I have B7 A4 and after 18k the two front OE Conti developed bubbles on the sidewalls (is that what it is called?) - unacceptable. So, I shopped around and the PZero looked like a nice option - good grip, low noise, OK snow performance. My local dealer (Wheel Works) installed them two weeks ago. Since then I am having big issues, the guys at the store are trying to help me, I have been there quite a few times, no avail.
Immediately after the installation I felt shaking and pulling to the right. Back for rotation and rebalance. The pulling dissapeared (BTW: The wheel alignment was perfect!) but the shaking remained. After a few more rebalances they replaced one of the fron tires. Less shaking, again pulling to the right, new rotation, no pulling, still shaking though. Interestingly enough, the vibration is more profound when taking a turn (I feel it at speeds higher than 65-70 mph, but I definitely feel it!).
Another thing I noticed was that in the shop they used 7g of weights and the front tires had a whole belt of them - 70-80 grams in total. Which may not be a problem, but I feel that the weight was too spread (the original weights on the one of the wheels were 60g but in 2x30g, much more concentrated).
So, I have two questions:

1. Is it possible that the tires could not be balanced properly because of the weights not being "concentrated" enought? Are there different weights (like in Europe) or 7g (1/4 oz) is the standard?

2. The guys at the shop are giving up and offering to replace the PZero with Bridgestone RE960AS. It looks like a good tire to me but it is new and there are no survey results on TireRack.com. Does anyone have experience with them? Is it reasonable to expect a resolution by replacing the PZeros?

BTW: The OE Conti, as bad as they were, did not vibrate and the car was going straight for miles (literaly!).

Apologize for the long post but I am really puzzled by this - never had such problems with tires. Any comment is very much appreciated!

 

In any event, I have enjoyed 22,500 vibrationless, noise-free, responsive-handling (for an all-season tire) miles on my M&S P-Zero Neros (255x35x20). Perhaps quality is not being controlled as it was two years ago when I first had them installed.

 

Thanks for the quick response! Yes, I have a feeling I got a bad batch. Do you know if they used 1/4 oz weigths to balance yours?

 

Any bent wheels? Check closely

 

Nope, the wheels are fine, the old tires did not vibrate</nt>

 

I just replaced a set on my M-B 300E after 22,000 miles. They still had tread left, but they were vibrating badly and really loud. I replaced them with the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S; amazing improvement.

I also have the P-Zero Nero M+S on my A4; hopefully they'll last longer.

 

Are the new Exaltos as good as the new Pirellis were or just an improvement over the worn ones?

 

I'm trying to remember way back here -- I think I initially liked the Neros better, but the Exaltos aren't too far off. They don't handle quite as well but they're quieter than the new Neros. Having a tread-wear warranty is a plus for the Michelins, too, in my book.

 

pzeros in my opinion has very hard tread block. you cant help it if it makes harsh noises

 

did the wheels get bent during/after the install of the new tires?