New Tires

[finikM35]

Hey i need advice, i found a deal on set of 19" M45 sport rims (i got stock M35 18") with 245/40 ZR19 tires (5000kmiles) all for 999$. Seller says rims are in perfect condition but tires been sitting in the basement for couple of years. So it looks like a great deal just concerned about tires, do you think it could've dried out and cracked in few years? Also are how are the toyo tires? Never used them before.

[szh]

Hey i need advice, i found a deal on set of 19" M45 sport rims (i got stock M35 18") with 245/40 ZR19 tires (5000kmiles) all for 999$. Seller says rims are in perfect condition but tires been sitting in the basement for couple of years. So it looks like a great deal just concerned about tires, do you think it could've dried out and cracked in few years? Also are how are the toyo tires? Never used them before.

Hmmm ... ask for the DOT codes from the tires. If the tires are more than 3 years old, then they may be quite unsafe - they are close to the usual 4 to 5 year usage limits.

Basically, the rubber in tires starts vulcanizing immediately after manufacture, and hardens steadily over time as exposure to air (oxygen) takes it toll. The older the tire, the more likely that they could have hardened in some spots that could bubble or split easily ... and this could be unsafe at highway speeds.

Plus, they may have serious flat spots (if stored vertically) or on the sidewall (if stacked), that may take a bit time to open out with flexing before you can even consider re-balancing them.

My bottom line: I don't consider used tires a working option for me, unless they were recently removed from a car and are less than 2 years old.

Indeed, when I buy new tires from the tire places, I insist on tires that have less than 6 months old date codes, even though 1 year is probably okay. This last change, I got three tires with 5 month old dates and 1 tire with 3 month date code. Was close to my personal limit, but probably just fine.

[antzrus]

The Conti's are directional as well.

In case I am misusing the term "directional..." it would be because I have used both tires (in the same sense that you are sticking with what you know, anyway). I have mentioned the minor differences that people might care about so they can make their own decision, though (volume, sidewall firmness, tread style, my perception of traction across all conditions).

Mea culpa x2...

I misused the term directional. I meant it had to go around in a direction the machine was moving... Or you were right originally. The DWS is asymmetrical (fooled me) but not directional as you noted. Indeed, it can be cross rotated.

And yes, since in my tire study with an n of only 1 (only one tire [DWS] sampled) not compared to another tire as did you with the n of 2 (the DWS & Michelin); your recommendation for a new tire might well carry more weight-if not for my aforementioned "gravitas and respectability I always display so well on this list..."

[The00Dustin]

if not for my aforementioned "gravitas and respectability I always display so well on this list..."

Curse being a young whippersnapper!

[antzrus]

if not for my aforementioned "gravitas and respectability I always display so well on this list..."

Curse being a young whippersnapper!

And don't you forget it!!

[finikM35]

Hey i need advice, i found a deal on set of 19" M45 sport rims (i got stock M35 18") with 245/40 ZR19 tires (5000kmiles) all for 999$. Seller says rims are in perfect condition but tires been sitting in the basement for couple of years. So it looks like a great deal just concerned about tires, do you think it could've dried out and cracked in few years? Also are how are the toyo tires? Never used them before.

Hmmm ... ask for the DOT codes from the tires. If the tires are more than 3 years old, then they may be quite unsafe - they are close to the usual 4 to 5 year usage limits.

Basically, the rubber in tires starts vulcanizing immediately after manufacture, and hardens steadily over time as exposure to air (oxygen) takes it toll. The older the tire, the more likely that they could have hardened in some spots that could bubble or split easily ... and this could be unsafe at highway speeds.

Plus, they may have serious flat spots (if stored vertically) or on the sidewall (if stacked), that may take a bit time to open out with flexing before you can even consider re-balancing them.

My bottom line: I don't consider used tires a working option for me, unless they were recently removed from a car and are less than 2 years old.

Indeed, when I buy new tires from the tire places, I insist on tires that have less than 6 months old date codes, even though 1 year is probably okay. This last change, I got three tires with 5 month old dates and 1 tire with 3 month date code. Was close to my personal limit, but probably just fine.

Thanks for advice! I found another set of same wheels with newer tires a bit more $ but safety comes first!

