Tire recommendation for 2009 328i Sport

This is my first post and my first BMW "car", as I've been riding the two wheel variety. I just bought a 2009 328i with the Sport package and it needs new tires ASAP. I've read some of the threads regarding RFTs and it seems that most people have switched to non-RFTs with great results. What tire they went to seems to run the gamut.

I have no spare, so going flat will mean calling for a tow. I can deal with it I guess if non-RFTs are better overall. Living in the the San Francisco area we don't exactly have stellar asphalt, so having tires that deal out a smoother ride could be nice. I'm looking for a decent all-weather tire to handle the rainy days, but honestly would like to keep the total cost at or below $1000 if I can. There are a ton of options on TireRack, but I'm finding it a bit overwhelming. I'm not going to be super aggressive with the driving, but will be "spirited" at times.

Anyone have some experiences to share? I'm betting on it.

Cheers,
Scott

If you go to the tire sub-area in this forum, there is a gentleman there from Tire Rack who responds directly to questions like yours, with suggestions that will meet your requirements.

That being said, I replaced my RFTs with Michelin Pilot Sport IIs All-seasons, and am quite pleased with them... Even my wife noticed the improved ride (compared to her 328XiT that still has RFTs). Interestingly, the tire installer specifically specified the "heavy duty" version of the tire for my car, I guess do to the weight of the convertible mechanism... I think the HD tires have heavier side walls...

BTW, since you said you are new poster, be advised that there are spare tire kits for these cars, if you are concerned about getting stuck with a flat... Obviously, you'll lose trunk space.

Good luck!

You might consider the Continental Extreme Contact DWS + a 12 v compressor & plug kit.

Tom

Originally Posted by Tom K.

You might consider the Continental Extreme Contact DWS + a 12 v compressor & plug kit.

Tom

+1 on the Continental DWS tires. I put a set on my 335 last summer, and they're very, very nice. Comfortable ride, great handling. In fact, my daughter is moving out to Palo Alto in the fall, and we're replacing the Michelins that are currently on her car with DWS before she goes. I think the set for my car last summer was in the $600 - $700 range, plus $100 to have them balanced and mounted. Worth every cent.

I'm not as big a fan of plug kits as some folks. There's a lot a ways someone short of experience can do a poor job with them. However, the compressor is a very good idea, and may help you limp back instead of waiting for a tow if you have a slow leak. In my case, I carry a temporary spare in the trunk ($350 - $400), as well as AAA (and I think I may still have BMW road service on my car).

Now, if you ask CaptainAudio, he'll tell you to get a set of Koni FSD shocks coupled with the DWS tires to make the ride perfect. He's right, but I'm waiting until my shocks need replacement before taking that cost on board.

Since you are in SF you can also look at Conti DW summer tires. OK for anything but snow & ice. Great for "spirited driving", also think about going 1 size larger in width.

Originally Posted by bear-avhistory

Since you are in SF you can also look at Conti DW summer tires. OK for anything but snow & ice. Great for "spirited driving", also think about going 1 size larger in width.

Downside on the DW tires instead of the DWS is that, as a performance summer tire, they will likely have noticeably shorter tread life, lasting only 2/3 of the life of a similar set of DWS tires if Continental's tire wear rating system is to be believed. They also shouldn't be taken anywhere that the temperature may drop below 40 degrees (have to watch those trips to Tahoe between October and March).

I drive pretty hard, and I haven't really reached the handling edge of the DWS tires on public roads. I'm sure this would not be so if I did an occasional track visit. At least in my case, the extra grip of the DW tires would be wasted, at the cost of replacing them at a 50% higher rate.

Thanks a lot for the information folks. You probably just save me from spending a lot more money than I needed to. I'm going for the Conti DWS, as I do have a friend with a cabin in the mountains around Arnold and would like the option of not taking my Explorer if I'm not going to ski and the roads are not salty.

The shocks will have to wait, but I wrote down the recommendation and will consider those when the time comes. Too much money going to the DMV and State of CA to get this thing registered next week. Tires first, extras later!

Cheers,
Scott

Originally Posted by Zooks527

Downside on the DW tires instead of the DWS is that, as a performance summer tire, they will likely have noticeably shorter tread life, lasting only 2/3 of the life of a similar set of DWS tires if Continental's tire wear rating system is to be believed. They also shouldn't be taken anywhere that the temperature may drop below 40 degrees (have to watch those trips to Tahoe between October and March).

I drive pretty hard, and I haven't really reached the handling edge of the DWS tires on public roads. I'm sure this would not be so if I did an occasional track visit. At least in my case, the extra grip of the DW tires would be wasted, at the cost of replacing them at a 50% higher rate.

Have never found temps below 40 to be an issue. Drops into the 20's here on occasion & have been driving on summer tires for 10 years or so going back to a 2004 330Ci ZHP. The 330 had 4 sets of summers the original factory tires, Yokohama ES-100's, Yokohama S.Drive & currently the Conti DW's with a good amount of tread left, over the course of 120K miles.

When it snows I use a 4X4 When it snows really hard the Ranger is the best choice.

Got the Conti's put on Saturday morning and wow what a difference it made to the way the car feels! Though they need a couple hundred miles to break in, I took a twisty road home and pushed it just a tad. The car handled absolutely solid, so I expect they will work out very well for me.

Thanks for all the recommendations.

Cheers and safe travels!
Scott

You can by falken fk 452 good for the price