I have a 2006 MazdaSpeed 6 and I will need to replace my 225/40/18 Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport Performance Winter tires with new ones. I've used these tires for 3 winter. I never did like the traction of these tires in the snow. I want something better now for snow. I live in Chicago and the last 2 winters have been very bad. The 2 tires I am looking at are the Blizzak LM-60 is Bridgestone's Performance Winter / Snow (these are brand new for 2009) and the Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3. Money isn't an issue, but I do want a tire that is great in snow and isn't very loud while driving. How's the wearing of these tires too? Any advice would be great. Thanks!

Any reason why you have excluded the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 from consideration?

I don't know....these are popular tires for the speed6. Do u own them and do u like them? Any info wound be great. Thanks

We do not get enough snow here to make winter tires economical, so, no, we have not tried then personally. But, as far back as we can remember, Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires have been the ne plus ultra of winter tires, the standard that all others hope to achieve some day, generally acknowledged by one and all. The only rap against them has been price, which you indicated was less of a problem for you than it is for some thers.

Between the two, take the Dunlops!

I've run on at least three different type of Blizzaks previously, and they've all had excellent winter traction for the first 40% of the tread depth, then it changes to a different type of compound, with a HUGE drop in winter traction, as bad as some half-worn all-seasons IMO. I've heard of others experiencing the same thing.

In comparison, I installed the Dunlop M3s on my winter rims on my 6 before last winter, and they gave me excellent traction and control through a ton of different conditions. Through 6" deep snow in parking lots, slushy intersections, and coated highways, I was able to maintain complete control while getting around SUVs and other traffic. They're slightly noisier than my summer tires, but it's nothing that's offensive, and IMO quieter than other winter tires. After 8K miles, they were removed for the summer, and the tread depth was very good (maybe 2/32" down), enough for at least 2-3 more seasons for me. I fully expect them to maintain their traction through at least 75-80% of tread depth, MUCH longer than the Blizzaks, and similar to the Dunlop Graspics that my Altima rides on.

Nokians are also a good alternative, but the prices are definitely higher, and IMO their performance isn't worth the extra $$$$...

Anyone have any experience with the Hankook Icebear W300?

My Dunlop Wintersport M3 tires from last season need to be replaced, and I debating whether or not to try something different this time.

Have a similiar issue with our 6s and have decided to do this here in NJ. Looking to buy either inexpensive new or used 17 inch wheels and fit them with a snow tire. I can swap out the summer 18 inch Kumho's (on OEM rims) for something better suited for the winter months. OEM rims stay nice and the winter rims take the sand and salt blasting. Generally also seems to be a bigger selection in the 17 inch rim and tire sizes....

PS - Plan to also go with a narrower tire profile than the summer rubber...

Why not go for the 16" rims with 205/60-16s? They're even less expensive than 17" sizes...

I do not believe that 16's will clear the brakes on the MS6, my 17's look VERY close. Although you are right, the 16" are quite a bit cheaper.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 are what I'm getting for my 2008 Mazda 6 i Touring, for 17" stock alloy wheels, to replace the MXM4 OEM tires for winter use. They're spec'd by Michelin as right for the car, and the reviews are fabulous. They're performance winter tires, not "snow tires." I ordered mine from Tire Rack, which is running a $50 "rebate" program on these -- I noted that all the winter tires in this size are slightly off in the load index, but Michelin told me to keep them at 32 PSI, which is what the MXM4 were set at. I'm in Pittsburgh, and while it gets cold, and we get plenty of rain and snow, the past two years have seen little snow accumulation on any day more than 1".

215/50R17
Load Index 95 = 1521lbs (690kg) per tire
Speed Rating “V” = 149mph (240kph) 95V XL Green X 50 psi max
10/32" tread
22 lbs.
6-7.5"
Country of Origin France

My experience with two pairs of Blizzaks on a Honda are the same as reported -- for the first year, they're great in real snow and ice. But after that, not as good. And noisy from the start, and they get worse with wear!

Today, I'm getting the Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 installed on my 2nd set of stock rims to replace the Pirelli Winter 240 SnowSport Performance Winter tires. Can't wait to see the difference when it snows again!!

wise choice.

Moot at this point, but I had the Nokians on my 6, although in the 16" size. They were unstopable, even after I removed the studs

Then some damn mexicans stole them off my porch. BASTARDS.

So I guess 16 will fit on 6s? Savings are substantial. Price difference between pretty much any 17 and 16 contributes to almost 50% of the price of a cheapo rims.
So for me it's either exchange of just tires on stock wheels or add a little extra life to those OEMs by buying tires and rims only bit smaller. Wouldn't 16" have bit better grip in deep snow too?

16" will fit on the 6I or 6S, but not the MS6.

Not necessarily. The 16" is narrower with a taller sidewall. The narrowness helps the tire dig through the snow to the pavement underneath, while the taller sidewall adds for a smoother ride over potholes and rough winter roads, while lowering the chances of bent rims.

IMO, this is the best argument for using smaller rims for winter tires. The roads here aren't very good in the summer, and can get torn up to scary levels in the winter.

I have the dunlop wintersport m3's on my stock rims for my winter set up and they are amazing!! You wont be dissappointed in the snow or on dry pavement. I felt the ride was better than the oem tires that came with the car. Nice and quiet on the dry pavement with zero tramlining and in the snow you will be a tank!!