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View Full Version : How are Falken Azenis in the wet?

JonW
10-27-2003, 05:48 PM
I was just looking around for some tires to put on an E30 325is that I may get. Use the stock 14" wheels (stock tire is 195/65-14). Something good for the track and also will allow me to drive to the track. The Falken Azenis sound like they may be good. (Sorry- not available at the Tire Rack.) Great grip in the dry and really cheap. I found 195/60-14's for $45 each. Not a great assortment of sizes though. Anyways, of all the thigns I've read about them, not much is said about how they are in the wet. Any info? Thanks.

Oh- one other question: The 195/60-14's are H-rated (130 mph). Is that really OK for the track?
·clyde·
10-27-2003, 07:33 PM
IME, they have actually done pretty well in the wet...so long as the pavement is just wet. Standing water is another story, though...you're just along for the ride.
Nick325xiT 5spd
10-27-2003, 07:43 PM
The compound is awesome for the wet, but the water evacuation is so-so. If the road is merely wet, I think they're at least equal to, if not better than S-03s.
JonW
10-28-2003, 05:12 AM
Thanks guys. The price is tough to beat- $45 each.

I've got SO3's on my current car and I'm really happy with them at the track. But to get SO3's on an E30 the price jumps to around $111 each. Not to mention the need for different wheels to get them to fit. That's a big jump in cash.

I'll give the Falkens a try. (Once I find my track car.)
nate
10-28-2003, 07:05 AM
hmm...the Falkens come in 225/45/17 for the 328Ci.

Too bad that I like having hydroplaing resistance.
The Roadstergal
10-28-2003, 07:40 AM
The compound is awesome for the wet, but the water evacuation is so-so. If the road is merely wet, I think they're at least equal to, if not better than S-03s.

I agree, although I've never tried the SO-3s. As far as life on the track goes, a friend of mine has done two two-day Thunderhill trips on one set, and they're still alive.

Onlinetires (http://www.ec-securehost.com/OnlineTires.com/Falken_AZENIS.html#FalkenAZENIS) has 'em for $41, and the local Discount will match an online price...
·clyde·
10-28-2003, 08:09 AM
hmm...the Falkens come in 225/45/17 for the 328Ci.

Too bad that I like having hydroplaing resistance.
Hydroplaning resistance? Bah! Just be like Nick and have different sets of wheel/tire combos for every conceivable weather possibility. :D
JonW
10-28-2003, 08:12 AM
Thanks for the link. $41, wow. I think the SO3's I now have on my car were $183 each at Tirerack. That's more than 4 times more expensive (different sizes, sure). Yeah, you get what you pay for. But these Azensis sound like they'll be worth a try, assuming I don't hydroplane the car into a wall.
The Roadstergal
10-28-2003, 08:56 AM
I liked them better than other tires I've had that cost more. I dunno why they're so cheap, but I'm not complaining. I have them on both cars.
Nick325xiT 5spd
10-28-2003, 10:15 AM
Hydroplaning resistance? Bah! Just be like Nick and have different sets of wheel/tire combos for every conceivable weather possibility. :D
I keep fighting the urge for a fourth set of wheels. :D I think a set of Dirt Stockers would add quite a bit to the stable...
Nick325xiT 5spd
10-28-2003, 10:17 AM
Oh, and as far as the H rating goes... Yeah, it's fine. As long as you don't plan on anything silly like forced induction, you'll be well within the speed range of the tires.
JonW
10-28-2003, 11:09 AM
Oh, and as far as the H rating goes... Yeah, it's fine. As long as you don't plan on anything silly like forced induction, you'll be well within the speed range of the tires.

Excellent. Thanks.