RE: Tire Wear

["Fadeev, Alex" <alex.fadeev@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robin [mailto:rbennett@domain.elided] wrote:
> 
> Interesting discussion of tire wear.
> 
> Alex Fadeev suggests rotating the tires. However, according to my
> 'Bentley's', BMW does not recommend rotating tires. This is 
> because of the differing wear patterns from front to back due to
> BMW's suspension design. When the tires are changed front to back
> and visa versa it can lead to handling problems. I have experienced
> this phenomenon first hand.

AFAIK, BMW also advises against tire rotation for the same reasons.
But between autoX wear on the outside of front tires, rears wearing more on
the inside and occasional punctures (tire immediately goes to the back)
rotation becomes a must. Maybe I could detect marginally decreased traction
immediately after rotating wheels front/back, or maybe I was imagining
things. Either way the effect is very short lived. 

> I am also in the market for new tires. Having gone through several
> sets of Pirellis, I would like to try something different. I have a 
> 1996 328i with the sports suspension package. The tires are 225/50-16
> front and rear. 
> Suggestions, anyone?

Robin,
Check out 225/50-16 Bridgestone S03-PP's. 
A little pricey, but absolutely magnificent in both wet and dry (based on my
experience during Bridgestone autoX this spring). That's what my wife's 328i
is getting after we hopefully finish off the POS Contis at a DE this July.

alex f

------------------------------