[ybbiz34]

Summer is here again (hallelujah) so I figured I would post this for any of you considering purchasing some new summer tires. I left the review here as the tires I chose are applicable to any performance-oriented coupe or sedan.

I wanted to try out some new tires this summer. I liked both the stickiness and responsiveness of the OEM ContiSportContact 5Ps I had but wasn't thrilled with the ride comfort they provided. Initially, I sold them because I wanted to go wider but after doing some research, I determined that wider isn't necessarily always better. I didn't want to sacrifice performance but I did want to secure a better/softer ride for cruising during daily driving.

I've had all kinds of summer tires. On my BMWs, I mainly utilized either Pirelli P-Zeros, Michelin Pilot Super Sports, or Bridgestone Potenza Pole Positions. For the C63, I considered these aforementioned options along with several other brands, models, and sizes (OEM, 265/245, 275/245, etc.). After a lot of reading and plenty of deliberation, I went with the Continental ExtremeContact DW (Dry/Wet) in 255/35 and 235/40.

First off, I like the way the DW's look. They've got a nice, extra wide profile and a pretty cool tread pattern. There are D and W indicators in the tread that disappear when the tire is no longer suitable for a particular condition. It doesn't get much easier than that.

Dry Performance: They're ZR(Y)-rated max performance summer tires (186+ mph). Steering feel is good and turn-in has remained sharp. While the tires provide plenty of feedback, they soak up road imperfections and rough pavement much better than my old 5Ps. The tires are also very, very quiet. Since installing the tires, I have been driving exclusively in S+ and whenever I smash the throttle from a dig, they hook up wonderfully (ambient temperatures of about 80-86 F). There isn't much squealing or fuss, just plenty of traction. I didn't measure my stopping distances or anything like that but generally, pedal feel during braking is also excellent.

Wet Performance: Wow, this is where these tires really shine. We've had some soaking rain recently and the DWs handled the wet conditions flawlessly. Whereas the 5Ps felt a little squirmy/skittish during spirited wet-weather driving, the DWs felt planted (especially at higher speeds on the interstate). There was minimal ESP interference during reasonable acceleration in the wet. Braking on the soaked road surface was also very pleasant and stable.

I'll add more feedback to this post as I rack up more miles but thus far, I have been thrilled with the ExtremeContact DWs. Michelin Pilot Super Sports they are not but they offer excellent dry/wet performance and outstanding ride quality for a bargain of a price. I actually looked up some DW reviews after I bought them and found that they outperformed the PSS with respect to wet track testing.

Hopefully they last a while. With my right foot, I doubt it.

A few photos:

[pokerface]

I bought these for my Audi when it came time last fall to toss my old All Seasons (Pirelli P6). Enjoying them so far, and yes, the wet grip is amazing. Just need to find time to try these out on the track. The tires do look much chunkier than other models.

I'll look into getting the DWS for my X3 when the time comes.

[Year's_End]

Nice write-up! They look exactly like PS2s, just with massive channels and a less conservative shoulder block pattern.

[Greenkirby21]

Congrats! Did you consider the new hankook ventus v12 evo 2? I had the original v12 evo and I just replaced them with the evo 2. They are a really good performance for price tire. They last pretty long as well.

[Lups]

I would like to see how many minutes they would last under the stress of a milk run.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by pokerface

I bought these for my Audi when it came time last fall to toss my old All Seasons (Pirelli P6). Enjoying them so far, and yes, the wet grip is amazing. Just need to find time to try these out on the track. The tires do look much chunkier than other models.

I'll look into getting the DWS for my X3 when the time comes.

Definitely agree regarding both the wet performance and wide profile. Glad you're enjoying yours as well!

Originally Posted by Year's_End

Nice write-up! They look exactly like PS2s, just with massive channels and a less conservative shoulder block pattern.

Thanks man! Appreciate it. And you're absolutely right, they do look similar. You have an eye for detail.

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

Congrats! Did you consider the new hankook ventus v12 evo 2? I had the original v12 evo and I just replaced them with the evo 2. They are a really good performance for price tire. They last pretty long as well.

Thank you! It's funny you mentioned those because I absolutely did consider them. In fact, they were originally my first choice. I probably will try them at some point. I've read nothing but good things about them. Hankook has been stepping it up big time.