[szh]

Thanks for advice! I found another set of same wheels with newer tires a bit more $ but safety comes first!

Good!

Z

[M35SFIREMEDIC]

Hey guys, I'm going with the michelin's primancy mxm4's. I found a good price, cheaper than the oem's bridgestones. I also was looking for longer treadlife than the conti's and hankooks. I post later about the ride, comfort, and quietness.

[Ilya]

Hey guys, I'm going with the michelin's primancy mxm4's. I found a good price, cheaper than the oem's bridgestones. I also was looking for longer treadlife than the conti's and hankooks. I post later about the ride, comfort, and quietness.

Please do. I need a set in a couple of months and it will be either the DWS (for the 3rd time) or the MXM4's (for the first time).

[M35SFIREMEDIC]

Hey guys I'm posting my opinion on my new michelin's primancy mxm4's. I found an immediate improvement in ride, comfort, responsiveness and breaking. The guy at sears stated I had at least 6 mo left on my oem bridgestone's but I had the extra coin so I replaced the tires a little early. I opened it up on the way to work this morning (115-120 mph) and it felt like my car was floating on a cloud. Even the same old bumpy Memphis streets seemed a little less rough. I'm very Impressed with these tires!! I'll give it a couple of tank refills to see if mileage improves. Win for ME!!

[Logan00]

Thanks for your review, it gives me an alternative to consider besides the Continental's. I like what I read about them but I am worried about so many forum members saying that they have only gotten between 20,000 and 30,000 miles out of the Conti's.

Keep us updated

[Larz]

I have the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus on my 2007 M and I love them, but I am told the MXM4's have even lower noise levels so I will try them next. I have maybe 12,000 miles on them and fronts are about half done, rears maybe 1/3 done.
Correct me if I am wrong, but it seems nobody gets more than 20-30,000 miles on their tires with the M regardless of brand ??

[kmiles]

I have the same Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus on my 2007 M35x and agree - I love these tires. I've just passed 40,000 miles on them and still have at least 5K to go. I would describe myself as "spirited" in my driving and I've had the tires rotated every 5-6,000 miles. I've never needed an alignment. I keep them inflated to about 35 lbs. and like the ride and handling at that pressure.

[antzrus]

.. I opened it up on the way to work this morning (115-120 mph) and it felt like my car was floating on a cloud...

Whoa! Sounds like a Buick. You wanna'be driving that fast and "floating..?"

[M35SFIREMEDIC]

@ antzrus didn't notice any performance mods in your description, I'm still stock!! But if your ever down in the dirty south look me up and you can see how I roll personally. FM.

[Ilya]

Thanks for your review, it gives me an alternative to consider besides the Continental's. I like what I read about them but I am worried about so many forum members saying that they have only gotten between 20,000 and 30,000 miles out of the Conti's.

Keep us updated

Yes, thanks.

I will likely be trying the MXM4's next. Conti's are great, but they just don't last.

[jlakst6]

Anyone have any experience with Falken FK452's?

[InfinM3506]

Not very good tires. Had them on the Chrome wheels that came with my car when i bought them. horrible cheap tires. I know have Nito invos not the best i have had on my cars but alot better.

[wizard8873]

Surprised no one mentioned the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta. On my 4th year with these and absolutely loving them. quiet, great in dry and wet, and they keep the car glued to the road. Only real issues I found with them is the rim guard is so-so and they do development flat spots when sitting for a week or so, though these go away after they warm up and you drive a few miles.

[kluken]

So I got General G-MAX AS-03 tires 18 months ago and have 19K miles on them and overall I think they are a decent set of tires. They still have about 6/32 on them so I figure they will be good for another 10-15K before I will replace them. The OEM Potenzas were under 3-4/32 at around 18K miles. I find the Generals to give a smoother ride and they handle well in dry and wet. They are not as stiff as the OEM tires. They are not quiet, but they are less noisey than the OEM tires. I think the M37’s weakness is sound deadening as tire drone is too pronounced since day one. If you want an ultimate sport tire then pass on the General, but if want a good overall ride and handling tire give it a look.

