Which tires would you buy?

[JetBlack330i]

Shopping for a new set of tires.
I currently have ContiSport fronts and SO-3 rears. I like the SO-3 but they are darn expensive (especially in 255). And I hear they are one of the heaviest. (Does tirerack list weight data?).
The consumer survey for the GoodYear looks good, but tirerack's test results show it a bit lagging in the dry (although excellent in wet). They also are offering a very enticing $75 gas card.
Any experiences with the Dunlop SP 9000?

So, what would you buy?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSetDetail.jsp?shipquote=N&sortcode=49650&frontTire=&frontLeftTire=&rearTire=&rearLeftTire=&wantRHP=&goWhere=%252Ftires%252FTireSetDetail.jsp&qty_245YR7S03PP_=2&qty_54YR7S03PP_=2&qty_245YR7SPC2_=2&qty_54ZR7SPC2_=2&qty_245ZR79000_=2&qty_54YR79000_=2&qty_245YR7F1GSD3_=2&qty_54YR7F1GSD3_=2&sortValue=0

[GregD]

How about the new Michelin Pilot Sport PS2?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Pilot+Sport+PS2

[TD]

It could be my imagination, but on wider widths I've found that tires without that center block you can clearly see in the S-03 pic tramline BADLY. The S-03s still tramline. But not nearly as bad as the Pilot Sports that came on my 330i.

I'd be looking for a tire with that tread block that are lighter thanthe S-03s and have comparable grip. I don't think I will get S-03s again. And I would never get anything from Conti after my experience with the original Conti-Sports.

Add the Pilto Sport PS2 and the Pirelli P-Zero Nero to your list of choices.

I'm not sure which one of all of the above to pick. For me, though, it won't be the Contis or the S-03s.

[Plaz]

I know the GoodYears get good ratings on TireRack, but I want to hear some more first-hand reviews from people on this and other bimmer boards. Until I've heard enough from posters I trust on these boards, I'll stick with S-03s, despite their weight.

[PhilH]

I'll need new rear tires (255/35-18) in the next couple months, and as of right now, I think I'm getting the Goodyears. The test results look competitive for them, and I like the price and (considering the high price of 18" tires) the slightly higher treadwear rating. Plus, just for looks, the tread pattern of the Goodyears almost matches the Pilot Sports, which I'll still have on my fronts.

[Golfman]

Just got Pilot Sport 2. They are better than my PS oems. Sticky,quiet and smoother riding. :thumbup:

[alpinewhite325i]

I only have experience with the Goodyears, and I'm very pleased witht them. Granted, I was coming from all season Michelin's, but it's a night and day difference. I notice MUCH quicker turnin and I swear (although it may be in my mind) less body roll. I have driven them in the rain and they live up to their reputation. The only negative is noise. They are definitely louder than the all seasons they replaced, but it's not anything I can't live with. I bought them from Tire Rack before the $75 gas card, but Gary still sent it to me!! :thumbup:

[JetBlack330i]

Just got Pilot Sport 2. They are better than my PS oems. Sticky,quiet and smoother riding. :thumbup:
Unfortunately tirerack doesn't carry them in the size I want for the rears: 255/40/17. :bawling:

[JetBlack330i]

It could be my imagination, but on wider widths I've found that tires without that center block you can clearly see in the S-03 pic tramline BADLY.
The Goodyear kind of has it... (a continuous patch of rubber in the center)
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/goodyear/gy_eagle_f1_gsd3_ci2_l.jpg

[mkh]

Another alternative is the Toyo T1-S. It has a very similar tread pattern as the Goodyear, and same treadwear of 280. It is also one of the lightest tires around (23lbs for 255/40/17). I don't know about the price for that size but $160 for 225/40/18 and $185 for 255/35/18. I don't think the Goodyear can beat its price without the $75 gas card.

