E46 330ci Tyre Options/Advice
Discussion
Hi all,
My rear tyres require changing after 5k miles of very spirited driving, don't worry they weren't new! I've had a look around on some other forums and reviews and I can't quite make my mind up. A lot of them were older reviews so I wasn't too sure if they are relevant.
I currently have continentals on the car front and rear and they've been great although I fancy a change if there is something better about. My friend mentioned Bridgestone Potenza S001 were the ones to go for however I haven't seen anyone rating them massively or even mentioning them. The general consensus seems to be Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2.
So here is my shortlist:
Continental Sport Contact 5
Bridgestone Potenza S001
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
I will only be swapping my rears as of this month so if I change from contis on the rear will this effect the handling, ie tramlining, or will there be no issue?
If there is an issue with having a mismatch from front to rear then is the suggestion, ie goodyears, worth swapping from continentals? I'll match the fronts at the same time or next month.
Thanks in advance!
My rear tyres require changing after 5k miles of very spirited driving, don't worry they weren't new! I've had a look around on some other forums and reviews and I can't quite make my mind up. A lot of them were older reviews so I wasn't too sure if they are relevant.
I currently have continentals on the car front and rear and they've been great although I fancy a change if there is something better about. My friend mentioned Bridgestone Potenza S001 were the ones to go for however I haven't seen anyone rating them massively or even mentioning them. The general consensus seems to be Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2.
So here is my shortlist:
Continental Sport Contact 5
Bridgestone Potenza S001
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
I will only be swapping my rears as of this month so if I change from contis on the rear will this effect the handling, ie tramlining, or will there be no issue?
If there is an issue with having a mismatch from front to rear then is the suggestion, ie goodyears, worth swapping from continentals? I'll match the fronts at the same time or next month.
Thanks in advance!
The key thing with the E46 (particularly M Sport Suspension) Chassis, is matched tyres front & rear.
The next thing is to ensure that the most compatible tyres go on. From that list, I'd go with the Goodyears too, since I've also heard that they work.
At the time when I had my two E46s, the best tyres (bar none) were Michelin Pilot Sport 2s. Even the OEM-fit Bridgestone RE040s were poor relations and the difference was night and day.
Finally, once you've had the tyres fitted, get the thing on a full KDS / Hunter alignment (weighted) as this will also maximise both tyre life and give you a car which handles optimally.
There are so many E46s out there which have mismatched tyres and suspension which is out and therefore whilst they're ok to drive, they are nowhere near as brilliant as they could be. Honestly, I would never have believed it unless I had experienced first hand how a decent set of matched tyres & KDS had transformed my car.
The next thing is to ensure that the most compatible tyres go on. From that list, I'd go with the Goodyears too, since I've also heard that they work.
At the time when I had my two E46s, the best tyres (bar none) were Michelin Pilot Sport 2s. Even the OEM-fit Bridgestone RE040s were poor relations and the difference was night and day.
Finally, once you've had the tyres fitted, get the thing on a full KDS / Hunter alignment (weighted) as this will also maximise both tyre life and give you a car which handles optimally.
There are so many E46s out there which have mismatched tyres and suspension which is out and therefore whilst they're ok to drive, they are nowhere near as brilliant as they could be. Honestly, I would never have believed it unless I had experienced first hand how a decent set of matched tyres & KDS had transformed my car.
Spuffington said:
The key thing with the E46 (particularly M Sport Suspension) Chassis, is matched tyres front & rear.
The next thing is to ensure that the most compatible tyres go on. From that list, I'd go with the Goodyears too, since I've also heard that they work.
At the time when I had my two E46s, the best tyres (bar none) were Michelin Pilot Sport 2s. Even the OEM-fit Bridgestone RE040s were poor relations and the difference was night and day.
Finally, once you've had the tyres fitted, get the thing on a full KDS / Hunter alignment (weighted) as this will also maximise both tyre life and give you a car which handles optimally.
There are so many E46s out there which have mismatched tyres and suspension which is out and therefore whilst they're ok to drive, they are nowhere near as brilliant as they could be. Honestly, I would never have believed it unless I had experienced first hand how a decent set of matched tyres & KDS had transformed my car.
I'm going to stick with contis as I'll have to match which is 450-500 if I opt for a change. Not that I have a problem with spending the cash but from what I've been reading the difference in the premium tyres seems to be minimal. I'm disappointed that there isn't a big consensus on the best tyre hands down to go for. Had a nose on the 2015 EVO test and contis actually came top while Michelin had a real bad time.The next thing is to ensure that the most compatible tyres go on. From that list, I'd go with the Goodyears too, since I've also heard that they work.
