Hey there, it’s your favorite car enthusiast, Alvin Reyes! I’ve been passionately scribbling about cars for more than a decade now, and let me tell you, the BMW 3 Series is the ideal performance sedan for excellent driving pleasure, comfort, and quietness. However, to make the most of the above advantages, you need to equip a suitable tire.
The best tires for BMW 3 series need to ensure excellent traction, handling, and noise resistance. So, which one meets all of the above requirements?
Besides, you may wonder: ‘Should all-season, all-terrain, summer, or winter tires be preferred?’ The detailed review below will give you an answer!
As a true gearhead, I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge and am always keeping up with the latest trends and technologies in the automotive world. After much testing and detailed evaluation, I have found 10 versions worth considering for your luxury car. Let’s see what they are!
The Best Tires For BMW 3 Series In-depth Reviews
All season tires
Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus
I have been with Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus for over 4,000 miles. The attachment time is not too long, but it is enough for me to be impressed with this all-season tire.
I installed tires on my BMW and sped up on a dry highway. Although the road surface is not perfect when filled with sand and dust, the tires still handle impressively.
From my experience, it’s not so excellent when cornering. Yet, if not pushed to the limit, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus is still a reliable tire on the highway.
I also tested this tire on wet roads. Its handling performance on this terrain is not too different from the dry road. Its grip and braking distance on the road both make me quite satisfied.
With light snow, this version also exhibits stable processing speed. With multiple sipes, it has an entire bite edge for safe movement in the not-so-severe winters. Yet, this all-season tire won’t be the choice if you live in an area with blizzards and frosts.
Its ride quality is also quite impressive. It’s relatively quiet and comfortable on the highway. The growl of the tire is only apparent when moving at high speed. Even so, the sound of the tread did not affect my experience too much.
My only complaint about the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus is steering feedback. It does not handle too sensitively. This disadvantage will be evident when the tire handles the corners.
Pros
- It runs well on dry roads.
- Good grip on wet roads.
- Short wet stopping distance.
- Relatively quiet and smooth.
- Capable of handling light snow.
Cons
- Dull steering wheel.
BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus
If the tire response is not so responsive that you cannot get the sporty driving feeling on the BMW 3 series, look to the BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus.
On my first test drive, this all-season tire surprised me with its handling like performance summer tires.
On dry roads, the grip of the BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus surprised me. I was also very impressed with the stability when cornering or accelerating off tricky tire turns.
Its wet performance is also excellent. I was pretty pleased with the quick response of the steering wheel. This advantage helps me always enjoy the trip, even when crossing deep puddles or heavy rain.
I am quite confident when accelerating on wet roads with the g-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus. Its water resistance and short stopping distance have never let me down.
On snowy roads, this performance model continues to show its absolute superiority. Its acceleration and braking distance exceeded my expectations.
However, I wouldn’t recommend driving too fast in winter. The G-Force Comp-2 A/S Plus is still not a perfect alternative to specialized winter tires.
It had to sacrifice ride quality to balance year-round handling and sporty driving. Stiff steering and loud noises on rough terrain are the things I find most inconvenient.
Pros
- Good waterproof.
- Stable when cornering.
- Short stopping distance on snow.
- Good acceleration on light snow.
- Handling performance is similar to summer tires.
Cons
- Not too comfortable.
General Altimax RT43
High-performance tires are the ideal choice to harness the full power of the BMW 3 series. Yet, this type is not very durable and must be replaced quickly.
Yet, General Altimax RT43 is an exception! This tire model has a good balance between traction and tire wear. It also receives a full warranty of up to 75,000 miles, an impressive number compared to competitors in the same segment.
The Altimax RT43 is not simply a tire with a long life. It also conquers BMW 3 series drivers with its year-round performance.
Tires perform quite impressively on dry terrain. During the first contact, I was attracted by the additional contours on the tire surface. When testing on dry roads, this design surprised me with its ability to maintain friction in all conditions.
On wet and light snow roads, the General Altimax RT43 is also a formidable competitor in the segment. It maintains traction in all conditions. Thanks to that, I had no difficulty braking or cornering on this surface.
However, these advantages will no longer be available on ice because the General Altimax RT43 is not a dedicated winter tire.
Pros
- Durable.
- Year-round performance.
- Impressive grip on dry roads.
- Handle well on slippery terrain
- Full warranty up to 75,000 miles.
