Need advice on best Run Flat tires for a 2006 330xi

[Bostonbeemer]

Hey folks,

I apologize if this was discussed in a previous thread, but I am new to this site and could not locate an answer. I had my Bridgestone Potenza's replaced at 17K miles due to excessive road noise (a common problem with those tires) and the dealer (after some argueing) replaced them for free with Continental ContiProContact SSRs. A nice gesture considering the $ I spent to buy a beemer over another sports sedan (being sarcastic if you didn't pick that up).

Anyway, the Conti's were actually 100% quieter and continue to be. But the performance was just...so so. I am approaching 50K miles and want/need to replace these with new tires before winter gets too crazy. I live in New England and want to stick with All Seasons and Run Flats.

So..long story short. I have been doing some research and it appears that in addition to the Conti's and Bridgestones (which I will not buy), the top two other contenders are the Pirellli PZero Nero All Season RFT and the Michelin Pilot Primacy ZP. Has anyone had experience with either of these tires that they can share with me? Also, if you know of any other good RFTs that I should be looking at, please let me know!

Cost is not necessarily a factor, I just want a good, quiet ride, with decent wet and dry performance. If I had to, I'd go back to the Conti's, but I was looking for something a bit more exciting. Any thoughts??

Thanks!

[mryakan]

define exciting. All season and exciting don't go hand in hand as per my definition of exciting.

[Bostonbeemer]

Hi Mryakan,

Thanks for replying to my thread. I agree with you that All Seasons mean compromise in order to have some of everything, but I was just looking for a little more dry weather performance without sacrificing the wet and light snow traction. I guess I am looking for it all! :D

As I more or less use the car for commuting and weekend drives (i.e. not for track) I am looking to maximize the available cornering experience of the car (perhaps put differently, what is the "best" All Season Run Flat I can buy for this car?). The OE Bridgstone's actually had better performance in this area than the Conti's (IMHO), but the noise factor made it impossible to keep them on.

So, in some sort of order, I am looking for a run flat all season tire that:

-Is relatively quiet
-Has good dry and wet handling
-Can handle light snow

Tread wear (life) and cost are not top factors for me right now (except I am not willing to get summer tires and winter tires).

Any help you can provide would be most appreciated!

[Bostonbeemer]

Bump

Anyone have experience with the Pirellis or Michelins that I mentioned? Need tires soon and don't want to make a mistake. Was leaning towards the Pirellis unless someone has a reason I shouldn't.

[Bostonbeemer]

Bueller? Bueller? Anyone?? Don't want to make a $1200 mistake and hoping someone can provide some advice on the best RF Tires for my 330xi.

[RolandG]

This is just my two cents; I would recommend getting dedicated snow tires on other rims. I know this is not the answer you were looking for but I lived in CT/NY for 8 years and come thanksgiving i was replacing my summer tires with the snows.

[Bostonbeemer]

RolandG, thanks for that advice. Part of me agrees with you, but if the snow gets too deep I just take my SUV. I do need something that can handle light snow though, as I try to drive the 330 as often as I can. I had a 3000 GT VR4 in the past that did pretty well with All Seasons, as long as I took it easy when it snowed.

I'm really hoping I can avoid having 8 tires and wheels, since I am willing to sacrifice some dry weather performance for it. Or, alternatively, I could just move down south where it rarely if ever snows!:shine

Anyone else have a suggestion?