At the time when I had my two E46s, the best tyres (bar none) were Michelin Pilot Sport 2s. Even the OEM-fit Bridgestone RE040s were poor relations and the difference was night and day.
Finally, once you've had the tyres fitted, get the thing on a full KDS / Hunter alignment (weighted) as this will also maximise both tyre life and give you a car which handles optimally.
There are so many E46s out there which have mismatched tyres and suspension which is out and therefore whilst they're ok to drive, they are nowhere near as brilliant as they could be. Honestly, I would never have believed it unless I had experienced first hand how a decent set of matched tyres & KDS had transformed my car.
Any idea of a ballpark figure of a KDS would be? I'm heading to Europe in June/July so it would be great to have it set up fot it. Although after a few months of getting back I'm going to be changing the dampers and springs so do you think it's worth getting it done?
IMO it's less about what the current tyres are rated in tests and more about what tyres suit a given chassis. Unfortunately, the MPS2 I mentioned were THE tyres to go for, but that was before Michelin discontinued them. A lot of People went for MPS3 but they were designed as more of a conventional family-saloon type tyre rather than sports-bias. The Michelin Pilot SuperSports are probably the best replacement in terms of the spirit and performance of the PS2 tyre but they're probably a bit too good for the E46 chassis.
I can see your reasoning for going Contis, but my answer is based on what is best for the chassis. They'll probably work fine and matched is better than non-matched, at the end of the day.
As an example, I had an 04 S2000 - the Bridgestone RE050MZ were the recommended tyres. I ordered a pair but the fitter fitted RE050-something elses I didn't notice..............until I drove it. Felt like it wanted to kill me at every turn. The tyres were swapped to the right ones and no problems thereafter. That was a facet of the chassis on that car and a small example, but so many cars are the same. The original X3 (and to an extent the F25) - star rated tyres are the only way to go.
So many variables, not just what comes out well in a tyre test IMO.
In terms of the KDS - BMW will charge a fortune, but I've had good experiences with F1 Autocentres with their Hunter machines. Just make sure you stand over the Technician to get them to select the right Chassis from the menu since that will obviously affect the settings they apply. If it's badly out then it will cost up to 150quid. But if it's only a few adjustments here and there, then it's about 25quid per adjustment or nothing if it's within tolerance.
I can see your reasoning for going Contis, but my answer is based on what is best for the chassis. They'll probably work fine and matched is better than non-matched, at the end of the day.
As an example, I had an 04 S2000 - the Bridgestone RE050MZ were the recommended tyres. I ordered a pair but the fitter fitted RE050-something elses I didn't notice..............until I drove it. Felt like it wanted to kill me at every turn. The tyres were swapped to the right ones and no problems thereafter. That was a facet of the chassis on that car and a small example, but so many cars are the same. The original X3 (and to an extent the F25) - star rated tyres are the only way to go.
So many variables, not just what comes out well in a tyre test IMO.
In terms of the KDS - BMW will charge a fortune, but I've had good experiences with F1 Autocentres with their Hunter machines. Just make sure you stand over the Technician to get them to select the right Chassis from the menu since that will obviously affect the settings they apply. If it's badly out then it will cost up to 150quid. But if it's only a few adjustments here and there, then it's about 25quid per adjustment or nothing if it's within tolerance.
I have the Goodyear Eagle F1 AS2s on my 330, had them on for about 6000 miles, rear tyres are down to about 6mm fronts at about 7.2. They are very good, they really do inspire confidence in all conditions. In the dry they grip so well, summer driving with warm temps they really do hang on in the corners and have so much grip when you put your foot to the floor with TC off. In the wet they are also very good, so much better than the Falken 453s I had before.
One thing I have noticed is the tyre sidewall is quite soft, but I don't mind this too much as it makes the ride quite compliant when just cruising. If you prefer a stiff sidewall then perhaps not the tyre for you.
I really can't praise them enough though, it feels like they were made for the car they are that suited to it.
One thing I have noticed is the tyre sidewall is quite soft, but I don't mind this too much as it makes the ride quite compliant when just cruising. If you prefer a stiff sidewall then perhaps not the tyre for you.
I really can't praise them enough though, it feels like they were made for the car they are that suited to it.
You don't mention which wheels you have. I have been through 2 sets of Continental Contisports in the 6 years I have had my 330ci. They have been great and no problems. I have the 17" style 68 staggered wheels and I have only found Michelin Pilot Sport 3 and the Continentals which are available in both sizes for the staggered wheels. I'll probably try the Michelins next.
