Is the switch from all-seasons to summer tires worth it? - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

Game · 01-21-2013, 04:54 AM

I recently purchased some new wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE960as Pole Position tires mounted with about 70-80% tread left. They are 245/35/19 up front and 275/30 in the rear and don't rub from my initial mounting.

I have dedicated winter wheels/tires so all-seasons seem pointless. The tires are already mounted, but will have to be unmounted to refinish the wheels so there's no extra cost there.

So is it worth it going to summer tires? I don't track but could see myself trying it out this year. I'm not an aggressive driver about 90% of the time.

Not sure how much I could sell the Potenzas for, possibly a trade would be the best option but then I'd likely have to deal with shipping.

Opinions, recommendations?

GOTMH8N · 01-21-2013, 06:00 AM

Hmm dedicated summer tires do usually have a stiffer side wall and are generally noiser too. They will definitely grip harder than most std all seasons. Those tires on there are pretty good summer tires so I'd try them out and see how you like them for a summer.

**Gary@TireRack** · 01-21-2013, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOTMH8N

Hmm dedicated summer tires do usually have a stiffer side wall and are generally noiser too. They will definitely grip harder than most std all seasons. Those tires on there are pretty good summer tires so I'd try them out and see how you like them for a summer.

+1

All season tires for summer aren't completely pointless. Some prefer the smoother, quieter ride and longer treadwear that most all season tires provide.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...ires/index.jsp

FCobra94 · 01-21-2013, 11:22 AM

I say drive on 'em until they wear out and then make this decision when you're shopping for new tires again.

Meeni · 01-21-2013, 02:34 PM

the difference in grip is breathtaking. the difference in treadwaer too.

wdeerfield · 01-21-2013, 03:16 PM

i use to run summer tires for years and got tired of replacing them every third summer due to softer compounds wearing out quicker. It was always the inside of the tread to since these cars are cambered for handling. Since i moved to the E90, i stuck with the all season conti pro contacts in a non-runflat and after driving them, i see no reason for me to get summer performance tires as i dont track the car and use it for daily commuting. Quiet ride and long treadlife, works for me.

Smooth 330i · 01-21-2013, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Game

I recently purchased some new wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE960as Pole Position tires mounted with about 70-80% tread left. They are 245/35/19 up front and 275/30 in the rear and don't rub from my initial mounting.

I have dedicated winter wheels/tires so all-seasons seem pointless. The tires are already mounted, but will have to be unmounted to refinish the wheels so there's no extra cost there.

So is it worth it going to summer tires? I don't track but could see myself trying it out this year. I'm not an aggressive driver about 90% of the time.

Not sure how much I could sell the Potenzas for, possibly a trade would be the best option but then I'd likely have to deal with shipping.

Opinions, recommendations?

It all depends if you are getting the value. The one thing that you would notice with summer tires in your case is increased steering feedback and breaking even when going slower. Based on your driving style I wouldn't do it. RE960 is fine. I would try summer tires after these are done.

Game · 01-22-2013, 02:27 AM

Thanks for the opinions guys.

Game · 01-25-2013, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NokTurNaL 330i

It all depends if you are getting the value. The one thing that you would notice with summer tires in your case is increased steering feedback and breaking even when going slower. Based on your driving style I wouldn't do it. RE960 is fine. I would try summer tires after these are done.

Would you change your opinion if I told you that my summer setup would only get about 5-6k miles a year max?

Smooth 330i · 01-25-2013, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Game

Would you change your opinion if I told you that my summer setup would only get about 5-6k miles a year max?

Well, the only time you can really take advantage of summer tires is when you push the car on back roads or HPDE. They are more expensive and stiffer and you will definitely feel the difference.

The bottom line is the a/s tire is a "jack of all trades and a master of none". The winter and summer tires are masters.

CT335xi · 01-26-2013, 10:22 AM

Well if you decide to go with a summer tire you can always run the michelin pss which have a tread wear of 300. You dont usually see max performance tires that have acceptable ride/ noise/ and grip with a 300 tread wear. The best part is michelin offers a 30000 mile warranty for square set up and 15000 miles if your running staggered.

Game · 01-26-2013, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT335xi

Well if you decide to go with a summer tire you can always run the michelin pss which have a tread wear of 300. You dont usually see max performance tires that have acceptable ride/ noise/ and grip with a 300 tread wear. The best part is michelin offers a 30000 mile warranty for square set up and 15000 miles if your running staggered.

Yeah however then I'd likely have to spend anywhere from $400-$600 on top of what I'd get for the Bridgestones to afford those.

Eagle1oh7 · 01-27-2013, 02:17 PM

Sorry for hi-jacking, but what is everyone's opinion on mixing tires for fronts and rears? I was thinking about this setup when I go in for new tires in about 1000 more miles.

