which tyres should i buy?

Z

z4dan

Member
 South Devon
I need some new tyres to replace the fairly cheap Autogrip 308's that are on my z4 now. Does anyone have any recommendations...
I don't want run flats (I think) but don't want too expensive either... best of middle range if you know what I mean
its a 2006 2.5 I se Z4
 
Uncomfortable truth but my opinion is buy the most expensive tyres you can afford. Premium tyres are consistently better across a wider range of operating conditions. This means the car is more predictable and inherently safer. Mid-range and budget tyres absolutely do comprise on some areas to achieve a lower price point.

If you are needing more affordable tyres my suggestion would be to compromise and go for something like a uniroyal rainsport, which will be safer in wet/colder conditions, but lack out and out dry grip and feedback in warm/dry conditions.
 
Had Toyo and Falken. Both good, Toyo’s don’t last long!
Running Goodyear Eagle F1s at the moment on my E86, they are very grippy (but noisy). They have huge rim protection too so that’s good.
Rainsports (forget the manufacturer) are supposed to be good, but a friend felt they were too soft and caused issues when they flexed and upset the traction control on his 350z.
 
I’m running Dunlop Sport maxx RT2’s on my E89. No issues with grip and very quiet. Black circles had a good offer on these back in the summer.
 
Uniroyl RS3 hands down. Good price, good performance and they last forever
 
I just want to chime in on the Uniroyal Rainsport 3s.

I'm getting a staggered set of 18s fitted tomorrow for £378. From https://www.f1autocentres.co.uk/

Plus they let you pay for them over 4 months at no extra cost!! I just called my local one, quoted online price and said I wanna do them over the 4 months. £90 odd quid for a set of 4 tyres is awesome!
 
I got a square set of Michelin pilot 4s. The best tire I could afford and a square set so I can rotate and get the longest run out them.
They ride quiet, smooth, and they are very sticky.
 
Michelin Sport 4s on my E89. Very happy with them. Had Goodyear’s on my E 85 and thought they were good value. The price gap between the Goodyears and Michelin’s is closer now so my choice would be the Michelin’s. Mr Wilkes who is very knowledgeable about wheels and tyres on this Forum and held in high regard found his last lot of Michelin’s to be noisy above 70 mph. So in the end it depends on what your priorities are. For me I would always buy the best tyres I could afford since the four small patches are what keeps you on the road.
 
Just to add my tuppence worth having tried various tyres suggested above -

Toyos are generally s**t in the wet - I've had them a few times previously when I was younger and couldn't afford better tyres.
Falkens are not great either - I had them on my old si coupe - they were horribly hard so didn't deal with wet or dry well at all.
Uniroyal Rainsports are the best choice of the midrange because they're primarily good in the wet which is best from a safety perspective.
Goodyear Eagle f1s are fantastic tyres but a little more of a compromise in the wet compared to Rainsports (who'd have thought it).
Michelin pilotsport 3s are great all rounders but may stretch your budget too much. The new PS4 sits between the old ps3 and supersport tyre in Michelin's range. Thus it is an exceptionally good all rounder, and for me is absolutely hands down the tyre of choice if you're driving the car year round. The wear is very good, mine did 15k and 2 trackdays and still had loads left in them when I sold the car.

End of the day you get what you pay for, if it were me I'd stomach the extra cost for ps4s as you absolutely will get more enjoyment and longer life out them compared to most of the other tyres, and certainly anything in the midrange
 
I have just fitted a set of Falken FK510. Over here in NZ they are significantly cheaper than Goodyear and Michelin and they review very well from the research I have done. 225 45 17 all round

So far so good - excellent grip, very pleased.
 
I'm an Avon fan myself. Had them on several cars and they perform and last well
I can't get them for my marlin because of the size so went Uniroyal Rainsport as they are well rated by the 7 owners. They do seem a bit soft so may not last as well on a heavier car
 
I recently put 4 Vredestien Vorti on my e86. I did a lot of research . These tyres are as good as any premium brand tyre out there but 30% less expensive. They are number 4 on the list out of over 50 tyres on the web site "Tyre reviews" in the specific category for the Z4. I got 2x225/18 and 2x255/18 fitted for £420.
 
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