kaslead

I have a IS350 and purchased 17" OEM rims for winter usage. My stock set-up is:

front: 225/40 YR18 (load rating: 88, OD: 25.0)
rear: 255/40 YR18 (load rating: 95, OD: 26.1)

I'm deciding between the following winter tires:

Blizzak LM-25
front: 225/45 VR17 XL (load rating: 91, OD: 25.0)
rear: 245/45 VR17 XL (load rating: 99, OD: 25.7)

Dunlop Winter Sport 3D
front: 225/45 HR17 (load rating: 91, OD: 25.0)
rear: 225/50 HR17 XL (load rating: 98, OD: 25.9)

Any reason not to go with the Dunlops? The OD's match my stock set-up and the load ratings are better than stock (even though fronts aren't XL). Will the benefit of a narrower rear tire in the snow be more than offset by poor dry traction? Also, the Blizzaks match the stock 17" setup and are V speed rated, Dunlops are only H rated.

Any opinions? Thanks!

doug_999

I had the LM-22s on my GS430 and and now have the M3s on my BMW. I prefer the M3s in the snow/ice but the LM-22s might have been a better dry tire. Hard to compare two different cars.

I'm actually about to put my OEM GS430 wheels with the LM22s up for sale here.