BMW Z4 Tyres:
Drive a BMW Z4? Why not add your own tyre review and help other owners pick the right tyre!The following tyres have been reviewed on the BMW Z4
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| Pirelli Sottozero Serie II (2) | 90% | 85% | 90% | 90% | 85% | 90% | 100% | 90% | 4,500 |
| Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (77) | 95% | 90% | 88% | 87% | 83% | 87% | 90% | 89% | 1,510,453 |
| Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta (50) | 91% | 88% | 87% | 86% | 77% | 84% | 89% | 86% | 593,200 |
| Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme (6) | 80% | 92% | 82% | 67% | 88% | 93% | 98% | 86% | 62,500 |
| Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric (63) | 93% | 92% | 85% | 80% | 71% | 84% | 86% | 84% | 770,483 |
| Continental Sport Contact 3 SSR Run flat (1) | 90% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | 90% | 80% | 83% | 12,000 |
| Falken FK452 (86) | 83% | 78% | 75% | 74% | 72% | 78% | 82% | 77% | 1,024,597 |
| Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Run Flat (24) | 76% | 58% | 67% | 47% | 55% | 38% | 38% | 54% | 404,900 |
Writing about the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric given 87% (225-45-17-W)
Driving on mostly country roads for 15000 spirited miles
Driving on mostly country roads for 15000 spirited miles
This tire is a huge improvement to OEM's Potenza 050A RF ....
the grip is excellent, cornering too...also the braking distance is improved... I recommend this tire to any BMW owner.....
the grip is excellent, cornering too...also the braking distance is improved... I recommend this tire to any BMW owner.....
Writing about the Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme given 86% (225-45-17-)
Driving on a combination of roads for 3000 average miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 3000 average miles
The Wintrac Xtreme is the 'sporty' winter tyre from Dutch manufacturer Vredestein, meaning they are made to perform on dry and wet roads as well, not only on snow.
And yes, they do perform.
First of all, during the pretty extensive snowfall this winter here in The Netherlands they gave me effortless performance on snow. Where everyone was slipping and sliding away (probably summer tyres...), I had no troubles accellerating, breaking and steering. They make such a huge difference on snow compared to summer tyres. I was really really happy with my first set of dedicated winter tyres, especially on a RWD car.
On dry roads they grip, more than I expect from winter tyres. Seems Vredestein delivers on their promise here. Of course, road feedback and turn-in is different from dedicated summer tyres. Everything feels a bit softer. But the main thing is: even with winter tyres, my car is lots of fun to drive in normal conditions.
The good news continues on wet roads. Cornering is excellent, traction great. They outperform the stock Bridgestone RE050a runflat tyres in this area! Comfort is of course massively improved as well compared to the stock runflats. Tramlining is gone as well. Noise levels are very good.
To be short: I have had summer tires that perform far worse in dry/wet conditions than these winter tyres. Plus they deliver on snow performance when you need it. For my and my Z4, the ideal winter tyre. Highly recommended. Would definately buy again.
And yes, they do perform.
First of all, during the pretty extensive snowfall this winter here in The Netherlands they gave me effortless performance on snow. Where everyone was slipping and sliding away (probably summer tyres...), I had no troubles accellerating, breaking and steering. They make such a huge difference on snow compared to summer tyres. I was really really happy with my first set of dedicated winter tyres, especially on a RWD car.
On dry roads they grip, more than I expect from winter tyres. Seems Vredestein delivers on their promise here. Of course, road feedback and turn-in is different from dedicated summer tyres. Everything feels a bit softer. But the main thing is: even with winter tyres, my car is lots of fun to drive in normal conditions.
The good news continues on wet roads. Cornering is excellent, traction great. They outperform the stock Bridgestone RE050a runflat tyres in this area! Comfort is of course massively improved as well compared to the stock runflats. Tramlining is gone as well. Noise levels are very good.
To be short: I have had summer tires that perform far worse in dry/wet conditions than these winter tyres. Plus they deliver on snow performance when you need it. For my and my Z4, the ideal winter tyre. Highly recommended. Would definately buy again.
Writing about the Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta given 84% (255-35-18-W)
Driving on mostly motorways for 4000 average miles
Driving on mostly motorways for 4000 average miles
I replaced the Bridgestone RFTs with these Vredestein Ultrac Sessantas for a couple of reasons. First - they look amaziing, second they're reasonably priced.
The ride on the Z4 is much smoother now that I have no run flats. Less tramling too. Economy hasn't changed.
Road holding is great. The Bridgestones compound is a bit harder so the grip is reduced. Although the treadwear on the Vredestein is twice what the Bridgestones is so that should mean they last twice as long. The Bridgestones lasted me around 10k on the rear. I've done around 4k on a new tyres and they still look like new.
I'd definitely buy again and would recommend them too.
