out by October last year! I hope they're not gone already. As far as I know, the M2 is being discontinued, so there may not be a lot of options there.

However, like mike said, his Pirelli's are pretty sweet too, I'd run all three with no problems. (Blizzaks, M3's, Pirelli 210)...all very capable.

Nick Koan · 2004-09-20, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperry

I don't think *any* snow tires will be on "closeout" until say next April. And by then they're out of stock (and have been out of stock since December). Especially the M3's... those things sell out in larger sizes by November... which is why MattR's on the M2's, no?

Actually, the 175/65/15 & 255/45/17 are on closeout, and the 205/55/16 are a "special"

Hmm, can anyone here run 255s?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....inter+Sport+M2

sperry · 2004-09-20, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nKoan

Quote:

Originally Posted by sperry

I don't think *any* snow tires will be on "closeout" until say next April. And by then they're out of stock (and have been out of stock since December). Especially the M3's... those things sell out in larger sizes by November... which is why MattR's on the M2's, no?

Actually, the 175/65/15 & 255/45/17 are on closeout, and the 205/55/16 are a "special"

Hmm, can anyone here run 255s?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....inter+Sport+M2

Well, 205/55-16 is the perfect size for OEM impreza wheels! Get some of those Nick!

Nick Koan · 2004-09-20, 02:59 PM

They are also kinda perfect for the rims I already have, without plopping down the money for your wheels

Can you fit 255s on the SVX?

sperry · 2004-09-20, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nKoan

They are also kinda perfect for the rims I already have, without plopping down the money for your wheels

Can you fit 255s on the SVX?

I might be able to (it might require some minor fender rolling), but why would I want snow tires that goddamned wide!? :shock:

Narrow > wide when it comes to driving in snow. Plus they're cheaper, and get better fuel mileage.

Nick Koan · 2004-09-20, 03:34 PM

Yeah, I know. I just think it'd be ... comical, to have winter tires so wide.

MikeSTI · 2004-09-21, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nKoan

Yeah, I know. I just think it'd be ... comical, to have winter tires so wide.

so what you want Scott to be your personal joke boy? Big Pimp'in 255's

JoelK · 2004-10-18, 01:59 PM

I've been debating between the M3s and Nokian WRs. It seems to me that the WRs will have 2-3x the treadlife and better (possibly quite a bit better) dry traction. The one thing I'm unsure of is what the exact difference between the two tires would be in the snow. I will probably drive about 7000 miles before I remove the tires in April/May and if I'm only going to get one season out of the M3s, then I'll go with the WRs.

Any thoughts?

MattR · 2004-10-18, 03:12 PM

I have one full season on my m2's and they show little sign of wear...You'll get way more that one season out of the M3's/

BOO · 2004-10-18, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattR

Best snow tire for the $$...very fairly priced...at Tire rack.. Wish I had the m3's.

Dunlops Winter Sport M3

Wow, Nice tread(m3) .. very agresive..

doubleurx · 2004-10-18, 03:44 PM

I just got the M3's from tirerack. They're going on my Rota Torques. I think they changed to a much softer compound than the M2's which would explain the better ice capability. They are noticeably softer than my old M2's were.

Snow is on it's way tonight. Were expecting over a foot in Truckee by Wednesday. Pretty crazy! Tonight I'm changing tires on the wife's car and the STI. I'll try and get some snow pics to charge you all up for the ski season! (just around the corner)

MikeSTI · 2004-10-19, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doubleurx

I just got the M3's from tirerack. They're going on my Rota Torques. I think they changed to a much softer compound than the M2's which would explain the better ice capability. They are noticeably softer than my old M2's were.

Snow is on it's way tonight. Were expecting over a foot in Truckee by Wednesday. Pretty crazy! Tonight I'm changing tires on the wife's car and the STI. I'll try and get some snow pics to charge you all up for the ski season! (just around the corner)

did you get new Rota's with the lager lug pattern? same as the old ones or new color?

doubleurx · 2004-10-19, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeSTI

Quote:

Originally Posted by doubleurx

I just got the M3's from tirerack. They're going on my Rota Torques. I think they changed to a much softer compound than the M2's which would explain the better ice capability. They are noticeably softer than my old M2's were.

Snow is on it's way tonight. Were expecting over a foot in Truckee by Wednesday. Pretty crazy! Tonight I'm changing tires on the wife's car and the STI. I'll try and get some snow pics to charge you all up for the ski season! (just around the corner)

did you get new Rota's with the lager lug pattern? same as the old ones or new color?

New lug pattern, Same wheel and color as before: Rota Torque 17x8 in bronze.

MikeSTI · 2004-10-19, 12:04 PM

sweet!

JoelK · 2004-10-20, 08:46 AM

No comments on the Nokian WRs? Does anyone have experience with them?

How do the M3s handle in the dry? I figure 95% of my winter miles this year are going to be in the dry or rain. That and the increased treadlife were the primary reasons I was looking at the WRs. Next year, I'm hoping to be back in Colorado, and depending where I end up, I could do a lot more driving in the snow. That's one of the reasons that if the M3s are still great after 7000 miles or so, then I might go there anyway. Ahh, choices.

