I'm replacing the Dunlop SP Sport Signature tires on my S, after they have worn out very fast and tend to suffer from very bad tramlining. It's been a bit over two years and there are a few new tires to choose from on the Tire Rack site, so I thought I'd ask here and find new recommendations.

I'm looking for all-season (this is VERY important) 17" high performance tires that have great handling (yes, I know that you sacrifice some handling when you don't use summer tires) and don't suffer from big tramlining issues. Performance is not the solitary goal (though it is the main goal) as this is also my daily driver, so tires that have at least a little level of comfort are desirable...though I changed the shocks out when I first got the car so I don't suffer from the stock Delphi rattle-your-fillings-out ride.

Thanks in advance!

 

Why not ask the folks in the Tires, Wheels & Brakes discussion board...

Give Tire Rack a call. They have really good customer support.

 

Whoops. Forgot about that forum. Thanks -- the thread is now there.

 

So far I'm enjoying the new Cooper Zeon RS3-A. They are quiet, ride well and handle pretty darn good after breaking them in! Tied with Pirelli P Nero Zero A/S in testing.

 

Take a look at this Ultra-High Performance Sport All-Season tire 205/45-17 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus 205/45ZR17/XL 88Y

After two other sets of tires (runflats and non) I've finally got a set of tires that are quiet and give a very comfortable ride in my 2004 MCS.

Michelin rates them a 10 in wear life and comfort. http://www.michelinman.com/tire-sele...formance-sport

 

Thanks for the recommendations, guys.

I spoke with a Tire Rack guy and asked him what he felt the best tires were, totally regardless of price (i.e. I asked for recommendations under ANY price!). One of his top recommendations was the Kumho Ecsta 4X, which I ended up buying, and I had them put on last Friday. Fantastic tire! In my experience so far it handles just as solidly as the Dunlops I had on before, with less tramlining and a slightly better ride.

Highly recommended. Don't let the price scare you -- they're made in Korea, which explains why they are cheaper.

 

For long-lasting all-around tires that will get you through all year, I'd go with the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus. They are still the ones that wear the best from my experience, while giving up little in performance and really cut out out tramlining. They also do pretty well in the snow.

 

For All Season tires in 205/45-17

You can start with Ultra High performance AS tires- they offer a compromise of good handling with longer treadlife good in three seasons up to cold and some snow-

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...1&startIndex=0

If you are limited to runflats then-
Bridgestone RE960AS runflats for $185 each, 400 treadwear

If non runflats then-
Kumho Ecsta 4X $103 each, 420 treadwear
General Gmax AS-03 $112 each, 480 treadwear
Continental ExtremeContact DWS $119 each, 540 treadwear
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus $162 each, 500 treadwear
Tirerack test results in this class-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=151
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=147

Another choice but in 215/45-17
Bridgestone Potenza RE970AS $145 each, 400 treadwear

For a little more comfort for street use-
Grand Touring All Season tires in 215/45-17 (none in 205/45-17)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...wws=N&showcm=N
Michelin Primacy MXM4 $181 each, 500 treadwear, W speed rated, $160 for V speed rated
Tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=138
General Altimax HP $104 each, 440 treadwear
Tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=152

 

The Kumhos everyone keeps listing are great tires considering the price as far as performance goes, but I've used them before and so has a family member on a VW GTI, neither of us got beyond the 17k mile mark with them. I liked how they hold the road but won't buy them again considering the wear. Hopefully others will have better luck with them.

 

wouldn't treadlife warranty kick in to get you a new free set?

 

The warranties can be very difficult to actually enact. I did not buy them from tirerack so I really had no one else to help advocate on my behalf. Since I rotated the tires myself I had no proof that it was done at proper intervals etc. so and all four tires have to be at the wear bars in order to enact the replacement. Just wasn't worth pursuing it considering the cost of the tires.

 

What would be the best 17" if you're primarily looking for a softer/smoother ride? Performance and handling second, treadwear third, and all-season fourth.

Feeling every small bump in the stock runflats is starting to get old. I'm assuming that I should switch to non-run flats and carry the slime repair kit.

 

Depends if you want-

205/45-17
Continental ExtremeContact DWS (Ultra High Performance All Season tire)
$119 each, 540 treadwear
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....WSXL&tab=Specs
Tirerack test results
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=165

Or 215/45-17
More comfort for street use-
Grand Touring All Season tires in 215/45-17 (none in 205/45-17)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...wws=N&showcm=N
Michelin Primacy MXM4 $181 each, 500 treadwear, W speed rated, $160 for V speed rated
Tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=138
General Altimax HP $104 each, 440 treadwear
Tirerack test result-
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=152

These are all good choices, check out the test results