Game · 01-27-2013, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

Sorry for hi-jacking, but what is everyone's opinion on mixing tires for fronts and rears? I was thinking about this setup when I go in for new tires in about 1000 more miles.

Thinking about going summer and all-seasons?

Eagle1oh7 · 01-27-2013, 03:44 PM

All season, I'm expecting to move up to Oak Harbor in Washington by November.

Meeni · 01-27-2013, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

Sorry for hi-jacking, but what is everyone's opinion on mixing tires for fronts and rears? I was thinking about this setup when I go in for new tires in about 1000 more miles.

No. mismatch is possible, but is often the cause of weird handling, noise, premature wear, etc. Just don't do it.

01-21-2013, 04:54 AM	#1
Game Should stop modding Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lockport/Chicago, IL Posts: 3,273 iTrader: (11)	Is the switch from all-seasons to summer tires worth it? I recently purchased some new wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE960as Pole Position tires mounted with about 70-80% tread left. They are 245/35/19 up front and 275/30 in the rear and don't rub from my initial mounting. I have dedicated winter wheels/tires so all-seasons seem pointless. The tires are already mounted, but will have to be unmounted to refinish the wheels so there's no extra cost there. So is it worth it going to summer tires? I don't track but could see myself trying it out this year. I'm not an aggressive driver about 90% of the time. Not sure how much I could sell the Potenzas for, possibly a trade would be the best option but then I'd likely have to deal with shipping. Opinions, recommendations? __________________ Space Gray / Saddle Brown E92 335i - APRIL 2013 Car of the Month DecisiveSports.com
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01-21-2013, 03:16 PM	#6
wdeerfield Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2009 328i xdrive Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Clifton Park, NY Posts: 1,547 iTrader: (0)	i use to run summer tires for years and got tired of replacing them every third summer due to softer compounds wearing out quicker. It was always the inside of the tread to since these cars are cambered for handling. Since i moved to the E90, i stuck with the all season conti pro contacts in a non-runflat and after driving them, i see no reason for me to get summer performance tires as i dont track the car and use it for daily commuting. Quiet ride and long treadlife, works for me. __________________ 2009 MBM 328\| ZPP \| ZSP \| ZCW \| CA \| 6FL \| NAV \| XENONS \| 18x8.5 VB3s ET30/25 2011 Jet Black 535i xdrive \| ZPP \| ZSP \| ZCW \| 6FL \| NAV \| 331s Square

01-22-2013, 02:27 AM	#8
Game Should stop modding Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lockport/Chicago, IL Posts: 3,273 iTrader: (11)	Thanks for the opinions guys. __________________ Space Gray / Saddle Brown E92 335i - APRIL 2013 Car of the Month DecisiveSports.com

01-26-2013, 10:22 AM	#11
CT335xi Private First Class Drives: e90 335xi, evo 8, gmc syclone Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Naugatuck,Ct Posts: 167 iTrader: (0)	Well if you decide to go with a summer tire you can always run the michelin pss which have a tread wear of 300. You dont usually see max performance tires that have acceptable ride/ noise/ and grip with a 300 tread wear. The best part is michelin offers a 30000 mile warranty for square set up and 15000 miles if your running staggered. __________________ volk re30 18x8.5 / tc kline coilovers / cobb ap / afe stg 2 sealed cai / afe air scoops / 5" ets fmic

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01-21-2013, 06:00 AM	#2
GOTMH8N Stay Classy Drives: 335i Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: c Posts: 1,024 iTrader: (2)	Hmm dedicated summer tires do usually have a stiffer side wall and are generally noiser too. They will definitely grip harder than most std all seasons. Those tires on there are pretty good summer tires so I'd try them out and see how you like them for a summer.

01-21-2013, 11:22 AM	#4
FCobra94 First Lieutenant Drives: '07 E90 335i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: MD Posts: 309 iTrader: (0)	I say drive on 'em until they wear out and then make this decision when you're shopping for new tires again.

01-21-2013, 02:34 PM	#5
Meeni Gateropode Drives: BMW 330i 06 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: TN Posts: 784 iTrader: (0)	the difference in grip is breathtaking. the difference in treadwaer too.

01-27-2013, 02:17 PM	#13
Eagle1oh7 Second Lieutenant Drives: '11 328i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Vacaville CA Posts: 280 iTrader: (0)	Sorry for hi-jacking, but what is everyone's opinion on mixing tires for fronts and rears? I was thinking about this setup when I go in for new tires in about 1000 more miles.

01-27-2013, 03:44 PM	#15
Eagle1oh7 Second Lieutenant Drives: '11 328i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Vacaville CA Posts: 280 iTrader: (0)	All season, I'm expecting to move up to Oak Harbor in Washington by November.