Tire Recommendations??

[shagler]

I thought I would tap into the collective knowledge that exists on this board related to tires. I have an '06 M Roadster, live in North Texas, and currently have no plans of taking the car out to a track. I mostly drive conservatively, but also like to drive the car harder from time to time. My current tires (rear) are Continental ContriSport Contact 255/40 ZR 18. I have the same brand on the front too.

The rear tires are ready to be replaced in the coming weeks and I'd like to get something that balances performance, longevity, and cost. A local DiscountTire quoted me $610.00 for a pair of identical replacement tires (balanced, mounted, etc). The dealer quoted me $750 for the same thing.

The questions:
1. Are there any other tires I should be considering?
2. Are there any issues changing brands given that I am not planning on replacing the front tires yet (they are full of tread and fine).
3. Anything else I should be considering?

I greatly appreciate the feedback/advice that are offered.

Cheers,
Steven

 

[Andy]

Hello Steven,

I have the same car and replaced the tyres very quickly with Vredestein Ultrac Setantas.. I love them and so do many on here, as they're amazing in the wet, last a bit longer than the Contis and are significantly better value.

However there's a few members on here have gone for all sorts of things - I'd stick to listening to those with /Ms though, I wouldn't put Falkens on it.

Personally I wouldn't mix the front / rears - maybe get the best price for 2 more Contis and swap all 4 next time around.

There's lots of threads on here about tyres - search for Tyres (or a brand name) in the M Specific forum and there's lots of comment for you to trawl through.

Good luck !

 

[WLH]

Here is a recent thread on the subject...

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=17769&p

 

[mmm-five]

I've always wanted to try some of the tyres/tires that are available in the US but don't seem to be in the UK, such as:

BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2

Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08

Bridgestone Potenza RE-11

Kumho Ecsta XS

 

[ga41]

I just fitted front and rear Ultrac Sessantas on mine as well.

They're OK so far. Somehow they dont feel as "sharp" as the stock Continentals. Lots of grip, no complaints there, but i dont know, they seem to need a few moments to settle after a high speed turn. Anyway i've only got about 340miles on them so perhaps they still need some time to settle in.

mmm-five, I was seriously thinking of getting those Yokohama's but they cost a lot here and my car is a street only ride, a hard driven one but one that will never see track time nonetheless so not much point getting something as aggressive as the AD08s.

 

[Darren M]

I've always wanted to try some of the tyres/tires that are available in the US but don't seem to be in the UK, such as:

I can't imagine the U.S a better selection of tyres than we the Europeans get? They don't do corners

I like the look of the Potenza RE11

To original question, I just stick with the OEM continentals. Although not a state of the art tyre, it is however designed for and tried and tested on the Z4 M/E46 M3 and I definately have no complaints in the dry and it's still very good in the wet. I like the balance on the conti's. Using more generic tyres may result in more understeer.

 

[dgm]

To original question, I just stick with the OEM continentals. Although not a state of the art tyre, it is however designed for and tried and tested on the Z4 M/E46 M3 and I definately have no complaints in the dry and it's still very good in the wet. I like the balance on the conti's. Using more generic tyres may result in more understeer.

I think you're missing out on a substantial improvement in handling and grip by sticking with the Contis Darren. I can't overstate what a huge improvement that Michelin PS2's were over the OEM Continentals which are really old tyre technology now. BMW wouldn't have put the Contis on the Z4M for any other reason than they would be getting a good deal on them at the time. M3's came with an assortment of different tyre brands on them as new cars and the Conti's weren't exclusive to the car by any means. I honestly think the Conti's are a very poor tyre.

 

[mmm-five]

I think you're missing out on a substantial improvement in handling and grip by sticking with the Contis Darren. I can't overstate what a huge improvement that Michelin PS2's were over the OEM Continentals which are really old tyre technology now.

Older doesn't necessarily mean worse, and that's true as much for tyres as for oil & cars in general (and women).

