Kumho 712s status report at 10K miles

[Ken ///M3]

Just thought I'd update everyone on my experience with the Kumho ECSTA Supra 712 tires (OEM Contour staggered wheels)on my 98 M3/2 over 10K miles ago. BTW, I have no financial connection with Kumho or any of its dealers. Just a BMW driver, like you:

(1) Still very quiet, in fact I swapped back to the original 10 spokes with MXX3s for a week and ended up putting the Kumhos back on.

(2) The tread looks brand new and I push my M3 pretty hard each week. BTW, mileage per gallon is up 2 mpg over the MXX3s. Yes, tire "runout" is the same.

(3) The Kumhos are very good in the rain, much better than the MXX3s and more stable in deep puddles at speed.

(4) Braking traction (straight line) is very linear and gives a gradual signal before breaking loose. Works with BMW ABS very well.

(5) Lateral grip is very close to the MXX3s, even with the Kumhos harder traction compound. Another factor is that the Kumhos are about a half inch narrower than the MXX3s, at the same tire sizing. This could easily even out the lateral grip difference.

(6) The Kumho tread pattern does take some getting used to visually but it does grow on you quickly.

Bottom line = These are great tires and a real value. I'll buy Kumhos again.

Ken

[Bernman]

Nice...thanks for the update. I have been considering these because of the outstanding price, but had never read much about them either way. Now I can put these on the "maybe" side of the "to buy" list :)

[Mode]

I have a set of 712s on my Classics and have been very happy <i>given</i> the pricepoint. I'm anxious to try out the Mxs on my LTWs.

[Terence]

Ken,

Now after you said it, it confirm my speculation. I have 225/45/17s and found that they are much narrower than other brand tires with the same spec size. That's just something to keep in mind for people considering to get Kumho 712.

[Ken ///M3]

I haven't looked recently but I remember TireRack.com having a table of all the exact measurments of each tire by size and there's lots of variations. Go figure. I still like the Kumhos, just should have done more homework before ordering. Probably could have gone wider by 2 whole sizes.

Ken

[Horizon]

How many miles do these last?

[Ken ///M3]

That depends on how you drive. I'm pretty aggressive with my 98 M3/2 and the Kumhos still look like new at 10K+ miles. My guess would be 25K miles. Maybe TireRack has some data now that the 712s have been out there for a couple years.

Ken

[Horizon]

ok what is the longest you can get out of a tire when its at 225/40/r18

I am just curious compared to my current tire of

205/60/r15

[Keith_M3-4]

So far so good with my Kumho MX's(it's only been about 200 miles):

Ride: very comfy compared to Kumho ECTSA 712's and Michelin Pilots

Traction: haven't pushed them that hard yet.. but so far seem better than both previous tires.

As oppse to the 712's running smaller than comparable sizes, the 245/40 MX is a large tire. Sectional width is a 9.9" compared to Sport which are 9.7".

[Ken ///M3]

I'm very curious about the new MX tires. Did you stay with a "staggered" setup? What was the price?

Thanks

Ken

[Keith_M3-4]

On the way back from work.. I had a little sliding fun with them.. and they are very predictable in the sharp turn I was in.

No, not staggered, I am running 245/40's on 8.5" wheels all around.

Price was $134 per. So far.. I'm quite happy with them.

[Horizon]

Keith your website in your sig does not work....well i think I am getting the wheels friday and the tires will be mounted sat.....I could have pics by then....they are selling me the 712's

[Ken ///M3]

Hi Keith

$134 is a real deal for this level of tire. I've read your other postings on the rubbing problem due to the extra width (9.9 in) of the non-staggered MX tires. What spacer did you finally end up with? I'm running stock suspension, maybe not a problem.

Ken

[Keith_M3-4]

Horizon,

I took the webpage down.. not sure if anyone was using the info.

Ken, I'm having problems because I'm running H&R C/O. I'm running a 15mm now. You shouldn't have any problems. Are you planning to run 8.5 all around?

[Ken ///M3]

Hi Keith

Ya, I'm thinking about it. Would love to feel my M3 without the staggered-induced understeer. BTW, how does it feel?

Ken

[Keith_M3-4]

IMHO.. very nice.. it should have come from the factory this way! Much more planted than before. From what I can tell at lower speeds(sub 45), it still understeers, just less.

[CJ]

Keith, do you think there will be much of a clearance difference between the 245/40/17's and a 245/40/18 on an 8.5" rim? Whats the rolling diameter of the MXs?
Also, are they acceptable in the rain? Or no good at all, it rains quite a lot here unfortunately. Thanks.

[PoloJag]

Thanks for the update man.

[bimmer143]

I've had kumho 712's for about 25k and the fronts are just starting to need replacement still pass inspection but my rears are toast( burnnouts:evil2 ). Overall I'd have to say that I love these tires. They grip almost as good as my previous MXXX3's but without the nasty breakaway at the limit. I find that these tire are very predictable and easy to control in a drift. They blow away the MXXX3's in the rain. I found the old style pilots to be horrible in the rain. But for the cost the 712's are a great tire and perform great. I can't wait to try the new MX's at their price its a bargain for max performance tires!!

[Keith_M3-4]

CJ,

I haven't ran them in rain yet.. not much of a concern for me since this is my second car.. other car is SUV. In the dry.. and warmed up... they were plenty of tire for me.

I think you can get the specs from Tirerack.com Specifically, you need to look at the sectional width... 245/40/18 is taller so gearing will be changed. I'm sure ride will suffer as well..

BTW.. I was returned from Vancover.. gorgeous city.. had a blast! Are you close by? There were more E46 M3's up there than in SF!

[Mode]

Originally posted by bimmer143
They grip almost as good as my previous MXXX3's but without the nasty breakaway at the limit. I find that these tire are very predictable and easy to control in a drift.

I concur with these tangible observations. 712s aren't scary in the wet, either. FWIW, that was only based on 1 day of rainy driving (waddya expect in Socal? :) )

[CJ]

Thanks for the info Keith. Yes, Vancouver is a beautiful town. It has the widest variety of weather, cultures, and terrains which make it a great place to live. I live right in Vancouver, lived here for 3 years now.

[Keith_M3-4]

Vancouver is a beautiful town. It has the widest variety of weather, cultures, and terrains which make it a great place to live.

It's a very diverse place as you mentioned.. great nightlife as well.. atleast that what I noticed on Robson St.

The ladies sure know how to dress!

I was surprised to see so many homeless though.

[CJ]

Yes, Vancouver has more homeless than the rest of Canada. We are the warmest city in Canada, and have the most shelters and other help available for them.

Yes, Vancouver does have some very beautiful women. There are a few of us Bimmerforum members up here, give us some notice next time you're up this way.

[Keith_M3-4]

Chatting with a few natives, it appers that Vancover Island blocks that cold front from the Pacific Ocean.

I was lucky.. during the week I spent there.. temps were consistently in the high 60's, 70's which is suppose to be great for that time of the year. And rain was in the forecast the day I left..

Speaking of cars enthusiasts up there.. I was shocked to see so many extreme "ricers". What a way to ruin the classyness of the city!