Personally I really rate the continentals. Have had three sets of the contisport 3's they won every review going at the time. I have not tried the 5's or 6's my experience is they last very well give excellent grip dry and wet and really inspire confidence.
I have not found a bridegstone I have got on with since the s03 and pirelli's are always poor these days IMO.
Michelins pilot super sports are an amazing tyre but are noisy. I rate the continental better in the wet, but in the dry you need a track tyre to give more grip then this.
On the e46 I would advice a matched set. If you do change ensure you have all directionals or all asymmetric tyres and don't mismatch this otherwise you could have some interesting handling.
I have not found a bridegstone I have got on with since the s03 and pirelli's are always poor these days IMO.
Michelins pilot super sports are an amazing tyre but are noisy. I rate the continental better in the wet, but in the dry you need a track tyre to give more grip then this.
On the e46 I would advice a matched set. If you do change ensure you have all directionals or all asymmetric tyres and don't mismatch this otherwise you could have some interesting handling.
Conti S/C 3s are very good.
Conti S/C 5s are better still.
Look through here for the real consensus.
16 winners since they started production of the S/C 5, several times more than any other tyre
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre-Tests/#summer
Conti S/C 5s are better still.
Look through here for the real consensus.
16 winners since they started production of the S/C 5, several times more than any other tyre
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre-Tests/#summer
Another vote for pilot sport PS2's here. I ran them on my E46 330ci a couple of times over and they handled the best. Better than the eagle F1s. They weren't the quietest at high speed though.
I settled with Falkon FK-452's for the last couple of years I had it though. Their performance wasn't far off the above 2, were quieter and were a fair bit cheaper at the time.
I settled with Falkon FK-452's for the last couple of years I had it though. Their performance wasn't far off the above 2, were quieter and were a fair bit cheaper at the time.
Thanks for all the replies, I haven't managed to get back sooner as I've been a little busy.
I've got Mv2 style 18inch: 225 front 255 rear.
Currently considering the Eagle F1 assy 2 and Michelin pilot sport 3. Are these different to the super sports?
I take it I can't go wrong with contis as a great all rounder but F1s and PS3 will give me superior dry grip at a slight trade off in wet grip? Also I take it the PS3 have a harder sidewall, what benefit is there from this compared to the softer F1 wall?
My tread is currently 4mm on all my tyres with wear on the inside edges of my fronts. So it'll be a new set all round matched and Alignment when it comes to it.
I've got Mv2 style 18inch: 225 front 255 rear.
Currently considering the Eagle F1 assy 2 and Michelin pilot sport 3. Are these different to the super sports?
I take it I can't go wrong with contis as a great all rounder but F1s and PS3 will give me superior dry grip at a slight trade off in wet grip? Also I take it the PS3 have a harder sidewall, what benefit is there from this compared to the softer F1 wall?
My tread is currently 4mm on all my tyres with wear on the inside edges of my fronts. So it'll be a new set all round matched and Alignment when it comes to it.
digitalscientist said:
Another vote for pilot sport PS2's here. I ran them on my E46 330ci a couple of times over and they handled the best. Better than the eagle F1s. They weren't the quietest at high speed though.
I settled with Falkon FK-452's for the last couple of years I had it though. Their performance wasn't far off the above 2, were quieter and were a fair bit cheaper at the time.
How loud and at what would you call high speeds? I'll be cruising around at 70-80 on motorways, do they sound considerably louder then?I settled with Falkon FK-452's for the last couple of years I had it though. Their performance wasn't far off the above 2, were quieter and were a fair bit cheaper at the time.
If I'm hooning it, it doesn't particularly matter
AB57 said:
How loud and at what would you call high speeds?
Also interested in this. I also have a 330ci on the 225/45R17Mine is is on a bit of a mixed bag that i came with a year, all coming to the end of their, and looking for a set in the hope it will resolve the tramlining for summer.
Draft list is:
- Michelin Pilot Sports 2 / 3 / 4 and Pilot SuperSports
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric / Asymmetric2
- Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas
Daniel
Edited by dhutch on Thursday 9th March 14:10
helix402 said:
Conti Sport Contact 5 are good too. My 330 started to tramline when the F1s got low on the front. This was fixed by a 4 wheel alignment.
Fair. Mine has been back for four wheel alignment twice and is all spot on according to the garage, but given the comment online I am hoping that moving from a mixed and well worn mess (aging P Zero's on front, one potenza and one 'Windforce' ditch finder on rear) will sort things out.Just need to decide which tyre before splashing on a set of them.
Daniel
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