I'm amazed at my M....

[bamaSAAB]

I caught a tire on a flagstone at the edge of my driveway, and opened a 3" tear in the goodyear. I have disliked them since new, so am glad to replace them at 24k. While off I took a look at the brake pads...24k mostly stop and go is close to replacement on my previous Saabs. These pads look unused! Talk about low ownership costs...this may be the "cheapest keeper" I've ever had for a daily driver.Incidentally, the new rubber is Nokian WR's. These are all season V rated tires, also rated for snow(only ones in the world) I have used Nokian summer tires for years, and absolutely swear by them. This is my first set of WR's as the summer tires are not available in our size yet. The difference in my M is like day and night, they are quiet, smooth, and grip like crazy. I'm sorry that I ran the Goodyears for 24k...should have dumped them immeadiately!Love my M, especially with the Finnish tyres!

Chris'06 M35 LP/bourbon

[tkeskic]

I ordered up a set of Dunlop M3's for my M35xhttp://www.dunloptires.com/dunlop/compare.jsp

Didnt do too much research, I figureed if my friend with the Audio RS4 used them, they were pretty decent.

As you susggested, the Good years they put on this at factory are the junkiest good year tire I have every owned. I am a huge good year fan, but had to go with dunlops as I was so dissappointed with the OEM (and after the good years dealers were telling me this was a good tire, I just couldn't trust them on any recomendations after that)

glad the car is okay, glad you got new rubber, mine are being installed Jan 2, so I will post shortly after.. we got tons of snow here these days so I hope to test them good!tk

[szh]

The Goodyear RS-A is definitely a pathetic tire! Much better options are certainly available (including from Goodyear ... the Eagle F1 GS-D3 is an outstanding tire). Take a look at the Basic specifications sticky thread for more information on available tires.

I am not familiar with Nokian tires at all though. Is there a web site I can check out for the info on them?

Z

[szh]

I ordered up a set of Dunlop M3's for my M35x

The M3 is a winter tire, right? After the snow season is over, what do you plan to get ... check out my spreadsheet in the specs sticky for some tires that may make sense for you!

Z

[tkeskic]

szhosainI'm not sure what I'm getting for a summer tire. I think it will be run flats of some sort, I do want a stiffer ride. Also; thinking about bigger rims for summer, t least 20's I found a set of Foose wheels I like, so I'll take a close look at the money when spring rolls around here. we only get maybe Mid May to Oct for decent weather, so its hard for me to spend good money on a nice set of rims to have to take them off so soon, to avoid banging them up;

Any way, good years F1 are my number one pick, however they dont have the exact model I wanted available in the 20" size I wanted, so iwill shop around when the time comes in the spring.

Thanks for the note on the sticky's I'll be checking that out soontk

[tkeskic]

Well, I put the Dunlop M3s on the car, and I can say that the pulling is still there, but its much less on the bad roads. However you can tell that the tires handle different that than RSA. Not sure if its becauyse its a winter tire, or just because of the way this one is made;

what I notice is a softer ride, almost a little floaty in corners (like it sways back and forth a little, loose feeling)The verticale load seems more stiff, ruts in the road translate more into the steering, the biggest change seems to be in "side wall" as it seems to be that floating/soft feelign when turning.

I have to admit I like the feel of the RSA from good year better, I didnt mind the pulling, but thats likly because I was use to it.

In my summer tire, I will be looking for that stiff, tire that doesnt feel like it floats/sways in the corners.

I can see how others who have swapped out for other tires believe the pulling is gone afyer changing tires. Its hardly noticble now, but the other effects it has are not desirable to me. I'm going to be looking for a tire that offers that same feel as the Goodyear RSA did, but a better traction tire, likly a run flat as thats got a great side wall!tk

[bamaSAAB]

[scjconsulting]

I just had my OEM tires replaced with a set of Nokian WR tires. I did this after 6K and just threw the Goodyears away. I live in Minnesota and wanted some better winter tires without going to separate snow tires.

They had a little problem getting the seal right on the OEM alloys. The tire pressure monitors were offline, but are back after some driving.

They seem great so far. I will give some feedback when we have some real snow here.

Thanks for the recommendation.