For example:

• I used to love Bridgestone S02 PP tyres and eagerly put on S03 tyres when they came out - however, the S03 was a DOWNGRADE as they'd decided to change the compound to give more miles versus outright grip.
• I bought my e34 M5 with Continental SportContact 1 tyres on it, and whilst they were only okay in the dry, they were lethal in the wet. The Continental SportContact 2 changed this completely and I'd happily swap between PS2 and SC2 based solely on which tyre was the cheapest at the time. Not tried SportContact 3. Now I don't know where the M3 tyre comes in their range, but it's no worse than the SportContact 2 and it's much better than the SportContact 1.

How much does the tyre compound (of the same dimensions as OEM, so no unsprung mass advantage) positively affect handling? I can see how it affects mechanical grip, but the only part of the tyre that would affect handling will be the sidewall flex.

I've only had PS2s on the Z4MC when I had the 19" CSLs on, and whether the harsh (to me) ride was down to the CSLs or the tyre I will never know, but both myself and ex Aston & Ford chassis engineers (with over 11,000 laps of the 'Ring between them) have both driven my car on standard 18" with Conti M3 tyres and 19" wheels with Michelin PS2 tyres and their consensus (and mine) was that while the PS2s had better grip, there was not a lot of flex before they gave way which meant it was an 'all or nothing' tyre.

I prefer a tyre that slides a bit more before completely letting go and that's what the OEM combo gives me. Other drivers will prefer to have maximum grip until they reach 11/10ths - and if that's you, you need to get rid of your PS2s and get PS Cups as they're much better than PS2s.

But wait...you mean you don't want outright grip and the PS2 is the best COMPROMISE between a grippy tyre and one that lasts a reasonable amount of time...maybe the Conti lasts longer if driven the same, so it gives up some grip for the sake of longevity? (No, I don't think so either). Maybe they've used a cheaper compound to save having to charge £200+ for a tyre?

I'm waiting for you all to run out and get Michelin PS3 tyres, as the PS2s are old technology don'tchaknow

BTW, in a recent ADAC tyre test (225/45r17) the PS3 is beaten by the SC3 in 3 of their 5 categories (dry & wet grip/handling, and noise), it only loses out in fuel consumption and tyre wear.
In fact, two other tyres pushed the PS3 and SC3 into 4th & 3rd place respectively - they were the Pirelli Cinturato P7 (1st place) and Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT (2nd place). So you probably want to all run out and buy SportContact 3s.

Do note however that the best wet grip was from Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric (followed closely by the Dunlop & the Continental), and the best dry grip was Continental (followed closely by the Michelin and the Bridgestone). The others got into 1st & 2nd place based on their better noise, consumption & wear scores.

 

[Gids]

Has anyone tried the PS3s on the M yet? I've got another set of PS2s going on tomorrow but was umming and arrhing over PS3s, just not heard from anyone running them.. I think they were cheaper too.

 

[dgm]

mmm-5, your views on the 19's versus 18's are well documented on here but I have to say, even with ex Aston & Ford chassis engineers on your side, that I didn't find the change to 19's negatively effected the ride. As to the PS2's being an all or nothing tyre, it's not my experience. The break away is progressive and predictable as far as I'm concerned.

The Conti M3's date back to at least 2001 and although I've never used the more recent Conti's you refer to, they seem to have a far better reputation than the M3's. In fact the Conti M3's have been widely criticised in every M forum I've ever frequented and this is the only place I've seen them defended.

I agree that the PS2's are getting long in the tooth now but I still really enjoy the car with them fitted. The PS3's don't come in the correct sizes for my 19's as yet and given the lack of any reviews of them,they are an unkown quantity. Are they intended as a replacement for PS2's or to supplement the Michelin range? The Cups are better then the PS2's in the dry and offer amazing grip but, as you know, when wet conditions are brought into play the PS2 is a better all round tyre. Hopefully we'll have a drier summer and I can get proper use of my Cups. I'm actually surprised that more people don't run the Cups, they transform the car IMO.

Finally to the tyre tests. Tyres are so subjective to the car they are put on that I don't put total faith in their results. How many times have you seen tyres come highly recommended when used on one car only to find out they are less than impressive when used on another car? eg perhaps a much heavier, faster car.

There are loads of decent tyres available now, some at very reasonable prices and I'm not insisting that PS2's are the best available. They do really suit the Z4M though although the prices are higher than ever now. As far as I'm concerned the Conti M3 's aren't at the races.