One final thing - the rears are 255x35x18 and the fronts are 225x40x18 and I'm referring to all 4 tyres on the car although the review only allows one size to be entered.
The ride on the Z4 is much smoother now that I have no run flats. Less tramling too. Economy hasn't changed.
Road holding is great. The Bridgestones compound is a bit harder so the grip is reduced. Although the treadwear on the Vredestein is twice what the Bridgestones is so that should mean they last twice as long. The Bridgestones lasted me around 10k on the rear. I've done around 4k on a new tyres and they still look like new.
I'd definitely buy again and would recommend them too.
One final thing - the rears are 255x35x18 and the fronts are 225x40x18 and I'm referring to all 4 tyres on the car although the review only allows one size to be entered.
Writing about the Continental Sport Contact 3 SSR Run flat given 83% (225-45-17-W)
Driving on mostly motorways for 12000 spirited miles
Driving on mostly motorways for 12000 spirited miles
This review is for Continental Sport Contact 3 225\45\17 W (Run flat) Fitted to a 2003 Z4 2.5i SE
I decided to fit these tyres to replace the rear tyres on my Z4 which were OE Bridgestone RE-05 run flats. The Bridgestone’s had worn out very quickly over a short period down to the indicators, and not very evenly. I would describe myself as an enthusiastic driver so anything above 12,000 miles from a pair of rear tyres on a car of this type with close to 200bhp is acceptable.
Dry Grip : Very good so far, good confident traction out of the bends and roundabouts
Wet Grip : Not tested much but initial impressions are favourable
Road Feedback : Initially a little squirmy during fast cornering but have now bedded in nicely. Noticeably Quieter than the RE-05’s
Progressiveness : So far so good, not reached the limit yet.
Wear : Too early to say
Comfort : A BIG improvement on the Bridgestone RE-05’s
Buy again : The choice of Run flat tyres for the Z4 appears to be a bit limited, but based upon impressions so far and the choice available I would say yes.
Summary:
Throughout their life on the car I found the OE Bridgestone RE-05 offered good grip and cornering stability in the dry but was much less impressive in the wet especially in tight corners, and the constant tram lining behaviour was a chore, especially on badly paved tarmac or when changing lanes over cat eyes in the road. The Bridgestone’s in my opinion were\are so bad in this respect, I thought my rear suspension had become badly worn, but fitment of the Conti’s has pretty much cured this characteristic. The other good news is that the Conti’s have improved the spine jarring ride that the Bridgestone’s provided on the Z4, the sidewalls look to be of a different shape and more generous on the Conti’s so maybe this has something to do with it. Of course the Z4 is a sports car so is not intended to be a comfy cruiser but the RE-05’s pushed this tolerance to the limit and on anything but a perfect road surface almost totally spoiled my enjoyment of driving the car. I was surprised to read the negative comments here regarding these tyres as in my experience on my rear drive Z4 the Conti’s have restored the enjoyment to my car and the smile is back, so from me at least the CSC3’s are recommended.
I decided to fit these tyres to replace the rear tyres on my Z4 which were OE Bridgestone RE-05 run flats. The Bridgestone’s had worn out very quickly over a short period down to the indicators, and not very evenly. I would describe myself as an enthusiastic driver so anything above 12,000 miles from a pair of rear tyres on a car of this type with close to 200bhp is acceptable.
Dry Grip : Very good so far, good confident traction out of the bends and roundabouts
Wet Grip : Not tested much but initial impressions are favourable
Road Feedback : Initially a little squirmy during fast cornering but have now bedded in nicely. Noticeably Quieter than the RE-05’s
Progressiveness : So far so good, not reached the limit yet.
Wear : Too early to say
Comfort : A BIG improvement on the Bridgestone RE-05’s
Buy again : The choice of Run flat tyres for the Z4 appears to be a bit limited, but based upon impressions so far and the choice available I would say yes.
Summary:
Throughout their life on the car I found the OE Bridgestone RE-05 offered good grip and cornering stability in the dry but was much less impressive in the wet especially in tight corners, and the constant tram lining behaviour was a chore, especially on badly paved tarmac or when changing lanes over cat eyes in the road. The Bridgestone’s in my opinion were\are so bad in this respect, I thought my rear suspension had become badly worn, but fitment of the Conti’s has pretty much cured this characteristic. The other good news is that the Conti’s have improved the spine jarring ride that the Bridgestone’s provided on the Z4, the sidewalls look to be of a different shape and more generous on the Conti’s so maybe this has something to do with it. Of course the Z4 is a sports car so is not intended to be a comfy cruiser but the RE-05’s pushed this tolerance to the limit and on anything but a perfect road surface almost totally spoiled my enjoyment of driving the car. I was surprised to read the negative comments here regarding these tyres as in my experience on my rear drive Z4 the Conti’s have restored the enjoyment to my car and the smile is back, so from me at least the CSC3’s are recommended.
