BMW Suspension

Initial Review, 400 Miles on Tires
February 02, 2012

I wanted to change from run-flats to standard tires, and at the same time, I wanted to increase the tire size and reduce the very harsh ride I was gettinging from the factory run flats. My BMW is a 2010 128i with the sport suspension and staggered 17" factory wheels(7" wide front, 7.5" wide rear). I also wanted a spare tire. So heres what I did. I went online and purchased two, new condition used, 7.5" facory wheels to replace the front 7" factory wheels($320.00). I used one front tire and wheel as the spare. I figured out how to strap the spare and jack kit down in the trunk but that's another story. I now have 7.5" wheels on both front and back. I had the Dunlop Star Spec 225/45/17 installed on the front, and Dunlop 245/45/17's installed on the rear. I was a bit concerned when I first started driving it in that it was so sensitive to the road, but after breaking them in with about 300 miles, I couldn't be happier. The harshness has been significantly reduced but it still has the traction and handling that you would expect from a performance vehicle/tire. It also looks FAT with these tires on it. I absolutly love it. I don't know how they will wear long term, but I will post again once I get about 10k miles on um. Oh, one more thing, with four people in it, you might experience a very,, very minor tire rub up in the fender well on the rear tires if you hit an aggressive dip. It's not very noticable,,, ever so slight. I experienced it once in 400 miles of driving. Not a concern for me. Could be more of a problem without a sport suspension. So if that's a concern for you, a 235/45/17 would probably totally eliminate that. Of course the trade off would be a slightly smaller tire. Hope this helps you.

Initial Review, 15000 Miles on Tires
January 19, 2012

OEM tire on 2011 BMW X3 xDrive 35i. Reasonably responsive, very stable in all conditions including ice and light snow. No deep snow experience yet here in Colorado. Really have to work hard to elicit a squeal from these guys. Some road noise but not at all bad considering the RFT capability and overall tire performance. Seem pretty heavy when lifting the tire/wheel combo but not particularly harsh on rough pavement. Either RFT or suspension technology or both are improving!

Initial Review, 3000 Miles on Tires
January 09, 2012

I gave these tires a dry traction rating of 9. I am not sure how much of the performance is related to MINI and how much is related to Continental but I go screaming around 270-degree on ramp and there is no slip or noise. I take turns much faster than I did with my Impreza and BMW 330Ci /w Sport Package. I have not had a surprise when running at high speed in the wet and so far have not experienced any hydroplaning. We had over a foot of snow (Colorado Powder) and I drove around the block plowing with front bumper and all was OK until there ice below the snow and I got stuck. They are marginally acceptable for a thin layer of packed snow but not ice. Fortunately in Denver we have really good snow removal and the sun melts the thin layers of packed snow quickly. If you lived in area with snow and cloudy winter days, forget it. Forget driving on ice.

These are run flat tires so by definition they have a harsh ride and are much noisier than conventional tires. The tire has to support the car without air pressure. The MINI has a very stiff suspension so this only amplifies the noise and harshness. I can validate all the comments about ride and noise. At first I was ready to pull them off and exchange them for something else but the traction and corning is incredible I am keeping them. Its up to your discretion as to what is acceptable.

The tread wear seems to be doing quite well as there is still no noticeable wear front or rear at 3000 miles.

Conclusion: I like them but there is serious trade off between performance and comfort.

Initial Review, 30000 Miles on Tires
January 04, 2012

A prior review for 2005 Mustang GT could have been written by me. I bought the tires for the price advantage on a car I do not drive much, but which I drive through a variety of conditions: commuting in DC rush hour, crossing the hills to PGH from DC and tracking. My car is set up for "spirited" driving with mods to engine and suspension. Tires MIGHT be loud, but so's my exhaust. Ride MIGHT be stiff, but so's my set up. That said, I find them as comfy as can be on the highway, until a pothole intrudes, but again, that's probably the set up. On the track (VIR)these were wonderful - very good communication and controllable, comfortable drift. As others say, there might be better tires for each of these purposes, but my days of spending $200-$300 per tire are over. I also just bought an E39 540 for highway duty. Comfort, wet/dry traction, noise would probably be better tested on that car, when current Toyos wear out. I am looking forward to this replacement.

Initial Review, 32000 Miles on Tires
January 07, 2012

These were the OEM tires on my 335D, which we all know has monster rear wheel torque. I was a bit leery of the RFTs, but I never experienced any problems at all. I keep pressure on the higher side, near 40-42psi. Tires are very stiff, but so is the suspension, so I got used to the bumps. On open smooth roads they are perfect, but on anything approaching bad, you have to slow down and take it very easy. I was surprised I was able to to get 30K+ miles out of these. I almost replaced with same but decided to not go back with RFTs under the believe I can get a much better ride and even longer life. I would definitely use them again, no complaints from me.

Initial Review, 100 Miles on Tires
October 21, 2011

This is my initial review, had just put the tires on, no snow as of yet though. I will say that I am suprised by how quite the tires are for being studless snow and ice tires. I was expected more of a drone, but there isn't any. The ride quality is nice since I do have the ZSP option - Sports suspension, it does make the car a bit "soft" in the corners and you don't feel the bumps as much either. I will follow up when it snows here with how well it handles.

Initial Review, 19450 Miles on Tires
January 18, 2011

These tires were original equipment on my 2010 Touareg TDI. Drove the car home from the dealer in a big MN winter storm and raved about the new SUV being the most stable and confidence inspiring vehicle I’ve ever driven in snow. Head and shoulders above the Subaru Outback and Honda Pilot, which were both great. Made the RWD BMW 530i I traded in seem like a bad joke (even with Dunlop performance snows). However, this second winter, the Contact 4x4s are down to 6/32 tread depth. They are now treacherous in snow or ice conditions. The advanced 4WD, weight, and traction control of the Touareg help the car launch ok and feel moderately stable underway, but there is huge understeer when turning and nearly zero braking action in anything slippery. In addition, these tires ride hard, and hammer the suspension. Tire wear is unacceptably bad as well. Looking at $1,400 to replace set of tires after less than 20,000 miles. That is 7 cents per mile, or $3.50 worth of tire to go to work and back. Fuel is only $7! Very similar in ride and handling to the Conti Contact CH95 which came standard on BMW sedans for years. Handles ok, and performs fine when new. Decent grip and turn-in in dry conditions. Very poor in snow after a few miles, and tread wear about half of what you expect from a comparable Michelin. Why did you do this to me VW? Why? Planning to go to Michelin Latitude Tour HP for round #2. Wish me luck.