Cons
- It cannot be available in a severe winter.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06
Sporty driving is my first impression of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 on dry roads. It maintains a pretty good bond with the steering wheel. I hardly feel bored behind the wheel when using this high-performance tire model.
On the wet road, DWS06 also offers quite an impressive experience. In all situations, the tire maintains stability. Its traction on this terrain is unbreakable, even when entering tricky turns under heavy rain conditions.
I also test-drove Continental tires in the snow. It handles reasonably well on light to medium snow surfaces. Of course, running this all-season tire won’t be comparable to that of a dedicated winter tire. Yet, at least Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 is also a reliable choice for overcoming slippery and icy terrain.
The BMW 3 series has always been famous for its comfort. The Continental tires also take ride quality to a whole new level. Even on rough surfaces, noise and vibrations transmitted to the cabin are minimal.
Although it has many advantages, ExtremeContact DWS06 still has some problems to overcome. One of them is its fast wear rate.
After more than three months of use, I have noticed that the S indicator is fading, and I may have to replace it shortly.
Pros
- Stable on wet roads.
- Unbreakable traction.
- Sensitive response.
- Comfortable and quiet.
- Handle well on light snow.
Cons
- Not so persistent.
Summer tires
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has been around for quite some time. To this day, yet, the model remains very popular as a classic for performance summer tires.
It is no coincidence that Pilot Sport 4S achieves these successes. This model has many unique pieces, including replaceable contact patches, low-gap outer shoulders, and special rubber compounds.
The above equipment has created an excellent tire on the dry road. And Michelin Pilot Sport 4S has quite a good side grip in the segment.
I especially love using this tire model in summer’s hot and dry climate. It balances pretty well between lateral grip and longitudinal traction on the road. So my car has almost no trouble cornering at high speeds.
Typically, high-performance summer tires will not perform too well on wet roads. However, Pilot Sport 4s is an exception.
While it doesn’t have as many deep grooves as in-class options, its grip on slippery roads is far more impressive than I expected. Crossing deep puddles or accelerating in heavy rain is no challenge for Pilot Sport 4s.
I am pretty satisfied with its handling during the summer. The only regret is that the steering feel is not as sharp as some competitors. If the manufacturer improves the responsiveness and communication with the driver, it will be a perfect choice that every BMW 3 series owner should consider.
Pros
- Good longitudinal traction.
- Reliable handling on wet roads.
- Stable when moving at high speed.
- Work well in hot, dry summer climates.
- The side grip is quite good in the segment.
Cons
- Need to improve communication with riders.
Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
If you are looking for a high-performance tire that performs well in the wet, the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 is the name you should consider.
I immensely love the dry driving that this tire model brings. Not many options offer excellent traction in the same price range as the Firestone tires. It also handles quite responsively, even when traveling on tight roads.
The tire’s handling on wet surfaces didn’t disappoint either. The tire’s unique circumferential grooves maximize power on slippery roads. Thanks to that, during the rainy season, I always confidently brake and accelerate.
Another advantage that I appreciate in the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 is durability. I love driving at high speed. And this preference causes the tire to deform often during movement.
With the Firehawk Indy 500, this phenomenon no longer occurs. Sturdy steel belts have preserved their shape to keep good contact with the road even at high speeds.
Firestone does not provide a tread distance warranty for the Firehawk Indy 500. It is a rather unfortunate omission; yet, it doesn’t affect my driving experience.
Pros
- Excellent dry traction.
- Short braking distance.
- Handling is quite responsive.
- Handle well on wet surfaces
- Maintain shape when driving at high speeds.
Cons
- No tire tread warranty.
Run-flat tires
Continental ProContact GX SSR
You will drive confidently even on bad roads with the flat-running models for the BMW 3 series. And Continental ProContact GX SSR is one of the most worthy models in this segment.
This version is not simply a practical option in emergencies. It can handle year-round, even in the most slippery conditions.
Its traction is impressive on dry roads, which lends itself to nimble handling and a solid day-to-day driving experience for me.
On slippery roads, the Continental ProContact GX SSR also did not disappoint me. It has enough ridges and contact pads for grip on wet terrain. So, this version is entirely reliable for crossing heavy rain, deep puddles, or shallow rivers.
Another advantage I appreciate is the quiet operation. Its growl on the highway wasn’t too loud, enough for me to enjoy the ride.
