I will need snows for my new 05 G sedan and decided that I will keep the stock wheels and get Dunlop M3 snow tires and have them put on the stock wheels. I am not a wheel guy and therefore am not that concerned about the effects of salt and snow on the wheels. What I am concerned about is will 18" tires be a significant difference than 17" tires in cutting through the snow or just a minor difference. Also will the twice annual routine of taking tires on and off affect the tires and their seal. Thanks as I will be making a decision shortly.

 

You should be ok if you live in the city. If you leave out in the country or in the mountains somewhere I'd get the 17's or even 16".

I am putting on the coupe 18" wheels with 235/45/18 Blizzak L22. I am very confident they will be more than enough in the city snow. FYI, these will do better than the all season 17" the G comes with.

 

I have 18" Continental Contiwinter Contact tires (but on seperate rims) and they work great in the snow. Didn't see a difference beween city/country driving. Only thing I can see that 17" or 16" wheels will buy you is a little extra cushion if you go over some potholes or bumps, but the city has it's share of those too.

BTW, if you happen to change your mind regarding wheels, I'm selling my 18" winter wheel/tire pkg with only 1 season on both (3600 miles) for $900. Both wheels and tires in excellent condition. Paid almost $1800 for them last year. Reason is because I bought a second car to be my daily and winter driver. They're already mounted balanced and fit the G of course. Basically, you can have a set of almost new winter wheels and tires for the price of what new tires will cost you AND you won't have to pay for mounting/dismounting and rebalancing every year. PM me if you're interested. (Just FYI I am planning to post this in the FS thread once I get premium membership and take some pics, but I saw your thread so I'm offering you (or anyone else reading this) an early chance at these .)

 

Chico - Will there be a problem running 235's on all four tires or am I better off going with the Dunlop M3 and getting the factoy 225 / 245 stagger.