OK, I live in CO. I have had two sets of the Pirelli SottoZero II Run flats on my last Countryman.
Contemplating the same tire OR the new SottoZero III. Also, the SottoZero is not available in the 205/5517. I have to get 225/50/17. Not sure how that will ride. Thoughts? Help? Thank you!

 

We've got a couple of customers in the 225/50/17 series of tire on their CM and the ride is fine, no problems with rubbing, just a marginal change in the speed vs speedo.

One of our employees actually has the Firestone Winterforces in 225/50/17 on her CM and they do great.

 

I will be buying the new Continental snow tires at the end of the month. Also in CO, up in Steamboat, so I can let you know once I have them on how they perform. What sold me was them being V rated.

 

Just ordered the Continentals. Should be here by Friday, so I will update on their capability hopefully next week.

 

I have the winterforce and mine, had them on all my wrx's, wife has em on her legacy. you can have them studded. all in all a good affordable tire IMO.

 

Have had the tires on a full day now, and am quite impressed. I have been through quite a few different types of snow tires in my years, and the new Continental WinterContacts are easily one of the best. I went with stock 18" wheels size since I want those to be my winter wheels, and so far, they're night and day difference with the All4 system. We have been getting hammered in Steamboat (almost a foot overnight where I live) and my CM easily drove over the almost 2 foot pile of snow from the plow even though it is lowered, and I have yet to have a slip or slide I did not initiate. So far, so good. I will be taking it on the highway this weekend and report back, but I expect similar results, even if it is a V rated snow tire.