Question on Dunlop M2/3...Luke?

[balajc]

I am thinking about buying dunlop WinterSport M2/3 in stock size 205/55/16...On the tirerack's ad in Road & Track, it says M2. But when I go to tirerack's website, it says 205/55/16 M3

so exactly which one is it? M2 or M3? What is the difference between them anyway? Just different sizes?

How does M2/3 do on dry highway driving? I am doing 90% highway commute and I dont go over 75mph...how does the M2/3 perform in this situation?

Is the Blizzak LM-22 worth the price difference?

what kind of sacrifices/compromises I am making if I save some money and go for 15" steelies and 205/??/15 Blizzaks?

Thanks Luke

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[fliz]

I've got the Wintersport M3. I believe it is the "newer" version of the M2.

I bought them because I do most of my winter driving on dry pavement. I took a 3400 mile round trip on them, with about 3000 miles on dry pavement (average speed ~80 mph), and they performed great. They also have amazing grip in the snow. The only bad part is snow driving isn't as fun as with all-seasons, because they just don't slide. They also seem to have a very progressive slip, even on snow.

I increased the pressure to 35/32 psi to get better dry grip.


[internet rumor]
I'm not sure if the LM-22's are the same as the WS-50's, but I've heard the Blizzaks are made with two different tread compounds, so you only get really good snow traction for the first half of the treadlife of the tire.
[/internet rumor]

[balajc]

not sliding is good

what do you mean by progressive slip???

Originally posted by fliz
I've got the Wintersport M3. I believe it is the "newer" version of the M2.

I bought them because I do most of my winter driving on dry pavement. I took a 3400 mile round trip on them, with about 3000 miles on dry pavement (average speed ~80 mph), and they performed great. They also have amazing grip in the snow. The only bad part is snow driving isn't as fun as with all-seasons, because they just don't slide. They also seem to have a very progressive slip, even on snow.

I increased the pressure to 35/32 psi to get better dry grip.


[internet rumor]
I'm not sure if the LM-22's are the same as the WS-50's, but I've heard the Blizzaks are made with two different tread compounds, so you only get really good snow traction for the first half of the treadlife of the tire.
[/internet rumor]

[Luke@tirerack]

the M3 is the newer tire and the M2 is most likely going to be discontinued because of the introduction of the M3 ..... and the LM22 does offer more snow and ice grip but, the Dunlops are probably second and are better in the dry


the WS50 is a dual compound tire with multi-cell compound and silica enhanced winter compound

winter tire search

[fliz]

Originally posted by balajc
not sliding is good

what do you mean by progressive slip???

Progressive means that you lose traction slowly. In most all-season tires I've driven you have significantly less traction once the tire starts sliding then you do before it starts sliding. That means once you start sliding you're screwed. With these, I can still correct after they start to slide. I think of it like a "warning" that you are about to exceed your traction limits, rather than a notice that you just exceeded your traction limits.

And they get plenty of traction on snow. They dig trenches in packed snow when you get on it. Ice traction isn't great, but few studless tires really work on ice anyways.

[DtownIan]

Yes, the M3s are the new version for Dunlop. I bought them last October (stock size), and I've had nothing but amazing performance from them. Dry/wet pavement handling is quite good, and they'll do 80mph easy. They are also crazy good in snow. It snowed here last week, and I found they practically don't slip under normal driving conditions. I was amazed at my ability to pull away from a stoplight with a 1' of snow on the ground, leaving everyone far behind. If, however, you do want to slide a bit, just downshift so you have some power and crank the wheel. You'll be drifting corners in no time.

[neverendingmods]

Love my M3's. Cornering hard is not recommended but for a "snow tire", dry performance is very good. Wet and or snow covered roads are,like mentioned earlier, less fun. These bite quickly and continue to bite. What a confidence builder in the snow.

[2k2]

I currently am In need of 2 new M2's because of an accident I had and my tires got messed up and I need 2 new front tires.

The rear ones are M2's and all I could find on tirerack was the M3's so does that mean I need to buy 4 new M3's or are they compatable in any way?

Thanks

Bryan

[Luke@tirerack]

M2's and M3's are not compatible ..... and we can not get anymore of the m2's

[2k2]

I ordered 4 new M3's before I just read this anyhow... they are on the way!!

Yay!!

[balajc]

I finally broke down and order 4 M3 in stock size...thanks Luke for the info and I put you down for reference

[Steve '02 WRX]

I have had the M2's for two years now and they are awesome. I would buy the M2's again for sure, but since they are not available I would go for the M3's. The M2's have been excellent in dry, wet, ice, and snow.

[Luke@tirerack]

thanks .... every little bit helps

[RS Guy1513]

luke, do ya think running the m3's at 36 front 37 rear would pose any problems with uneven wear?

[Luke@tirerack]

Originally Posted by RS Guy1513

luke, do ya think running the m3's at 36 front 37 rear would pose any problems with uneven wear?

you should be fine

[RS Guy1513]

Originally Posted by Luke@tirerack

you should be fine

awsome man..thanks