What are your favorite 235/45-17 tires?

[Aryana]

What are your favorite tires in 235/45-17? I've been driving on Goodyear Eagle GT's for the past 7k miles and I'm not too impressed. They are loud at speed, and don't really feel that great in the twisties.

Looking for a feedback on tire wear and noise from folks who have tried:

Continental ExtremeContact DW
Continental ExtremeContact DWS
Pirelli P Zero Nero GT
Pirelli Cinturato P7
Goodyear Eagle F1
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S
Michelin Pilot Super Sport

Or give me some other suggestions... I've been reading all the reviews on tirerack.com and wanted to see what some E39 folks thought.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/07/behyqyny.jpg

[Runner303]

Only a little over 1000 miles on my ExtremeContact DW's, but very happy with them. Coming from some worn-out, cupped Dunlop Direzza's, these tires are great. The Dunlops were soooo noisy (being cupped and all), the Conti's are whisper quiet in comparison. Traction seems good as well though I haven't pushed them yet.

Make sure your shocks and suspension bushings are in ok shape so you don't trash your new tires, regardless of what you pick!

[cwise12]

I run Michelin Pilot Super Sports in an 18" diameter, 235 wide, on the front of my car. They're quiet, responsive, and SUPER grippy. Obviously, this is a super premium tire, but I think they're worth it. From what I've heard from friends, the Conti DW and DWS are very good tires as well.

[gadzooks25]

Nitto Motivo. Just a little spongy in the corners but that is not my primary driving.

[BenMontana]

I run Michelin Pilot Super Sports in an 18" diameter, 235 wide, on the front of my car. They're quiet, responsive, and SUPER grippy. Obviously, this is a super premium tire, but I think they're worth it. From what I've heard from friends, the Conti DW and DWS are very good tires as well.

Seconding this, I'm also running Michelin Pilots in the front at 235/45/17. I took them off my Accord before the tow truck came and picked it up (salvaged it). But do agree, when I first put them on my Accord they were really quiet and there was definitely noticeable difference from the Falkens it had on before. So far I've ran at least 20k on them on my E39 and at least another 5k (miles) on my Accord. I've had 2 tires go out already on my rear wheels, and the Michelin's are still solid with a little life left. Do recommend, but the next set is gonna be pricy $$$ lol.

[auaq]

Me like my michelins.

[Flounderasu]

+1 on the Michi Super Sports. Also running them in 18's.

[Aryana]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm leaning towards the Continentals already and just needed a nudge with a testimonial about the noise.

The Pilot Super Sports are nice too, but how fast do they wear out? Will they last 15k with commute wear + hammering it once in awhile?

[Aryana]

Seconding this, I'm also running Michelin Pilots in the front at 235/45/17. I took them off my Accord before the tow truck came and picked it up (salvaged it). But do agree, when I first put them on my Accord they were really quiet and there was definitely noticeable difference from the Falkens it had on before. So far I've ran at least 20k on them on my E39 and at least another 5k (miles) on my Accord. I've had 2 tires go out already on my rear wheels, and the Michelin's are still solid with a little life left. Do recommend, but the next set is gonna be pricy $$$ lol.

20k miles out of the Pilot Super Sports? That could be the ticket for me if that's typical mileage/wear.

[Mannyf540]

I'm running BF Goodrich tires, their pretty nice.

http://m.bfgoodrichtires.com/tire-selector/category/sports-performance-tires/g-force-sport-comp-2/tire-details?frompc=yes

[Aryana]

Never even considered those BFGs. I've been a huge fan of their off road Mud Terrain tires, but are the ones on your BMW quiet at speed?

[cwise12]

20k miles out of the Pilot Super Sports? That could be the ticket for me if that's typical mileage/wear.


Michelin PSS are warranteed to 30k when used in a 'square' (not staggered) setup!



