"Mike Mayer" > wrote
> The new '06 330xi comes with 225/45R 17" run flats. I don't want them.
> ...
> Another option is to go for 225/45 R17 winter tires on steel rims, and
> swap them each season (GY has them). Still, there is no runflat winter
> tire, so I'm still back to my spare tire & jack issue in that scenario.

IMO - I have an '01 330xi - this is the only option worth thinking about.
Although the xi is acceptable with all-seasons on them, the difference
between all-seasons and full-on snow tires is *at least* as much as
the difference between summer (performance) tires and all-seasons.

My car came with 205/50R17 (non-run-flats) Continentals. I currently have
a set of 225/45R17 Michelin Pilot MXM tires (on the 325i 17x7.5" rims),
with a set of Goodyear F1 GS-D3 sitting in the garage waiting for
them to wear out. I have Michelin Pilot Alpine in the 205/50R17 size
for winter. Unfortunately for you, Goodyear does not make as good
snow tires as Nokkia, Michelin, Continental, Pirelli. You would be
wise to buy one of them rather than the UltraGrip.

Buy a pump and goop/sealant.

BTW, the 205/50R17 size is much less susceptible to damage
than the 225/45, much less susceptible to tramlining, and should
fit the 2006 very well.

FloydR