Which winter tyres for my BMW 1 Series?

I drive a 2008 1 Series BMW 3-door. I have driven BMW cars for over 30 years, but I am now finding, as I get older, that I am having difficulty in the winter. What winter tyres would you recommend? I made a mistake in buying a 3-door car as the doors are proving too heavy. I would welcome your suggestions as to what would be a better drive in the winter. Reliability is important and my budget is the value of trade-in plus up to £20,000.

Asked on 28 December 2013 by FW, Danehill

Answered by Honest John

Happily, BMW now makes a 120d xDrive 4-wheel drive, 5-door, so that, fitted with a set of winter wheels and tyres (an extra £700 - £800 for 16-inch) would sort you out. Winter test here at minus 20C: honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/bmw/bmw-1-series-f20-120d-xdrive-road-test//

If sticking with your present car, use Vredestein Wintrac or Michelin Alpin cold weather tyres and if the existing tyres are worn, fit Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons that you can leave on all year round.

Tags: wheels and tyres winter tyres

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