came home from AMVIV3 and it looks like I need new tires; one of my run-flats is looking pretty bad - my own wrong-doing (car needs alignment ) - but 2 of the others are also almost done...

So I started looking at Bridgestone tires (Potenza RE50A) but ended up finding the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx as well. I'm looking to go with 215/45YR17 as the 40 series looks a little thin for the very poor roads here in Oklahoma City.

Any Sport Maxx users out there who want to give their 2 cents - or anyone else on other tires?

thanks!!!

 

I've had both in 205/45-17 on my car. The Dunlops are better all-around in the dry, wet, braking and comfort/noise stakes. More importantly, the treadwear on the RE050A $uck big time! Outright dry grip on the RE050A is just slightly better, but I'm happy giving that up for the Dunlops' outstanding performance in the wet and comfort. IMO, the Sport Maxx is way underrated. If these Dunlops have been chosen as OEM tires for the Saleen Mustang, the latest Jag XKR and VW Golf V R32, they must be good enough for our "humble" Mini.

 

BTW, check out Tire Rack's online survey results on max performance tires. The Sport Maxx is #1, ahead of every other max performance tire! (No, I do NOT work for Dunlop.)

 

It placed 6th on Car and Drver's tire comparo.

 

Yup, that was the clincher for me too. They also performed well in Tire Rack's own track tests (beat the S03 if I remember correctly)

 

Anybody had the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx and Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3? I'm curious as to how they compare. The Dunlop comes in 205/45-17 (20lbs) while the Goodyear doesn't have a good comparable stock diamater size in 205s so I would have to upsize to 215/45-17 (22lbs). The only detractor seems to be CarandDriver and the low mileage logged on tirerack's survey. Alex, Anybody?

 

They tested well - I'd prefer an S03. But if I was into windows up radio off these would be a contender.

Alex

 

Why is that? The Dunlops seem to beat the S03 in ride and noise comfort.

 

.....that's exactly what Alex said. Radio off, windows up, he prefers the Dunlops.

Otherwise, he prefers the S03.

 

I took it to mean that he meant if he was really into performance driving, he would consider the Dunlops... I turn off my radio and put up the windows when I do my runs.

 

^^ i've yet to try those sportmaxx, but considering im running S03's and
GS-D3's which are probably the two best street tires available in the US
right now, i won't miss the sportmaxx.

 

Sorry I was unclear - Bob is correct above.

Alex

 

just ordered a set of Dunlop SP Sport Maxx' from Alex, on some new wheels, I'll let you all know what I think of them after I receive them and get some good miles in...

thanks again for the help, Alex!

Marcel.