I'm getting snow tires for my 2007 G35x. I see that folks (e.g. Garnet) like the Blizzak WS-50. Many folks in this forum get a separate set of RIMs for their winter tires.

I asked my dealer about getting a new set of RIMs. He said it costs about $40to switch tires if I had two sets of RIMs (well worth it to save me the trouble), or about $100 to swap the tires if I only had 1 set or RIMs. However, it's quite expensive to get a second set of RIMs. The dealer's estimate was that a second set of RIMs with tire pressure monitors would run about $1600 (each TPM is $80 and I need four). The service person said that the risk of damaging rims when switching tires is basically nil with the machine that they use.

I suppose folks get a second set of rims because they like the aesthetics of non-OEM rims and to make it easier to switch between winter and summer tires (less chance of damaging RIMs if tires don't need to be switched)?? Given how much it costs to get a second set of rims, what other motivating factors do people have in getting a second set of rims? If I have to switch tires twice a year, a second set of rims would save me 2 * (100 - 40) = $120 per year. But a second set of rims w/ TPMs cost $1600, so it would take $1600/120 = 13.3 years to recoup the cost savings. I do prefer that the dealer switch my tires. Just easier. Plus, they will store the tires for me (I have no extra room in my garage).

 

skip the TPMS.
Buy a set of cheap 17" rims (I paid $75/each for mine). Pays for itself in a few years.

 

+1^^^

 

+2^^ I have a separate set of rims for my WS-50's, so I can change them myself in the garage. Takes me all of 20 minutes to do all 4....

 

i skipped the tpms. i'm going to change my own rims. it'll take me more than 20 mins to change all four tires with the spare socket wrench.

 

I skipped on the TPMS for the winter wheels on my 05. I just check the pressure monthly. Plus, I think having 2 sets of TPMS on different rims would add more cost. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you'd have to get each set reprogrammed to talk to you car computer everytime you switch. I've heard some dealers charge for this (about $80) and some don't. Do the 07's use the same type of TPMS system like the first gen G35s? In the first gens, if you moved the TPMS so that they are not in the "same position" as when they were first programmed, you take a chance in needing to reprogram them again in order to communicate to the tire pressure system in the computer. Example being when the dealer scratched up my wheels. They then got a replacement wheel and relocated the TPMS from the scratched up wheels to the new wheels. They had to reprogram the TPS so that the sensors could talk to the computer again....has something to do with the position of the sensor inside the wheel...and if moved around a little, it affects the communication between the sensor and the computer.

I went with the 2nd set of rims on my 05. Less risk of the dealer damaging the "summer set" when mounting/dismounting. Look for a used set of G35 wheels in the marketplace forum. Much cheaper than buying them from the dealer.

 

My Dealer said they would charge $40 for each time just to recalibrate .

 

I too passed on the TPMS for the winter rims. I'm pretty sure I can tell when the tire pressure is low.... The TPMS light rarely goes on, and if it does, I learn to live with it...

 

Shane bought an used set of wheels with snow tires on them. That's the best and the most cost effective move.

I got a set of coupe 19s/tires. My stock sedan 17s wheels/tires were trashed anyway. So I bought a set of used 17" Blizzaks and had a shop mount them up on my stockers. Cost $75 though! ugh.

 

I heard that tires shouldn't be changed over and over. Bad for the bead or something? Not sure if that's true, but as thick as the rubber is on modern tires with a low profile, I think it wouldn't be a good thing to do over and over. Who knows.

 

Yes, if you have two sets of rims each with their own TPMS, recalibration would be involved. Its ridiculous how much my dealer wants. TPMS would be nice, but quite expensive.

 

Screw the TPMS. I'm running my car with aftermarket wheels during the summer AND winter without sensors. I get the dash indicator, but after a year, I don't even notice it. Frankly, I'm more likely to notice a 2lb difference in the tire pressures than the car's computer is.

I bought a brand new set of 17" Kazera KZ-C wheels for $450, and threw 225/55 Pilot Alpins on them. It's worked just fine, though the traction control kicks in way more often than with the summer rubber on.

 

Yeah, the TPMS is a waste of money on a winter setup IMO. Randman, definitely pick yourself up a second set of wheels for your winter tires, it is definitely worth it. Like another person stated, it will take 20 minutes each fall and spring to do the swap. Keep your eyes open in the Marketplace as that is a great place to pick up a dedicated winter setup for a great price. Good luck.

 

Okay, I'm convinced. No TPMS needed for new rims.

I do wish the spare tire supported TPMS though. It's always a pain digging for it in the trunk to make sure it's got enough air (especially for those of us who bought trunk mats).