[Animalfreeride]

Hi all,

I haven't posted anything for ages but regularly visit site so I guess I could be classed as a stealth member!

I have owned my 335i MSport for almost a year but the dreaded time has come for a set of new tyres. I apologise in advance as I know there are numerous threads on this but I think i've narrowed my choice to the following;

Michelin Pilot Sport 2 19"
Pirelli P Zero Nero 19"

I've currently the run flat Potenzas which are complete shite owing to the extreme hard drive. I am therefore almost certainly going for the non run flat option.

I don't drive routinely like a loon but I occasionally like to have a” proper drive” along some of the fantastic country roads in Cornwall. I am therefore seeking a tyre which will provide some decent handling but also will last more than a few miles! I note the PS2 are highly rated in terms of handling but as they are a soft compound, tend not to last too long. The Nero’s on the other hand appear to have a longer life span but the handling is compromised.

Apologies once again but ‘m at the point that I need to make a decision imminently.

Opinions are welcomed!

[RichJ]

I'm interested to see that the pirelli 19" run flats are probably no better than the Bridgestone's!!

Continental sport contact 3 have some good write ups for rear wheel drive cars.

I think i will switch to non-runflats later in the year. Probably will go for either the Contientals or Michelin, unless the 3g run flats can persuade me otherwise!

Any one else have other thoughts?

[willhollin]

Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 are worth a look.

[jjbirch]

i had p zero rft 18inch on the back of my car, change them after PS2 had them on for 19000mls now gone back to ps2 on the rear as the fronts are ps2, i think the p zero were much better tyre in the wet less wheel spin, not tryed them out in the sun yet so dont know what there like

[Animalfreeride]

I obtained a couple of quotes from a local dealer today which had been recommended by a work colleague. I thought both were well priced having searched for ages on the web.

Michelin Pilot Sport 2 £900
Pirelli PZero Nero also £900

Both included VAT fitting & balance.

The dealer was very helpful & contacted many suppliers for the best price before ringing me back. They did advise that they were twitchy about BMW's as they recently inadvertently cracked two alloys on a 1 series which had never happened before. Ironically that actually installed some confidence as it suggests to me that they will be extra careful if I chose to take up their offer. I really don't want cowboys touching my car! They were critical in general over BMW wheels which of course we all share.

They dealer commented on the Michelins stating that the code showed them as "K1" which are apparently only recommended for fitting on Ferraris. They were happy to ring the technical support department for Michelin if I asked them. As far as she could see there was only one version of Michelin Sport 2. Anyone able to clarify this?

The only other decision is whether I opt for the Pirelli's but my gut instinct is to go for the Michelins.

[Captain Chaos]

There was a few versions of the PS2, there was the K1 for Ferraris, the N1 for Porsches, the M3 for BMWs, etc etc. They're discontinuing them for the PS3 so they may only be able to get hold of leftovers (which doesn't work well for 'fresh rubber' either...). Would also explain why you got a really good price.

Michelin PS ZPs are the best RFT by an absolute mile, if you haven't written off the prospect of an RFT given the likelihood you have in your locality for getting caught in the middle of nowhere if you lose air, they're worth a gander and they get decent mileage too. Much more pliable sidewall than the Contis and the tread makes for decent grip (although it isn't a tri-band like the PS2, but that's not all bad, hence the longevity).

CS3 is my non-RFT tyre of choice, but there's plenty of options and lots of people with good things to say about the mid-range stuff.

[Animalfreeride]

I have considered the Conti Sport 3 but I note the speed & load ratings are different. I'm not sure if my insurance company will like this but I guess I can only ask. The dealer gave me quote of £787 fully fitted so is very tempting.

I think if I get a thumbs up from them I will go for these as they seem to be well rated by forum members.

[E90Yaz]

Contis are the best of both worlds....long life and sticky!! CONTINENTAL SPORT CONTACT 3 XL ALLLLLLLLLLLL THE WAAAAAAAAAAY!!!

[Mr Plum]

I've just ditched run flats and opted for the CS3s. Really impressed so far - small potholes that were causing jarring and a mobile rear end of the car (with PS2 runflats with 3mm tread left) are barely detectable now. Loads of wet grip too.

Shop around - I paid just over £650 for 4....

[dxb335d]

Im a big fan on Conti 3's.... 2nd best only to Mich PS2.

[MOB]

I love ps2's, but they cost a fair bit

also like conti's, had them on a cayman and they are very good

I'm going to try Goodyear asymmetricals on the 118d, they get rave reviews

[RichJ]

Out of the PS2 and CSC3's which wears better and will last the longer (under normal driving conditions)?

[SoYank]

I'm somewhat in the same boat as the OP. I'm looking to get a set of 19" style 269 wheels and need to decide between four tyre makes, all 235/35ZR19 and 265/30ZR19:

1. Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (Max Performance Summer)
2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric (Max Performance Summer)
3. Kumho Ecsta SPT (Ultra High Performance Summer)
4. Continental ExtremeContact DWS (Ultra High Performance All-Season)

For the type of driving and climate I expect to be doing, to me it's a toss-up between the Continentals and Michelins. Which is more important, treadwear or handling?

For those of you that have switched to non-RFT, what do you do to mitigate the possibility of a puncture?

[Animalfreeride]

I've just tried to get a quote from another dealer but was left a message to the effect that you can't put non run flats on run flat rims. FFS how many times I have read this bull**** on this forum. It almost sounds like they don't want my business. I shall ring monday to advise that there are probably hundreds of BMW owners who have swapped to normal tyres and point out E90 Post!!!. If they don't want my business they can ram it and i'll go elsewhere.

[willhollin]

Originally Posted by Animalfreeride

I've just tried to get a quote from another dealer but was left a message to the effect that you can't put non run flats on run flat rims. FFS how many times I have read this bull**** on this forum. It almost sounds like they don't want my business. I shall ring monday to advise that there are probably hundreds of BMW owners who have swapped to normal tyres and point out E90 Post!!!. If they don't want my business they can ram it and i'll go elsewhere.

Are you using a main dealer to have them changed?