13" Tire selection help - Pirelli vs. Kumho vs. ??

[Gryphun]

Found some BBS Mahle 13" wheels in storage a while back - now am looking to replace the tires (original tires on the wheels are Pirelli Cinturato CN36 185/70VR13 and made in Germany).

I can either replace the tires with new Pirelli Cinturato CN36 - now made in Turkey @ $169 per tire: https://www.lucasclassictires.com/18...857013CN36.htm

or buy cheaper Kumho Solus TA11 for $83.

Car is not going to see track time, only spirited driving on occasion.

Thoughts? Thank you.

[msiert]

I’m with you, I like the look of the 13” wheels on the E21 but for $169 I would start to consider Toyo Proxes RR 205/60/13 for $186.57 at Tire Rack

Last Summer I spent a bunch of time looking and researching on those darn 13” tires and found the extreme lack of choice you have.

For 13” tires (185/70/13) I bought Kumho’s last Summer and they were not like the ones I bought a few years ago they where so loud that a month later I bought a set of Westlake tires that had good reviews to replace them they weren’t much better but they are on my winter wheels.

The most quite and comfortable ride I have had was with Cooper SE Tires but their sidewalls are soft and it doesn’t take a whole lot get a broken belt. They are around $80 and I’m thinking of buying them for the Summer wheels but then I will have a full set of new 13” Kumho’s to get rid of.

Happy hunting,

[Rushfan1]

Based on your two options, considering the cost difference, I would certainly go with the Kumho Solus TA 11 (I find those Pirelli's ugly). I run Toyo Extensa A/S 185/70/13 but they may not have them in that size anymore (got them here in Canada a few years ago).

[mxl556]

I have a set of Kumho Solus TA 11 and I find them being pretty good. I have had them for a few years and there were no issues. They balanced very well and do not flat spot during winter storage. It is not a track tire, but for a spirited summer driving it is good, I'd say its performance is comparable to what you normally get from an OE 4 season tire on the modern car.

[HappyE21]

I just got some new kumho TA 11s like 2 weeks ago. Great tires, was able to turn onto my street at 35mph and didn't crash so I think they're plenty sticky. Only complaint is that the rear right tire makes a weird noise every rotation, almost if its like there's a big sticker on them but there isn't. Idk, maybe I just need to break them in or something, I've barely driven on them. $403 after mounting and balancing at discount tire.