 

[mmm-five]

mmm-5, your views on the 19's versus 18's are well documented on here but I have to say, even with ex Aston & Ford chassis engineers on your side, that I didn't find the change to 19's negatively effected the ride. As to the PS2's being an all or nothing tyre, it's not my experience. The break away is progressive and predictable as far as I'm concerned.

Well, I suppose 'almost-retired' Aston & Ford engineers are more into 'GT' chassis than roller-skate chassis
If they were available in the correct load ratings (i.e. not XL rated) in 18s then I'd probably consider them when I needed a 4-wheel set, just as I did on the M5.

The Conti M3's date back to at least 2001 and although I've never used the more recent Conti's you refer to, they seem to have a far better reputation than the M3's. In fact the Conti M3's have been widely criticised in every M forum I've ever frequented and this is the only place I've seen them defended.

I just think it was the combination of 19" and the PS2 which meant I didn't like the ride they gave and I don't think it would have been any better on 19" Continentals.
The pattern of the Conti M3 tyre is the same as the original Conti SportContact, but the compound is different - otherwise they'd be as useless in the wet as the originals.

The PS3's don't come in the correct sizes for my 19's as yet and given the lack of any reviews of them,they are an unkown quantity.

Michelin's press release say they are a direct replacement for the Exalto & PS2, which is strange considering the Exalto is a level below the current PS2 - but they might just be consolidating their range a little.

What I really need then is genuine 18" CSLs (don't exist AFAIK) with Michelin PS3 or Continental SC5 (supposed to be the PS3 rival)

 

[aerobod]

I thought I would tap into the collective knowledge that exists on this board related to tires. I have an '06 M Roadster, live in North Texas, and currently have no plans of taking the car out to a track. I mostly drive conservatively, but also like to drive the car harder from time to time. My current tires (rear) are Continental ContriSport Contact 255/40 ZR 18. I have the same brand on the front too.

The rear tires are ready to be replaced in the coming weeks and I'd like to get something that balances performance, longevity, and cost. A local DiscountTire quoted me $610.00 for a pair of identical replacement tires (balanced, mounted, etc). The dealer quoted me $750 for the same thing.

The questions:
1. Are there any other tires I should be considering?
2. Are there any issues changing brands given that I am not planning on replacing the front tires yet (they are full of tread and fine).
3. Anything else I should be considering?

I greatly appreciate the feedback/advice that are offered.

Cheers,
Steven

I'd recommend the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec, they are a noticeable improvement over the original Conti's. They are a decent price compared with competitive tyres (at least here in North America) and in a 245/40-18 front and 275/35-18 rear fitment, give you the best grip without rubbing that you can get on a stock Z4M rim, without hitting the wheel arches:
I would recommend replacing all 4 at once, though. I still have the front half-worn 225/45-18 Contis in my garage, could be used for spare tyres in the future, if necessary. Looking at Discount Tire online, you could get the full set of the Direzza sports for $888 ($195 for a front, $249 for a rear, not including mount & balance), not much more than the cost of two rear Contis.

 

[Rags]

, I wouldn't put Falkens on it.

P!

What makes you state that?

 

[ellerpe]

I live in Oklahoma so understand how the hot summers can affect tires. Based upon your stated driving habits, if you're wanting to replace just the rears, I would go with the stock Conti's. Though I'm surprised the dealer cost was so high. When I took a nail through the shoulder of a front tire my dealer bested all tire shops in the city on price (maybe not internet, but I needed a tire THAT DAY).

If you would replace all four tires, I would recommend the Car & Driver Tire Test 2nd place Hankook Ventus V12 Evo. I've had PS-2s and really like them, but I'm running the Hankook Rs-3 tires (very much more hardcore) based on the C&D test of the V12s. I love how the Rs-3s perform, but I think the V12s are much more suited to the way you drive. Cost is much nicer with the V12s too.

I had a set of Rs-3s shipped to the house, freight included for $880, then installation, balanced and nitrogen filled for about $120, call it $1,000 installed total. This was for a Z4MC with 245/24/R18 fronts and 265/35/R18 rears. My last set of 225/45/R17 PS-2s on a 325CI cost me closer to $1,200 installed the same way several years ago.

I'd say step up for a set of V12s.