ContiContactSport the standard tyre on all M`s?

D

Darren M

Senior member
 Devon
Were the Continentals fitted to all M`s or did BMW fitted different rubber to later cars?

Any thoughts on why BMW fitted the old Conti`s? I read somewhere that they have a good safety margin, not quite sure what that means but might be a reason for fitting to the car. I`ve got a while to go yet but just starting to consider what tyres to fit next. I`m tempted to just buy the old Conti`s again or try Michelins. I`ve really liked Bridgestones in the past, anyone tried the RE50`s? (non-runflats)?
 
As far as I know all M's were fitted with the Contl's at least on this side of the pond. Would be interesting to hear if anyone had something different from new. Actually I find the Contl's to be quite good but will likely replace them with something else. Currently leaning towards Goodyear F1 Asymmetric.
 
IIRC the OEM tires are "Contisport Contact M3" which is a different compound (not sure by how much) to the std Contisport Contact, I think mine where Contisport 2 M3's back in March 07 when I got mine new...... Maybe its just to fuel the standard 'M' price hike that we all suffer from, and there is no real difference , but I seem to remember my local tyre supplier ( I know them very well nw days :driving: ) giving different part numbers between std contisport 2 and contisport 2 M3.

Other options have been discussed at length on this forum and elsewhere, The GY Eagle F1 seem to be popular amongst those who dont want to shell out for the Pilot Sport 2's.....I've got Vredestein ultrac sessanta's on the fronts, would have them on the backs but I had a free set of Contis put on , cant argue with that price :thumbsup: , as soon as I've worn them out I'll go Vredesteins on the back also - I cant compare to PS2's on CSL wheels but I had two sets of PS2's on the 18's and Vredesteins are more grippy - I know thats comparing chalk and cheese in reality but just my 2p

Im sure the boys who track the cars will be able to add more real 'on limit' handling charicteristics, but I like my Vredesteins :thumbsup: and I like it sideways so im not willing to put PS2's on the back every 6 months for the cost
 
I've got no problem with the standard Conti SportContact M3 tyres, and I get them for about the same price as SportContact2/3 anyway.

I'd have the PS2s if they were the same price though.

If you're serious about track work, then no summer tyre will last - you'll need something like:
  • Pirelli P-Zero Corsa/C (expensive)
  • Michelin Pilot Sport Cup (very expensive)
  • Toyo R888 (good value)
  • Kumho Ecsta V70A (shaved version of their road tyre)
  • Yokohama A048R
  • Dunlop DZ02/3
 
MMMFive, where do you get the Conti Contactsport M3 tyres from?

Yes, just checked mine and of course they are the M3 spec tyres - didn`t see that first.
 
The tyres that have been approved by BMW are the original fit Conti M3's and the Michelin PS2's. Doesn't mean you can't fit anything else you fancy. Its been discussed often so do a search!
 
Darren M said:
MMMFive, where do you get the Conti Contactsport M3 tyres from?
Click to expand...

I normally ask my local fitter what he can do. Sometimes he's within a couple of £ anyway and I get them the next day.

If he's more than about £10/tyre out, then I just trawl the online tyre traders until I find the cheapest, and get the local fitter to fit them anyway. He's done all my tyres (except in emergencies) since 1995 and never damaged a wheel (and that's about 12 tyres a year, or over 150 tyres in all - plus the extra 20 tyres I had for track days which were on scrappy rims anyway).

The sites I search are (in no particular order as sometimes they don't even list the SportContact M3 tyres - but I'd happily use SportContact 2/3 if they were significantly cheaper).
Z4M_Tyre_Prices.jpg
 
I used eTyres for C SC M3's for rear tyres. They were the cheapest and came to the house to fit them. Top price and service. I'll use them again,
 
Guys could you pls share details about handeling with the Vredesteins on? Im kinda interested in thei tyre... Thanks.. :)
 
I seem to have more grip in the wet and the dry, however my Vreds are now 19" and 10mm's wider front and rear than the Contis.
 
thanks for the intel guys :) I am considering either the Sessantas or something more radical as the new Falken Azenis (not available in CZ yet :( )
I only drive in spring/summer and mid autumn so I figure that I could possibly go more "radical" on the tires. My plans are to go 235/40 on 17x8,5 OZ Allegerrita rims followed by HR lowering springs. Would save a lot of unsprung weight :)
 
I've got a pair of rear PS2's coming for my Z4 M Coupe on Thursday, I'm currently on bald conti's.

Will post a review when I've had chance to bed them in :driving:
 
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