Tyre Choices

[bfi2906]

Hoping others can share their views and experiences.

I need new tyres for my manual, unmodded 135 coupe, and don't want to spend the proverbial "kings ransom", as it's really only a daily driver, with the occasional "spirited" run. So importing Michellin PSS or similar really isn't justified. But I've decided to go to the 225/255 combo, in non-RTF.

Based on brand reputation, local availability and price, I've narrowed it down to Pirelli PZero Nero or Continental Contisport 3.

Anyone had experience with these and care to comment on ride, noise, wear, handelling or overall reaction.

Any and all input appreciated.

Cheers.

[RaihaX]

Out of curiosity how much are those tyres locally?

Very surprising if they are cheaper then the PSS imported.

[bfi2906]

I was surprised by two things when I priced them. How cheap they are right now, and the difference between them.

And yes, I did ask about how old they are, and they're not tyres that were made 5 years ago. That said, I haven't looked at them myself, so I'm going on someones word at this stage.

Fitted and balanced the Nero's are $960 and the Contis are $1200

[JB4-335]

I just got a set of 225 PS3's put on the front yesterday and they are a great tyre. Soft and smooth. $300 each. My tyre guy who happens to be a good friend also said the Michies are a little better than the Conti's.

[RaihaX]

Originally Posted by bfi2906

I was surprised by two things when I priced them. How cheap they are right now, and the difference between them.

And yes, I did ask about how old they are, and they're not tyres that were made 5 years ago. That said, I haven't looked at them myself, so I'm going on someones word at this stage.

Fitted and balanced the Nero's are $960 and the Contis are $1200

pretty good price though for the price of the contis i would just get the PSS or even the Starspec which is even cheaper.

[bfi2906]

Originally Posted by RaihaX

pretty good price though for the price of the contis i would just get the PSS or even the Starspec which is even cheaper.

I know what you're saying about the cost of the conti's relative to the PSS. Keep in mind that, while the tyres are $us962, I then have to add about $300 for shipping. I have to find someone that'll fit and balance them and add about $100 for fitting and balancing. So the final cost will be about $1350, plus a bit of mucking around.

It's not much of a difference, so maybe I should either go with the Nero's or rethink the import option.

[RaihaX]

Originally Posted by bfi2906

I know what you're saying about the cost of the conti's relative to the PSS. Keep in mind that, while the tyres are $us962, I then have to add about $300 for shipping. I have to find someone that'll fit and balance them and add about $100 for fitting and balancing. So the final cost will be about $1350, plus a bit of mucking around.

It's not much of a difference, so maybe I should either go with the Nero's or rethink the import option.

fair point!

[bfi2906]

Originally Posted by JB4135

I just got a set of 225 PS3's put on the front yesterday and they are a great tyre. Soft and smooth. $300 each. My tyre guy who happens to be a good friend also said the Michies are a little better than the Conti's.

If I could get PS3's for $300, I'd be happy too. Best I could get on them was about $1700

[emack]

just put PSS on the 1M. OMG what a difference!!!!!!!!!!!! Feels like a suspension upgrade

[micha3l]

Haven't tried the PSS, but my imported Bridgestone RE-11's were around 1200 delivered, day and night difference between these and the S-drives I had, and they were a huge improvement over the RFT's!

[Honny]

I had a set of PSS on my 135i and I use it for DD and once in awhile "spirited" driving..... Its superior in both performance and comfort - you cant go wrong with them!

[ansch]

I'm going with PSS when the the current runcrap is gone. Vans is your man!

[Sherweeeny]

My ps3s didn't last very long. I have p zero neros in 255 fitment in the back now but can't comment as they haven't been used much yet.

[ansch]

i think the RE050A rft have an even lower wear rating.. i'm kind of surprised at how fast the rears are wearing out (part of me tells me i should not be surprised though )

[gazz]

Originally Posted by emack

just put PSS on the 1M. OMG what a difference!!!!!!!!!!!! Feels like a suspension upgrade

Please clarify - are they firmer, softer riding, better feedback, stiffer sidewall i.e. less roll????

Did you buy them locally? If so how much please?

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by emack

just put PSS on the 1M. OMG what a difference!!!!!!!!!!!! Feels like a suspension upgrade

Really...

I have no qualms with the OEM tyre set up on the 1M.. They are amazing IMO...Well they are for my kind of driving..

[choppedliver]

Originally Posted by bfi2906

Fitted and balanced the Nero's are $960 and the Contis are $1200

That is super cheap. I have Pzeros on mine and paid $880 for the fronts and $1200 for the rears (November). The neros were discontinued in November so I had to get Pzero MO (Mercedes Option or somesuch).

Motor mags tyre test this month put them last, but then again the overall difference between first and last was about 3% on average so there is not a lot in it.

B

[emack]

Ok, I'm still in the run in period, so am trying my hardest to stay below 5k in revs!!!!

My wife needed new tyres for M3 convertible and I couldn't move quickly enough to put the PS2's on hers and organise the PSS' for me

The ride is amazingly more comfortable, the car feels more planted and it definitely significantly improves both traction and handling.

Its what you'd expect from the continuing development of of a marquee tyre brand, bringing the latest to the market!

[bfi2906]

Originally Posted by choppedliver

The neros were discontinued in November so I had to get Pzero MO (Mercedes Option or somesuch).B

That probably explains why they're so cheap - could be good timing for a bargain.

thanks for the tip on the Motor mag comparo

No ones giving the Conti's any love - interesting!!!!

Thanks for the feedback guys - much appreciated

[Broady]

I'm going for Federal 595 RSR when my 18s arrive. Any experience with these on a 1er?

[vans]

Have you looked at the Conti Extreme Contact?

Bang for your back is awesome

I use the PSS on mine. I think it is a consensus that it is a brilliant tyre!!!

Let me know if I can help

[vans]

Originally Posted by ianf

PM 'vans' from Tyrepower in Melbourne...almost as cheap as importing

Originally Posted by ansch

I'm going with PSS when the the current runcrap is gone. Vans is your man!

Thanks !!!