**Unofficial Tyre Thread**

[ristac]

We’ve just bought a 21 plate Mercedes GLB it’s done 11k miles, it has Pirelli P Zero tyres. Enough tread to be legal but they‘re going to need replacing soon. I’ve no idea if these were the tyres supplied when new.

Many years ago, (30+) everyone in their early 20s wanted Pirelli on their cars, I remember my first set thinking they were the DBs and then being alarmed at how soft they seemed and how quickly they wore out, I’ve never purchased another since.

So are they worth a consideration, do they wear out a bit quicker, we’re going to be living very rural soon, country roads, wet and slippy this time of year. An 80 mile round trip commute twice a week, any suggestions welcomed.

 

[MissChief]

Michelin, Continental or Good Year. I'd probably go for Conti Premium Contact as I doubt you'd need the sport contact.

Having just re-read your post forget that. I'd go for some all season tyres, most brands do them these days.

 

[Firegod]

we’re going to living very rural soon, country roads, wet and slippy this time of year. An 80 mile round trip commute twice a week, any suggestions welcomed.

And most country lanes will be untreated this time of year, so I'd also agree - a nice set of all seasons would do you well.

 

[Street]

I'm looking at changing my Chinesium tyres to something a bit more reassuring for the winter but it looks like I have an odd size. My wheels are 7.5x18 but my tyres are 205/40 which gives me limited options. Going to 215/40 opens things up a lot and they're also cheaper. The 205s also look a bit stretched on the rims.
With 215s, I can get a set of Vector 4s fitted for £499. It's only an extra 10mm so it's not likely to cause any issues is it? Weirdly, putting my reg in on tyre websites seems to give conflicting results of 205 and 215 as the size.

 

[Firegod]

I'm looking at changing my Chinesium tyres to something a bit more reassuring for the winter but it looks like I have an odd size. My wheels are 7.5x18 but my tyres are 205/40 which gives me limited options. Going to 215/40 opens things up a lot and they're also cheaper. The 205s also look a bit stretched on the rims.
With 215s, I can get a set of Vector 4s fitted for £499. It's only an extra 10mm so it's not likely to cause any issues is it? Weirdly, putting my reg in on tyre websites seems to give conflicting results of 205 and 215 as the size.

From a quick look online you should be able to fit 215 on a 7.5x18" rim just fine.

 

[Street]

It's mainly the rubbing on the arches I'm worried about. I've tried to have a look and it doesn't look like there is much clearance as it is.

 

[Firegod]

It's mainly the rubbing on the arches I'm worried about. I've tried to have a look and it doesn't look like there is much clearance as it is.

I've plus sized once or twice on standard rims. Like your example, moved from a 205 to a 215 or a 215 to a 225. As long as the car isn't lowered you shouldn't normally have any problems with rubbing. We're talking 10mm difference. See what others think, as they may have more to add.

 

[Street]

I've done some more research and a few people run them on the DS3P and 208 GTI BPS without issues and 215s were standard on the older Racing so I've bitten the bullet and ordered them. £499 is much less than I was expecting to spend for a set of Vector 4s and I'll be glad to get rid of the god awful ditch finders that were fitted. I was hoping to wear them out before I replaced them as it seems a shame to get rid of them with a decent amount of tread left, but they're just awful tyres.

 

[Firegod]

I've done some more research and a few people run them on the DS3P and 208 GTI BPS without issues and 215s were standard on the older Racing so I've bitten the bullet and ordered them. £499 is much less than I was expecting to spend for a set of Vector 4s and I'll be glad to get rid of the god awful ditch finders that were fitted. I was hoping to wear them out before I replaced them as it seems a shame to get rid of them with a decent amount of tread left, but they're just awful tyres.

I had similar, repalced some cheap foreign tyres on my Mustang. Rang around a few second hand places as they still had loads of tread - they laughed, refused to buy them and said the best thing was to burn them. haha. Terrible tyres. The Goodyears should serve you well.

