BMW winter tyres 2011

Following two of the worst consecutive winters in living memory BMW has revised its specialist winter tyre programme, designed to help drivers get the best on-road performance from their car throughout the winter months – regardless of weather conditions.

Changing tyres to suit different seasons is already part of mainstream motoring in most of Europe and now BMW are making this easier than ever to do in the UK too.  As well as offering a selection of winter wheel and tyre packages, for just £30 BMW UK will store and insure the spare set of summer wheels and tyres until they need to be changed again in spring.

Summer tyres, fitted as standard equipment by all car manufacturers, operate best at temperatures above 7°C. This means summer tyres fitted by BMW provide excellent levels of grip, acceleration, braking, comfort and fuel economy in normal road conditions. However, once the outside air temperature gets nearer to freezing the rubber in summer tyres hardens, which detracts from their performance. In true wintry conditions of snow and ice tyre performance is even worse.

Developed by BMW the new winter wheel and tyre packages have been specially engineered to operate much better than summer tyres at temperatures below 7°C. The tyre is made from a different mix of silica / rubber compound which enables them to retain flexibility at much lower temperatures, generating heat and reaching their optimum operating temperature much more easily.

Fitting winter tyres will ensure that a BMW performs to the best of its abilities during severe weather, yet even if the winter is mild, winter tyre users will benefit from significantly reduced tyre wear and increased wet weather grip and performance.

Potentially there is a cost benefit too. The new BMW winter wheel and tyres can result in as much as 40 per cent* better wear characteristics than summer tyres when the outside temperature is below 7°C – meaning the tyres will last a lot longer.

Winter tyres also feature an increased number of blocks, channels and sipes which ensure they dissipate standing water more effectively, helping them to reduce the risk of skidding on wet surfaces. This sophisticated tyre technology ensures maximum levels of grip over winter, significantly reducing the chances of an accident, whatever the conditions. Braking distances improve by up to 20 per cent on icy roads and up to 10 per cent in the dry.

A number of different wheel styles and sizes, including alloy and steel rims are available. Prices vary by model but start at £700** for a complete set of four winter wheels and tyres on a BMW 1 Series.*** Interested customers should contact their local dealer for more information or visit www.bmw.co.uk/winter-tyres.

Note:

*Depending on driving style and annual mileage.

**Starting price for a complete set of tyres, steel rims and wheel covers for a BMW 1 Series.

***Complete wheel and tyre packages are delivered with the tyres already fitted and balanced, vehicle fitment charges may apply.

Ends

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 25 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

During the financial year 2010, the BMW Group sold 1.46 million cars and more than 110,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for 2010 was euro 4.8 billion on revenues amounting to euro 60.5 billion. At 31 December 2010, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 95,500 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last seven years.

For further information please contact:

Krystyna Kozlowska            BMW Media Relations Assistant

Tel: 01344 480707             Email: Krystyna.Kozlowska@bmw.co.uk

Gavin Ward                           BMW Media Relations Manager
Tel:  01344 480829            Email: Gavin.Ward@bmw.co.uk

Wieland Bruch                      Product Communications Manager

Tel: 01344 480113             Email: Wieland.Bruch@bmw.co.uk

Graham Biggs                      Corporate Communications Director

Tel:  01344 480109            Email:  Graham.Biggs@bmw.co.uk

Main office number:           01344 480320

Media website:                    www.press.bmwgroup.co.uk

Customer website:             www.bmw.co.uk