I have an '05 S conv. with 18" Works rims. I run 215/35/18 on them. For the past 4-5 years I've used the Kuhmo Ecsta AST and the Kumho Ecsta ASX. Despite the price difference between the two as well as the treadwear rating I honestly never thought one was any different from the other. I used a set General Exclaim UHP once and thought they were the same as the Kumhos and not worth the extra money I paid.

Right now I'm up for a new set of 4 and I'm considering the Continental Extremes DWS (the DW model is too soft and wears too quickly for me) or Kumho AST or Hankook Ventus V4.

The only reason I am considering the Continentals is the longer treadwear, in theory anyway and the fact they are supposed to be quieter. In my car the Kumhos are always great for about 5,000 miles and then the constant thrumming starts which is real annoying when the top is up. I rotate the tires and have gone to one dealership and 3 private shops in the past for alignments and the noise is always the same REAL ANNOYING!

Normally I can't afford the almost $150 a tire to consider the Contimentals but right now I can. Just not sure it's worth it. Has anyone actually run the Continentals on their Mini or even the Hankooks? I'd like to hear from people who have used them since the Contis are about 50% more money. I'm in Georgia so I get little snow or ice. Anyone with an opinion?

Thanks,

Ron B.

 

I just added the Continental DW as a second set of tires for summer use. So far the ride is much better than with the Bridgestones that were on the car when I bought it. Much less stiff. Can't speak for the treadwear yet as I only have about 600 miles on them. The Bridgestones that I replaced were Potenza RE960AS and were pretty worn. Still serviceable but probably only one winter season left. Also, I have a relative that works for General Tire and he was able to get me a really good deal on the Contis through Tire Rack.

 

Have Continental all season tires on our new CRV and at 10 K the fronts are down to the wear bars. Have had Kumho extas all season on 05 JCW. Had a bubble on on tire at about 10 k miles. Went with Goodyear Eagle all seasons. They are wearing well and give good summer and winter traction. Would buy another set when they finnaly wear out

 

I am runnning the DWS 215 45 17, much better then the Kuhmo ast , actually one of the best tires I have had on the mini for daily use, just would not track or autocross on it.

 

I've no experience with any of the tires you've mentioned, but, just using Tire Rack data, it appears that the Conti DWS are the best of that bunch. They're particularly good in the wet (great in the snow, should you ever go north in the winter), and should provide a more comfortable ride and longer wear.

 

I think the Conti DWS are the best. I use them on 3 sets of wheels for 2 different cars. The first set got 42000 miles of use at 5K rotation rate. I have another set of summer Conti on my Coupe that only have 4k on them and they look perfect.

 

I have an 06 cabriolet, a full JCW car with the 18" JCW wheels. I'm running the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo's in a 215/40-18 size and they are hands-down, the very best tires I've ever run. Car and Driver, in their 2009 tire test, rated them second behind the Dunlop Direzza's.

 

I just put on the Conti DWS 3 days ago. Looked at all the options and reviews. They have a very solid feel, and are very quiet. Much quieter than the high mileage worn out Kuhmo's. I am thinking they are worth the small cost jump. Maybe I didn't realize how noisy over time the old ones were, but I am liking these so far. Have only had them in the dry as of now.

 

As with many other people I have had great luck with the Extreme Contact DWS tires. I own 3 sets one on a Clubman S and 2 sets on BMW X3's. All have been great. The are quiet and the tire life looks to be very good.

I haven't really pushed them so I don't know how they compare as a high performance tire but this are a great highway tire and they are not bad in the snow. We do have winter tires for the Mini but the X3's both use them year round.

 

Just went in for a rotation of my DWS's. They are at 2/32 after only 21,000 miles/18 months. I won't be buying them again.