 

[Street]

Sods law, I left my car at home today for my new tyres to be fitted and drove the Mini in to work. On the way back I hear a noise, pull over to check it out and turns out I'd driven a bolt right through one of the tyres. Three hours sat at the side of the road waiting for the RAC to come and patch it was just what I wanted to be doing on a Friday night!

 

[Akagi]

We’ve just brought a 21 plate Mercedes GLB

Where did you bring it from?

 

[mjt]

Massive screw in the rear tyre of the i3s. Annoying, but they're both down to a few mm and was going to replace them in the spring anyway so won't waste my time plugging it.
Only 2 tyres available (I don't count the £100 Tracmax as a viable alternative).

Trying the 15-year old Bridgestone Potenza S001s over the Ecopia EP500s. BMW wants €800 fitted LOL, but finally found them for €415 delivered.
Still a complete ripoff, but should be more grippy than the EP500s, and the cost was the same.

 

[Gilbert89]

From a quick look online you should be able to fit 215 on a 7.5x18" rim just fine.

My Alloys are 7.5x18 and standad size is 215/40/18.

It's mainly the rubbing on the arches I'm worried about. I've tried to have a look and it doesn't look like there is much clearance as it is.

I’ve upsized from 215 to 225 and like you my main concern was clearance within the wheel arch, it’s tight.

Worth checking on some forums if anyone has done the same without any issues or getting an opinion from a good independent who has your best interests at heart!

 

[Street]

My Alloys are 7.5x18 and standad size is 215/40/18.



I’ve upsized from 215 to 225 and like you my main concern was clearance within the wheel arch, it’s tight.

Worth checking on some forums if anyone has done the same without any issues or getting an opinion from a good independent who has your best interests at heart!

Thanks! I did scout around the DS3P and 208 GTI owners groups and a few people were using them so I took the plunge. They fit fine and were cheaper and more available, they also look a lot better on the rims than the 205s.

 

[roadie]

Can anyone comment on what the widest tyre with the squarest shoulder might be in 235/40/18?

I'm looking to replace the staggered 19" wheels on my car with a square setup in 18 x 8.5. A 245 width tyre would be ideal, but in 35 profile it would be too low profile and 40 too tall!

 

[Mikey]

Looks like Goodyear Supersport sizes aren't fully available in the UK anymore. My tyres Euro lists options. 255/40/18 and 275/40/18, alternative is I stay on PSS for my 18 setup.

 

[Firegod]

Looks like Goodyear Supersport sizes aren't fully available in the UK anymore. My tyres Euro lists options. 255/40/18 and 275/40/18, alternative is I stay on PSS for my 18 setup.

Michelin PS5 or Bridgestone Potenza Sport are available in those sizes.

 

[Mikey]

Michelin PS5 or Bridgestone Potenza Sport are available in those sizes.

Going on an M car, will have a look

 

[ChrisD.]

I've done around 400 miles on the SportContact 7's (on my F80 M3 Comp) and my initial thoughts are that they are excellent. I haven't done much spirited driving, but general driving feel is great and the front end response/feel is nearly as good as the MPSS that they replaced. Where they are in a different league to the Michelin's is in the wet and cold. I'm no longer having to tip-toe the car around when the temperature is near zero, and when it's wet the grip and feedback is sublime. On the Michelin's I'd sometimes struggle to get out of a parking space due to the low grip and aggressiveness of the DCT. I've just been out in the torrential rain and on a clear bit of road tried to see how it would handle second gear and up to around 5k RPM the TC didn't flicker, only after that when the power really starts to pile on could I feel a little bit of yaw movement and the TC light started to flash a little more, plus the audible wife TC came on as well so I backed off. On the Michelin's in that sort of weather I'd have to be in 4th before I'd be able to use full throttle.

 

[Rroff]

Personally always thought the Premium and Sport Contact, etc. a better compromise for the UK with our realistic range of weather conditions than some of the tyres which get hyped up, at least for general road use - when it comes to the cold and rain the difference is just so big.