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[Hops128i]

my oem rft Pirelli pzero's on my 128i are about gone after 15000mi and 5 ax
events, and I need advice on a new tire, (or how to search for new tires).
I want an non-RFT, intend to do more autocross, but I'm concerned about
the RFT suspension tuning affecting the feel of the car I'm used to. I ask
because a 135i owner told me at an event, he wished he stayed with the RFT's
because of the feel. So, would I want a tire with the stiffest sidewall?
If so how would I search for it?

But my overall goal here is to get a set of stock sized non-rft's < $700,
that last at least as long as the old RFT's I had, and stick as good or
better for AX. The staggered stock sizing seems to reduce the list quite
a bit, so far these seem to be the best bets:

Sumitomo HTR Z III
Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx TT
Continental ExtremeContact DW
Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position


I'm thinking the Hankook's are the best value, but then i read some reviews
complaining about weak sidewall siffness, so maybe the Continental's are
better?

[int2str]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

I'm concerned about
the RFT suspension tuning affecting the feel of the car I'm used to. I ask
because a 135i owner told me at an event, he wished he stayed with the RFT's

Never heard that before! Nice sticky rubber will be quieter and more comfortable on the street and much, much better for the Autocross. I ran the Dunlop Star Specs on my 330i (stock suspension) and they were great. That was before the Hankook RS-3's were out. So now they are a consideration, too.

Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110

I have them as my daily driver tires now. Not sure I'd like them for autocrossing. Don't compare to the Star Specs or RS-3....

[Hops128i]

about how many miles can you get out of the RS-3s?

[Gary@TireRack]

The S-04 is a great tire. That would be a nice choice.

[1speedbike]

Originally Posted by Hops128i

about how many miles can you get out of the RS-3s?

Not many at all. 10K, 12K, depending on your driving style. RS-3s are definitely much more track focused. Star Specs are also like this.. very short tire life. Both of them aren't so great in the rain either.

I had Hankook V12s, they were good. Could have been better with the dry traction, but it was better than the RFTs and for the price they were good. Plus it had great wet traction.

My sisters car has Conti DWS. Sort of like DW, but all-season. They're a good tire, they get consistently good reviews. Kinda mushy though, but not as mushy as the Hankooks. I don't think they grip quite as well either, though I'm only judging this on the all season version, so of course they won't grip as well.

Can't speak for the others, but 95% of people that switch seem to be happier on non-run flats, no matter what the brand is. Tire rack also has a very good survey and review system. Compare different tires' survey scores for a quick overview of the ratings they got in each category (wet traction, dry traction, noise, comfort, tread life, etc).


EDIT: I would also tend to listen to what Gill says. It's his job, after all

[Hops128i]

what about the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 77, I don't see many autocross reviews, has anyone used this tire?

The Sumitomos have great reviews, but I'm suspicious of the cheap price, are they any good?

[PA135i]

I have the Conti extreme DW's in 225 fronts and 255 rears and love em.

[Hops128i]

Originally Posted by Gill@Tirerack.com

The S-04 is a great tire. That would be a nice choice.

Gill,
I'm considering this tire, but in the 225/45 17 size the load rating is SL, not XL. All other performance tires i have considered are rated XL.

[3liter1]

if you switch to non-runflats, you may find the suspension too soft. BMW achieved a certain balance between the suspension and the RFTs. The Pirelli RFTs are really good. I had them. See this old thread.....

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=528964 see especially Bimmer-Bob's comments.

you can see from my signature line where I ended up, and I must say it is a compromise. I am running very firm, plenty of NVH, and definitely not good on potholed and rough roads. Fortunately, that is mostly not an issue for me.

[Hops128i]

glad you brought up that thread, I remember reading through it a while ago, a lot good info there, enough to have given me second thoughts on buying a 128i.

[cwg]

I have the RE-11s - I love them - if you auto x - you will love them unreal super sticky tire

[JDUni1]

Please spend the extra money and get PSS's! Excellent tire!

[ptack]

Originally Posted by JDUni1

Please spend the extra money and get PSS's! Excellent tire!

This - no compromises.

[jmcphillips1]

Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires are all you need to know

[Focusedintntions]

+3 to the Pilot Super Sports...you won't regret spending the extra cash. My buddy just upgraded from the hankooks to these and he couldn't believe how much better they were for the short jump in cost.

[MilesX11]

+1 on the Michelin PSS. I just replaced my RFT with these and couldn't be happier. Pricey but their tread life is also 300; one of the longest but definitely the best in performance right now for a DD.