I'm joining the family!

[Mellow7]

...and as no one on here has said it yet - do you miss Top Gear at all?

[bencollins4]

I was looking closely at the tyres today and I think the fronts could be original! It's only done 12,000 miles so entirely possible I suppose. The rears are ZV3's I think and appear to be fairly new. I'll investigate as the year of manufacture should be on the tyre somewhere I think.

The gearing is crazy low, especially compared to my 330d but it makes a nice contrast and does keep the engine nicely on the boil!

Had a great cross-country trip to Sainsbury's today with my 4 year old squealing with excitement in the passenger seat.

[bencollins4]

On the subject of tyres, would anyone advise fitting slightly wider rear tyres or should I stick to the little 185's?

[Mellow7]

You are limited on sizes with 14's as I have found out myself. I would stick with what you have unless you change the wheel sizes - going up to say a 195 on the rear may look better but it will mess up the handling. There's plenty of posts on the forum on what to do and not to do - many 7's are over-tired. Much better to get a proper geo set up before messing with wheels and tires.

[bencollins4]

Thanks Mellow. The ZV3's look really narrow on the rear but it's just the tread pattern.
I'm more interested in how it drives than looks so I'll leave the sizes alone then.

[Mellow7]

185's cope just fine with the 200 bhp plus I have in mine. I'm always thinking of going down the 13 X 6 and 8 route but then look at my car as it is and just think the minilites look, well, just right.

[Matt UK]

Very nice looking car!

[Mostro]

"little 185s"??

My 1.6 Superlight is on 175s all round! (13in)

[bencollins4]

Thanks guys!

I haven't had tyres that size since my Clio 16v 15 years ago! Just checked my fronts and they are original so I can't wait to try the handling with some good tyres.

I've done a few searches but what are the current suggestions for 185 60 14's? Mostly road use so not after ultimate grip, just a good all-rounder.

Thanks,

Ben.

[downsman]

I've just bought a set of Uniroyal Rain Experts, but haven't had a chance to try them.
I understand they will make a good road tyre particularly in the wet which is when ZV3s are pretty hairy.

There is a thread if you'd like to read about it: Here

[Mellow7]

I'm running Falken ZE 912's and have been very pleased with them. Not a sexy tread pattern but good enough in the dry and better in the wet. Could go for some ting softer like A021's but I'll just end up with more stone chips on the rear wings, probably

[bencollins4]

Thank you. I'll look in to both of those. I've had Falkens on a few cars over the years and they've always performed well even if they don't last as long as some.