MattR · 2004-10-20, 09:04 AM

Sorry, I've never owned a pair of Nokians, I've heard great things about them though. The Dunlop tread life appears to be great on the M2's, but Nick said that his M2's had a much harder feeling compound than the new M3's, which means the M3's may have a shorter mileage life. I don;t think it's going to be so short that they only last one winter.

Also, Dean just bought a pair of Hancook 300 Snows..I'm very intereted to see how they look and perform. They are $100 a tire or thereabouts, so that might be another option to consider.

2004-09-17, 05:01 PM	#1
MattR El Matador Real Name: Matt Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 10,660 Car: 2012 Toyota Tacoma Class: ?	Winter Sport M3's... Best snow tire for the $$...very fairly priced...at Tire rack.. Wish I had the m3's. Dunlops Winter Sport M3 __________________ "Dallas..We have a problem.”

2004-09-17, 05:06 PM	#2
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	Surprisingly, they trounce the Blizzack LM-22's in TireRack's reviews, which was the reiging champ back when I was shopping for snow tires 3 winters ago. Maybe I'll get some M3's for the SVX and then just sell my WRX rims w/ the Blizzacks on 'em, since swapping the Blizzacks onto the stock SVX rims means running a pretty narrow tire on a 7.5" rim. <hijack> Anyone interested? Stock 16"x6.5" WRX wheels (minor rash on one of 'em) with stock WRX sized (205/55/16 IIRC) Blizzack LM-22's, $600 OBO. Tires have 2.5 winters on 'em, plenty of tread! __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints?

2004-09-17, 05:52 PM	#3
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	Wow, $105 each in stock size. That owns, maybe I'll just go that route this winter. __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2004-09-20, 09:18 AM	#4
MikeSTI EJ205 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 2,354 Car: 2004 STi Class: TSM I can't complain	I still like my 240 Winter Sports maybe I'll try something different in 5 years when these are worn down __________________ Cobb Stage 2

2004-09-20, 02:45 PM	#9
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	I don't think any snow tires will be on "closeout" until say next April. And by then they're out of stock (and have been out of stock since December). Especially the M3's... those things sell out in larger sizes by November... which is why MattR's on the M2's, no? __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints?

2004-09-20, 02:59 PM	#13
Nick Koan JDM Cowboy Real Name: Nick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 8,642 Car: 2015 Mazda 3	They are also kinda perfect for the rims I already have, without plopping down the money for your wheels Can you fit 255s on the SVX? __________________ While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient. -- CNN

2004-09-20, 03:34 PM	#15
Nick Koan JDM Cowboy Real Name: Nick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 8,642 Car: 2015 Mazda 3	Yeah, I know. I just think it'd be ... comical, to have winter tires so wide. __________________ While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient. -- CNN

2004-10-18, 01:59 PM	#17
JoelK EJ22 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Minden, NV Posts: 144	I've been debating between the M3s and Nokian WRs. It seems to me that the WRs will have 2-3x the treadlife and better (possibly quite a bit better) dry traction. The one thing I'm unsure of is what the exact difference between the two tires would be in the snow. I will probably drive about 7000 miles before I remove the tires in April/May and if I'm only going to get one season out of the M3s, then I'll go with the WRs. Any thoughts?

2004-10-18, 03:12 PM	#18
MattR El Matador Real Name: Matt Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 10,660 Car: 2012 Toyota Tacoma Class: ?	I have one full season on my m2's and they show little sign of wear...You'll get way more that one season out of the M3's/ __________________ "Dallas..We have a problem.”

2004-10-18, 03:44 PM	#20
doubleurx EJ205 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Truckee Posts: 1,948	I just got the M3's from tirerack. They're going on my Rota Torques. I think they changed to a much softer compound than the M2's which would explain the better ice capability. They are noticeably softer than my old M2's were. Snow is on it's way tonight. Were expecting over a foot in Truckee by Wednesday. Pretty crazy! Tonight I'm changing tires on the wife's car and the STI. I'll try and get some snow pics to charge you all up for the ski season! (just around the corner)

2004-10-19, 12:04 PM	#23
MikeSTI EJ205 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 2,354 Car: 2004 STi Class: TSM I can't complain	sweet! __________________ Cobb Stage 2

2004-10-20, 08:46 AM	#24
JoelK EJ22 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Minden, NV Posts: 144	No comments on the Nokian WRs? Does anyone have experience with them? How do the M3s handle in the dry? I figure 95% of my winter miles this year are going to be in the dry or rain. That and the increased treadlife were the primary reasons I was looking at the WRs. Next year, I'm hoping to be back in Colorado, and depending where I end up, I could do a lot more driving in the snow. That's one of the reasons that if the M3s are still great after 7000 miles or so, then I might go there anyway. Ahh, choices.

2004-10-20, 09:04 AM	#25
MattR El Matador Real Name: Matt Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 10,660 Car: 2012 Toyota Tacoma Class: ?	Sorry, I've never owned a pair of Nokians, I've heard great things about them though. The Dunlop tread life appears to be great on the M2's, but Nick said that his M2's had a much harder feeling compound than the new M3's, which means the M3's may have a shorter mileage life. I don;t think it's going to be so short that they only last one winter. Also, Dean just bought a pair of Hancook 300 Snows..I'm very intereted to see how they look and perform. They are $100 a tire or thereabouts, so that might be another option to consider. __________________ "Dallas..We have a problem.”

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