Writing about the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric given 81% (225-40-18-W)
Driving on a combination of roads for 8000 spirited miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 8000 spirited miles
Good points.
Seem to work with car well, better than oem re050 rft and a step up from FK452.
Plenty of grip in the wet and dry, no more than other tyres, but a wider yet enjoyable limit is noticeable in the wet and cold! Safer in winter, and more fun.
Wear is ok, similar to FK452 and RE050.
Bad points.
Expensive vs FK452 tyres, but still cheaper than RFT RE050!
Still not as sharp responding as the RE050 RFT oem tyre, but obviously none of the RFT's nasty lateral movement either.
Would get again, just want to try Bridgestone S001 next (similar price, but much newer tyre)
Seem to work with car well, better than oem re050 rft and a step up from FK452.
Plenty of grip in the wet and dry, no more than other tyres, but a wider yet enjoyable limit is noticeable in the wet and cold! Safer in winter, and more fun.
Wear is ok, similar to FK452 and RE050.
Bad points.
Expensive vs FK452 tyres, but still cheaper than RFT RE050!
Still not as sharp responding as the RE050 RFT oem tyre, but obviously none of the RFT's nasty lateral movement either.
Would get again, just want to try Bridgestone S001 next (similar price, but much newer tyre)
Writing about the Falken FK452 given 81% (225-40-18-W)
Driving on a combination of roads for 14000 spirited miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 14000 spirited miles
Good points.
Seem to work with car well, better than oem re050 rft.
Good wear, 12k on rears. Took a while to find ideal pressures, 33psi all round.
Ample grip for road in wet and dry, limits feel predictable, almost too good.
Bad points.
Poor rim protection.
Seem narrower contact patch/tread area than re050 and f1 asymmetric by 5-10mm
Now rears are low at 12k miles they are now a bit snappy in cold and wet.
Not so bad point but worth noting, they do look a bit agricultural when new, tread blocks very tractor like. Not as sporty looking from side as f1's or re050, but tread pattern is ok.
Would get again, just want to try f1 asymmetric next, or maybe non-rft re050 hmm
Seem to work with car well, better than oem re050 rft.
Good wear, 12k on rears. Took a while to find ideal pressures, 33psi all round.
Ample grip for road in wet and dry, limits feel predictable, almost too good.
Bad points.
Poor rim protection.
Seem narrower contact patch/tread area than re050 and f1 asymmetric by 5-10mm
Now rears are low at 12k miles they are now a bit snappy in cold and wet.
Not so bad point but worth noting, they do look a bit agricultural when new, tread blocks very tractor like. Not as sporty looking from side as f1's or re050, but tread pattern is ok.
Would get again, just want to try f1 asymmetric next, or maybe non-rft re050 hmm
Writing about the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Run Flat given 65% (255-35-18-W)
Driving on a combination of roads for 10000 spirited miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 10000 spirited miles
Have these fitted to my Z4. Now worn out and looking for something else - probably going to try the Continental Sport Contact 3 (if I can get some!)
Generally, these are ok, but not sparkling. They are pretty good in the dry but take on a life of their own in the wet; I find myself having to be really careful! Can't really comment on the progressiveness because the traction control (which I tend to leave on) on the car is pretty good and tends to cut-in and stop any slide before it happens. When they do go though, they go very quickly, but this is probably an unfair assessment at obviously the car has already reached the limits of the traction control, so I suppose it's to be expected.
I don't think I'll fit these again (they were fitted when I bought the car); the wet-weather performance just doesn't cut it, even when being very sensible. They seem to have worn rather quickly too, but I suspect that's my fault :-)
Generally, these are ok, but not sparkling. They are pretty good in the dry but take on a life of their own in the wet; I find myself having to be really careful! Can't really comment on the progressiveness because the traction control (which I tend to leave on) on the car is pretty good and tends to cut-in and stop any slide before it happens. When they do go though, they go very quickly, but this is probably an unfair assessment at obviously the car has already reached the limits of the traction control, so I suppose it's to be expected.
I don't think I'll fit these again (they were fitted when I bought the car); the wet-weather performance just doesn't cut it, even when being very sensible. They seem to have worn rather quickly too, but I suspect that's my fault :-)
Writing about the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Run Flat given 61% (225-40-19-W)
Driving on a combination of roads for 46300 spirited miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 46300 spirited miles
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Writing about the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 given 61% (255-35-18-W)
Driving on a combination of roads for 28000 spirited miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 28000 spirited miles
The whole feedback is a bit vague. Good lateral grip in the dry tails off in damp conditions. Not too much warning of breakaway in extremes.
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Driving on a combination of roads for 2500 average miles