Tyre choice

[mmarksx19]

I have a 2009 Continental Flying Spur Speed with 275/35R20 wheels.
The current tyres (rears are wearing out) are all Pirelli PZero and I believe have the B mark for Bentley.

I have seen these with a B mark, a B1 mark, recommended for merc, jag or with no markings all at different prices!


What does the manufacturers mark mean and what is the difference between B and B1?


Also, are these the tyres people recommend? I have read posts that they do not wear well (not long had my car so can't comment on how long they lasted) so what do others use?


Many thanks,


Michael

[WightGT]

Only use the tyres recommended in the Owners Handbook. I asked Pirelli about alternative tyres and their reply was that tyres on BMW and Jaguars are not designed to cope with the loadings imposed by a Bentley. I think the B1 indicates a more comfortable tyre, but am ready to be corrected. How would you feel in the event of a mishap, if your insurer rejected your claim because you were on the wrong tyres?

[Robert_F]

I was looking into this myself the other day and on Black Circles the only available options are the Bentley specific P Zero tyres as you say. My view is that, whilst they are expensive, you'd really have to go for the tyres that are specifically designed for this car. There aren't many vehicles out there with that combination of performance and weight, and personally I'd want ones that are designed specifically for handling that task.

[mmarksx19]

Thanks for the responses. Took your advice and purchased 2xPirelli PZero B1 tyres (specifically for the Bentley). Shopped around and got them for just over £205 each fitted. Please with that. a £60 saving over black circles for the 2 tyres. That's half a tank of petrol!!!!

I used Tyresavings.com if anybody wants to know.

Michael

[Robert_F]

Thanks for the tip!

[d6dph]

Just to clarify, the Bentley tyre specs are:

B - since been replaced by B1
These are on the w12 models from 2004 on

BL
These are fitted to the GT V8 and also flying spurs. They are regarded as a comfort option tyre but are fitted to the V8's.

I used to work for a Bentely dealer up until Christmas last year, answered many a question on tyre specs from owners that were buying tyres online

[mmarksx19]

Never seen the BL tyres - maybe they are only available from dealers?

The B1 tyres I bought seem to be recommended and the handbook states B or their replacement - as you say, B1

Michael

[goddo]

I had a similar question last year when I needed new tyres.
I bought Pirelli PZeros with B1 marking and they are fine.
Try online company called Camskills...they sent me four tyres for a really good price and I paid a few pounds to get them fitted and balanced.

[mmarksx19]

Wish I'd known about Camskill. £184 per tyre there (plus fitting), that's £20 per tyre cheaper than I paid, even if tyre fitting is £10 per wheel, still cheaper.
Worth bearing in mind next time I need tyres.