[Gary@Tirerack] Good all around Ultra to Max Performance tire for MCS?

[pcmike]

Ok ok, I've searched and searched and read and read all day today since about 2pm all over the intraweb and I am still no further in my search for new tires! All I know for sure is I want 215/45 17 tires that will give excellent dry/wet traction, last for 15-20K (leaning torwards the higher side) miles and not be more then $200 (mounted). I've been going back and forth all day between the following tires:

1) Bridgestone Potenza RE750
2) Bridgestone Potenza S03s (though the treadwear seems to be a bit low for my tastes)
3) Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-DS3s (very mixed reviews all over the internet about these)
4) BF Goodrich g-force KDW-2
5) Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 (not even in the ultra high performance comparison matrix)

Can someone please just help me decide on something already?! I'm really leaning torwards the RE750s in a big way, due to treadware, performance (overall), and cost. I don't plan on going to any track events or anything like that, but I will admit that I am one hell of a spirited street driver (sorry if that puts someone off). I love to take on/off ramps and other sorts of turns at pretty high speed (to me anyhow).

When it comes to the Goodyears I've read so many horror stories as they relate to being used on higher end RWD cars, but then the majority of MCS owners seem to replace their tires with this particular tire.

The S03s are a bit on the low-side as far as the treadwear is concerned in my opinion. I'm really not certain they'll last me anywhere close to 20K and I'd really like whatever tires I get to last 15-20K. So I'm thinking these are pretty much at the end of my list.

The KDW-2s apear to not have much of a sidewall at all when the pictures of them are compared to the others in the list. They just look incrediblely low profile and that look and all that comes with that is not THAT appealing too me at all. So these would probably be 4th on my list, but I really don't know.

Someone please help me decide on something!

[mkh]

From your list, the only tire I would consider is the Goodyear F1 GS-D3. For alternatives, I would suggest Toyo T1-S or the new T1R. They have very good wet and dry traction, good treadwear ( I got 26k miles from the T1-S), relatively inexpensive, and excellent ride. But the T1-S can get quite noisy at low speed after about 15k miles. Up to 15k, it is quite respectable.

[pcmike]

Why the Goodyear? So many people talk trash about them on the various bimmer messge boards. I think if you goto the "reviews" on tirerack the first review shown has a link to bimmerforums where those guys trash the tire for track events and the like.. I'm just afraid I might see some of the same issues despite not going to the track... overtime.

Anyone else have any opinion? I need some help, I gotta get these tires today/tomorrow.

[CSBM5]

From your list, the only tire I would consider is the Goodyear F1 GS-D3. For alternatives, I would suggest Toyo T1-S or the new T1R. They have very good wet and dry traction, good treadwear ( I got 26k miles from the T1-S), relatively inexpensive, and excellent ride. But the T1-S can get quite noisy at low speed after about 15k miles. Up to 15k, it is quite respectable.

Whatever you do, DON'T get the Toyo T1-R no matter how good the price may seem. I put these on my 330i ZHP this summer, and they are a big disappointment. They have a lot of tread squirm (even after 5k miles) so that transient maneuvers are very loose...you can feel the car squirming all around. The Michelin Pilot Sport 1 that were on it were outstanding tires, but the T1-R is a joke. Apparently it is a step down from the T1-S from listening to people who bought the T1-R after having the S. I don't know what Toyo was thinking with this tire, but it wasn't enough.

I also put the KDW2 on my 850R this summer, and I have nothing but praise for that tire. I heard good things about it from a friend who put them on his C6 Vette saying they were a great dry/wet tire that could take track abuse too. The only con is that they have a fair amount of road noise/roar. I have the 215/45-17 on 8" rims on that car btw.

Cheers,
Chuck

P.S. Agree on the Goodyears -- stay clear of those. I would go with Michelin PS2's or if on a budget the KDW2.

[pcmike]

Oh man, you guys are killing me! I just spoke to a Miata owner this morning and he recommended the Toyo T1-Rs very highly. I even went ahead and called again this morning after class to find a good price on those. The best prices I found were $164 (mounted) and $150 (mounted) per tire. The $150 requires quite the drive so its almost not worth the savings. I also called up someone else and he had high praise for the T1-Rs as well. You guys are absolutely killing me!

Now I have even less of a clue on what to buy. :dunno: :mad:

[pcmike]

Well I'm going to go against what everyone has been saying here and get the Goodyears. I'll have to experience them firsthand to understand why everyone appears to knock what is the highest rated max performance tire on tirerack.. not to mention over on mini2.com most people seem to have replaced their OEs with them as well. Maybe they are bad and everyone is just clueless, but at least I'll experience it firsthand. It's either going to be a big mistake, or be a good value as the shop thats going to do all the work is only a mile from my house and with the tires/mounting/balancing/computerized alignment (the guy has been doing alignments for 15yrs) and lifetime rotation and balance the and figuring in the tax the cost is right around $915. This is either going to be a good decision or one hell of a costly one, but at least I'll own it.

Thanks for all the help guys.

[CSBM5]

Be sure to post back with your experiences. Give them at least 200 miles of mild driving then another 300 of moderate driving to get broken in nicely...then give us a review.:)

FYI re T1-R: Here's a link to a thread on this subject on bimmerforums. I'm not the only one who hates the tread squirm/sidewall flex issue with them.:) http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=467863

In fact, if anyone wants a set of T1-R's with only 5k miles on them at a great price, let me know. 225/40-18 and 255/35-18.

Chuck

[Gary@Tirerack]

You'll like GSD3. Very good tire IMO.

[mkh]

Oh man, you guys are killing me! .... Now I have even less of a clue on what to buy. :dunno: :mad:
pcmike, tire preference is very subjective. Don't follow blindly. Every tire has its own strengths and compromises. What you need to get from people is the characteristics of the tires and pick one that fits your own preferences. What is your most concern and what doesn't bother you much? List out your priorities like:

1. Price
2. Dry traction
3. Wet traction
4. Turn-in
5. Ride quality
6. Noise
7. Tramlining
8. Treadwear

For me, I'm very sensitive to noise and I can't tolerate any excessive tire noise no matter how good the tire is, period. So for me, the Yokohamas and S03 are out already. Since I live in LA (it never rain in southern california, right?), wet traction is not my concern and I can sacrifice, but dry traction is at the top of my list.

By doing this, it is actually not difficult to find a tire that's right for you. It may not be everybody's favorite, but it sure will fit you best. Good luck.

ps. The F1 GS-D3 is a very well overall tire. It's not the best in any category but fair quite well in every department. Hope this helps.

[pcmike]

Anymore opinions? I've pretty much given up on the Toyo idea, too much of a hassle to get locally. Tomorrow is the day, if I go with the Goodyears (and provided when I call this shop again in the morning they can confirm that their alignment system is a Hunter DSP600 or something similiar). I stopped by another shop today and thats what they use. The guy also said he puts alot of KDWs on "high-end cars." Am I making a bad decision or are the Goodyears going to be a good choice for my everyday (very) spirited driving?

Thanks!