exBMWguy

hello all:

I have the stock contis on my 2016 S4 with about 15,000 miles on them. They've recently started tram lining really badly. Has anyone else noticed this? for the first 10,000 miles they were great.

What does everyone recommend for replacements when the time comes? Pilots?

AForePlayin'03

Your tires may be tramlining more (all tires are susceptible to it) because of cold temperatures and/or incorrect pressures. The stock tires are usually summer tires, and those are like hockey pucks in cold weather. Also, ensure your tire pressures are set per the owners manual or door jamb, as tire pressures change with outside air temperature.

Of course, it could be due to other reasons also.

As far as recommendations for replacements, there are a lot of opinions out there, but Michelin Pilots are probably the most popular.

*Side note - My stock Continentals lasted about 7000 miles before I had them replaced. They were creating an annoying vibration and were deemed defective by the dealer. I put on Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's and the vibration went away.

DrGP

Good thing is that the tread life on these tires has notoriously not been very good and you will have the opportunity to replace them soon. BUT like many tires, the handling characteristics of the tire can change drastically when the tread wears. I like the Conti DWS06 tires. Allseason , but good tredwear and all season usability, at least where I live.

exBMWguy

Thanks guys. I run about 36 PSI all around and have been doing so since new. With regards to temperatures, I'm in So Cal so temps are moderate and I notice it all the time, whether a cold night in the 40s or a balmy day in the 70s.

arn560

41 Psi all round

jyges

maybe it could help.

exBMWguy

Thanks...I've tried a lot of pressures and haven't noticed tramlining at any of them until recently. A bit embarrassed to say, that I took a close look at the tread after posting this and I am getting close to wear bars...so I'm chalking it up to worn out tires. The good thing is the tires are wearing evenly..I'm used to seeing the shoulders worn out before the center, but bummed I am only getting about 15k out of these tires.

I might try the new Pilot PS4 if its available.

I am also thankful I no longer have the dreaded run flats that I lived with for years on my BMWs.

jordonb

I find i get a little tramlining at 41psi in cold weather. My current 38 front and 35 rear gives no tramlining.

OP- i hope the new rubber is a soluion.

exBMWguy

Thanks all for the advice. Turns out that upping the pressure to factory spec did help a bit with the tramlining, but the tires are just worn out at 16,000 miles. Just installed the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and the tramlining is gone and the ride quality and noise is very good. Will report back on traction once I get them broken in.

CeeeTeee

My stock Conti 255 35 19's tramlined something terrible from day 1. You had to hold the steering tightly with both hands on roads with slightest bit of wear. And the noise was incredible. The dealer was useless as was my tire specialist. We played with pressure, we re-checked the alignment, etc., etc.

It was so bad my wife refused to drive my A4; her A4 has normal 17 inchers and her car handled much better than mine.

So after much on-line research I opted for Michelin Pilot Super Sport and WOW! ZERO tramlining and much, much less noise. My A4 is once again a pleasure to drive.