RE: Tire Upgrade Opinion

["Bob Sutterfield" <Bob@xxxxxx>]

Manny Nolasco asked:
> I want to upgrade the tires on my '99 323i, but want
> to keep the same 16" factory alloy wheels.
> Currently I have the following:
> 16 x 7.0 Star Spoke alloy wheels, 205/55R-16 all-season tires.

Just about anything you install, other than studded snow tires, will
feel like an improvement over those compromise no-season tires.

> I need advice on the next zise (maybe 225) and the best 
> recommended brand.  I live in Florida.

225/50-16 is a good "plus zero" choice, only 0.1% smaller circumference
than your current setup.  A little wider tread and a little lower
sidewalls, along with more performance-oriented tread compounds and
construction, should feel great.

Visit http://www.tirerack.com and choose "Tires" then "Shop by Size".
Enter your desired new size, and select the summer categories with
"Performance" in the name.  Compare the surveys and customer reviews.

I've heard lots of people happy with the S-03PP, Pilot Sport, AVS Sport.
We were happy with our RE730s.  In the below-$100 range, look at the
SP8000 and HTR-Z and ECSTA Supra 712 and AVS ES100.  They still show
some AVS Intermediates in stock in that size, a great tire at closeout
prices.
- --
Bob Sutterfield
'87 E30 325iS http://bmwe30.net #1129 DAS KAR
'88 E28 535iS http://m535i.org   #154 IHR FUNF
BMWCCA #169277 Rocky Mountain Chapter

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