Yokohama Advan S4

[TurnAround]

Quick review on the Yoko Advan S4
255/55/R19

Started out on the X new with the Michelin Energy MXV4. Turns out, that was a really good tire. After those went to Continental CrossContact UHP. Great looking tire, super cushy ride, fairly quiet. Prefer Dunlop SP Sport tires (use them on both Z3's) as they do everything perfectly, but couldn't get them for the X. Now they make Dunlop SP Sport Signature, which from the write up seems similar but my guess is they're not quite as high a performance tire. However, they're not available until October.

Went with the Yokohama Advan S4Yokohama ADVAN S.4.. Good write ups, but I would not recommend this tire, on poor performance grounds. It is suuuuuper cushy and comfortable, veeery quiet, but turn in response is very late and sluggish, and cornering at any speed (even 20mph induces substantial body roll (squish in the tire side wall). At higher freeway speeds and on posted 50mph corners (like the siskyou pass I-5 Oregon) the cornering is terrible. This is a little cruel, but mostly accurate... they make the X drive like a minivan.

I've tried them at several different tire pressures, even up to 42. Higher pressure actually makes it worse. I think the two main problems are that they have no continuous center tread line, and they have squishy side walls (XL load rating is apparently not relevant). The Continental CC UHPs had a similar quality, but certainly better than these Yokos. If you want to 'Merc' your X and get a super comfortable ride, these are actually good tires for that (not being sarcastic).

Americas has a 30 day, "If you hate 'em, bring 'em back" policy. Two days ago I had them load a set of Pirelli Scorpion Zeros. Early results; Turn in and cornering performance at all speeds is waaaay better. I already like them much more. Of course.. they're less comfortable, and more noisy. Oh well.. My X can corner more like a BMW should again. PHEW!! :-)

Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico

[dkl]

Thanks for the heads up on the Yoko.

on the Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico...best bang for the buck, IMHO. BTW...You can still get the Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico? I thought they were out of production

[TurnAround]

Ya.. I checked the sidewalls. They say 'Asimmetrico' on them.

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Just got back from a little performance drive. OMG, I have my X5 back. I'm so charged.

Keeping in mind, and as we all know, new tires need a 'scrub in' period that lasts a few hundred miles, where prior to that they don't perform exactly as good as they're going to.. I'm saying.. these tires are fantastic compared to the Yoko Advans and the Continental CrossContact UHP tires. (which means, that after break in, they'll perform even better!!).

I don't mean to offend anyone with the other tires. They offer a very plush ride and are super quiet. Just saying... holy sh.. I finally have my X5 back after many many thousands of miles of waiting. These Pirellis are awesome. The car handles very flat, and yet takes the bumps and waves with excellent compliance. PHEW!! !!!

[x5sportman]

Turnaround, I have the MXV4s that are just about ready for replacement, and your real-life assessment is really helpful. I've looked at most of the options you mentioned, and I like the idea of the Pirelli Scorpions. Sounds like a winner. Thank you.

[PersonaNonGrata]

I had a set of Advans. I loved the look of them and they were great for traction but the wore very quickly; too quickly, in my opinion. I then got, and still have, a set of Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetricos. I had also tried a set of their original Scorpion Zero and they were terrible. They got very noisy very early but these new Asimmetricos are a totally different story. They have been excellent and a relatively good deal. They have been wearing well and holding off the dreaded rear negative camber inside tread wear and handling has been great.

+1 for the Pirellis.