There are two schools of thought on premier brands utilizing second tier brands to build volume and market share.

Theory A states that the top brand pulls up the second tier brand by its bootstraps, pushing its technology and processes down to the lower brand. The lower brand rises, and is a price competitive option, essentially the top brand product at a discount price.

Theory B states that the top brand keeps its second brand one step behind, permanently, so as not to undermine its top brand position.

Choose A or B.

I go with B. Think how good that tire could be if Michelin was prepared to put its own premium label on it.

This makes sense. That's like Chevy not wanting the Camaro competing against the Corvette.

WOW!!! Didn't know that. Here's what I found and it's the only one listed.
The OE code is P.

Latitude Tour HP | Michelin Tires

P = Porsche

I can see that as far as the brand as a whole is concerned, but Michelin doesn't really have a direct competitor for the two BF Goodrich tires I mentioned above.

As far as passenger tires go, the three top catagories are as follows with the Extreme being the most performance oriented;

Extreme Performance Summer
Max Performance Summer
Ultra High Performance Summer

The BF Goodrich g-force Rival is a great Extreme Performance tire. Michelin doesn't offer a tire in this catagory.

Michelin is the king of the Max Performance Summer tire with the Pilot Super Sport. BF Goodrich doesn't offer a tire in this catagory.

BF Goodrich currently makes arguably the best Ultra High Performance Summer tire with the g-force Sport Comp 2. Michelin does actualy make a Ultra High Performance Summer tire called the Pilot Exalto PE2, but I bet you never even heard of this tire.

With that last exception, none of these tires are in the same performance catagory and don't directly compete with each other, so to me it seems Michelin has put out some really good products under the Goodrich name where there is currently no space being filled by a Michelin branded tire.

Obviously, if you are talking the entire range of tires, Goodrich is below Michelin. However, I would replace your #2 Pirelli with Bridgestone. This is all personal opinion of course and probably the reason you were hesitant to list your top brands. You knew this would happen. :D

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Still...this has turned into a very good thread (IMO)...yes, many of us have personal opinions based on multiple reasons (time/experience/observation/etc)...but everyone has been respectful & courteous...and because of this "civil tone"... I'm picking up a lot of useful information that I'm adding to my "mental rolodex". I hope others are too. :)

It's one thing to talk in generalities about brands. When I purchase tires, I want to get safe and highly-rated tires. I will go for the best value that meets my safety needs, regardless of brand name.

Click on the Survey tab, after the main page loads: (direct link not available)

General*Grabber UHP

Then, click on the comparison link, near the bottom of the table, to other tires in this category:

"See a Full List of Survey Results for Street/Sport Truck Summer Tires"

You will see that owners of the Grabbers rate them more highly than any other tire in the category, many costing considerably more. There may be some bias introduced by cost but, in my opinion, there's enough data there to recommend them over the other choices. I have not been disappointed in their performance. My X5 often sits for a week without being driven and the tires don't develop flat spots.

Edit: It looks like there is a direct link to the comparison tables.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...y.jsp?type=SST

Here are two more related surveys:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...jsp?type=SSTAS

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...jsp?type=CSTAS

A lot of really great info in here.

I am leaning towards the Continental DWS for my next tire. Seems like a good price and a lot of you have been happy with them.

I am looking for more comfort (ditch the 20's, i KNOW) i currently have bridgestone dueler's RFT and they ride like shit in my opinion.

I Am looking for quiet, good price, and good wear. Extreme handling is great but i honestly barley hot rod the x5 around, I might bang an on ramp, or do some stop light launches but i doubt id notice a true performance tire that would shine on a track...

OE Code aside, I don't think there is a compound difference between one size or another is the same model lineup.

WHAT I have noticed is that certain tires with certain sizes and certain OE codes, for example, instead of 10/32 tread, it will be 7/32 tread brand new.

Not just certain sizes but tire type too. If I'm not mistaken, generally, you'll have more tread depth as you move down the performance ratings of tires. The higher performance have less starting tread depth. Most probably know this but just a reminder.