Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S versus Yokohama Avid V4s

[cojo47]

Hi folks -

I’m trying to select a set of 225/50R16 replacement tires for my 1996 328is. I’m seeking advice.

I’ve been running on Michelin Pilot XGTZ4s, which I have never liked very much. I have not been impressed with their traction on wet roads (though I’ve been told they were supposed to be quite good), and I’ve had troubles with the car “wandering” a lot on highways, which, is due, I assume, to tramlining.

I’m considering either the Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S or the Yokohama Avid V4s. I’m leaning towards the Pirellis based upon many favorable experiences with Pirellis on a Honda Prelude, and because of reading many favorable posts about them on this forum.

Can anyone compare the performance of the Pirellis and the Yokohamas for (1) rain, (2) snow, (3) tramlining, (4) noise, (5) tread wear, and (6) cornering?

Any thoughts about other A/S tires I should also consider?

Many thanks!

[Spiderm0n]

I would start here....

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surveyresults/surveydisplay.jsp?type=UHPAS

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Not the Yokos. My 323 track car came with a set of them, and they have MORE sidewall flex than my Q-Rated SNOWS.

[cojo47]

Thanks for the feedback. Everything is pointing to the Pirellis for me. So here's another question.

Does anyone know whether the Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S tires tramline badly? Some of the reviews on Tire Rack complain about it, others don't. My guess is that since the tire has good traction it is likely to tramline. On the other hand, I came across a post from Gary@Tirerack (8/19/2004) in which he says that they "don't tramline much."

I disliked the Michelin Pilot XGT Z4s, which wandered all over the road, so I wonder whether the P Zero Nero M+S would be better or worse in this regard. Just wondering whether anyone out there has an informed opinion on this?

[racerdave]

I think it has more to do with tread design. I think there's a TireRack FAQ... here:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/tramlining.jsp

FWIW... I went with Toyo Proxes 4 over the Nero M&S. My rationale -- having a wagon -- was that the Proxes had a higher load rating due to reinforced sidewalls in my size (215/45/17), and were less expensive... should have them pretty soon.

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

I think it has more to do with tread design. I think there's a TireRack FAQ... here:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/general/tramlining.jsp

FWIW... I went with Toyo Proxes 4 over the Nero M&S. My rationale -- having a wagon -- was that the Proxes had a higher load rating due to reinforced sidewalls in my size (215/45/17), and were less expensive... should have them pretty soon.
My local shop likes the Proxes 4 a lot, although I'm told they're pretty mediocre in the snow. Paul (the owner of said shop) said that they "have enough snow traction to get you home, but not to go back out again."

That reminds me... I still haven't paid for my snow tires. :eek: I guess I'll get around to that when I get my R-tires.

[bren]

I was going to order the Proxes myself but now that we only have another month of winter I'm just going to hold out.

The downside I see to both the Proxes and the Nero is their lack of siping in the tread. I doubt either of them will do that well in snow and they'll be even worse on ice.

The Pilot Sport A/S looks and sounds like the best tire in the catagory, unfortunately they are priced accordingly.

[racerdave]

My local shop likes the Proxes 4 a lot, although I'm told they're pretty mediocre in the snow. Paul (the owner of said shop) said that they "have enough snow traction to get you home, but not to go back out again."


I've heard the same. "Good 3-season tire" is what one Proxes 4 owner told me.

That's basically what I'm looking for... I'll sacrifice some all-out grip for a little better wear and better resistance (compound-wise) to colder weather. I've had some tires in the past (Yoko AVS) that were fine until the temp started getting cooler than 50 F. Then they were a little squirrely in the dry, and downright scary in the wet.

Plus the reinforced sidewalls were something I was looking for as well, which was my final decision point in favor of the Toyos over the Pirellis.

I'll still get snows for the winter. (most likely Dunlop WS M3s)

[Spiderm0n]

Does anyone know whether the Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S tires tramline badly? Some of the reviews on Tire Rack complain about it, others don't. My guess is that since the tire has good traction it is likely to tramline. On the other hand, I came across a post from Gary@Tirerack (8/19/2004) in which he says that they "don't tramline much."

I have them, and love them, but I have only put 200 miles on them so I can't give you a full opinion. (no tramlining yet though)

[cojo47]

Thanks to all for your feedback! I'm going to go with the Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S. I'll report back and let you know how I like them. Cheers!

[racerdave]

That's a good choice. Let us know. :)