I've just put on the Ecsta 4x's, and so far have been quite happy with them. I've only a couple hundred miles on them, but no problems so far.

 

Thanks! Is the consensus that this is pretty much one of the better summer tires for 18" rims?

I am really liking the idea of this in a 225/50 to fill out the wells a bit more and give me the ability to roll through an occasional rough patch without the car exploding.

 

Yes they are the kumho Ecsta 4x tires. I have 5k on them. Still going good they almost look new, even with my aggressive driving.

 

The Kumho Ecsta 4X is an all-season tire.

 

Yes Ecsta. I'm still in love with mine, 5k on them. They stick like glue and I check them for pressure every week and only have to put air in once and that was after a big temperature swing back and forth. They are wearing really well too.

Most corporate affiliated stores won't take rf's off and put non-rf's back on. I found a BMW shop and had tire rack ship the tires to them $30 per tire for mounting, balance and disposal.

 

Ah, my bad. Does that make them a poor choice for those of us living in sunny southern California, or are they still a good choice?

 

Just because they are all season doesn't mean there a bad tire for good weather. I know it doesn't rain much there but you still will benefit for using an all season.

 

They would be a good choice if you occasionally venture into SoCal's mountain areas in fall/winter/spring. Or you take trips anywhere else in the mountain west. However there are other good choices out there as well.

 

I just returned from a 700 mile trip through the Hill Country of Texas. Lots of twisty bends to have fun on. Just me in the car. Temp's 80-90, psi was set at 34 all around. I ran most of the trip in the 70-80 mph range. The tires and car both performed perfectly for me. I never ran out of grip or had to back off running out of road. If I were doing the trip today I think I might try a couple of psi more all around. These tires soak up low speed bumps/bad pavement very well and if that was not compromised I would leave them at 36.
My car is an All4S auto with sport suspension. Kumho's are 225-45-18. I now have close to 2500 miles on them.
Bruce
2011 Royal Gray All4s auto

 

Thanks for posting, Geoffrey. I am pretty close to pulling the trigger on the Ecsta 4x, but am not sure whether to go with 225/45 or 225/50. I'd like to fill the wells up a bit more, but may go with a slightly lower suspension as well (whether the MINI Sport suspension or NM Eng.'s springs, I'm not sure).

What springs are you running, Geoffrey? Is it stock or do you have upgraded suspension? I really love the look of your ride with the 225/50s.

 

GeoffreyM, is your car lowered w/ these 225/50R18's?

 

I just had mine installed.it made my car much more enjoyable yo drive.I hate a jaring ride.by the way,bought mine from tirebuyer.com.best price.free home shipping.took them to walmart to have mounted.lifetime balances included.I travel all over so it is easy to find them to get something taken care of. Ps...50 dollar rebate on for another month

 

Which size did you buy?

 

No, stock.

 

Wow - those look awesome stock! It makes the wheel gap look so much better. I ordered springs 10 days ago, but they haven't made it yet...maybe I won't need 'em

I just got my wheels/tires yesterday. They're wheels off a BMW 18x8 with 235/50/18 wheels +46 offset. I might try them on before having them powder coated.

 

I just ordered these tires 225/50r18. Just can't go wrong with the rebate, which expires soon! Going to the dealer on Friday for a recall, oil change, and tire install. Can't wait!

What tire repair kit/compressor is everyone using? Need to get that next.

 

I use AAA as my spare.

 

I just ordered this kit...
for $50.00 Has everything and the Khumo rebate will pay for it. Not a bad deal at all considering whats in the kit.

 

Anyone had problems with the tire pressure sensors in the rims? How about hassles from the mini dealers about running a different size tire than recommended? Those 50 series look much better.

 

I'm running 225-50 18's but in the Michelin Super Sports (summer tire) as I run a dedicated winter tire during the snowy season. I had a wicked vibration issue that the dealer took 3 months to track down. Not once did they comment on my 225-50 tires. They ended up having to replace the entire rear differential. No issues with tpms either.

 

What hassles do you mean? That the dealer might try to claim the warranty is invalid because an owner used a different size tire versus OEM?

 

Yea I was wondering if they was trying to linking issues with the different tire size.

 

Seems like they will use any available excuse to deny a warranty claim, really shameful.

 

Yes Sir, this is the way to go. Amazing difference in ride quality. Signficant changes in all aspects of how the car drives. Much smoother, quiter, better grip (holds the line), and looks fantastic. I can't explain why but the clutch engagement feels smoother. Gearing feels slightly different becuase of increase in tire diameter. Also a bit more ground cleareance which will be nice this winter.

 

More pics