[GregD]

Unfortunately tirerack doesn't carry them in the size I want for the rears: 255/40/17. :bawling:
Why 255/40/17 when 245/40/17 is the standard size? It seems like this would increase understeer, unless you have larger than stock tires on the front. :dunno:

[JetBlack330i]

Why 255/40/17 when 245/40/17 is the standard size? It seems like this would increase understeer, unless you have larger than stock tires on the front. :dunno:
The OEM 245/40/17 is undersized for the supplied M68 wheel.
I have been using 255/40/17 for over a year, without adverse effects and I like it. Advantages:
a) external diameter better matches the OEM fronts. 245/40/17 is too small (look at the revs per mile of the two sizes)
b) more contact patch, which improves my launch. It doesn't snow in TX and I get better traction in the rain. I don't track the car and don't drive it nearly as fast as I'd need to notice understeer in city (understeer is safer than oversteer, expecially in city). But I do (occasionally) launch it hard at stop lights. :p
c) bigger size overall better fills the wheel wells without needing to mod suspension.
d) wider tire better protects the rims against curb rashes. OEM tire size left rims exposed to curbs.

:thumbup:

[JetBlack330i]

Another alternative is the Toyo T1-S. It has a very similar tread pattern as the Goodyear, and same treadwear of 280. It is also one of the lightest tires around (23lbs for 255/40/17). I don't know about the price for that size but $160 for 225/40/18 and $185 for 255/35/18. I don't think the Goodyear can beat its price without the $75 gas card.
At $103/$131 for the sizes I want, the Toyos are looking great.
http://www.seffects.com/catalog/manufacturer_subcategory.asp?Manufacturer=Toyo&SubCategory=17+Inch
Anyone has real experiences (not hear say) with these?
Too bad tirerack doesn't carry Toyo...

[GregD]

At $103/$131 for the sizes I want, the Toyos are looking great.
http://www.seffects.com/catalog/manufacturer_subcategory.asp?Manufacturer=Toyo&SubCategory=17+Inch
Anyone has real experiences (not hear say) with these?
Too bad tirerack doesn't carry Toyo...
I think you're looking at the Proxes Z4 for your pricing. It's a VERY different tire from the T1-S, all season versus maximum performance. On the link you posted the T1-S are $163 and $183 in 225/45-17 and 255/40-17. No personal experience with T1-S, but I've heard nothing but rave reviews of them.

[JetBlack330i]

I think you're looking at the Proxes Z4 for your pricing. It's a VERY different tire from the T1-S, all season versus maximum performance. On the link you posted the T1-S are $163 and $183 in 225/45-17 and 255/40-17. No personal experience with T1-S, but I've heard nothing but rave reviews of them.
You're correct. It was too good to be true. :bawling:
At those prices... it's not so attractive. The Goodyear, with the gas card, is still a better deal.

[HW]

i just got my t1-s (225/45R17) on. way too early to try out the performance on them. but then again, i won't be testing them anything close to their limits 'cuz i'm just a poseur. :p

they are supposed to be the lightest tires out there (4lbs less than so-3) but pricewise, they are way up there w/ the big boys. the dunlop 9000 seems to be the least expensive.

re: 255 rears, aren't you increasing understeer? :dunno:

[JetBlack330i]

i just got my t1-s (225/45R17) on. way too early to try out the performance on them. but then again, i won't be testing them anything close to their limits 'cuz i'm just a poseur. :p

they are supposed to be the lightest tires out there (4lbs less than so-3) but pricewise, they are way up there w/ the big boys. the dunlop 9000 seems to be the least expensive.

re: 255 rears, aren't you increasing understeer? :dunno:
I hope you post your experiences in the near future. Very interested.
About understeer... yes. So? I'm a poser too. :p
See my response to GregD.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Why the heck aren't Pilot Sport PS2s on that list?

[mkh]

Why the heck aren't Pilot Sport PS2s on that list?
Why? I think price is the issue for the PS2. Tire Rack is selling the 255/35/18 for $274. :yikes: Besides, I don't think they have 255/40/17 which is what the original poster wants.