Originally Posted by Lups

I would like to see how many minutes they would last under the stress of a milk run.

It all depends on how thirsty I am.

[Lups]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

It all depends on how thirsty I am.

As a measuring system this is a working one! I even understand it!

[chumley]

Nice write-up, and timely too. I'm trying to decide whether to get another set of PSS or try these. I may just have to try a set. I don't drive this car that hard so if noise/comfort is even a bit better that would be great. Wet performance here in FL is kinda important too.

I do like the PSS's but mainly because of how great they are for a tire that has a 300 tread wear rating. They are not as good (IMO) as the Yoko AD08's I had before them but the PSS's last at least 2x as long and are actually cheaper.

[davis449]

Originally Posted by Greenkirby21

Congrats! Did you consider the new hankook ventus v12 evo 2? I had the original v12 evo and I just replaced them with the evo 2. They are a really good performance for price tire. They last pretty long as well.

The thing that keeps me away from the Hankook's is every test says their wet performance is abysmal (all three versions of the V12). Not that it rains down here in South Texas anymore , but when it does, I like to keep my driving style similar to when it's dry so I just can't have tires that perform extremely poor in the rain. I have to say, though, I agree Hankook has stepped up their game BIG TIME and If this car was not my DD (which, maybe one day it won't be), I would easily choose to go with the V12 ev3 over anything else.

That said, I'll be going with PSS's probably very soon because these RFT's are KILLING me.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by chumley

Nice write-up, and timely too. I'm trying to decide whether to get another set of PSS or try these. I may just have to try a set. I don't drive this car that hard so if noise/comfort is even a bit better that would be great. Wet performance here in FL is kinda important too.

I do like the PSS's but mainly because of how great they are for a tire that has a 300 tread wear rating. They are not as good (IMO) as the Yoko AD08's I had before them but the PSS's last at least 2x as long and are actually cheaper.

Thanks Chumley! You can't go wrong with either choice. That said, if you appreciate a quiet and smooth ride, you will really enjoy the DW model.

I can hear a pin drop in the cabin cruising at 30-40 mph now (so long as the exhaust isn't under too much load ). Bumps and other road imperfections are soaked up and dispatched with ease. And as I mentioned in my OP, the wet performance of the DW model is nothing short of phenomenal. The car has never felt more composed driving at interstate speeds in the rain.

Originally Posted by davis449

That said, I'll be going with PSS's probably very soon because these RFT's are KILLING me.

I know how you feel. Even as the technology improved, I still just could not get use to the feeling of run-flats.

[Nkc]

Had DW's on my Z4 for about 3 years now and roughly 15k kms (yes its not driven that often). Put these 245/30/20 on my Vossen 9" fronts and 295/25/20 on the 10.5" rears. I'm not sure if its because of the width but its awesome when dry and quite scary when wet. I rarely drive it in the rain so my assessment can only be for dry weather. For the price, these DW's are extremely competent and can take a beating. Ride quality is a 4/10 for me and noise is about a 6/10 but that may be caused by my 25 sidewall.

For my Z4 (which I don't often drive especially in the rain) I'd give these DW's an overall 8/10 for excellent value and dry performance. I would definitely go for these tires again if I'm able to actually wear this current set out before I sell the car lol.

[sig5x]

Thanks for the review, OP. I've been buying these for my family's cars and they have performed well overall. I completely agree that these are very quiet tires and they have great wet handling. Sidewalls are on the soft side but grip is good. Treadwear is longer than average, too (vs. PS2's). On my daily driver, I went from PSS' to DW's and they do provide a little less grip but should have better overall longevity, which is what I was looking for.

I do currently run PSS's (255/275) on my e92, though, as it is a weekend car. Next set, possibly DW's, depending on what is offered when I need new tires. The DW's should be a good value, though!

[bmw-again]

With a 30 and a 25 sidewall you will have ride quality issues on whatever tire you run. There just isnt any rubber between the rim. I ran the PS2's on my viper and they were a 345-30 on the rear and even they were some what rough. I have DW's on my new car and I love them compared to stock runcrap's. I have ran a lot of different tires on a lot of different sports cars and the DW is a very nice tire. For a real performance car though you want the PSS. The grip is amazing on 500+hp cars.