In need of new tires - Page 2

Xtony · #11 03-02-2012, 01:12 PM

Just wanted to add my two cents here. I too tried saving some money by going with a cheaper tire (Conti DWS) than Michelins. Big mistake! I ended up gonig back several times to balance, index, rotate because they vibrated and caused the steering to pull. Finally got them to swap for the Michelin Latitudes and I couldn't have been happier to blow the extra money. Well worth it in my experience.

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ard · #12 03-02-2012, 02:18 PM

This is just a side comment... perhaps philosophical...

There is a weird 'class' or money issue that often comes up- Dinan has this down to a T... it is probably best encapsulated with the statement, "if you have to ask, maybe you can't afford it"..or "you pay to play".

I've always found this objectionable. I am driven by content and performance- and value- and not by what something looks like or how much it costs. To say "I buy expensive stuff because it is expensive, and therefore is better", is just dumb.

Now to the topic at hand: I personally believe that Michelin makes a superior product. I've moved around to many brands- Pirelli, Yoko, etc on the fast cars, and find myself back at michelin. (Although for tracking the P car I use cheaper rubber,

) Same with another SUV: Cross Terrains, for 5 sets, then Geolanders for two, but now back to Mich.

I make the recommendation based on the total 'deal', and my perception of the overall value- NOT because they are expensive and 'what do you expect, its a $70k car?'.

I am guessing that Tony above has the same perception.

I just mention this as I've picked up a vibe here in the thread about this, and wanted to make that distinction.

A

docpowell · #13 03-02-2012, 03:46 PM

I agree with Ard...
There is only ONE thing that is in contact with the ground on your very nice and expensive vehicles, and that is the tires. Why would anyone try to, "save money," on this. I am not saying you should try to spend the most money that you can, but you should research the BEST tire available for stopping, traction, etc. Then shop around for the best deal. Tracking is one thing where you are there to waist them, however if you blow a cheap tire and crash, well then, there you go...

Alan Smithee · #14 03-02-2012, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hambone1983

I am going with the Proxes ST/2 this weekend.
150/piece and total 700 out the door... includes all the balance, alignment, etc.

I think you will be happy with them, and that is a great price. I have ~2k on mine now, and the only negative compared to the 20" Dunlop is slightly
less grip, but that was to be expected going from a 'performance' tire to a standard 'all-season', and not a big issue with this type of vehicle, IMO. The Toyos are better in every other way.

FWIW, I do not believe Michelins are better than any other brand. Sure, some specific models are great, and they seem to work more closely with manufacturers to develop treads and compounds for specific vehicles. But they also make some absolute crap for the mainstream.

Alan Smithee · #15 03-02-2012, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docpowell

There is only ONE thing that is in contact with the ground on your very nice and expensive vehicles, and that is the tires. Why would anyone try to, "save money," on this. I am not saying you should try to spend the most money that you can, but you should research the BEST tire available for stopping, traction, etc. Then shop around for the best deal. Tracking is one thing where you are there to waist them, however if you blow a cheap tire and crash, well then, there you go...

Because some people are not blinded by marketing. Continental and Toyo do not make an inferior product.

hambone1983 · #16 03-02-2012, 04:29 PM

I see this is leaning off towards a heated opinionated debate already

Indeed tires are tires, in contact with the road and all... but its also personal preference. Many tire manufacturers make great products, and yes some are defective, or bad review because a user did not like it and vice versa. I read plenty of posts here and many vouch for the Vredestiens, Toyo's, Pirelli's, etc. None of which are standard BMW tires to be acceptable or in the manufacturer books as acceptable replacements. BMW only suggests Bridgestone or Michelins RFT for the X5 E70. Yes, some people like to stick with what the book says, and some don't. Nothing wrong with that either... again personal preference!

Some may want expensive tires, to ensure they pay for what they get concept and are in fact inclined towards the top tire company such as Michelin, etc. And some of us may go to less marketed but decent enough tires that have a good reputation as well. Any tire can run into issues, RFT or not, and Bridgestone or el-cheapo mastercrafts. Same goes to a $70K which vehicle can be found lemon and infested with issues, or a 13K brand new Kia with no issues at all for 200K miles and more.

Marketing indeed has to do with all... there is nothing wrong in trying out what works good for someone individually. I personally don't have any issue in spending $1400 in new Michelin RFT tires, but personal decision to save 700 and try out the Toyo's could be worth the savings, and enjoying the ride.

Xtony · #17 03-02-2012, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hambone1983

I see this is leaning off towards a heated opinionated debate already

Indeed tires are tires, in contact with the road and all... but its also personal preference. Many tire manufacturers make great products, and yes some are defective, or bad review because a user did not like it and vice versa. I read plenty of posts here and many vouch for the Vredestiens, Toyo's, Pirelli's, etc. None of which are standard BMW tires to be acceptable or in the manufacturer books as acceptable replacements. BMW only suggests Bridgestone or Michelins RFT for the X5 E70. Yes, some people like to stick with what the book says, and some don't. Nothing wrong with that either... again personal preference!

Some may want expensive tires, to ensure they pay for what they get concept and are in fact inclined towards the top tire company such as Michelin, etc. And some of us may go to less marketed but decent enough tires that have a good reputation as well. Any tire can run into issues, RFT or not, and Bridgestone or el-cheapo mastercrafts. Same goes to a $70K which vehicle can be found lemon and infested with issues, or a 13K brand new Kia with no issues at all for 200K miles and more.

Marketing indeed has to do with all... there is nothing wrong in trying out what works good for someone individually. I personally don't have any issue in spending $1400 in new Michelin RFT tires, but personal decision to save 700 and try out the Toyo's could be worth the savings, and enjoying the ride.

I did go with a non-RFT Michelin, so I'm not one to stick with what BMW says is best. The non-RFT Michelin Latitude is much better than the two different run flat tires I've had before. I also tend not to be a brand snob or (or buy French stuff), but Michelin tires have never let me down, other than they tend to wear out quicker than other similar tires. I too track another car and I have never used an expensive Michelin at the track. I've had good results with Toyos, Nittos, and Dunlops. My experience with Contis and Pirellis have been somewhat disappointing.