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[Rustler]

I thought it may be helpful to post a few pics of my winter setup for anyone looking to see what BMW style 189 wheels look like on an E90. The wheels are staggered 189s (18x8 and 18x8.5). The tires are a square setup, 225 all around, Pirelli Sottozero 240 (non-runflat). The 225 width tire on an 8.5 inch wheel does have a slightly stretched look, but I think the importance of narrower (and evenly sized) snow tires outweighs my dislike of stretched looking tire. I considered buying four front wheels at 8 inch width (189s), but was worried the offset in the back would look weird and wanted the option of putting a staggered summer tire on this wheel set down the road (if new England winters don’t shred the wheels). In any event, the square tires on staggered rims has worked well so far.

The Sottozero’s have been great. I think they’re every bit as good as my Blizzaks (LMs). For urban/suburban driving this rear wheel drive setup with snow tires is perfectly capable, certainly better in the snow than all wheel drive with all seasons. Dry grip is not as good, but it's hard to tell how much of that is related to the narrower rear tires (what I notice more than anything is that I light up the traction control much more in the warm weather with these snows). They also give the steering a slightly squishy feel, but well within reason for a snow tire.

I apologize for the poor pictures, but for the purpose of showing what these wheels look like on a four door I hope they serve the purpose.

Not bad lookin at all...get some spacers on there and it will look even better!

[boris]

Looks great!!

[Rustler]

I agree that spacers on the rear would lessen the tucked look caused by the skinny tires on the back, but it's just not something I've got around too, and at this point I'm willing to make that concession to winter. Also, I must say that the angle of one of the pictures exaggerates the tucked look on the back (but spacers would be better regardless).

I think spacers front + back would make it look MUCH better. It looks sunken in on the front axle as well. This is probably exaggerated given the fat spokes and because these are 18s (instead of 17s) though.

[toykia]

thanks! i was just wondering how my 189's would look on square set up 225.

[BMWE90 ModMaster]

looks good for winter set up.