[JetBlack330i]

Why? I think price is the issue for the PS2. Tire Rack is selling the 255/35/18 for $274. :yikes: Besides, I don't think they have 255/40/17 which is what the original poster wants.
You've got it. :thumbup:

[tgravo2]

You've got it. :thumbup:
I am about to order Pilot Sports.

Out of those I'd pick SO3's

[elbert]

Travis, did you find a wheel you liked? ZHP's?

[Pinecone]

Looking at the TR tests, the S03 is slightly better than the GS-D3 in the dry, but the GS-D3 is much better in the wet. And considering how highly regarded the S03s are int eh wet, they must be awesome.

[JetBlack330i]

Looking at the TR tests, the S03 is slightly better than the GS-D3 in the dry, but the GS-D3 is much better in the wet. And considering how highly regarded the S03s are int eh wet, they must be awesome.
Bingo. And cheaper then S-03.
I found out that the GS-D3 in 255 weigh 26 pounds. Anyone know how much the S-03 weigh?

[Gary@Tirerack]

Bingo. And cheaper then S-03.
I found out that the GS-D3 in 255 weigh 26 pounds. Anyone know how much the S-03 weigh?

255/40R17? Bridgestone lists a weight of 27.0 lbs on this size.

[HW]

I hope you post your experiences in the near future. Very interested.
About understeer... yes. So? I'm a poser too. :p
See my response to GregD.

one thing i do notice w/ the t1-s (them being one of if not the lightest tires) along w/ the 18 lbs bbs rks is that i'm am getting more road feel and vibrations. i think hack pointed this out. i went from the 205 to 225 so there is the heavier steering that i like better. these seem to be noisier than my old contitourings. but i only have 100km on them so far so maybe too soon for any conclusions.

[Riuster]

I ahve the s-03s on my M3, performs pretty damn well for the way i drive (like a granny, not!, ahhaha) Ok seriously. The s-03s and like other directional tires are great, but there is a catch..its directional, so you have to mount it correctly as to direction. Since I had a few flats, and my experiences with different fronts and rears, and directional was not so pleasant, it makes it all more confusing and expensive.

I would get a tire, since all yoru 4 wheels are approx the same size, a rotational capable tire, meaning not the directional ones, unless you ahve cash to just burn.

Up to you, but a full spare cant be avail.

[HW]

I ahve the s-03s on my M3, performs pretty damn well for the way i drive (like a granny, not!, ahhaha) Ok seriously. The s-03s and like other directional tires are great, but there is a catch..its directional, so you have to mount it correctly as to direction. Since I had a few flats, and my experiences with different fronts and rears, and directional was not so pleasant, it makes it all more confusing and expensive.

I would get a tire, since all yoru 4 wheels are approx the same size, a rotational capable tire, meaning not the directional ones, unless you ahve cash to just burn.

Up to you, but a full spare cant be avail.

you both have staggered setups. tire rotation is not possible so it's not even a consideration. :confused: confusing? :dunno: the tires have left/right labels on them.

[Riuster]

you both have staggered setups. tire rotation is not possible so it's not even a consideration. :confused: confusing? :dunno: the tires have left/right labels on them.

what are you saying? I said...tire rotation is not possible, neither is a full spare. I guess the same thing?

[HW]

what are you saying? I said...tire rotation is not possible, neither is a full spare. I guess the same thing?

but you were refering to it being not doable for directional tires. :dunno: so i was guessing that you would do it for non-directional? :dunno:

[Riuster]

but you were refering to it being not doable for directional tires. :dunno: so i was guessing that you would do it for non-directional? :dunno:

non directional tires can be rotated, but like my S03s...on my M3..NONE of it can be rotated since they are directional tires. I cant rotate the fronts nor the rears, nothing, but no need since the tire wears out by 15K to 20K miles..its a goner.

I mean you can do it for directional, dismounting and mounting..but why bother, its a waste of cash for tires that will not even last that long.

As for my honda, well i can rotate everything, since its non directional, front goes to rears, rears come to front, side to side, back to back all the way around inside out, outside in....upside in, downside right...you get the pic... :p :rofl: