Tyres for the 35is

T

TeeMac

Member
Hi All,

I've been an avid lurker on this site since I got the E86 Coupe a few years ago, a 3.0i Sport with the sequential 6 speed autobox. I've read loads of good discussion and advice on this blog over the years for which, it strikes me, I've never said thanks. So, thanks!

I've swapped the E86 for the E89 35is in the past week or so. I find it remarkable how different the cars are, in almost every respect: ride, handling, power delivery, technology are all markedly improved over the old Coupe - albeit I'm not exactly comparing apples with apples, the new generation is a step-change from the previous.

The most notable difference is the almost limitless torque of the 35is. It is startlingly eager to gallop. The handling is so much more assured, almost a point and shoot experience when cornering, and therein lies the issue - maintaining traction when opening up out of the bends. The engine wants to fly, but the tail has other ideas.

The car was supplied with Bridgestone Potenza run flats on the 19" wheels, and with at least 6mm on them, there's no issue with tread depth. I'm wondering what the experience of the blog is in terms of the best tyres for this model?

BTW, if anyone's interested, I've got a pair of 18" 255/35 winter tyres, done about 1000 easy miles, and available free to a good home on a collect basis.
 
Hi TeeMac, Where about are you - I'd take the 18 Tyres off your hands Beer would be provided as a thanks ( real beer - not just internet beer)
 
The RFTs aren't that bad on the e89 compared to e85 from my experience, however, they are lethal when it comes to the rims cracking (296s & 326s). I wouldn't think twice about getting rid of them.
 
If you keep the RFTs, you won't know how good the 35is is.
If you keep the 19"s, you'll worry about them cracking, which they may well.
So, put some good tyres on your 18"s and enjoy the car. :driving:

p.s. I speak from experience. (But not of cracked 19"s.)
 
Buy some good non rft tyres ie Michelin MPS4S

Change the 19" alloys to something decent. The BMW ones just crack
 
It's just a thought OP, but if your winters would fit and don't have run-flats on them you could always put them on your E89 to get an idea of how they compare to your RFTs.

Welcome to the forum BTW!
 
TeeMac said:
Talksthetorque

Glasgow - I should have said.
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The Oh's dad lives in Glasgow and is coming down for Christmas. Unfortunately on the train.....

I'll have to pass this time.
Thanks for the generous offer.
 
Busterboo said:
If you keep the RFTs, you won't know how good the 35is is.
If you keep the 19"s, you'll worry about them cracking, which they may well.
So, put some good tyres on your 18"s and enjoy the car. :driving:

p.s. I speak from experience. (But not of cracked 19"s.)
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Worth noting that it is possible to enjoy a E89 with 19s not just 18s :wink:
 
Mr Tidy said:
It's just a thought OP, but if your winters would fit and don't have run-flats on them you could always put them on your E89 to get an idea of how they compare to your RFTs.

Welcome to the forum BTW!
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Read his post again :? op has a pair of 255 35 18 winter tyres no longer required , not a set of winter wheels :roll:
 
Thanks for the chat guys.

Michelin PS4s seem to be well regarded. I switched to EagleF1s on the Coupe (with a compressor and skoosher in the boot), but am considering keeping run flats on the 35is.

Any good run flat alternatives to the Potenzas?
 
Tbh I didn’t find the Bridgestone run flats particularly bad on my 35is, the ride was remarkably good in fact, it felt fine. It’s just that the difference is night and day so yes, I’m soooooo glad I switched but unless you really hate the ride on the run flats they’re really not bad. (Apart from helping to crack the 19” wheels of course..... :roll: ) Id like to try it on 18” run flats just for the experience, would be interesting to know how it felt.
 
I drove a 35i with 17" runflats and it was not too bad, but mine has 19" 296's with non RF Falken Azenis 453's and its pretty good, definitely a more comfy ride than my S2000
 
john-e89 said:
Id like to try it on 18” run flats just for the experience, would be interesting to know how it felt.
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(18") RFTs spoil the 35is.

This is a real pity, because there must be many 35is owners who never discover how good the car can be.
 
Busterboo said:
john-e89 said:
Id like to try it on 18” run flats just for the experience, would be interesting to know how it felt.
Click to expand...
(18") RFTs spoil the 35is.

This is a real pity, because there must be many 35is owners who never discover how good the car can be.
Click to expand...

It is yes Buster, quite true, but if non run flats are not practical, or someone isn’t that bothered about how much of a difference they are, the run flats really aren’t too bad, certainly they suit the E89 more than the E85.
 
I'm using MPS4S now, after using MPSS (bad choice - due to inflexibility of the tyre)

The MPS4S are the best tyre I've ever used - just fantastic in every way, transformed the car :thumbsup:
 
Kuh. Imagine what journalists and the market would have made of the E89 if it had been on normal tyres. RFTs did so much damage to it, one way and the other. And for what? To save the weight of a 'space-saver'. Kuh, again.
 
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