Any issue mixing tyres across front and rear axles?

[christoferlloyd]

Hi Everyone.

I bought a 325ti Sport last month and am coming up to changing all four tyres - three are quite worn and one has c. 2k on it (will keep as spare).

The car has staggered tyres (225/45/17 front, 245/40/17 rear) and am planning to put Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 2s on the front and Dunlop Sport Maxx RTs on the back axle. I know it's not wise to mix tyres across the same axle, but is there any reason why you shouldn't have different tyres on front and rear?

Am also planning to get a full Hunter alignment done as the tracking is the one thing that seems a little bit off with the car, so hopefully new tyres and alignment will get it driving perfectly...

Many thanks,

Chris

[christoferlloyd]

BritishRacinGrin said:

BMWs can be a bit fussy with this kind of thing. Personally I wouldn't, just in case of the one in twenty chance that this particular combination brings on unpleasant tramlining / rear steer characteristics.

Hmm. I had heard this kind of thing, so maybe it's best to stick to one tyre for both ends...especially as tramlining is one of the things I'm looking to fix...Thanks.

[christoferlloyd]

REALIST123 said:

Likely to be more to do with old/new than makes of tyre, but I do wonder why the OP wouldn't put the same brand on all four, given that all four are being changed?

Goodyears get slightly better reviews, but Dunlops are significantly lighter. Just wondered if there was any wisdom in putting heavier tyres on the front axle (thought they might add a bit of weight to the light steering) and lighter tyres on the driven axle to reduce rotational mass - grip levels should be similar so wouldn't expect any handling change. Can't imagine any difference would be that noticeable though...

[christoferlloyd]

Thanks for all the responses everyone. Looks like I'll be going for a set of four Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2s and a Hunter alignment (tyre wear seems a bit uneven, so it's probably worth checking).

Has anyone used any reputable places for Hunter alignment around NW London (ish) or Berkshire? What kind of ballpark are we talking price wise?

Thanks again
Chris