Tyres again (sorry).

music · Post by **music** » Wed Dec 05, 2018 7:18 pm

My E46 B3 wore Kuhmo ECSTA SPT when I bought it - rears 255/35 ZR18 94Y and fronts 225/40 ZR18 92W. They seem good wet or dry, consistent wear all across, though I'm not sure why the rears are rated at 186mph and the fronts at 168mph. The rears could do with changing but those SPT's are no longer available and the replacement has a different tread pattern. I could live with that but not at Â£350 each so it's going to be Pirelli or Michelin at less than half that price.

The fronts have to stay - only 30% worn. I don't like mixing brands so my question is compatibility; side wall flex, grip, balance, etc. I've asked different suppliers about the various characteristics and have got as many different answers. Has anyone got any knowledge or thoughts on this. Thanks.

ali · Post by **ali** » Wed Dec 05, 2018 8:01 pm

Alpina suspension was designed to work with Michelin Pilot sport tyres.
The suspension and dampers are tuned for specific use of Michelins so to get the best out of your Alpina stay OEM
Michelins have moved onto the Pilot Sport 4 which seems the common tyre of choice or if you do tend to drive your car hard you could opt for the Super sports which are grippier but won't last as long. Not too sure of the Super sport starts at 19" though

Fast3000 · Post by **Fast3000** » Thu Dec 06, 2018 12:02 am

Discussed a couple of times and for your car also! I was in the same situation a few months ago - opted to go for the Michelin Pilot sport 4 tyres. They do a PS4 S also but that is in 19 only so far. Super sports can be had in 18 size. Theres a good review on youtube between the PS4 PS4s And Cup tyres.

here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMv64liOqIE

I was impressed to see how close the PS4 were to the S variant.

music · Post by **music** » Thu Dec 06, 2018 3:06 pm

Thanks for your comments. I'd read the very helpful Pirelli v. Michelin chat but my question is really about how the car's driveability could be affected with Kuhmo on the fronts and either P or M on the rears. Thanks.

Metrics · Post by **Metrics** » Thu Dec 06, 2018 4:19 pm

Different tyres on F v R axle isn't ideal, but it's ok.
It will only be in extreme circumstances that any differences in the tyres will become apparent, but in daily running it should be fine.

---pete--- · Post by **---pete---** » Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:04 pm

I'm running both my Alpina's on Kumho tyres all round and am really happy with the performance I'm getting from them. I totally appreciate this differs from the OEM setup but I don't see enough difference to change back for the cost / benefit.

If I were you I would be continuing with Kumho but use the Ecsta Le Sport KU39 which I was paying between Â£80 and Â£120 each via either mytyres or blackcircles.

Regards
Pete

music · Post by **music** » Fri Dec 07, 2018 2:11 pm

Many thanks everyone.

Arvi · Post by **Arvi** » Fri Dec 07, 2018 5:38 pm

I've had Michelin Supersports on the rear of my D3 for 4 years and some 30000+ miles. Probably the best wearing tyres I've ever had on a car.