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[SCA1]

Gil -- I know I'm just one of many people getting their 135s who would like to know what non-RF high performance tires come in sizes that will fit the staggered OEM 264 wheels. Could you provide a list of these, maybe even as a sticky? I think this may be a common question. I know I'll be swapping out the RF's when my car comes in and would like to know my options for non-RFs.

Thanks!

[larryn]

Originally Posted by SCA1

I think this may be a common question.

It's definitely a common question, and if searched, you'll find no less than a half dozen threads with hundreds of replies already.

[ulrichd]

Also, tirerack.com allows you to search by size. BTW, the second generation RFT are not as harsh as previous versions. Drive the car before you spend $1K on new tires.

[Gary@TireRack]

All good points. For the record, there are very few choices in the OE sizes. 225/40/18 and 255/35/18 forms a great combination for normal street driving. There are tons of choices in this size combo so it works well on many levels.

It won't be the best option for everyone (track, etc...) but it will work perfect for most.

[SCA1]

Originally Posted by larryn

It's definitely a common question, and if searched, you'll find no less than a half dozen threads with hundreds of replies already.

It is certainly true that there are gobs of posts here about what tires people like. But that's not the info I'm talking about. You go look up those tires and most don't have them in both 215/40/18 and 245/35/18. So in effect that info is fairly worthless. I'm asking for a list of the tires that actually FIT our cars' OEM wheels.

So I go back to my original question: What non-RF performance tires are available in our fitment? Hint: this is an opportunity for Tire Rack to make it REALLY easy for someone to see what tires have sizes that will fit our cars. Then maybe they will sell more tires. And members of this forum will have another good service provided here.

Sounds like a good idea to me.

[larryn]

How much easier can it be to search by car on the Tire Rack site then? If it gets posted here, the info is stale 2 seconds after it's posted, and we miss out on any new offerings or sunsetted tires.

[Gary@TireRack]

Here is the link to all of the tires available in the OE size combination.

As for a list of what fits the OE rims, that would be nearly endless with all the possible combinations.

[SCA1]

Gil -- the link you provided shows only two non-RF tires that come in the OE sizes. Both the Yokohama s.drive and the BF Goodrich G-Force KDW 2 are ultra high performance. Neither are maximum performance. Are their any non-RF max performance tires offered by Tire Rack that come in the original sizes?

[SCA1]

Originally Posted by larryn

How much easier can it be to search by car on the Tire Rack site then? If it gets posted here, the info is stale 2 seconds after it's posted, and we miss out on any new offerings or sunsetted tires.

I of course did search the Tire Rack site and was surprised by how limited the options were in non-RF's in our OE size. The link that Gil kindly provided documents this. I was thinking that there must be more tires that come in our 215/40/18 + 245/35/18 OE sizes. Which is exactly why i started this thread.

I must say that I'm surprised by the strange level of resistance I'm getting on this very basic question, particularly from a moderator.

[SCA1]

Originally Posted by Gill@Tirerack.com

All good points. For the record, there are very few choices in the OE sizes. 225/40/18 and 255/35/18 forms a great combination for normal street driving. There are tons of choices in this size combo so it works well on many levels.

It won't be the best option for everyone (track, etc...) but it will work perfect for most.

I'm gathering that we are indeed seriously limited in the OE sizes. Gil, in your opinion what are the upsides/downsides of going with these slightly-larger-than-OE sizes that you are suggesting?

[AchtungF80]

From prior experience, I can vouch for the Bridgestone KDW2s - great tread design and they handle spectacularly!

[larryn]

Originally Posted by SCA1

I must say that I'm surprised by the strange level of resistance I'm getting on this very basic question, particularly from a moderator.

What can I say? Both you and I knew that the configurator existed on TireRack's site, and it queried their entire database of all tires that fit our stock sizes. I just pointed out that what you asked for already exists. There's no resistance, it's just as I said.. why post something here that people will reference in the future, when it's stale data the moment it is posted.

I work in software development, and one of the first rules is to never replicate data to a stagnant state (except for backup), and then expect to query off of it with any level of certainty.