"30,000 Mile Manufacturer's Treadwear Limited WarrantyPilot® Super Sport tires carry a 30,000 mile limited warranty in addition to the standard materials and workmanship warranty for treadwear or mileage.
Download PDF Version of Warranty (http://www.michelinman.com/tire-selector/name/pilot-super-sport-tires?Wt.mc_id=Paid%2520Search;Google;michelin%20p ilot%20super%20sport&WT.srch=1&mkwid=sbrXlNeAL&gclid=CLXNqpKBnbsCFbB9Ogod9RMAPA#)

Available on:
Pilot® Super Sport
Speed Rating: [(Y), Y]


* Mileage Warranty Exceptions



Split fitments - If your vehicle has tires of different sizes on the front versus the rear axles, your tires cannot be rotated as recommended. Therefore, the mileage warranty on each rear tire will cover half the number of miles as the standard mileage warranty for that particular tire line."

[BenMontana]

20k miles out of the Pilot Super Sports? That could be the ticket for me if that's typical mileage/wear.

Yea, I'm just a little over 20k since I've got my E39 last year. The tires condition were at about a 7/10 when I threw it on the Bimmer @ 142k. I'm at 167k right now and am expecting to get a new set within the next 2-3 months. A lot of city, highway, potholes, hard driving done on em too. I'm actually shocked they've managed this far without a flat now that I think about it.

[Aryana]

That's huge. Thanks for the update and you have me leaning towards those Pilots SS now.

[BenMontana]

That's huge. Thanks for the update and you have me leaning towards those Pilots SS now.

Yeah no prob. If I really had a choice I'd get new Pilot SS's in a heartbeat. Hopefully my finances are looking good by then.

I actually picked up my Pilot's for $250 for 2 tires off a Craigslist ad a while back. They're still rolling today. I need to find a deal like that again lol.

[BernardF]

I'm running BF Goodrich tires, their pretty nice. http://m.bfgoodrichtires.com/tire-selector/category/sports-performance-tires/g-force-sport-comp-2/tire-details?frompc=yes

I had these before the current Bridgestone Potenza's I have now. Unparalleled grip, I mean super sticky, especially considering their a harder compound. Great turn in and feel too. The negatives outweighed the positives for me in the sense that they were just too harsh, especially with my Bilsteins. They are also not the quietest tires out there, especially in the freeway. I'd buy them again if it weren't my daily

[Mannyf540]

I had these before the current Bridgestone Potenza's I have now. Unparalleled grip, I mean super sticky, especially considering their a harder compound. Great turn in and feel too. The negatives outweighed the positives for me in the sense that they were just too harsh, especially with my Bilsteins. They are also not the quietest tires out there, especially in the freeway. I'd buy them again if it weren't my daily


Keep in mind these are version 2, the first edition did have some issues regarding noise. They are still a bit noisy on a scale of 1-5 I'd rate them a 2 . I'm satisfied with them.

[Aryana]

Good stuff guys, thanks for all the feedback. I am trying hard not to go out into the weeds here...I just need new tires and now I'm being stupid looking at what it would cost me to put 18X8" (or 9") Style 42's.

Repeating out loud: I don't need new wheels...I don't need new wheels...

[caryalon]

I have Continental ExtremeContact DWS. Tires are quiet, comfortable, and grip amazingly. Wear well, too. Highly recommended.

[LaneS]

I don't have an E39, but our shop cars (Porsche 996, and Mercedes E55 W211) and my commuter VW Jetta TDI and my Porsche 928 all run on Hankook Ventus V12 EVO tires and we love them. For the price they are really hard to beat. They are very quiet, have tons of grip and do pretty well in the wet.

[rf900rkw]

I have Conti DWS on three cars. I love them on the Z3 Coupe. and can't stand them on the 540iT. The 540 is on 245/40x18. It feels like the belts keep shifting around; big shakes that come and go. And cold set problems that will empty your coffee cup. I think it's an anomaly of specific tire size, construction, plant, and the high weight of this car. The Z3 has none of these problems on 235/45x17.

