[soSick96]

Hey everyone,

I drive a BMW G20 320i xDrive and live in a Mediterranean town where winter isn't too intense—temperatures rarely dip below 10°C, and the cold weather only lasts for about two months. My current Pirelli P Zero PZ4 summer tires are worn out, so I need to replace them soon, but I'm unsure whether to go for new winter tires or stick with summer ones year-round.

Since I have xDrive, I’m also wondering if I need tires with the star symbol for BMW compatibility, or if I could get by without them. Here are my current tire specs:

Front: 225/40 R19 93Y XL RF *
Rear: 255/35 R19 96Y XL RF *
I was considering the Pirelli Sottozero 3 as a winter option, but finding them with the star symbol locally has been challenging. If I decide to go for winter tires, would it be worth investing in a new set of wheels as well, or is it okay to keep swapping them on the same 19-inch rims? I’m concerned about whether switching tires on the same rims could lead to any long-term issues.

Would appreciate any advice or insights! Thanks in advance.

[fs1977]

If you don't have to drive in snow or intense hail, I would always go for new summer tires. Unless you travel to countries where winter tires are mandatory.

The only circumstances winter tires perform better is snow and very cold temparatures (below 0C).

[G22b58]

If you decide on winter tires, get specific wheels also. I have staggered setup in the summer but a square 225 all around in the winter.
For a square setup, the rolling circumference is (by design) more similar front-to-rear, so at least for the transfer case also non-(*) marked models should be OK.

(I will get (*) marked summer tires from BMW list of recommended staggered models when it's time for replacement, but you have to decide. It is rather easy to measure the difference in rolling circumference with the tires on the car, but that is after the fact, so to say.)

[Elderado82]

For your BMW G20 320i xDrive in a Mediterranean town with mild winters, a square setup with 235/40 R19 Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 BMW star-rated tires all around is an excellent choice. I used a similar setup with Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 tires on my BMW M135i in Nebraska, and it was incredible. It gave me a lot of confidence in both city and highway driving, handling snow and ice effortlessly. For winter driving, a square setup with Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 tires on your BMW G20 320i xDrive provides a fantastic balance of performance, safety, and efficiency. It makes maintenance easier and helps your car perform well in cold weather.

However, given your mild winter conditions, you might also consider all-season tires. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a highly rated all-season tire that performs well in various conditions, including light snow, rain, and dry roads, offering balanced performance year-round. All-season tires are convenient because you won’t need to switch between winter and summer tires, saving you time, effort, and money. Your BMW’s xDrive system provides enhanced traction and stability, making all-season tires a practical choice with reliable grip and control year-round. All-season tires would be the versatile and cost-effective decision.