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New M3 Tire Query

M3, M-Technic, and other 17" Tire Owners -

Have any of you folks started looking at replacing your tires yet?  I 
have a '94 "M-Technic" 325is with 17x7.5J wheels and 235/40ZR-17 tires.  
(The M-Technic was essentially much of the M3's trim and suspension with 
a stock 325 drivetrain.)  Unlike the M3's that I've seen with Michelin 
MXX3s, this came with Pirelli P-Zeros.  While I've not been unhappy with 
the P-Zeros, they don't grip as well under hard acceleration out of 
corners (wet or dry) as I expected.  (Although they and the car recover 
quite nicely!)  Their life expectancy is also on the low side (I'm 
guessing I'll get about 18k out of them with pretty good care), but I 
knew that was an issue going in.

What I didn't know was how vulnerable to damage they were.  A stone put a 
hole in the center of one tread recently and while its been patched, it 
started me thinking of replacements.  (With this size and cost I think I 
need to plan far in advance...)  My local dealer quotes the Michelin and 
Pirelli's at rather high prices and tells me that the P-Zeros have 
changed and are now asymmetrical.  (Implying to me that I must replace 
all 4, but I'm not a tire expert.)  Tire Rack has lower prices 
(surprise!) and also mentions that Continental has a tire in that size.

How do you Michelin MXX3 owners feel about your tires, their wear, 
handling and toughness?  Any Continental users yet?  Is anyone aware of 
other brands or "all-weather" versions?  (For example, Goodrich ZR4s are 
advertised on a 325is, but they don't appear to offer this size.)  In the 
unlikely event I opted for wear over traction, has anyone found any 
V-rated tires available in this size?  (I haven't found any.)  Please, no 
flaming over why I got the handling package but am willing to trade a 
little in wear over handling...  :-)

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 - Bill