Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[buckybadger]

Hi

I'm planning to go to non-flats and was wondering if anyone can recommend me a list of good non-flat manufacturers? My max. budget is $1,000 for all four tires. I'm assuming that is more than enough... right? I also need to get wheel alignment and balancing done. Also for non-flats, do what is the tire pressure set at? Same as on the door jam?

Thanks!

[kevin@bavarianx]

What do you want to get out of the tires? Grip, less road noise, tire life? An alignment should cost under $100. If you are keeping the same tire size then the pressure on the door jam is correct.

[Javier]

Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetrics

[buckybadger]

I'm looking for a good balance between comfort and grip.. road noise should be as less as possible but is not a real deal killer for me as long as it is not too loud.. !!

[02themax]

Conti DW

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by Javier

Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetrics

+1
I have 15K+ on mine with 9 track days. Absolutely stunning performance on and off the track. Wet driving is a blast and no tramlining at all. Noise level is really good too.
On the track, most guys couldn't believe I wasn't on R-comps.

[buckybadger]

Now I'm deciding between (non-runflat):
1. Continental ExtremeContact DW
2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetrics

Anyone has experience with both of them? Also I live in SD so do I just got to a tire shop and ask them to replace my tires with the above? or do I need to buy tires from here and take them to the shop? How much should I be paying with alignment/balancing? I've never done this before.. sorry for silly questions..

[kevin@bavarianx]

Throw Hankook Ventus V12 Evo in that list as well. They have been compared to the Michelin PS2.

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by deznium

Now I'm deciding between (non-runflat):
1. Continental ExtremeContact DW
2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetrics

Anyone has experience with both of them? Also I live in SD so do I just got to a tire shop and ask them to replace my tires with the above? or do I need to buy tires from here and take them to the shop? How much should I be paying with alignment/balancing? I've never done this before.. sorry for silly questions..

Order the tires online. I've gotten my tires from Tire Rack for years. They'll have installers near you that you can drop ship the tires directly to them. I have no idea what you're going to pay for mount/balance and alignment. Probably close to $200 would be my guess.

As I said, I have the GY F1 Asymmetrics. I put the Hankooks on my wifes 325xi running 18" (stock sizes for the 162s).
The Hankooks are a little bit softer than the GY for turn-in. They are great in the rain as well and quiet compared to the stock Bridgestones. They do not tramline either. It's a very good tire IMHO for the money.
Personally, I definitely prefer the GY.

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by sales@bavarianx

Throw Hankook Ventus V12 Evo in that list as well. They have been compared to the Michelin PS2.

I don't know how true it is, but a fellow at NTB said that Hankook's have shown a pattern of blowing out more frequently than do other tires. There is no denying that the guy didn't have any Hankooks in stock when I went to buy tires, so there could surely have been ulterior motives. I ended up getting two of those Continental Extreme something-or-others.

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by deznium

Hi

I'm planning to go to non-flats and was wondering if anyone can recommend me a list of good non-flat manufacturers?

As far as I know, all new tires are sold as "non-flat." I, nor anyone else I suspect, would not be inclined to buy them if they are going to be flat from the get go.

[LEDZEP]

Yep, good call - I highly recommend non-flat tires! The car handles much better and you get better gas mileage.

[Stevx]

Originally Posted by deznium

Now I'm deciding between (non-runflat):
1. Continental ExtremeContact DW
2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetrics

Anyone has experience with both of them? Also I live in SD so do I just got to a tire shop and ask them to replace my tires with the above? or do I need to buy tires from here and take them to the shop? How much should I be paying with alignment/balancing? I've never done this before.. sorry for silly questions..

Came down theses two tires for me as well. I just ordered the Assymetrics last week. Goodyear's current promotion is a $160 rebate if you buy the tires with a GY credit card. On top of that, the place I bought from gave me a GY employee coupon for an additional $80 off. $710 with tax, mount and balance. Couldn't say no to that.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by deznium

Hi

I'm planning to go to non-flats and was wondering if anyone can recommend me a list of good non-flat manufacturers? My max. budget is $1,000 for all four tires. I'm assuming that is more than enough... right? I also need to get wheel alignment and balancing done. Also for non-flats, do what is the tire pressure set at? Same as on the door jam?

Thanks!

I would add a few more dollars and get the Michelin PS2 your best choice.

[buckybadger]

I just got non run flat Continental ExtremeContact DW tires setup on my car today. Compared to run-flats, car feels very different... These tires are super quiet and the ride is silky smooth. Ride is definitely more comfortable as well and handling seems same... From now, I'm giong to stick to non run flats

Probably next time I'll try out the Michellene PS2..

Thanks a lot everyone for your feedback

[zamboni]

Michelin PS2.

[DaFish]

Originally Posted by deznium

Now I'm deciding between (non-runflat):
1. Continental ExtremeContact DW
2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Assymetrics

Anyone has experience with both of them? Also I live in SD so do I just got to a tire shop and ask them to replace my tires with the above? or do I need to buy tires from here and take them to the shop? How much should I be paying with alignment/balancing? I've never done this before.. sorry for silly questions..

Wait, I would put in the Bridgestone Potenza Pole Position. I went up 1 size all round and the grip is great. With ANY of the non RFTs, you will lose steering response.

I wrote a comprehensive review of what this feels like here:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=419563

I would certainly try the Aysymetrics next. The review here is pretty good. THe only reason I went with the pole position was the steering response comparo on Tire Rack - they said it is better than the Asymetrics - although the asymetrics were better in some areas.

I do like mine now... I didn't initially. Be prepared for a big change.

Also, the hard RFTs were matched to soft bushings.
They say the non-RFTs should be matched to the M3 control arms with stiffer bushings now. That is what I am doing now.. with Dinan Stage 3 suspension with it.

Hope this helps.

[buckybadger]

Just wondering how long does it take for the tires to break-in??

[forza1976]

Originally Posted by deznium

Just wondering how long does it take for the tires to break-in??

are you planning on tracking the car with the tires? if not, have them installed and start driving.

[buckybadger]

Originally Posted by forza1976

are you planning on tracking the car with the tires? if not, have them installed and start driving.

Nope..just for daily driving! The on-center feel is a little vague and I've heard it improves once the tires break-in...

[buckybadger]

Originally Posted by zamboni

Michelin PS2.

Will try them next time

[Chefcg1]

Vredsteins