One big piece of the picture is you did not specify driving conditions or tire type. Your options are all over the place. Are you after a mild all season, a real all season, a summer? Touring or performance?

[Aryana]

Dry 90% of the time here in CA with rainy winters, no snow. That would probably eliminate the Conti DWS and leave the DW.

Commuting for noise is important, but I do hammer some twisties everyday so need some grip too.

Noise, wear, grip...in that order.

[johngilesyoder]

I have Pirelli Cinturato P7's in that size. They are the best wheels I've ever put on a car. Complete noise reduction, insanely smooth, and grip is amazing in snow and rain.

Highly recommend.

[1BADBM]

I've been running Bridgstone re960as pole position for a year and they have been by far the best tires I've had. Excellent grip wet or dry, tread life and handling all impressive.

[EE05063]

I have Continental ExtremeContact DWS. Tires are quiet, comfortable, and grip amazingly. Wear well, too. Highly recommended.

Had a set of DWS myself and loved them. Quietest smoothest tire I've ever owned. Extremely good wet grip, and not horrible in snow, dry grip was good too. If you never see snow, get the DW instead.

[Dave Sal]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm leaning towards the Continentals already and just needed a nudge with a testimonial about the noise.

The Pilot Super Sports are nice too, but how fast do they wear out? Will they last 15k with commute wear + hammering it once in awhile?

I've been running Continental DW's since spring of 2012. Extremely quiet, good traction, but not quite as good in the corners as my old Bridgestone S03's. They also have a tendency to flat spot overnight and vibrate a bit for the first few blocks but that goes away and is not an issue for me. My main concern when looking for new tires was quietness, as the S03's were driving me nuts with a constant roar after about 15k miles. Got so bad I hated driving the car with those tires.

[Aryana]

The DW is on my short list. Thanks for the feedback.

Looks like the Michelins and Continentals are the most popular.

[Cyrix2k]

I have the DW & DWSs on my 540i. The DWSs are good overall, but lack dry traction & are soft enough that they squirm around while driving. The DWs are FANTASTIC - they're quiet, sticky, and ride very well. They're not a race tire, but an excellent summer tire for a DD. DWSs are second to dedicated snow tires if you're in a cold area. Both flat spot easily.

[bmwm3man52]

Michelin pilot sport a/s 👌

[EE05063]

I have the DW & DWSs on my 540i. The DWSs are good overall, but lack dry traction & are soft enough that they squirm around while driving. The DWs are FANTASTIC - they're quiet, sticky, and ride very well. They're not a race tire, but an excellent summer tire for a DD. DWSs are second to dedicated snow tires if you're in a cold area. Both flat spot easily.

Yet they have a 540 treadwell rating. I didn't experience anything squirmy with the DWS. They ride very soft though, but more than up to the task for everyday spirited driving. I figure if you're doing things that exceed their dry grip ability you should be on a track and should be using track tires.

[granlund]

I currently have a set of Yokohama s.drive on my e39. Well, not currently since it's winter and they really don't do well even on cold, close to freezing, wet roads in late fall. In the summer though, they are quiet and very good, but not excellent in both wet and dry. I'm sure there are better performing tires out there, but with cost and threadwear factoring in, they came out at the top of my list.

[pizzaman09]

My e38 came with a set of Pirelli P zeros on it, they were extremely grippy but also quiet noisy. I would suggest them if you are looking for good outright performance and are willing to sacrifice ride quality and noise.

[Cyrix2k]

Yet they have a 540 treadwell rating. I didn't experience anything squirmy with the DWS. They ride very soft though, but more than up to the task for everyday spirited driving. I figure if you're doing things that exceed their dry grip ability you should be on a track and should be using track tires.
They feel like they're tramlining. Lots of people across many cars have reported the same feeling with the DWSs - it's just something to be aware of.

[av8r4aa]

Just removed the Conti and installed Michelin MXM.
Just got 300 miles on the new Michelins in this Dallas ice quagmire.

