Winter tyres

[gdr]

Seriously considering a set of 16" wheels with proper winter tyres for my E39 535i Sport this winter. Live in NE Scotland and while not that much deep snow, usually plenty days with slush/frost on country roads and generally damp cold and slippery. The car was useless in snow last year (despite valiant effort of traction control).

Any experiences, recommendations??

[m-five]

There are 4 good ones out there, all around the £100 mark (give or take £15).
- Michelin Pilot Alpin
- Continental WinterContact
- Pirelli SnowSport
- Goodyear UltraGrip

Never used them on the M5, but have used the Michelin and Continental on rental 5-series in the snow.

Feels like you are driving on a damp road, but you're actually on ice or snow - brilliant!

They don't last long on the open road though - you'll be lucky to get 3000 miles out of a set if you use them on the motorway in normal driving conditions!

[Kawasicki]

I used to work for Conti as part of their winter tyre test team, but this is all my opinion!
The Conti tyres are good all rounders, they have good grip in snow, especially in the transition from braking to cornering. The Pirellis are not quite as good in this transition(good lateral force and braking force, not so amazing at combining the two on snow), but are a more sporty drive on tarmac, wet or dry. Dunlops are similar in style to the Contis. Michelins are in the direction of the Pirellis.

Shane