Re: Continental ContiSport Contacts any good? (archive)

You are right, as far as the width of the tire (235mm), that is right for the 8" wide wheel, as that is the width I run on my 17X8. If anything, you could probably even go a bit wider. I just recently trashed a rim on a curb, as there was no "tire buffer" to protect it even at 235 width.

In questioning the tire size, I was speaking more of the 50 sidewall height....I was just suprised that the M-Par wheels were intended to run so much sidewall. Usually on 18" sized wheels you see them running a 35 - 45. I guess thats more commond on sport rather than luxo cars.

Thanks for the feedback. Actually, 235/50ZR18 is the recommended size for the 18x8 M Parallel rims. You do bring up a good point though, because all M Parallel rims I've seen out in the parking deck do have 235/50ZR18's, and the tire is actually wider than the lip of the rim (I've been given some funny looks from people who see me out there with my keychain flashlight looking at other cars' tires. Funny indeed). I guess this is to protect the rim from curb scrapes or whatever. But, overall, the wheels still look good in my opinion. RS

I've been very happy with mine (234/45/17) on my E32 750iL. I haven't run the pilot sports, but have run the old Pilot SX MXX3 on several cars I've owned (including the E32). The MXX3 gave a crisper response and a bit more stick, but were pretty bad in the wet. The Pilot Sports probably wouldn't be quite as crisp as the MXX3, but are supposedly very good in the wet....probably just as good as the ContiSports. Plus, my feeling is that the Conti will probably handle the heavy weight of the 7er a bit better than the Pilot Sports, and you will get longer tread life.

Especially in light of the $200 savings vs the Pilot(even without regard to the Pilot backorder issue), IMHO the Conti is a good tire match with your e38. I would buy them again.

One thought though, isn't a 50 tire aspect (your 234/50/18) a bit of a big sidewall for an 18" wheel? Just curious. IMHO these 7ers benefit greatly from shorter sidewalls, as it makes turn-in much more immediate and precise.

txhedg
91 750iL

Does anybody here have any experience with the Continental ContiSport Contacts, 235/50ZR18 tires? I'm in a '97 740iL, non-winter driving, non-aggressive driver, who only puts on <7k miles per year, but still want something halfway decent.

Tirerack.com has the Contacts all day long for $199/piece, and the Pilot Sports are on backorder for $239/piece. Should I spend the extra $$ for the Pilot Sports?

Thanks for all responses in advance!

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