I will never run anything else on this car.
Dead quiet on dry and ice pick performance on glare ice.

Most impressive!!!!!!

[EE05063]

They feel like they're tramlining. Lots of people across many cars have reported the same feeling with the DWSs - it's just something to be aware of.

Interesting. I only had mine a month or two and they weren't on the M.

[IndiansFan]

The DW is on my short list. Thanks for the feedback.

Looks like the Michelins and Continentals are the most popular.

I have the Michelin PS2 and the Continental DW. The PS2 is an excellent tire that is outstanding in the wet. It is very predictable in its abilities. Some reports indicate that the dry handling is not as good as the wet capabilities. I would hope that the PSS has an improvement in this aspect. Car and Driver stated that the PSS had the best balance of wet and dry performance of any of the tires they tested.

The DW is has also been a good tire for me. It is also excellent in the wet. My only complaint would be its cornering ability. I think the sidewall construction of the Michelin is better that the Conti's and therefore a little better in cornering. My reason for purchasing the Conti's vs. the new PSS was the price advantage. They were around $60.00 less per tire that the PSS. If you do not have any winter conditions that would necessatate all season, or winter tires, the Conti DW should neet your needs.

[mech9t8]

I got a set of Bridgestone 970as this spring. I'm very happy with them so far and they are supposed to have good tread life. I guess we'll see. I won't be using them in the winter though.

[bdouglasrobbins]

I've tried the Pirelli P Zeros (I used to be a Pirelli nut), the Potenzas and a set of high end BF Goodrich tires, but my favorite is what I'm running now, the Pilot Super Sports from Michelin. The dry grip is phenomenal but of equal importance, the wet grip is equally good. Some people believe the only thing that matters is dry grip but when you're in a downpour it's a good feeling to know you're going to safely stick to the road and that you didn't foolishly sacrifice high end dry performance for all weather safety.

[bullard123]

I'm running Cooper Zeon's on mine. Pretty good high performance all season tire and decent in the snow as well

[EricP]

Had a set of DWS myself and loved them. Quietest smoothest tire I've ever owned. Extremely good wet grip, and not horrible in snow, dry grip was good too. If you never see snow, get the DW instead.

DWS are actually one of the best if not the best high performance all season in the snow, I've tested them out several times now on snow and ice. Their greatest drawback is sidewall flex during hard cornering and that also causes them to be affected some more by crosswinds. But the upside is fantastic treadwear, great wet and dry grip, smooth quiet ride and respectable traction in snow. Great for a DD that is going to encounter some crazy weather but you also want to be able to throw into a corner once in a while.

[Aryana]

Thanks for all the feedback and info on all the different tires. I'm convinced the Michelins and Continentals are good tires based on all the feedback, but I think comparing them to each other is like apples/oranges. Nevertheless, here are my thoughts so far.



Price - The Michelins cost almost 67% more than the Continental DW
Treadwear - The Michelins have a higher rating and could be a good investment if they last longer than the Continental DW.
Dry Traction/Cornering Stability - Michelin has really high ratings
Noise/Ride Comfort - both are very similar


Right now I'm 70% Michelin, 30% Continental unless someone can tell me something bad about the Michelins besides the price.

The 2 reports of flat spots on the Contis after sitting overnight is a huge turn off for me.

From tirerack.com:




Continental ExtremeContact DW
485841
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
485842


Would buy again?
7.8
9.2


Wet Traction
8.8
9.1


Cornering Stability
8.5
9.6


Dry Traction
9.0
9.6


Steering Response
8.3
9.4


Ride Comfort
8.8
9.0


Noise Comfort
8.5
8.8


Treadwear
7.8
8.6


Tire Weight
21 lbs
22 lbs


Country of Origin
Brazil/Mexico
USA


Set of 4 without road hazard coverage
N/A
$704


Set of 4 with road hazard coverage
$464
$773



No snow here in CA so the Conti DWS is out. Also I didn't like the tread pattern of the DWS (I know, that a petty reason to pass on a tire but it's important to me.)

