I searched around a bit but didn't find anything consolidated. Anybody have experience with a winter tire/wheel setup? I debated 17 vs 16 rims and surely the 16s will be better from multiple perspectives on snow and ice but I opted for the 17s to preserve the look of my 18s a bit. I ordered the new Blizzak LM25s and got Borbet anthracite painted wheels similar in color to the wheels on my titanium package. I am thinking I'll be able to tear up the road in any conditions but was interested if anyone has experience with a different winter tire. If I had all seasons I probably would have just stuck wtih those but the summer tires in new england winter weather are a complete no go even with the quattro I think. This is my first audi/awd car so I am sure it will be a huge improvement over my past rear wheel sedans.

 

Bought my A3 3.2 strictly for the 4wd in February in Chicagoland (already an A4q in the family). Sorely tempted by titanium package, but a squirley sales manager at my "home" dealership sent me to another dealer and got me to realize I'll be better off saving big money and taking the all-season tires- didn't regret it. Man, that thing goes where you point it- right past the SUVs and anything else struggling thru the snow & ice- just put on your signal, turn the wheel and mash the pedal. Oh- and don't forget to smile and wave as you go by...

 

Sorry, Cain- got a little carried away there... Before I got the A3, I had great satisfaction with Nokian tires on my VW GTI (and previous Jetta) in snow. Often felt as if I already had the 4wd...

 

I've been extremely pleased with every aspect from three sets of Dunlop Wintersports (M2 on my previous '93 BMW 325i, M3 on wife's Mazda 6, 3D on my A3 2.0T). No noise/ride compromises, excellent when roads are wet or dry (important for Pacific NW winters), wonderful in the snow - the BMW did not have traction control and was worthless without snows, but fine with the M2's (took it on several ski trips). The 3D's on the A3 have easily gotten me over mountain passes in some very difficult conditions. My wife prefers the Wintersports to the OEM "all-season" Michelins that came on the Mazda, regardless of road conditions. I have also not yet worn out a set! The BMW had four winters on them and probably another season or two of life available when I sold that car.

You would have better traction with 16" wheels/tires in untracked snow, which might be most valuable in New England. I elected to go with 225/45-17's for the A3 3D's, mounted on the 16-spoke OEM wheels, since I was planning to get new, lighter weight summer wheels anyway.

 

Ok thank everyone. I'll see how the Blizzak's are and post an update. My best is they are going to rock as I ran them on a BMW 540 and they were amazing and that car will pale in comparison to a quattro in bad weather.

I agree completely the 16s with a 205 tire would be better but I figured 17" winter tires with quattro are going to be so far beyond any rear-wheel setup (which I have always had) that I will be happy

 

I put the TireRack 16" Blizzaks on my A3 and they are fabulous. Road noise is minimum, handling okay, and traction super. Their alloy wheels are good.

 

I have 16" rims with Blizzak's as well and with my ESP at times I felt like I had AWD. They are great tire I put 5k on them this winter and they don't even look like it. They are just great for harsh winter are. Definitely a pleasure when you are used to being a spirited driver all year long.