ready to dump the Dunlop RF's, (after 24K miles). Looking to go with the either General Exclaim UHP's, or the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2's. (would've gone with Goodyear GS-D3 if I could find a German made one).

I have the 17" R98 wheels. and will stick with the 205 x 17 x 45.

Looks like a bit of weight savings on the General's. 18lbs vs 20lbs. (vs. the 21lbs for the OEM Dunlop).

Worth the added cost of going with the Exalto's? (Money not really an issue, but if the Exclaim's can do the job, I'll go with them).

 

The PE2s are the "little brother" of the PS2 Michelins, which are perennially "good enough" for various Porsche and BMW (think M3) OEM fitments. I think there will be more than a little trickle-down benefit found in the PE2. The Exclaim is known to be a good bang for buck tire. While I favor lighter weight tires generally, the PE2 is lighter than stock rubber and should perform better.

 

cool. I installed the PS2's on my Wife's 330i. Just love those tires! Was like a whole new car after swapping out the RF's. No more tramlining either.

 

I'm going to Discount tomorrow, and order the PE2's. They'll match the Tirerack price, (for the base tire). Michelin's have a $70 rebate now. cool! They don't have the tire in stock, so they'll need to order it. No prob.

I'm looking forward to the better ride. But I understand going from the RF's to non RF's, you'll feel the side wall flex. I'm willing to live with that.

I'd like to have the weight savings the General UHP's would offer, but the Michelin's seem like the way to go. We've had good luck with Michelin's, after putting PS2's on my Wife's 330i. The car rides awesome.

Any rate, I'll post my experience after the buy....

 

Overall if your budget allows (which it does)

PE2 is a better tire. Good blend of handling, performance and comfort.

General Exclaim UHP a better budget tire with softer ride and feel.

 

Thanks minihune. you da man when it comes to tires. I'll post how things go.

 

PE2!!!

 

Rats!!! Discount can't get the 205/45/17's... no longer in stock, nor production. Per them...

back to my search....

 

I broke down and bought the GS-D3's.... They'll be delivered and installed on Wed.

 

I run 215/45/17...

 

I thought about that... PE2's vs. the GS-D3's, in 215's. So I went with the GS-D3's.

I do love the PS2's on our 330i though. The Michelin's have been great.

I think I'll be happy with the Goodyear's this time around.

 

I just changed out from RF's (stock) to Bridgestone REO11's 215/45R17 ... awesome!!

I looked to get the PS2's .. I have them on my Viper and my Lexus. Really great tire. Unfortunately, they don't make them in these sizes.

 

well doh, you changed to the stickiest OEM tire possible...

 

Excellent choice! FWIW, these are my absolute FAVORITE street tires ever! Just picked up a second set for my new rims. They worked just fine in cold temps (didn't try them in snow, of course) and in the rain they are terrific. Not particularly sticky on a hot dry track for HPDE and I wouldn't even consider autocrossing on them unless they were shaved, but otherwise great tires. They even seem to offer pretty good longevity, too.

 

I have the UHP's mounted on a set of Konig Holes in the 215/45-17. I went with as much sidewall as possible here in PA (Potholes Anonymous). They are a very good tire for the money but I've been holding off on the switch from winter tires because we're still getting sub 40 degree weather here. The UHP's really don't like cold weather. The rubber compound get so hard, it's like driving on marbles. But when the weather is warm, they grip well and are terrific in the wet.

 

Can't wait until tomorrow! will post my 1st driving experiences right after the install. (of course, I'll take it easy on them for the 1st couple hundred miles).

 

Go to your tires and read the markings-

Do you have RE-11

or RE-011

They are different tires with the RE-11 being the new ones in Extreme Summer tire class and the RE-011 being not so good and been around for awhile.

 

Thanks Minihune.

You are right, they are the RE-11's. Apparently they are the latest in their high performance street - track tires.

I am glad you pointed that out.