What makes a winter tyre worthy of being Original Equipment (OE) on a BMW? The GitiWinterW2 winter tire for EV has achieved this milestone for the first time on the BMW 1 Series, approved in size 225/40R19 93H XL. It’s not just about brand prestige—it’s about bringing advanced winter performance, precision safety, and premium ride comfort straight from Giti’s R&D labs to your daily drive.
What’s the Big Deal with OE Winter Fitment?
Getting OE winter fitment on a vehicle like the BMW 1 Series isn’t just a badge—it means the tyre meets extremely strict standards set by the automaker. For the GitiWinterW2:
- It is approved by BMW Group, indicated by the “*” symbol on the sidewall.
- The tyre must match precise specifications for behaviour: grip, noise, durability, and handling under winter conditions.
For drivers in regions with snow, ice, or cold weather, such OE winter tyres can provide improved braking, stability, and peace of mind compared to general all-season or summer tyres.
Key Features & Technologies of GitiWinterW2
Giti has engineered the WinterW2 using its AdvanZtech R&D system, global resources, and European labs to deliver a tyre tailored for winter conditions while meeting OE specs. Some of its top tech includes:
The GitiWinterW2 introduces several advanced technologies that make it stand out as BMW’s OE winter fitment. Its redesigned directional tread pattern channels water, slush, and snow efficiently away from the contact patch, giving drivers better traction in wet and snowy conditions while reducing the risk of hydroplaning. To complement this, the tyre uses an advanced tread compound with functional polymers that stay flexible even in very low temperatures. This ensures enhanced grip, allowing for more reliable braking and cornering when the road is icy or cold.
The tyre also features an updated shoulder block with an advanced tie-bar design, which reinforces the outer edges of the tread for sharper steering and improved lateral stability. This translates into more precise handling during corners or when avoiding sudden obstacles.
Additionally, the optimized pitch ratio reduces the noise produced when tread blocks interact with the road, resulting in a quieter ride with less tyre and road noise in the cabin. Finally, the European R&D and testing network—with design in Hannover, Germany, and testing in the UK, Spain, Germany, and Finland—ensures the tyre has been proven across real-world snow, ice, and freeze/thaw cycles, giving drivers confidence in reliability across different winter conditions.
How This Impacts BMW 1 Series Owners & Buyers
If you’re considering winter tyres for a BMW 1 Series, or in the market for a new model, here’s what the GitiWinterW2 OE fitment means practically:
- Seamless Fit & Manufacturer Alignment
The 225/40R19 93H XL size means it aligns with the BMW’s wheel & suspension specs. No risk of mismatched tyre dimensions affecting drive dynamics or safety systems. - Improved Winter Safety
With directional tread, flexible compounds, and enhanced shoulder design, braking distances are safer in snow, ice, and slush. Cornering grip improves, reducing risk in hazardous winter driving. - Comfort Meets Safety
Winter tyres often trade off quietness for grip. Giti’s optimization of pitch ratio and tie-bar designs attempt to preserve both—in other words, you’ll get the winter grip without too much sacrifice in road noise or harshness. - Better Value Through Durability & OE Spec
OE fitment often implies higher production and quality standards. These tyres are built to satisfy automotive OEM tolerances. So in addition to winter performance, they tend to be more durable and closely matched to the car’s performance envelope. - Brand Trust & Resale Value
Driving a BMW fitted with tyres approved by BMW enhances trust and can support resale value. Buyers value OE tyres, especially when upgrading from aftermarket winter tyres that might not have the same certification.
FAQ: What Drivers Want to Know
Q1: What does the “*” symbol on the tyre sidewall mean?
Answer: It indicates the OE approval by the BMW Group. It means the tyre meets design, safety, handling, noise, and other performance standards specified by BMW.
Q2: How does GitiWinterW2 compare to all-season tyres for winter performance?
Answer: While all-seasons provide convenience and year-round use, winter tyres like GitiWinterW2 are optimized for cold temperatures, snow, and icy conditions. They stay more flexible, have tread patterns that evacuate snow, and improve braking in winter conditions.
Q3: Will winter tyres wear faster if used in non-winter months?
Answer: Yes—because their compounds are softer to remain flexible in cold. Using them in warm weather can lead to faster wear and degraded performance. It’s best to switch back to summer or all-season tyres when temperatures consistently rise above ~7°C (45-50°F).
Q4: Are OE winter tyres more expensive? Are they worth it?
Answer: OE tyres typically carry a premium, given higher design, testing, and quality standards. But in regions with regular winters, the improved safety, performance, and durability can make them cost-effective. Plus, OE specification ensures better compatibility and less compromise in safety or handling.
Q5: Will this tyre fit only BMW 1 Series or other vehicles too?
Answer: While this particular size and fitment (225/40R19 93H XL) is approved for BMW 1 Series models, GitiWinterW2 is offered in other sizes too. Many of its design features—compound, tread, shoulder blocks—apply across the GitiWinterW2 lineup.
Broader Significance: What This Means for Giti & the Industry
- Milestone for Giti’s OE Presence: This is Giti’s first-ever OE winter supply with the BMW Group, strengthening its credibility and portfolio among premium automakers in Europe.
- Elevating OE Winter Specification: Winter OE fitment has been less common than summer or all-season OE tyres. By obtaining this for a model like the BMW 1 Series, Giti is raising the bar for winter tyre expectations in markets with cold climates.
- Reflection of R&D Depth & Quality Assurance: Developing with AdvanZtech, doing R&D in Hannover, and extensive testing in MIRA, Germany, Spain, and Finland signals to customers that Giti invests heavily in performance and standards—not just marketing.
Key Takeaways
- GitiWinterW2 is now OE winter fitment on BMW 1 Series (225/40R19 93H XL), the first time Giti achieved this with BMW.
- Key technologies include directional tread pattern, advanced winter compounds, tie-bar shoulder designs, and optimised pitch for quieter ride.
- This approval means drivers get better winter performance, safety, and ride comfort aligned with BMW specs.
- OE fitment gives assurance of quality, compatibility, and possibly better resale or ownership satisfaction.
- For Giti, this achievement boosts its standing in the OE winter tyre segment, particularly in Europe.
Conclusion & Call to Action
For drivers in cold or snowy climates, the OE-destination winter tyres let you push safety and performance without compromise. The GitiWinterW2 for BMW 1 Series proves that winter tyres can be both high-quality and fully compliant with premium vehicle specifications.
If you’re shopping for winter tyres this season, look for the “*”-symbol and demand specifications like those of the GitiWinterW2. Want peace of mind? Choose a tyre that not only fits your car—it fits your climate, too.