Purely based on looks of the tread/sidewall, the Continental is my favorite.
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/conti/co_extrm_contct_ci1_l.jpghttp://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/conti/co_extrm_contct_ci2_l.jpg

The Michelin just doesn't look as sporty to my eye.
http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/michelin/mi_pilot_ss_ci1_l.jpghttp://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/michelin/mi_pilot_ss_ci2_l.jpg

[auaq]

I had conti's before and I rate them as average. Not above average or below average. Also, the flat spots on those Conti's are true and eventually never really liked them. Thought they would be good in rain but I'm wrong about it. They are just so so. Now I've got Michelins and am very very happy with it. Much better in rain too and in traction as well. So much better than conti's.

[Cyrix2k]

don't pay attention to treadwear ratings between manufacturers. There's no consistency.

I had conti's before and I rate them as average. Not above average or below average. Also, the flat spots on those Conti's are true and eventually never really liked them. Thought they would be good in rain but I'm wrong about it. They are just so so. Now I've got Michelins and am very very happy with it. Much better in rain too and in traction as well. So much better than conti's.

what contis?

[auaq]

Extreme Contact DW

[Cyrix2k]

Extreme Contact DW
have you had an alignment done recently? I find them to be nothing less than amazing in the rain... I drive with impunity in wet weather.

[Aryana]

don't pay attention to treadwear ratings between manufacturers. There's no consistency.

I agree. The manufacturer ratings show the Conti DW as more favorable than the Michelin PSS (340 vs 300), but the tire rack subjective user ratings place the Michelins with better tread wear.




Continental ExtremeContact DW
Michelin Pilot Super Sport


Treadwear (user rated)
7.8
8.6


UTQG rating (Uniform Tire Quality Grade rating from manufacturer)
340
300

[auaq]

have you had an alignment done recently? I find them to be nothing less than amazing in the rain... I drive with impunity in wet weather.

Ofcourse. Infact I did it myself and on twice occasion. Wasn't really happy with the way the tyres were wearing, the fact that it actually had flat spots causing steering wheel vibrations at around 55 to 60 mph and at around 70 to 75 mph, wasn't really that great in the rain as claimed by the manufacturer and the ratings as well. Now that I've got Michelins I'm not experiencing the same issues I had with the DW's.

[Cyrix2k]

I dunno, I can take off at full throttle in the rain and the DWs don't even spin... I've never had a tire stick like that in wet weather. Ramps at extra-legal speeds? No sweat...

[Aryana]

Ok, I'm sold on the Michelins after reading this article. http://www.roadandtrack.com/special-reports/review-michelin-pilot-super-sport-tires

Here's an excerpt:

"...the Super Sport's most impressive capability came to light - extra turn-in grip available at mid-corner even when you think you've reached the limit of adhesion. As the tire howls and starts to exhibit understeer, dial in more steering—which is counter-intuitive when trying to alleviate understeer, At this point, however, the car will actually turn in more."

It reminded me that I have Michelins on my airplane and they have been flawless in comparison to my friends that ran other brands on their planes. Lots of out of round/overnight flat spot issues with the airplane tires, but the Michelin Air has been stunning on mine for the past couple years. I know car & airplane tires have absolutely nothing in relation to each other, but the Michelins performed better at a higher cost...hopefully I get the same experience on the E39.

http://michelinmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/AIR_1-8HR-1024x819.jpg

[auaq]

The thing is that I'm not sure why it didn't work out for me. I really had thought and hoped that these tyres would be great for me according to all the ratings, reviews, success and what not, yet I was disappointed. Would it be funny to tell you that after mounting them is when I started to experience these symptoms? The previous tyres I had were the original Pirelli's that our E39's come with. Those tyres had worn out to the extreme enough to see wires exposed even from a walking distance. Anyways, I got rid of them and now have Michelins and am very satisfied.

- - - Updated - - -

One more reason I went with conti DW was because of it being cheap to other brands.

