10k Mile, 2 Year California Lease - What tire to get?

[jsimon7777]

I've got a 528i with a 24month, 10k per year lease. I don't want to have to repurchase the overpriced stock tires on lease return, and know there are more fun tires out there. So what I'm thinking is, put about 10k on the stock tires, remove them, put on some gumballs that are passable in the rare California rain, then put the stock tires back on at least return.

Anyone had success with this?
How much tread will I need at lease return?
How many miles can I expect from the stock 17" ContiSports and still have enough tread?
What tires would give the most fun, not kill me in the occasional rain, and be pretty much gone in 10k or so miles?
Thanks,
Jon

[jvr826]

If it were me, I'd pull the stock runflats and pile them in the garage until you're ready to return the car. In the mean time, get something more fun and enjoy them while you have the car.

IMO, there's many choices that will be better than the Contis. Check reviews at Tire Rack and make a decision. Use their tire adviser. I have learned over the years, if you're only driving on the street, and most of that is freeway/city, then save your money and get something middle of the road. You don't need a $300/corner Michelin PS2 for this kind of driving.

The tire advisor will have you rate what's important to you in a tire, then make suggestions. From there you can read reviews of others with your car, or type of car, and see what they think about it.

For good wet traction, tires with sipes (small slits in the tread) are the best.