What's the best+economical tire setup out there?

[tranquility]

I came from the OEM Bridgestone Potenzas, which are listed at $1,238 for a set of 4. I have since switched to Michelin Pilot Super Sport, which are supposed to cost more but now cost only $954 for a set (Tirerack prices for both).

I suppose that this is the best+most 'economical' tire setup, consider that the Michelins are highest-rated amongst Z4 owners here, or do you have a differing opinion? Thx.

[Eltee]

I just went from OEM RFTs Continental 17's to 18" Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Couldn't be happier with the change. Even though went up to 18s the ride is much better than the old RFTs. Cornering, ride comfort, noise, everything is better with the SSs.

Now with that said, you are asking for economical setup. I might get booed here but I put a set of Hankook Ventus v12s on my Z3 a couple months before I sold it last summer. Those tires were amazing. There were a lot of tremendous reviews on them (Consumer Report, Motor Trend and high numbers from TireRack) and since I didn't want to spend a lot because I was looking for a Z4 I went for them. I was extremely pleased with handling, ride comfort. A little soft on the sidewalls but unless you are really pushing them they are great.

Best part is the cost. Tire Rack has 225/45/17s for $108 plus a $20 rebate. That's $352 after rebate plus maybe $50 shipping and then of course mounting/balance.

So in answer to your best+economical setup my vote is the Hankooks

[Hoa]

i love super sport. thats my first choice if i have to buy tires. they grip very well, ride very quite and smooth

[Bomb617]

Originally Posted by Eltee

I just went from OEM RFTs Continental 17's to 18" Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Couldn't be happier with the change. Even though went up to 18s the ride is much better than the old RFTs. Cornering, ride comfort, noise, everything is better with the SSs.

Now with that said, you are asking for economical setup. I might get booed here but I put a set of Hankook Ventus v12s on my Z3 a couple months before I sold it last summer. Those tires were amazing. There were a lot of tremendous reviews on them (Consumer Report, Motor Trend and high numbers from TireRack) and since I didn't want to spend a lot because I was looking for a Z4 I went for them. I was extremely pleased with handling, ride comfort. A little soft on the sidewalls but unless you are really pushing them they are great.

Best part is the cost. Tire Rack has 225/45/17s for $108 plus a $20 rebate. That's $352 after rebate plus maybe $50 shipping and then of course mounting/balance.

So in answer to your best+economical setup my vote is the Hankooks

I switched to Hankook Ventus v12s for my 35is 3000 miles ago and cannot be happier, breaking them in after 1000 miles and all is fine now...only costs me about $580 after rebate at Tirerack...

[Vintage]

do not forget to take into account tread life - the new Michelin PSS has a 25k mile warranty/life span - so compare to the 12k-15k RFTs they are a bargain. cheaper and they last much longer - not to mention the performance

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by Eltee

Hankook Ventus v12s

Best part is the cost. Tire Rack has 225/45/17s for $108 plus a $20 rebate. That's $352 after rebate plus maybe $50 shipping and then of course mounting/balance.

Wow, that is cheap. What's the tread life on those?

Originally Posted by Vintage

do not forget to take into account tread life - the new Michelin PSS has a 25k mile warranty/life span - so compare to the 12k-15k RFTs they are a bargain. cheaper and they last much longer - not to mention the performance

That's a gd pt, Vintage!

[rking117]

Originally Posted by Eltee

... I put a set of Hankook Ventus v12s on my Z3

I too put a set of V12s on my E85 Z4 before i sold it and I was surprised at the ride. NON Run Flats so you need the tire repair kit but totally economical.

Positives:
1. nicer smoother ride
2. No tram-lining
3. pretty good grip, on a scale of 1 to 10 would give it a 7.
4. $$$$$ - think I paid somewhere around 110 each for 4 and got a 50 rebate card. (paid for shippnig from tirerack)
5. The tire was a soft compound so wear was better than the RFTs. I had 10K on the tires when i sold it and they still looked good. (with no track days on them )

Negatives:
1. They did not have the same grip of the stock RFTs because of the flex in the walls. You had a moment where the rear became unstable then it would grip hard. (tire flex is the culprit) because of this I would say the stock RFTs had a grip of 8.
2. Need tire repair kit, jack and pump. (or roadside assist or AAA would also work)

[GamblerHydra]

Have you read the reports on the Nitto Motivo . They have a 60,000 mile tread warranty

[theART]

V12s are great, usually around $600-$700 for set and very high rated tire. HAd them on my 370z and they felt solid.