Hi all -

I've got a 2003 R53, and I'm getting rid of the Run Flats. Can't stand them, and the price is outrageous for replacements.

So, anyone have suggestions for me? I'll be doing a lot of traveling as a sales guy, so something that works all-weather in Wisconsin is best. Also, I'm intending to have a fix-a-flat and a 12v pump in the car.

Thanks!

Tom

 

I just switched to 215/45/17 a month ago and it feels so much better! It is a softer ride. Right now I've switched to TOYO Proxes 4 - 215/45/ZR17 from www.edgeracing.com . I've always purchased tires from them, very good service and the lowest prices in the market. About the Toyo, I love them. The PX4 is a Ultra High Performance All Season (UHPAS). I've tested them previously on my other cars and they are great tires in rain and sun, very sticky. They are rated 300 treadwear, so you can get a very nice performance tire with a very good treadwear.

 

What suspension do you have and what wheels? 16" or 17" stock?

If 16" then 205/55-16 in Ultra High Performance All Season tires are good. (205/50-16 offer less tires in this class)
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS $107 each 400 treadwear W speed rated
Yokohama ADVAN S.4.$130 each 400 treadwear W speed rated
Continental ContiExtremeContact $80 each 400 treadwear V speed rated
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S $144 each 400 treadwear Y speed rated
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S $103 each 400 treadwear W speed rated
Avon Tech M550 A/S $80 each 360 treadwear W speed rated
Kumho Ecsta ASX $67 420 treadwear W speed rated
Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season (New) $127 each 420 treadwear Y speed rated
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true

In High Performance All Season tires same size.
Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S $114 each 400 treadwear V speed rated (H rated $118 each)
Bridgestone Potenza G009 $101 each 460 treadwear H speed rated
Yokohama AVID V4S $89 each 500 treadwear V speed rated
BF Goodrich Traction T/A H $90 each 440 treadwear H speed rated
BF Goodrich Traction T/A V $115 each 440 treadwear V speed rated
Sumitomo HTR H4 $68 each 400 treadwear H speed rated
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true

If 17" then 215/45-17:
In Ultra High Performance All Season tires.
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS $143 each 400 treadwear
Yokohama ADVAN S.4.$169 each 400 treadwear
Continental ContiExtremeContact $87 each 400 treadwear
Pirelli PZero Nero M&S $119 each 400 treadwear
Avon Tech M550 A/S $99 each 360 treadwear
Kumho Ecsta ASX $86 420 treadwear
Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season (New) $134 each 420 treadwear
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true

In High Performance All Season tires same size.
Bridgestone Potenza G009 $131 each 460 treadwear H speed rated
Yokohama AVID H4S $93 each 500 treadwear H speed rated
Dunlop SP Sport A2 Plus $85 each 460 treadwear H speed rated
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ireSearch=true

What is your budget and how long do you want the tires to last? How important is handling over comfort and long treadlife?

 

Minihune, many thanks for the post and the choices. Let me mention my personal situation. 07 MCS with sport suspension, stock bridge spoke 16" (sixteen inch) wheels and runflats. I'm just an hour north of San Francisco, so heavy weather is not an issue. I'm looking to keep these stock rims and go with some tires that are lighter and will give better performance driving capability. A lot of my driving will be two lane twisties, track days indefinite but possible at this time. I've previously been driving a 62 Cooper and still drive a Grinnall Scorpion (see my gallery)...just so you know I'm not a newbie to the backroad flyer concept, lol.
Tom/surfblue

 

INterestingly enough, the Geneal UHP , tho the top ranked tire in ultra high performance carries a M+S rating. Only been on it (235/35/18) a week, but having gone from the 16" stock runflats to these, I'm very happy with the ride. Haven't hammered them yet so can't speak to that side. I was a Goodyear DS-G3 fan(3 sets last 2 yrs) so tried these just cause of price. Something to consider also.

 

Mgibrace,
What size rim are you running with the 235's? Is the car lowered? I'm thinking 225/35-18 at some point, but am a little concerned about rubbing if I lower the car.

 

If 16" then 205/55-16 in Ultra High Performance All Season tires are good.
Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS $107 each 400 treadwear W speed rated
Yokohama ADVAN S.4.$130 each 400 treadwear W speed rated

Though these are All Season they are very comfortable and handle well for street driving as well as last a bit longer. Fits your 16" wheel.