First Impressions on 245/45 and 275/40 tires (archive)

Yesterday, after 26,000 miles, I got new Michelin Pilot Sport tires for my 2000 740i Sport. I put 245/45 ZR18 on the front and 275/40 ZR18 on the rear. Interestingly enough, I was able to get a better deal at the local NTB (National Tire and Battery) store than TireRack. I picked the Pilot Sports because I was happy with the performance and longivety of the factory Pilot Sport MXX3s. Every shop that I talked to recommeded the new Pilot sports and said that performance (particularly on wet), handling and noise levels were improved over the MXX#. Also, eveyrone one recommended them over my second choice (Pole Position S-02s), because they would last longer.

Anyway, my impressions:

The softer sidewall provides a more comfortable ride.
They are defintely quieter.
The softer sidewall reduces by a little the feedback to the driver, but also considerably reduces the jitters that comes from bigger tires trying the follow every grove in the road.
Their grip on the wet road is definely better.

Since it has rained all day, I have had little chance to drive on dry roads.

All in all, I am impressed with the improvement. I aslo like the looks of the bigger tires, especailly the 275s at the rear. With my new Eismann 3.25 quad exhausts jutting out the back, the rear of my car has taken on a new look.

Follow Ups:

Re:Response to tires questions scott740iS 14:58 2/17/2001 (2)
- Re:Response to tires questions Jon 21:53 2/17/2001 (1)
  - less than 1% or 1 mph every 100 mphs. scott740iS 22:42 2/17/2001 (0)
Re: First Impressions on 245/45 and 275/40 tires RICK 13:12 2/17/2001 (1)
- Re: Pictures scott740iS 15:20 2/18/2001 (0)
Re: First Impressions on 245/45 and 275/40 tires RICK 13:07 2/17/2001 (0)
Did you roll the fender lip? Big-T 08:04 2/17/2001 (0)
Re: First Impressions on 245/45 and 275/40 tires Yarom 21:36 2/16/2001 (0)

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