Just got my Cooper Ultra Touring CS5's today. 205/50/16. Should fit my stock wheels, and give me a bit more rubber on the road. Has anyone tried these yet? Online reviews seemed favorable. They look pretty cool, and have a very stiff sidewall. Treadwear rating of 620, which far exceeds the Conti run-flats of 400. I have been abusing those Conti's from day one, (bought the 2011 MCS used with 21k, not sure if they were originals, date on tires seems to indicate so) and they are NOT liking what I have been doing! Anyone?

 

Tires on, and I must say that they look much better than the Conti run-flats did! They seem to fill the fenders better, and look way more appropriate on my ride! The extra 1/2 inch of treadwidth makes my MCS look a bit more aggressive, and the road noise is much less. All of this on stock wheels! Can't wait to upgrade to some aftermarket gunmetal grey wheels. Saving up for those. The 205/50/16's are a tight fit on the front struts, but so far, so good! Being as they are NEW tires, I am not pushing to the limit on handling, and they do feel a bit "squishy" on turn-in at high speeds on sharp turns. Once the "NEW" is worn off, I am hoping that the turn-in feel gets better. Hoping to get some life out of these tires, as they have a 60k warranty. If I get 30k, I will be happy. I do drive quite aggresively, so the warranty may be useless. I intend to rotate every oil change, 5k. As I always say, time will tell.

 

Treadwear of 620? Are they made of ROCKS? You do realize that the higher the tread ware #, the harder the tire is, and the less grip it usually has?

 

Yes, I realize that a higher treadwear rated tire may not be as sticky as one with a lower rating. Obviously. The reviews I read said these Coopers performed very well, even in wet conditions. They use a high-silica content rubber compound, or something like that, to give grip and durability, I have read somewhere. And if I DO happen to give up a little grip for longer tire wear, I am ok with that. Just the tire-noise reduction versus the Conti run-flats is a welcomed change! With the added width, and the aggressive tread, they also LOOK way better than the Conti's did. $308.00 for all 4, shipped to my door, and no sales tax? If they don't work out, I am really not out that much...so far, so good! The grip is just fine, especially for brand new tires with 10/32" tread depth.