:smile:

[Gary@TireRack]

Originally Posted by SCA1

Gil -- the link you provided shows only two non-RF tires that come in the OE sizes. Both the Yokohama s.drive and the BF Goodrich G-Force KDW 2 are ultra high performance. Neither are maximum performance. Are their any non-RF max performance tires offered by Tire Rack that come in the original sizes?

That is the complete list (as of today.) There are no other options.

[BMW Dreamer]

SCA1 Look at the thread I put up b4 you put this thread up.

"Your Non runflat tire brand/model opinion" and you will see many tires available in 225/40/18 & 255/35/18 combo, Which I think would be great size tires. A little bigger then OEM.

For max performance in 225/40/18 & 255/35/18 the Pirelli P Zero and Michelin PS2 are rated the highest. The Bridgestone Potenza Pole position RE050A would also be a great tire. After doing alot of research and reading at Tirerack FIRST, I am leaning towards the Michelin PS2 in 225/40/18 & 255/35/18" They are the lightest tire in that size and are said to be rated #2 in tests. The Pirelli P.Zero is rated #1 and is said to be the best in wet conditions.

If Price is more important, get the Yokohama S.Drive.

[SCA1]

Thanks Jeff, that's good info. It looks like to get any kind of selection in non-RFs I'll have to move out of OE sizes, probably to this 225 + 255 combo. I've alwasy steered away from getting tires wider than is optimal for the wheels I have. I'm going to have to do a little research on downsides of doing this. I'm picturing the tires being "squishier" in hard cornering.

[BMW Dreamer]

Originally Posted by SCA1

Thanks Jeff, that's good info. It looks like to get any kind of selection in non-RFs I'll have to move out of OE sizes, probably to this 225 + 255 combo. I've alwasy steered away from getting tires wider than is optimal for the wheels I have. I'm going to have to do a little research on downsides of doing this. I'm picturing the tires being "squishier" in hard cornering.

Not really. If you get a really great tire like the Michelin PS2 in 225/40/18 & 255/35/18, they will be only a little taller and wider. They will also look better, filling the wheelwell better and being a little wider would look hot.

I agree about staying with OEM sizes, but this is a very small difference. I was also doing alot of research on this same question. I will use the stock OEM runflats first and see/feel what I think about them. Maybe I will like them and get another set.

Another reason I want to get Non runflats after the OEM tires wear out is that I want to get a set of dedicated non runflat winter tires/wheels at Tirerack in a 17" size, and will get a space saver tire and jack for $400 that only weigh 40#. Then I will have a spare year-round for my max summer 18" tires/wheels and my dedicated winter 17" tires/wheels. Both sets being Non runflats.

[SCA1]

Even better (IMO) consider getting one of those small portable air compressors and carry it in your trunk. On my current Cooper S I've gone without a spare in over 5 years of driving since replacing my RF's. Only once did I develop a small leak and was easily able to pump it up using the cigarette lighter connection on the spot and get it to a tire shop. And these pumps only weigh about 2-3 pounds total.

Of course, a AAA card weighs even less :wink:

[BMW Dreamer]

Thats great "IF" you get a small leak.

I prefer the space saver and jack. 100% guaranteed to get you movin.

And I don't want anybody touching my car, OR towing it, NO WAY.

[mistermojorizin]

how do you guys feel about Kumho Ecsta MX extreme performance summer tire? the 225/40/28's are only $112.

[SCA1]

Jeff -- Can't argue with that!

[Gary@TireRack]

Originally Posted by mistermojorizin

how do you guys feel about Kumho Ecsta MX extreme performance summer tire? the 225/40/28's are only $112.

There's a lot of grip for the money with that tire. It's not fancy but it has grip levels well above it's price point.

[mistermojorizin]

which of these would fit the rears? http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....model=Ecsta+MX

could I run the 225/40 on the rear? I'd prefer to not have a staggered setup and be able to rotate my tires. also, i've read there's handling advantages to being non-staggered.

thanks