Arctic Claw Tires

[sski01]

I used to be "sski" but ever since the server crash a few months ago I have not been able to get in so I just re-registered.

Traded the 03 Pilot for a BMW X3. Our needs have changed and its a completely different vehicle. The Pilot actually needed a few thousand $$ worth of work (both door lock actuators were gone, the security alarm would go off in the night, the AC/ just went, it needed front struts, rear right CV joint (just did the rear right bearings), it was going to need brakes and tires in the spring. It was just not as bulletproof as my other Honda's had been. So rather the fix we traded. Don't know that BMW will be any better but I have warranty until 160000kms.

Anyway, reason for my post...ever heard of Arctic Claw snow tires? They are distributed by Cooper under a private label. They look decent and the price is right.

I asked this question at a BMW forum, but didn't get any information. The dealer has a winter wheel "special"...$2595.00 plus tax...they say it so "matter of factly..." ha ha

Before anyone says "why would you buy a car if you can't afford the upkeep..." I can afford it but why, if I can do something more cost effective and use the savings elsewhere.

[scharette]

Hello!

I just bought a 2005 exl with RES today will get it tuesday.

The dealer offered me theses Artic claw

Multi-Mile Artic Claw XSI


Are they the same ?


Its the first time i've heard of these. Anyone know if they are good. I live in montreal and last year we received truck loads of snow. i'm hesitant going with these... They are cheap but will they perform good..

[Sunday Rider]

Hi SSKI,
Welcome back. Sorry to hear about all your Pilot problems. I guess I may be looking at that long list soon. I have 211,000 km on it so far.

I was looking for a set of tires for my son's Honda Civic and that brand was mentioned. I had never heard of it either.

What does that tire package include, silver plated rims? You should price out steel rims and tires separate. I have no idea what BMW uses, but I am sure you can get some used rims or steel ones for the snow. It aint pretty, but in Barrie you'll be covered with snow and salt anyway!

I called Richmond Hill Tire ( 905-737-5705) who carry Arctic Claw. You can call them for pricing. Also Kipling Tire(416-233-555)Toronto has the Firestone Winter Force, which looks like a good tire. They do great work there. They will tell you honestly what is a good tire for your chariot.

I have the Nokian Hakapalita's and they are fantastic. This will be my 4th season on them, maybe 1 more. But I drove to Florida with them a couple of years ago, so I am sure I cut their life short.

I don't even know why I am answering your question, since you have gone over to the Dark Side. Bet you there are no nice people on that forum, like here.

Good luck

[rocky]

Years ago I went to tirerack and had them deliver wheels and tires already mounted and balenced ready to be put on.

I just did steel wheels and Bridgestone Blizzak (a favorite snow tire) on Tirerack and got a price of under US$700 plus shipping for the Pilot and $1500 for the BMW inc alloy wheels tpms etc

[sski01]

They are actually the MultiMile Arctic Claw TSi. (tires are a 55 series)

Tough to get steel wheels for a BMW because they don't fit over the huge brakes/calipers. I have been quoted $1299.00 for tires and replica alloy wheels. The Arctic Claws mounted on the factory wheels I can get much cheaper (less that half).

I had Winterforces on the Pilot. They were good in the deep snow but noisy. The Artic claws look like they be better on hardpacked snow and quieter, which is what I want.

I know what you mean about the silver plating. I had to get a factory hitch ($$$). I asked the salesman how I should care for the "gold plating" on it...ha ha. I don't think he saw the humour...

People at the BMW forum are different. Not as many DYI's so its a bit more difficult to get advice. The response to my tire query was "It's an X3, run the summer tires..." Well, doesn't matter what you drive if you can't stick the traction to the ground. That why I've come back to you guys :-)

[Sunday Rider]

Okay we won't let the ownership of a BMW put wedge between you and the forum members here. LOL

Maybe try what Rocky did and have the tires/wheel package shipped somewhere in the Buffalo area to a tire store that will put them on for you. I guess you have to figure out if cheaper than having them shipped up here. Of course you now have the $CAD at a 25% exchange rate. Keep in mind you will pay the taxes here on what you buy (unless privately) and at the border when you come across. Unless you push your luck, but the customs guy will wonder what the four wheels in the back are for and he/she inhales the smell of the new tires whafting into their booth!


I drove a friend's X3 a couple of years ago. I found it noisy, but great driving machine. The steering is tight and precise. The Pilot felt like a boat after.

By the way the Hakapalita's I have on the Pilot are very very noisy. I can't wait to get them off in the spring, but they are great in snow and take the bumps better.

Did you check the Kijiji site for your type wheels, I found my other son't snow tires there. But they were for a Honda Civic. The BMW may be a more rare find.

I remember the Honda Dealer with his package at around 1,400. I looked at him and said I only wanted one set, with a straight face. He didn't see the homour in it either. I sure did and never went back.

Happy hunting, and stay away from the dealers.

[sski01]

The X3 feels like a go-kart compared to the Pilot. NO body roll. The ride is not for everyone.

On some stuff (brakes) the dealer is actually cheaper than aftermarket. The hitch I could have done cheaper, but the aftermarket guy was not real sure. You have to drop the back bumper, bolt into the frame, trim the the plastic bumper cover. Don't really want some guy guessing as he goes. If BMW screws it up they will deal with it.

When I took it get the hitch installed the advisor couldn't find my paperwork at first. He located it in less than a minute in a different pile of work orders. No problem. Well, he was apologizing to me all the way out the door. I guess they must be used to dealing with some real arrogant a$$holes who would have gone ballistic over wasting 60secs of their valuable time. :-) I just kept telling him "no worries, man..."

Anyway, I've found a couple positive reviews on the Arctic Claws. I'll let you all know how they work.