XSeries-forum

I have the Wintrac Xtremes on 18s. I was so impressed I went out and bought Sessantas for the summers on my 20s which have been excellent. However they are known to be quite soft which may not be so good on tracks.
My suggestion would be to ring your nearest Costco. If you are not a member, someone you know will be.They do Michelin Diamaris. I had them on my old diesel on 19s from new and lasted 45k. Twice a year Costco do a 20% off for 4 offer- think it should be due next month - worth asking them. The offer price (including fitting) should be pretty competitive for 4.

I bought cheapos for my evo Vi once - like bloody roller skates never again


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[quote="smeeagain"]

I have noticed that I could get 255's and 285's in a 50 profile. Should I match what is currently on tyre OR is there a specific reason for them being different. Reason for asking is I'm struggling to get a set of four (of the same brand/model) with 2 x 255/55 and 2 x 285/45 but if I get both 255 and 285 at 50 profile then they appear to readily available.

Thoughts?
[/quote]

The 45/55 figure is a percentage of the tyre width and relates to the height of the sidewall.
So if you start messing with these figures without getting them properly matched, you will end up with different rolling radius' between front and back which as stated above can cause major and expensive transmission damage to say the least.

If I were you, I would stick with the known good.


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There are certain things where buying "cheap or unknown brands" is not only a false economy but can be dangerous. Don't confuse cheap with a good deal, I have learned over many years often the difference between the two is not very much.

Tyres, Brakes, Steering, Suspension these parts of your car are what keeps you on the black stuff and out of trouble. Remember you are driving a big heavy car that has surprising performance, so I would find a proven supplier/manufacturer of the bits needed and then use the internet to see if there any pro's/cons posted on review sites.

With my X5 I had the rear suspension Polybushed by the supplying garage, since then I have had the fronts changed at my choice/cost but it worked out cheaper than OEM bushes as they are easier to fit but give a more positive location with no noticeable increase in noise, harshness or vibration. Steering I check regularly once a month ball joints gators etc. Brake discs are checked for condition when the steering is checked and pads are Pagid which seem to work very well.
I chose the tyres based on the type of use I will give the car, I was recommended the Grabbers by a friend who runs them on his TDV6 Disco, I still did the research and in the end brought them.

So for tyre advice I would say think about how you are going to use the car, make sure tyres meet OEM design requirements Load/Speed ratings sizes etc. Then look at whats available that fits your budget and check the review sites including here. Once the choice is made haggle "if you don't ask you don't get"
I chose to buy through Blackcircles rather than online I phoned and asked for a better price and got it.

Sorry for the long post hope your still awake

try camskill.co.uk

Some good prices.

Fronts



Rears

thanks for all the replies guys

I've just replaced my Diamaris with Nexen Roadian HP's - reasonably priced and seem pretty good up to now. Initially road noise was increased a bit but its either reduced as they've got worn in or I've got used to it.

Having tried Toyo Proxes ST's and Diamaris i would definitely recommend the Nexen as an alternative.

[quote="PhilT"]
I've just replaced my Diamaris with Nexen Roadian HP's - reasonably priced and seem pretty good up to now. Initially road noise was increased a bit but its either reduced as they've got worn in or I've got used to it.

Having tried Toyo Proxes ST's and Diamaris i would definitely recommend the Nexen as an alternative.
[/quote]

Clearly didn't read the recent Which article on tyres 

[quote="Chompers"]
[quote="PhilT"]
I've just replaced my Diamaris with Nexen Roadian HP's - reasonably priced and seem pretty good up to now. Initially road noise was increased a bit but its either reduced as they've got worn in or I've got used to it.

Having tried Toyo Proxes ST's and Diamaris i would definitely recommend the Nexen as an alternative.
[/quote]

Clearly didn't read the recent Which article on tyres 
[/quote]

No, what did I miss - did the Nexens get slated?

[quote="PhilT"]
[quote="Chompers"]
[quote="PhilT"]
I've just replaced my Diamaris with Nexen Roadian HP's - reasonably priced and seem pretty good up to now. Initially road noise was increased a bit but its either reduced as they've got worn in or I've got used to it.

Having tried Toyo Proxes ST's and Diamaris i would definitely recommend the Nexen as an alternative.
[/quote]

Clearly didn't read the recent Which article on tyres 
[/quote]

No, what did I miss - did the Nexens get slated?
[/quote]

No not slated but their wear rate was quite alarming. The tests were carried out on 15" & 17" tyres. The wear rate was 3x faster than the best. They did show as one of the best for mpg however. Of the top 3 in each tyre size all were so called premium brands. Verdestein scored well and probably the best mid range offering. Some budget tyre looked damn right dangerous 

The following is not aimed at anybody and are my thoughts only:

Tyres aren't about price, they are about a combination of safety/wear/economy IMHO and in that order. If price is at the front of the list when buying, then perhaps a vehicle with smaller wheels would be more suitable.

there's another variable - grip.. although that maybe 'safety' as well.

higher the grip (dry tarmac), higher the wear, as the compound is softer..

[quote="jaynana"]
there's another variable - grip.. although that maybe 'safety' as well.

higher the grip (dry tarmac), higher the wear, as the compound is softer..
[/quote]

Correct, that was factored into 'safety' 

I had my Summer set refitted today and BMW offered me a quote to replace all of mine like for like.  This may be of use for those with 20" wheels and retaining RFT tyres.....at least it's a baseline for what a Dealer charges

Dunlop Sportmaxx Front 275/40 R 20 RFT 106W (Called extra load apparently)  £747.53 a pair fitted.

Dunlop Sportmaxx Rear 315/35 R 20 RFT 110W (also called extra load capacaity) £875.04 a pair fitted

They'll price match, but I know I can get them cheaper than that by a lot.

Richard

Just to second the Vreds, I have Sessantas on my 20" summer alloys for my 4.8 and they are soooo much nicer ride quality wise than the Diamaris or the Bridgestones I have had in the past.  I use Vredestein Wintrac Extremes for my winter wheels and love them as well.   
The wear on the Sessantas is no worse than the horrible Diamaris , softer or not, and anyway, as I have winters. On for a good few months, the wear on the Sessantas is limited and they last a lot longer!  Mine came from Malvern Tyres, who bettered the Camskill quote and fitted them as well.  Been on for 2 years now.

Thought Id post back on the outcome on this as I made the original post and was shot down for saying I was hoping to get a set for £500

In the end I got Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta 255/50/19 pair and 285/45/19 pair for £620 delivered.  They were dearer (over £700) on the tyremen website last week. When I looked today it said 'call for availability' and I had a quick look at Camskill were £650 delivered. I gave the tyremen guy the chance to match Camskill and he undercut them by £30.

While I was at it I phoned Admiral - my insurance renewal came in at £664. I said quite politely I was thinking of looking around to see if that was my best option but that I'd do a deal on the spot if he gave me a good price. I paid them £565 ....... 

Smee