ATTC

I think I'm narrowed to Nokian or Dunlop M3 winter tires, any experiences or recommendations.

artinmoTTion

note: you may want to search a bit on the wheel and tire forum for more opinions.

I'm still deciding on my winter tires, and considering both the M3's and the Nokian WR, as well as some others. In my mind, these two are very similar, and users here report good experiences from both (your mileage may vary). Either one of these is a smarter choice than using performance tires on snow/ice, which is just plain dangerous.

If I were choosing between the two, and didn't have to deal too much with ice or deep snow, I'd get the Nokian WR. Good experiences with friends on this tire, last fairly well, and has the choice between H and V rated. Others on the wheel and tire forum say that the tread compound for the WR is the same whether H or V rated, just the sidewall's stiffer in the V rated version.

I was not as impressed with my Winter Sport M2's as some others here (used on my S4). Decent for the snow, but definitely a compromise for overall winter traction, IMHO. They may, however, be a good compromise for *you*.
The M3's aren't much different from the M2's at all. TireRack says they're an "evolution" of the M2, but basically the same. I had nokian Hak 1's before, and preferred those in many respects to the M2, though the dunlops were slightly better handlers, as advertised and expected.

All boils down to how bad the weather is how often, and how much you're willing to compromise your dry traction.

Remember that taller sidewalls and narrower tread widths are considered better for (not) plowing into snow, and thus grabbing better, but will also potentially affect your dry handling negatively.

I still may choose the Blizzak WS-50 (see tire rack via this site) because of the frequency with which I'll see ice and snow. This would be the most compromised snow tire I've owned though, in terms of dry performance. The Tire Rack people seem to think they're not all that bad in the dry and have been improved. They also say that the lower profile WS-50 has a slightly different tread, more directional. We'll see. Good luck in your decision.

Rich<ul><li><a href="https://www.audiworld.com/news/99/qtale/qtale.shtml">late night quattro post turned AW "News" article...</a></li></ul>

ArchitecTT

and drove through everything in MA (97 inches) last year. That said, they are truly overkill and I would not buy them again. I think the less aggressive WR's would be great for all but the worst storms. Nokian are great winter tires for serious snow driving, but the Q's are over the top for most needs.

ATTC

I agree with the "need" to replace the performance tires for winter, after only one short experience on a 30 degree day with a little frost on the roads. I think the Nokians may be the best bet for me. ie mostly cold roads,not usually a lot of snow. (As soon as I say that, we'll have a 3' dump) Thanks again.

ATTC

Thanks, I wasn't sure about which Nokian either, that helps.

Stinky J. Sock

Four winters with Dunlops and they have been great.

jonchavez

read their website about their silica compound makeup. I drove them through the mountains, nonstop rain for three hours with killer braking ability. Amazing.

CarlM

I have the WRs on 17" wheels in MN. They're great.

Blue TTop

I swear by Michelin Arctic Alpin's. Great in snow and ice.

driviniTT

Bridgestone Blizzak LM22's on 16" rims are phenomenal . . . !!