[06M4.5]

Surprised no one mentioned the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta. On my 4th year with these and absolutely loving them. quiet, great in dry and wet, and they keep the car glued to the road. Only real issues I found with them is the rim guard is so-so and they do development flat spots when sitting for a week or so, though these go away after they warm up and you drive a few miles.

Vrede's:

[SchoonerVanHelmet]

This is my second set of Hankook Ventus V12 evos on my 2008 M35 Sport, as I only get about 20-22k miles out of them. I will be changing soon. I had a good experience with the Nitto NT555 on my G37 Sport Coupe, but can't find 19's for my M35.. My next choice is the Nitto Motivos (60K Warranty) (*245/40ZR19 98Y).

[GQM45s]

This is my second set of Hankook Ventus V12 evos on my 2008 M35 Sport, as I only get about 20-22k miles out of them. I will be changing soon. I had a good experience with the Nitto NT555 on my G37 Sport Coupe, but can't find 19's for my M35.. My next choice is the Nitto Motivos (60K Warranty) (*245/40ZR19 98Y).

I heard from a Discount tire rep as those Nittos are what I debating about getting, most of the tires in the Ultra Performance All Season Category don't last that long as they are suppose to. So alot of people have the prorated on the next set of tires. The Rep also said the Nittos' are fairly new tires so he has not received much feedback from them lately, but will let me know once i have my next rotation.

I probably will stick with the Conti's, i like the IMO

[06M4.5]

last time I had Nitto's tires I was happy on how sticky the tire was during the summer

What I didn't like was all the nails & crap they picked up

Never had this problem with V12's or the Vrede's

[quinner49er]

I have a set of Conti ExtremeContact DWS that I have had on the car for about two-and-a-half years. I assume they are the original series since they show the 96Y load factor. They were very hard to come by at the time. There were none available in the Toronto area and I ended up having to get them shipped in from Tire Trends in Vancouver. They replaced the OEM Goodyear RSAs that I hated for their extreme and dangerous tramlining and their performance in snow. I have about 52,000 kms (about 32,500 miles) on them and they still have a ways to go - I can still clearly read the DWS on the tread, although the S is starting to be a bit more faded than the D and the W. I do not treat the car lightly in corners or on acceleration, so I am happy with the wear so far, especially for a high-performance tire.

The driving experience is much more civilized than with the RSAs. I also have not noticed them to be overly noisy, but maybe that is a function of either driving much of the year with the windows closed, or that perhaps my M45X has more cabin insulation than the M35? For an all-season they handle exceptionally well, although my initial perception was that they were perhaps not quite as firm and crisp on extreme cornering as the RSAs. However the difference seems minimal and, in any case, that is a compromise I am prepared to make for more civilized day-to-day driving. More important, due to the ice and snow we get here for about four months of the year, is that they have been exceptional in those conditions and on wet roads the rest of the year. They are a significant improvement over the RSAs in that respect.

This is my third set of Continental tires (although the previous sets were all season, but not ExtremeContacts, and on another car) and I have always been happy with their quality. Overall I am very pleased with the current set and think I made the right decision for me. Who knows what I will do when I need to replace them, since tire technology seems to be constantly changing and improving, but the Contis will certainly be on the short list.

[antzrus]

@ antzrus didn't notice any performance mods in your description, I'm still stock!! But if your ever down in the dirty south look me up and you can see how I roll personally. FM.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention my mods; a complete new right shoulder & left knee and 3 eluting metal heart stents. Pretty kool huh?! My kids call me the Tin Man...

PS I was born in New Orleans.

[M35SFIREMEDIC]

I understand, I'm in the over 40 group so I'm not as daring as I used to be. Hey the new Buick's are nice....just kidding

[Costee]

Hey guys I need advice fast. It's really difficult in my side of the globe getting a 245/40/19 for my 06M45Sport. What's more available is 245/45/19. Should I go ahead with that without having fender rubbing?

[finikM35]

If you not lowered then you have plenty of room. I got 245/45/20 right now and im lowered lol no rubbing

[Costee]

If you not lowered then you have plenty of room. I got 245/45/20 right now and im lowered lol no rubbing

Lowered! I dare not here; In fact my springs are doubly padded to a add a bit of height. I guess I'll remove the pads and go ahead with the 45. Many thanks.