We're getting into the cold temps this week in New England, so I decided to put on the snow blades and new winter treads. This is the first set of Blizzaks I've tried (I love the Dunlop Wintersports but they don't offer run-flats). I'm pleased with the LM-25s so far though. The tread compound isn't as soft as most of the other Blizzaks so you give up some grip on ice, but the dry handling is quite good and they should be fine for the limited snow this car will see. They feel a bit squishy, but not terribly so and on the plus side they have a surprisingly comfortable ride - especially for a run-flat.

I seem to spend more time cleaning the JCW wheels than the rest of the car and I wanted something that would be quick when I'm washing the car in the freezing temps and my hands are numb. These should fit the bill as I can get right in there with a sponge.







Here's the little dog hanging out with the big dog... and probably the cleanest they'll both be for the next 4 months.

 

Good looking winter setup. I just put my winter shoes on last week.

 

Hi, What model wheels are those? Cheers

 

Thanks Bullitt. Post a pic or yours please...

j34; they're Sport Edition F7s. $113 each from the Tire Rack... I know that you get what you pay for, but it's a nice looking cast wheel that balanced nicely and will never see any hard track use.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...All&sort=Price

 

What size tire did you get? 205/45? I need some snows for my JCW but am not sure what tire to buy.

 

Looks really good! I'm not getting my JCW until late December, and may go this winter without a winter setup. It will give me an excuse to work from home more.....

 

Correct - I wanted to stick with the OEM size and all that I could find were the Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSports and the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25s. I went with the V-rated tire too hoping it might be a little stronger. From what I read and was told by Tire Rack, the Pirellis will feel less like a winter tire, but you definately sacrifice some snow and ice traction for it. I've got an 8% driveway gradiant, so traction wins out for me.

Don't wait too long to buy though, as tire companies only do a single winter tire production run and they usually sell out... and those summer tires will drive like hockey pucks in the cold temps.

 

they would look good in the summer too.

 

Sounds good, I will call tomorrow and order. Did you buy from Tire Rack or somewhere local?

 

I ordered everything through Tire Rack. I've used them many times in the past and they are excellent - they stand behind what they sell. The JCW setup was mounted and balanced by tire rack, but I needed new tires on the Audi this year too and recieved a tire that was just out of spec on road force balancing. They sent out a new one that day, had the installer mount the marginal tire for something to drive on and refunded the extra balancing. All with friendly service and no argument whatsoever.

Also, check out their authorized installers. I believe that all of their installers use the Hunter Road Force balancing machines. Tire Rack brings them a lot of business so they won't give you a hard time about mail ordering tires verses buying from them like a tire outfit might do. They have both tire and installer reviews on their web site as well and the local installer for me was Roux's Garage in Berlin Massachusetts. I never would have found these guys otherwise and they are absolutely fantastic.

Good Luck!

 

Cool. I already have my wheels so I think it makes the most sense to just order the tires from somewhere like Town Fair and have them mount and balance them. I *think* they'll match Tire Rack's prices and give free mounting/balancing, but I need to check.

Thanks, MH. BTW, looks like you're just a few mins down the road from here (Acton).

 

I'm in Acton all the time and I'll look for ya. Actually, I've yet to see another factory JCW on the road. Don't be surprised if you see a Black Audi Avant flashing at you though - I rarely pry the MINI from my wife's hands.

 

I only work about 100 yards into Acton, near Nagog Pond. I take backroads in through Westford and Littleton. Good times.

 

Sorry to bring this back from the dead, but thanks for the inspiration!