But, rough roads revealed some of its apparent disadvantages. Due to the lack of additional padding, this model seems much noisier with poor vibration handling. The BMW 3 series inherently handles vibrations and soundproofing quite well. Hence, this drawback will not affect my driving experience too much.
Pros
- Have grip on wet roads
- Impressive dry traction.
- Flexible handling on dry roads.
- Smooth and quiet on the highway.
- Work well even with complete loss of air.
Cons
- A bit noisy and not too comfortable on rough roads.
Michelin Primacy MXM4 ZP
I was impressed with the Michelin Primacy MXM4 ZP’s grip in all conditions.
Among them, its dry friction seems to be superior. So, its handling on the street is as impressive as any highway tire. This Michelin run-flat tire is also exceptionally good at cornering and braking.
It maintained stability on slippery roads even when I accelerated or made tricky turns on wet roads. Its stopping distance on this terrain is also relatively short, enough for me to avoid unnecessary accidents during the rainy season.
This flat tire is also ideal for year-round driving. In addition to its wet and dry handling, it is also available safely on light snow.
This M+S model does not perform well in the harsh winter. Yet, it still meets my basic expectations of a standard flat all-season tire.
The Michelin Primacy MXM4 ZP is an ideal choice for everyday driving. However, it is not a very durable option. Although the manufacturer has dramatically improved tread life, it still wears out relatively quickly compared to competitors in the same segment.
Pros
- Safe in the rainy season.
- Suitable for daily driving.
- Capable of handling light snow.
- Capable of handling on wet roads.
- Perform excellently on dry roads
Cons
- Not so persistent.
Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Run Flat
Like every other run flat, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Run Flat can travel an extra 50 miles even when punctured. Pirelli Cinturato P7 has a different design from traditional tire models to do the seemingly impossible. Yet, the handling on the road did not let me down.
I appreciate the well-balanced handling of this run flat. It can act as a summer tire and still provide a good driving experience in the rain.
The reason lies in its distinctive side groove design. These grooves provide an excellent dry grip and are waterproof to keep driving stability under heavy rain.
Fuel economy is also the reason why I immensely love the Cinturato P7. Its special tire compound significantly reduces rolling resistance, reducing fuel consumption compared to other in-class options.
Also, the tire compound creates excellent ride quality. It’s much quieter and quieter than I imagined. The Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Run Flat is a good choice if you need an option capable of handling summer and heavy rain.
However, if you need a tire model that can work in the winter, it will not meet your needs because its tire compound is not flexible enough to operate generally in low temperatures.
Pros
- Energy saving.
- Reliable in heavy rain.
- Good grip on dry roads.
- The ride is quiet and comfortable.
- Can handle well in summer conditions.
Cons
- It can’t operate in winter.
Bridgestone Driveguard
Bridgestone Driveguard is one of the safest flatbed tires for everyday driving.
Its dry grip is quite impressive compared to competitors in the same segment. Even this tire model also gives the feeling of handling dry roads almost equivalent to regular tires.
I also had no trouble accelerating on dry roads or braking hard when installing the Bridgestone Driveguard. I also appreciate DriveGuard’s wet handling. Thanks to the diagonal and perimeter grooves, it is pretty waterproof.
Its wet traction also met my expectations, passing my tests for grip and handling at limited speeds.
Since it is not a dedicated winter model, this version’s snow handling is minimal.
It is not reliable enough to conquer harsh snow and ice terrain. However, at least it is enough to move at low speeds on light snow.
The biggest weakness is the steering response. It’s not too snappy in response to steering wheel input to meet my performance driving needs.
Pros
- Good waterproof.
- Safe for daily driving.
- It can handle light snow.
- Excellent dry sugar handling.
- Traction on wet roads is quite commendable.
Cons
- Poor steering response.
Winter tires
Continental VikingContact 7
If you live in an area with severe winters, you must replace your all-season tires with specialized winter tires for travel safety. And Continental VikingContact 7 is one of such tires.
I tested it on harsh winter roads, such as snow, ice, and slopes. And the results of every test leave me quite satisfied.
On heavy snow, its traction surprised me. It removes the snow on the surface pretty well and has quite a few biting edges. Thanks to that, even heavy snow can’t make this Continental tire difficult.
It also performed exceptionally well on thick ice. This version also quickly passed my longitudinal traction and braking distance tests.
