XL tyres?

B

Busterboo

Veteran
From the oponeo website:
It is a good idea to buy reinforced tyres if:
You have a vehicle with a powerful engine: XL tyres will then provide greater stability on corners and a better reaction to both acceleration and braking at high speed.
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I've used them on my 35iS for 50k miles and find them very good in every way.
Does anyone else like them?
 
Had xl vred sessantas on an 18” square setup once.
They lasted longer than non xl sessantas, possibly due also in part to a harder compound rubber.
 
Always bought the xl version of Goodyears. Not sure if our cars actually need them or could be detrimental to handling.
Might be more useful say on a heavier vehicle.
Certainly my Asy3 now more than half worn are noisy and pushed they are losing grip.
Wish Asym2 were available as a replacement.
 
I guess they have reinforced side walls which makes them a little less compliant. Not the choice for any of us that think the suspension is on the hard side to start with I guess.
 
I just thought they may be more resistant to pot hole damage, seeing as i had two tyres ripped open on the side walls.
 
Busterboo said:
ph001 said:
Not the choice for any of us that think the suspension is on the hard side to start with I guess.
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Have you tried a 911?
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No...should I?

flybobbie said:
I just thought they may be more resistant to pot hole damage, seeing as i had two tyres ripped open on the side walls.
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They maybe are a bit, but conversely also make your alloys more prone to cracking, especially if you are running the 326's.
 
I’d only use XL if the car requires them. Think this comes down to a few factors though including the tyre sizes. Though the E86 Z4 is not the heaviest car were the OE Bridgestone runflats not XL?
 
Let me repeat the oponeo quote:
It is a good idea to buy reinforced tyres if:
You have a vehicle with a powerful engine: XL tyres will then provide greater stability on corners and a better reaction to both acceleration and braking at high speed.
Click to expand...
 
Rucky said:
Always on my X5 as they are obligatory.
On a lightweight Z4 not.
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I stand corrected - I have Michelins fitted - Michelin actually recommend XL, As a manufacturer I would go with them over supply and fitters.
I shall go and check the wifes car and see XL on the sidewalls now and guess what _ Yes it says Extra load in the sidewall!!

https://www.michelin.co.uk/auto/browse-tyres/by-vehicle/bmw/z4/e85-z4-roadster/2007/3.0si%20265/225---40%20R18%2088%20W%3B255---35%20R18%2090%20W
 
I have certainly bought and run on XL tyres on my dailies Never really noticed what the diference was wrt ride and handling, just happy that all those big fat SUVs have contributed to making strong tyres that last, cheaper for other lighter cars.

Never tried a set on my Z4 though.
 
every time ive looked at tyres for the zed they always seem to come up with xl fitment as the recommended tyres, never really thought much of it and just buy the best tyre at the best price regardless of if it says xl or not
 
The XL just means extra load, they have stiffer sidewalls to account for a heavier car and reduce the effect of the outside of the tyre pushing in under cornering because of that extra mass. The thought that if you have a powerful engine XL tyres are recommended is rather simplistic, cars are developed using a specific manufacturers tyre and that, especially for performance cars, are developed in tandem with the car designers to get the performance and feel that they want. That is why there is usually a recommended set of tyres in your handbook. To go and fit something very different will alter the characteristics and feel of your car. Tyre review has an interesting video on this very subject replacing the tyres on an M2 competition from Michelin Pilot Super Sports with Pilot Sport 4S's
 
sars said:
The XL just means extra load, they have stiffer sidewalls to account for a heavier car and reduce the effect of the outside of the tyre pushing in under cornering because of that extra mass. The thought that if you have a powerful engine XL tyres are recommended is rather simplistic, cars are developed using a specific manufacturers tyre and that, especially for performance cars, are developed in tandem with the car designers to get the performance and feel that they want. That is why there is usually a recommended set of tyres in your handbook. To go and fit something very different will alter the characteristics and feel of your car. Tyre review has an interesting video on this very subject replacing the tyres on an M2 competition from Michelin Pilot Super Sports with Pilot Sport 4S's
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That sounds interesting. :thumbsup:

Edit: Do you have a link I couldn't spot it?
 
buzyg said:
sars said:
The XL just means extra load, they have stiffer sidewalls to account for a heavier car and reduce the effect of the outside of the tyre pushing in under cornering because of that extra mass. The thought that if you have a powerful engine XL tyres are recommended is rather simplistic, cars are developed using a specific manufacturers tyre and that, especially for performance cars, are developed in tandem with the car designers to get the performance and feel that they want. That is why there is usually a recommended set of tyres in your handbook. To go and fit something very different will alter the characteristics and feel of your car. Tyre review has an interesting video on this very subject replacing the tyres on an M2 competition from Michelin Pilot Super Sports with Pilot Sport 4S's
Click to expand...

That sounds interesting. :thumbsup:

Edit: Do you have a link I couldn't spot it?
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Here you go :thumbsup:

[youtube]-JLvNj3z3oY[/youtube]
 
Well fitting non rft certainly improves the car.
Problem after a while is getting the oem tyres and of course they were the "best" at the time of development, or perhaps the cheapest bulk deal.
Bit like oil.
 
sars said:
... cars are developed using a specific manufacturers tyre and that, especially for performance cars, are developed in tandem with the car designers to get the performance and feel that they want.
Click to expand...
So, back to Bridgestone runflats for all of us, then.
:rofl:
 
Busterboo said:
sars said:
... cars are developed using a specific manufacturers tyre and that, especially for performance cars, are developed in tandem with the car designers to get the performance and feel that they want.
Click to expand...
So, back to Bridgestone runflats for all of us, then.
:rofl:
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not at all, it's your car and you can do what you like with it. The e89 I test drove with 19" RFT was an horrendous experience and nearly put me off buying one. The 17's that my car came with was so much more comfortable, quieter and a better driving experience even on Bridgestone RFT's and the choice to go aftermarket with a set of 18" BBS a with Goodyear F1's didn't actually make the car a better or quieter drive.
 
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