Tyre recommendation

[TBi]

I'm going to make the move from run-flats but not sure what to change to.

I'm mainly looking for a quiet tyre, and a softer ride. Maybe a conti sport contact 3 or Bridgestone potenza re050a. Currently running 2x Dunlop SP01 and 2x Pirelli p-zero nero's and they are all too loud!

205/45 r17 crown spoke alloys.

Thanks!

[MiniMpi]

Hi there,
I'm currently running Pirelli P Zero Nero NON runflat Tyres and find them excellent.
Also try Conti Sport Contact 2's as they are brilliant. All 205/45/17's.

[TBi]

The P Zero's were nice at the start but seem to have gotten continuously louder with wear (although maybe that was just the dunlops getting even more worn).

I get a good deal on the P Zero's but the conti's are supposedly quieter. Not sure what to do.

[TBi]

And now there's a SportContact 5! Wuhoo!

[MiniMpi]

The Dunlop's are shocking bad when they wear and they wear quickly!!

Ger used Conti's a lot and was very happy with them. He uses Michelin Pilot Sport 2's now but he has 18's
They are like super glue!

[TBi]

Yup he said both were good, but i think he said that he only went michelin because they didn't have the conti he wanted in 18".

Think i'll take a chance on the SportContact 5. Supposed to be better than the 3 and i really need a new front tyre.

Then all i'll need is a can of tyre weld... although i do know a guy in Cork doing UltraSeal (the good stuff, not the cheaper alternatives).

[MiniMpi]

Good stuff. Let us know how the Conti Sport 5's go

[TBi]

Good stuff. Let us know how the Conti Sport 5's go

Will do as soon as i find someone in town who does continentals

My usual supplier has stopped doing them.

[irlmin]

Eiretyres have them listed , no 'tyretest' yet on the Eiretyres site on Conti 5s , I always found the contis excellent , but have another set of Michelins ordered for the Clubman , as you said no 18" Contis .
G

[TBi]

I saw them there. 160+20 euro fitting so a bit pricier than the Bridgestones (145 inc. shipping at my local place).

I called up the place next to you for the conti's (EPT) but they haven't gotten back to me with a price. Are they good to deal with?

[TBi]

The Conti 5 comes in 18". Not sure what size your wheels are though. They also have the 5P for larger wheels, 18+.

[irlmin]

I can sort the Conti's at € 170 supplied and fitted / balanced , PM me for details if you are interested , As regards 18" the dont's make 205x40x18 , so I will have to stick to the Michelins ( € 276 ea at Eiretyres ) 4 ,
G

[TBi]

Thanks Ger. I had a better look at the tyres (always dark when i get home!) and it seems only the outside is bald. The inside has a little thread and the drivers side tyre is fine. I think the tracking might be out.

Not sure whether to drive on for another while or get the new ones. Half thinking about ordering them to have them in case they take a few weeks (the tyres will definately need changing then).

I can get them fitted then.

[irlmin]

The Contis would take 2 days to get in , it would also be better to check the wishbone bushes etc as well as track before you fit decent tyres ,
G

[TBi]

Got my new Conti SportContact 5 non-runflats. Thanks to Ger for convincing me i needed to change my front tyres and getting me a good deal! The difference is amazing!

I'm now running 2x Pirelli P-Zero RFT's on front and 2x Conti 5 non-RFT on the back. The grip around corners is phenomenal and the ride is a lot more comfortable/quiet. I must also give credit to Pirelli for their new runflats. I initially wasn't impressed with them but the problem was the old Dunlop SP-01 RFT's i had. Since those are gone i can appreciate the Pirelli's.

I will eventually go Conti all round but i'm very happy with the two so far. The Mini feels like a new car. Starting to enjoy it again rather than hating the noise/harsh ride.