[jaym540i]

My 540i m sport had two good Conti DWs on the back so i completed the set with the front and they just do not work that well on the e39 540i. When I first start to drive the vehicle in the morning the tires vibrate and shimmy until they warm up. I have replaced the set with the Michelin Pilot SS and its a night and day difference. If you can afford the difference buy the Michlelin SS. It really depends on the car and application. On my wifes XC90 V8 I run the Conti DWS 255/45/20 and they are outstanding on this vehicle wher as the OEM Pirellis were junk . So I'll say that I do like contis but just on the right vehicle and for our E39 at least on the 540i the Michlelin pilot SS is an excellent choice.

[auaq]

Well, I suppose it all depends on the vehicle manufacturer and its suspension designs and the suitability of tyres.

[rf900rkw]

Well, I suppose it all depends on the vehicle manufacturer and its suspension designs and the suitability of tyres.


It also depends on the exact tire size and the manufacturing plant. As I said a few pages back, I have DWS' on three cars, and they work very well on two of them. Just not the E39.

[Cyrix2k]

My 540i m sport had two good Conti DWs on the back so i completed the set with the front and they just do not work that well on the e39 540i. When I first start to drive the vehicle in the morning the tires vibrate and shimmy until they warm up. I have replaced the set with the Michelin Pilot SS and its a night and day difference. If you can afford the difference buy the Michlelin SS. It really depends on the car and application. On my wifes XC90 V8 I run the Conti DWS 255/45/20 and they are outstanding on this vehicle wher as the OEM Pirellis were junk . So I'll say that I do like contis but just on the right vehicle and for our E39 at least on the 540i the Michlelin pilot SS is an excellent choice.
That sounds like flat spotting to me. Both DW & DWS contis flat spot... the DWs do it badly if they're parked warm and cool down overnight.

[auaq]

It also depends on the exact tire size and the manufacturing plant. As I said a few pages back, I have DWS' on three cars, and they work very well on two of them. Just not the E39.

Yep, it didn't work for me.


That sounds like flat spotting to me. Both DW & DWS contis flat spot... the DWs do it badly if they're parked warm and cool down overnight.

I was surprised and at the same time disappointed when I first mounted the DW's on my car. Immediately felt the vibrations at certain speeds.

[EricP]

Worst flat spotting I had was with Kumho SPT's, probably similar to the Conti DW's. DWS's are a harder compound and I have not experienced it with them.

[Lawyer]

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=g-Force+Sport+COMP-2

Best in its class, even 1st in testing.

[Cyrix2k]

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=g-Force+Sport+COMP-2

Best in its class, even 1st in testing.
I have those on my e30 and love them. My only complaint is that I don't think the tread pattern looks as sporty as the DWs, but that's hardly a complaint at all.

[Aryana]

BFG is owned by Michelin, so I certainly think the Sport Comp-2 is a good tire. If I was on a budget and couldn't afford the Michelins, I would seriously consider the BFG but the bad noise, ride comfort, and treadwear ratings along with the extra 3 lbs per tire made me cross it off my list. Except for the cost, the Michelin tire has better ratings than the BFG on the tirerack comparison.





486070
BFGoodrich g-Force Sport Comp-2
486071
Michelin Pilot Super Sport


Would Buy Again?

Probably - 7.8


Definitely - 9.2



Hydroplaning Resistance
8.6
9.0


Wet Traction
8.4
9.1


Cornering Stability
8.9
9.6


Dry Traction
9.2
9.6


Steering Response
8.8
9.4


Ride Comfort
7.9
9.0


Noise Comfort
7.5
8.8


Treadwear
7.9
8.6


Tire Weight
25 lbs
22 lbs


Set of 4
$468
$704

[auaq]

I love Michy tyres. When my brother's Corolla had the michelins I enjoyed driving it as it felt like a go-kart. Super sticky, firm, and stable. Now I've got Bridgestones on it and it is fairly close to Michelin's performance.