Going to try Conti DWSs on the 4.8 sport (20s)

[Pex5]

We've run the OEM dunlops down to where they will just past the muster at lease end, so now I'm getting a new set of rubber.

The 4.8 with the 20s has more mechanical grip than it really needs from the tires (read: you can plaster your front seat passenger's face to the side window as your child's scoop of ice cream flies off the top of the cone in the backseat). So, since it's our family car, and not being featured on Jersey Shore, I am going to put some A/S tires on it since 1) even if it looses 20% of its max. grip, that's still enough; 2) The hydroplaning that occurs far too easily with this width tire (i.e. 70 mph in driving rain) should be dramatically reduced with the Contis; 3) they will be non runflat sothey should ride a touch better and quieter, 4) their tread wear rating is almost double the Dunlops and lastly) they are much less expensive. The Dunlops would be $2,000-$2,200 installed at tirerack prices whereas the Contis should be about $1,200- $1,400.00.

Does anyone have any comment on this switch? They only other tire I was considering is the Bridgestone that comeson the Ms, but in the non-run flat version. Same $ as the Contis, but wear, noise and hydroplanning would remain an issue.

last thing, I have snows, so I don't care about the snow traction on the A/S tire, just the other benefits.

Thanks for any feedback/input. Regards,
David

[RedRockin]

Tirerack certainly likes the Conti as an Ultra High Performance tire. Like you, I am on a lease and am pulling my RFs for lease end. I carefully considered the Extreme Contact DWS (I assume this is the tire you are considering - you only mention Conti DWS). I decided to go Highway All Season instead because the softer compound of high Performance tires (faster wear - especially on less than smooth roads). Here in AZ, temps get pretty high and the highways are having serious chipping/flaking probs.

Based on Tirerack reviews, I am going with the General Grabber HTS. General Grabber HTS (click on the tests tab to and then Read Full Test Report (next to video). Nice warranty and strong reviews: Consumer Survey Results By Category

I have a 30i with 18s so i don't know the 20s specs. This tire comes (according to tirerack's size chart):

$147.00 (ea.) 275/45R20 110S
$145.00 (ea.) 275/55R20 117S
$153.00 (ea.) 275/60R20 119S
$157.00 (ea.) 275/60R20 119S
$191.00 (ea.) 275/65R20 126/123S

Don't know if you want to consider this or not but thought I'd offer it as you are asking. Both are great tires, several here have posted getting the DWS and seem very happy. Mine should be here tomorrow and installed on Wednesday.

Best wishes. Let us know what you decide and how you like them once on your X.

[Denalio]

For what it is worth, I put the Conti DSW on my wife's Audi and they are great. Smooth ride and great grip. They also performed well in the snow and ice conditions. The Audi is equipped with Quattro.

[ncamg]

Pex 5

I am picking up a 4.8 this morning with the same 20" setup. I have been thinking of doing the same thing, running the RFT for 8 to 10,000 miles and pulling them off for the lease return and purchasing the Conti DWS all season tires for the balance of the vehicles use. How many miles did you get on the RFT before they approached the lease turn in point? Also let us know how the Conti's do with grip on the X5 compared to the Dunlap RFT.

[KYZRSOSE]

I just so happen to run into this situation as well. My Bridgestone's Dueler HP Sports RFT are coming towards the end of their life, and in a small world, I happen to sell a new forklift to tire wholesaler in Long Island. After a brief conversation about the forklift, we moved into an Auto conversation, after which he suggest the Conti DWS for my 20's. Unfortunately, they are not RFT's, but I think I will give them a shot.

Looking forward to your reviews.

[Ag4.8]

Just made the same switch myself. Dunlops worn (front) at 14000 miles and loud. Switched to the Conti DWS (all 4) and have 4.8 with 20 in setup. No complaints so far. A little smoother over bumps. Seems to drive the same to me. $980 shipped from tire rack. Have 500 miles on them and they are quiet. I have not noticed any change in performance (its an SAV afterall)

[jpl]

Conti are excellent, just a low rumbling noise, but I have 19 inches

[hypractv]

Pex5,

How many miles did you get out of the OEM Dunlops?

Thanks

Originally Posted by Pex5

We've run the OEM dunlops down to where they will just past the muster at lease end, so now I'm getting a new set of rubber.

The 4.8 with the 20s has more mechanical grip than it really needs from the tires (read: you can plaster your front seat passenger's face to the side window as your child's scoop of ice cream flies off the top of the cone in the backseat). So, since it's our family car, and not being featured on Jersey Shore, I am going to put some A/S tires on it since 1) even if it looses 20% of its max. grip, that's still enough; 2) The hydroplaning that occurs far too easily with this width tire (i.e. 70 mph in driving rain) should be dramatically reduced with the Contis; 3) they will be non runflat sothey should ride a touch better and quieter, 4) their tread wear rating is almost double the Dunlops and lastly) they are much less expensive. The Dunlops would be $2,000-$2,200 installed at tirerack prices whereas the Contis should be about $1,200- $1,400.00.

Does anyone have any comment on this switch? They only other tire I was considering is the Bridgestone that comeson the Ms, but in the non-run flat version. Same $ as the Contis, but wear, noise and hydroplanning would remain an issue.

last thing, I have snows, so I don't care about the snow traction on the A/S tire, just the other benefits.

Thanks for any feedback/input. Regards,
David

[Pex5]

The car has 17k on it, 4500 of which was done on snow tires and I'd say the tread is 60% worn (mind you the tread depth on the Dunlops when new is the lowest of any tire for the X5 on tirerack).

I'd bet we'd have a hard time getting to 20k mi. on the Dunlops, and I can only imagine how much of a problem they become in the wet when in their final months before replacement. Even now I think the X5's maximum speed with any water on the road (not merely a wet road, but rather collected water on the road) is about 15-20 mph lower than any other vehicle I've ever owned.

BTW, I've since had a change of heart about the Contis DWS. I've ordered the Bridgestone summer tires (Dueler H/P I believe) in non-run flat version. I figured 1) this is a heavy truck and for the handful of times I do push it, might as well have a max performance tire, since it is a sport pack BMW. But more importantly, 2) I think that a summer tire is still as good if not better in terms of aquaplaning resistance than an all season. Its easy to get confused with the ratings. I'm not concerned with wet grip (which is what tirerack rates - wet lap times etc..) I'm concerned with loosing control when I hit a puddle. Summer tires always have huge longitudinal aqua channels, whereas the all seasons have more complex maze-like treads. There is no data published that I'm aware of that speaks to how many gallons per rotation (however its measured?) a tire pumps out of its contact patch. Personally I suspect that the many biting surfaces that an all season has to help in snow does nothing to assist in reducing hydroplaning? But that's just my hunch.

I'll post some feedback when the tires go on.

Thanks for all the input.

DRP

[x5mad]

I have had the conti dws for a couple of months now in the 275/315/20 sizes and find them very good. Compared to my original 18" runflats and 20" yoko advan NRF they are more comfortable, quieter and grip just as well if not slightly better. I would definately replace with the same when the time comes.