Also, the Continental VikingContact 7 is quite ideal for daily driving in cold weather. It handles not so well on dry roads. However, it still grips the road quite well and provides enough traction for my strong acceleration.
I also test-drove this Continental tire on wet roads. And as a result, its slip resistance and traction remain perfect on flooded roads. In particular, I was very impressed with the grip when cornering VikingContact7. Not many dedicated winter models can deliver as stellar wet handling as the Continental tires.
Although it has overcome some of the usual disadvantages of winter tires, the Continental VikingContact 7 still needs a few improvements for the most impressive overall performance.
One of the disadvantages that the manufacturer can overcome is its vague driving feeling. I felt the tire did not communicate well with the driver in tests.
Pros
- Excellent on thick ice.
- It removes snow pretty well
- Capable of handling on wet roads.
- It has traction when cornering.
- The traction is good enough on dry roads.
Cons
- Need to improve my driving feeling.
Michelin X-Ice Snow
Michelin X-Ice Snow is a specialized winter tire that any BMW 3 Series driver should consider. I have been with this tire model for 3 months in winter and have traveled on many different harsh terrains. Up to now, it is still one of the specialized winter tires that impressed me the most.
Tires perform impressively on snowy terrain. Thanks to the cut edges, it has no trouble gripping the road and handling tricky corners. Even on heavy snow, it is strong enough to avoid getting stuck on this harsh terrain.
The Michelin X-Ice Snow also handles pretty well on icy terrain. Every test of traction and grip on this terrain won quite a high score. If you live in an area that freezes heavily for many months, its Michelin dedicated winter is an option you shouldn’t miss.
I also greatly appreciate the 40,000-mile warranty that Michelin offers. Not many specialized winter tire models offer a tread distance guarantee like the X-Ice Snow.
The Michelin X-Ice Snow is a near-perfect specialist winter tire with good handling and excellent durability. The only minus point is a loud noise when braking sharply or accelerating on rough terrain.
Pros
- Good grip on the snow.
- Handle tricky corners well
- Handle pretty well on icy terrain
- 40,000-mile tread mileage warranty.
- The traction is good not to get stuck on heavy snow.
Cons The
- The noise is quite loud.
How to choose best BMW 3 series tires
Choosing tires for the BMW 3 Series is not as difficult as you think. If you have doubts, you can refer to some notes below.
Size
The suitable tires will have the right size for your rim. If you are unsure about the required tire size, you can consult the manual’s information or the experts.
Types
Tire type will depend on your driving habits and the weather conditions in which you live. All-season tires will perform well in most weather conditions but are not excellent enough for safe riding in harsh winters. Meanwhile, extreme performance summer tires suit those who love to drive sports cars.
Performance priority
You’ll need to look for maximum traction and responsiveness tires to get the most out of the BMW 3 series sporting prowess. Whereas if you prioritize comfort and quiet, you’ll need options with comfortable ride quality.
Fuel mileage
Tires with low rolling resistance will save you quite a bit on fuel costs. These tires are also quite environmentally friendly when reducing carbon emissions.
FAQs
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the right tires for the BMW 3 Series. If you also have the same question, do not miss any information that will appear shortly.
Do all BMW 3 Series run-flat tires?
The BMW 3 Series comes with Run Flat tires. If you love this type of tire, when choosing replacement products, look for options with the RFT symbol.
How much do tires for a BMW cost?
On average, a set of BMW tires will cost between $150-$350. High-performance tires will cost more, possibly up to $500.
How long do BMW 3 Series tires last?
BMW 3 Series tires have an average lifespan of 25,000 to 30,000 miles.
Does tire brand matter for BMW?
You can install any tire from any brand on your BMW. Some popular tire brands you can find are Bridgestone, Continental, Pirelli, Michelin, and Goodyear.
Can I put regular tires instead of run-flats BMW?
You can replace the flat-running tires available on your BMW with a standard tire.
How often should BMW tires be replaced?
You should replace your tires every 4 years. In addition, depending on your usage and maintenance habits, you can return the tire before or after this point.
Conclusion
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus is an all-season tire that BMW 3 Series owners should consider because it can meet the travel needs well all year round as well as is relatively quiet.
In addition, the Continental ProContact GX SSR and Bridgestone Driveguard are also worth choosing because of their driving experience.
In addition to the suggestions above, you have many other ideal options in my list. With the best tires for BMW 3 series in this post, you will certainly find the model that best suits your vehicle. Thank you for reading!