Gary:Replace "cupping" tires?

[inlaw]

I just found out that the horrible tire noise I am experiencing is the result of cupped tires. It appears that my 2001 CPO has 3/4 of its Mich Pilots mounted the wrong way and cupping has ocurred. The dealer says they are "safe" and still have some tread life left. Other than eliminating the noise issue, should I consider replacing the tired before they "wear out"? If so, what are the members thoughts on Yoko AVS Sport as my next tires?

[Gary@Tirerack]

I just found out that the horrible tire noise I am experiencing is the result of cupped tires. It appears that my 2001 CPO has 3/4 of its Mich Pilots mounted the wrong way and cupping has ocurred. The dealer says they are "safe" and still have some tread life left. Other than eliminating the noise issue, should I consider replacing the tired before they "wear out"? If so, what are the members thoughts on Yoko AVS Sport as my next tires?

If you can put up with the noise and aren't doing much wet driving you could continue to use them. If you do replace them there are better tires available these days than the AVS Sport.
This was near the top of its catagory when it first was introduced about five years ago. Today, in most sizes there are better tires to be found both in terms of traction and noise levels for the same or even lower cost in some cases. Currently the Goodyear GSD3, and Michelin PS2 are top choices for wet/dry grip.

http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/tires/index.jsp

[Pinecone]

If dealer put them on wrong, I would insist on having them replaced and mounted the right way.

[mcolozzi]

Gary,

I have a sort of groining noise emanating from under my '04 330i ZHP at low speeds (circa 10mph). I am running 18" Michelin Pilot Sports. First off I was wondering whether the noise could be caused by the tires? Could it be an alignment issue? How about improperly mounted tires? If I were to swap these out what would you recommend for a very quiet, durable, reasonably high performance (I don't track it) replacement tire? I've heard good things about the Goodyear GSD3, the Michelin PS2 and the Pirelli Pzero Nero, which are stocked by Tirerack but also heard good things about the Falken Azenis ST-115.

[Gary@Tirerack]

Gary,

I have a sort of groining noise emanating from under my '04 330i ZHP at low speeds (circa 10mph). I am running 18" Michelin Pilot Sports. First off I was wondering whether the noise could be caused by the tires? Could it be an alignment issue? How about improperly mounted tires? If I were to swap these out what would you recommend for a very quiet, durable, reasonably high performance (I don't track it) replacement tire? I've heard good things about the Goodyear GSD3, the Michelin PS2 and the Pirelli Pzero Nero, which are stocked by Tirerack but also heard good things about the Falken Azenis ST-115.

The noise could be from any of those issues you mentioned.

The GSD3 and PS2 are very high performance tires that will give up some ride quality and wear for maximum handling and performance. If you're after summer performance tires that concentrate more on ride and wear while still maintaining acceptable handling levels, consider the Dunlop Sp Sport 9000 or Conti Contact2. The Pirelli Pzer Nero M+S is a mud and snow all season tire, which is a noticable step down in handling from these summer only tires.


Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AB2&url=/tires/index.jsp

[mcolozzi]

Gary,

Thx for the info. Do you have an opinion about the Azenis relative to the Dunlop or Conti?

[Gary@Tirerack]

Gary,

Thx for the info. Do you have an opinion about the Azenis relative to the Dunlop or Conti?

I don't carry Falken, so I have no experience with those, sorry.

[inlaw]

Gary:
The tire noise on my 2001 530i sport is crazy me crazy. Looks like I will be replacing my Mich Pilots soon. I think the GS3Ds will do everything that I need. I have decided that if I am going to get new rubber, I should go the extra mile and replace the rims. Will I have any problems going from 17 to 18 inch rims? What is the optimal size tire for the change (looking at M parallel Style 37)? Also, I am going to get snow/mud tires for the old rims-any suggestions?
I am in SB often and would like to do everything at one time.
Thanks

[Gary@Tirerack]

Gary:
The tire noise on my 2001 530i sport is crazy me crazy. Looks like I will be replacing my Mich Pilots soon. I think the GS3Ds will do everything that I need. I have decided that if I am going to get new rubber, I should go the extra mile and replace the rims. Will I have any problems going from 17 to 18 inch rims? What is the optimal size tire for the change (looking at M parallel Style 37)? Also, I am going to get snow/mud tires for the old rims-any suggestions?
I am in SB often and would like to do everything at one time.
Thanks

The GSD3 will be quieter when new, but will slowly get louder as they wear like most other directional performance tires. Overall they've been quite good and still highly recommended.

Going to 18" on your car is no problem. 18" sizes for your car are either 235/40R18, which maintains the same overall diameter, or 245/40R18 which is slightly taller and wider.

Top all season tires on your stock wheels include the Pirelli Nero M+S, or Avon Tech M550 A/S. Many here, including myself would suggest that you consider using winter tires if you are using your other wheels for winter usage. Winter tires offer much more snow capability than their all season counterparts.

Also, we're happy to have you here for installation. However, keep in mind that our 6% state sales tax due when you pick up may make the package more expensive than the shipping costs if we were shipping the order to you, especially considering fuel costs and your own valuable time spent driving here and waiting. if you decide to make the drive, be sure to call in the complete order to me in advance.

Wheels
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=BN4&url=/wheels/index.jsp

[inlaw]

Best winter tire?

[inlaw]

Gary, thanks for all your input.
Last question, should I go with 18x8 all around, or just up front and 18x9 in the back?

[Gary@Tirerack]

Best winter tire?

There really isn't one, but this post will offer some help into that decision :

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75297&highlight=winter+tires

[Gary@Tirerack]

Could go either way here.

Staggering gives mostly cosmetic appearance advantages on this car. Disadvantages include the inability to rotate the tires, and less-balanced handling (more understeer) than some find annoying. "to stagger or not to stagger" is a fairly common topic here with many opinions around, so checking the archives for more info might be helpful as well.

[Pinecone]

Stagger makes sense if the HP is enough to need to reduce corner exit power oversteer. On a race course yo ucan do a lot to reduce understeer by trail braking.

But look at most built for racing cars, they run stagger.