Dunlop SportMaxx RFT vs. Michelin Latitude HP

[SpeedR]

For those of you considering replacing your Dunlop Sport Maxx run flats...

I replaced my Dunlop run flats with the Michelin Latitude HP's 2 weeks ago, so for what it's worth, here's my review so far.

POSITIVE

Ride comfort: Greatly Improved - My X is like a different car. My wife cannot believe that I only changed the tires. The Michelins are MUCH smoother than the Dunlops. The jarring from expansion joints is gone, as is the somewhat choppy ride on asphalt roads with a lot of patch work.

Noise: Greatly Improved - As you fellow E70 owners know, the Dunlop RFTs are noisy on certain pavement types. With the Michelins, what noise? Much, much quieter ride.

Straight Ahead Handling: Improved - The Dunlops seemed to tramline a little, making long freeway trips somewhat tiring. The Michelins track rock solid - straight and true with no effort.

Other Positives:
-> All Season vs. Summer only.
-> 440 tread wear vs. 240 on the Dunlops
-> If I get a flat, I can get it repaired anywhere. Not so with RFTs, most shops will not repair.

NEGATIVE

Cornering: Slightly Decreased - OK, there had to be a catch, so here's the first one. The cornering with the Michelins is not quite as crisp as with the Dunlops. If you use your X for very aggressive runs on the twisties or track very often, the Lat. HPs are not for you. If, like me, you use your X as a daily driver, but like to drive spirited in the turns, you'll be OK with this slight performance penalty.

Looks: Slight Decrease - While this is subjective, I like fat tires. This is why I opted for the 20" wheel option in the first place. While the Michelins are the same operating size as the Dunlops (275/40-20 front, 315/35-20 rear), the tread width - where the tires contacts the ground - is 1 inch narrower on the Michelins. On the rears, you cannot really notice the difference, but on the fronts they look smaller. Dunlops 275 tread width is 10 inches (same as the wheel), but only 9 inches on the Michelins.

Also, the tread pattern on the Dunlops looks more aggressive.


Overall, I am very happy with the swap and I enjoy driving my E70 much more now - except for the occasional high speed run down Mulholland Drive, but that's what the M is for.

[art4.8i]

Great write up. I am waiting for my Michelins to arrive this Friday- i can't wait. I use the X as a daily driver also and I absolutely hate the Dunlops. Once I have them on, I will share my experience with everybody.

[Denalio]

I don't see why everyone is bashing the Dunlops. I just replaced my fronts with another set of Dunlops. I really like them. You cant' beat the performance IMO. They do get a little noisy at the end of their wear, but solid performance tire. I have had lots of Ultra high performance tires on my different vehicles and the Dunlops are right up there. They do wear out quickly with the softer compound, but that's the sacrifice for high performance tires. I am not a fan of one tire for all seasons anyway. Just my 2 cents.

[art4.8i]

i am on my second set of dunlops right now (first set wore out at 12k, i have 16k now), but i find them so annoying, therefore i am taking them off and putting them in the garage, in case i ever need them for a track event. Michelins from now on!!!

[SpeedR]

Originally Posted by Denalio

I am not a fan of one tire for all seasons anyway. Just my 2 cents.

I understand your point of view, you're in Canada. I'm in Southern California. No snow here, just a few trips a year to the mountains to ski, but not worth having two sets of tires for. All seasons are great for this, but not for real winter driving. So Cal doesn't have seasons, just changes of altitude.

[Texas5]

I made the same tire switch a few months ago and completely agree with your assessment.

Interesting about the tread width on the fronts (275's)- I noticed the same thing and though it was just an optical illusion because of the different tread pattern. I assumed 275 meant 275 regardless of tire brand/model.

[seb13]

I'm looking for 285x35x21 tires , in europe there's no availability

Dunlop Sp sport maxx is the only model in this size, somebody know a website (who can ship in europe) where I can found it ?

Thanks

[art4.8i]

Ok, i finally made the switch today, and let me tell you, it is great! The X behaves like a different car, it even has a more luxurious feel to it. It is much quieter all around. Surprisingly, I don't think the road feel has changed, which is great given that the Michelins are much softer. In terms of taking turns aggressively, I think they feel very natural and predictable. I will share more, once i get some more time to drive it around.

[SpeedR]

Originally Posted by art4.8i

... it even has a more luxurious feel to it. It is much quieter all around...

+1. You're description nails it. My X now rides as nicely as my good friend's 750Li. He has the L version without sports package, and it is a sweet riding car.

Enjoy your new Michelins

[GPSnV1]

I guess I'm confused about the 'power' of these 20" OEMs on my 08 4.8 sport.
I drove 80+ around curves going up the mountains above Asheville, NC on 1-40 (in NC not TN). I found it more of a challenge to handle these curves than, say, one year ago in my 2004 4.4 sport with the original (19") OEMs.
Just a little disappointed, but maybe that's just the way it is.