dcarter

Hey All!

My 98.5 QTip, Sport is in need of some new tires. I have TWO slow leaks...so time's running out.

I have the OEM Dunlops on my Sport weels. I live in Chicago, now...but will be moving to AZ very shortly. Therefore, I need tires that like the heat (but won't see snow).

Any suggestions?

I don't want to replace the wheels...just the tires. I'm looking for good grip, but resonable tire wear...

Thanks!


DC

Rodney

It depends on your price range. The Dunlop SP8000's are one of the best bargains out there (excellent dry and very good wet performance for under $100), at that price point I would also consider the Bridgestone RE71's, the AVS Intermediates are also worth a look. If you're willing to spend the money (around $200 each), the Bridgestone S02 Pole Positions or Michelin MXX3 Pilots would be the way to go.<p>Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms

Eddie@Tirerack

Since you are not needing an all season ice & snow capability, take a look at the new Potenza RE730 from Bridgestone.

It has been out a short time now (about 3 months) and has been a very well recieved & popular tire. I have been equipping those on the Audis quite often in he short itime they have been out, as it provides a really nice 'bang for the buck'.

I included our testing link for you from when I did some driving a while back. Take a look, and call me with any questions, or when you are ready!

Thanks!
Eddie<p>Eddie
Wheel/Tire Forum Moderator
Retail/Internet Sales
800.428.8355, ext 369
Personal Web: http://www.e46fanatics.com/eddie
<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/bs_re730_rd.html">RE730 testing results</a></li></ul>

dcarter

Thanks Guys!

What advantage am I gaining with the S02's or the Mich MXX3's over the Dunlop SP8000's or RE71's?

Are they worth TWICE the cost? (I don't race or anything...just take a corner or two...too fast!) : )

TIA

Dwayne

Rodney

Maximum performance tires. They offer the best handling and braking characteristics of tires intended for day to day use on road-going cars. The MXX3's and S02's offer better dry handling, and the S02's also perform in the wet. But they wear out faster and cost a lot more (MXX3 $195, S02 $180, SP8000 $85 (225/50/16 @ Tirerack)). I'm getting ready to replace my tires and have been leaning towards sticking with the SP8000's (I'm happy with them, and have had good experiences with Dunlop tires in the past). However, I am going to give the RE730's mentioned by Eddie a good long look and will probably go with them if their price drops below $100 by the time I'm ready to buy.<p>Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms

dcarter

Sounds cool.


What do you think about the Pirelli P7000 SUPERSPORT?? They are about $ 5 more (each). Between the RE730's and the Pirelli P7000 SUPERSPORT??
What do you think?

Also (newbie question). My A4 1.8T Sport has 205/55/16 's ...right?
Well...I've always liked the A4 2.8 "wheels". They always looked cool. Am I being fooled by the actual spoke wheels...or a tire size?

Also...what does the middle number mean? (examp) 205/55/16. What does the 55 mean? How does it differ from an 50 or 60?

Also...when you buy tires online...will tire store put them on for you? (at cost?) I can see them being jerks...because they loose out on the tire proifit. I don't have any real tire-changing facilities.

THX!!

Dwayne

Rodney

I don't know how the Pirellis compare with the 730's. I would check out both tires in the test section at Tirerack.com. I doubt they are compared directly, but if you can find a tire that both are compared to, then you can probably get a good feel for how they stack up to each other.

The 5 spoke "2.8 wheels" are 16" as well and the tires are 205/55/16 as yours are. Sometimes you can pick up a set from someone in the classified section.

The middle number is the aspect ratio of the tire sidewall. 55 means the sidewall height is 55% of the width of the tire. For example, the stock tires for 1.8T (with sport package) and 2.8 are 205/55/16. Meaning the tires are 205 mm wide, the sidewalls are 102.5 mm high (55% of 205), and they mount on 16" wheels. I have no clue why both English and metric units are used together...maybe to make figuring overall diameter harder. Many folks go with what is called a plus 0 configuration, which allows mounting of wider tires for more rubber on the road (and hence more grip). The trick is to keep the overall diameter the same so as to maintain the accurate speedometer and odometer readings, not confuse the ABS computer, and maintain the original final drive ratio. 225/50/16 is almost the exact same diameter ar 205/55/16, hence that's what most folks go with.

Yes, you can have them mounted at a tire store, independent mechanic, or the dealer. Just go with someone you trust. I had race tires mounted and balanced on steel wheels for $15 at an independent shop (they warned me that their machine was old and might scratch the rims, but since they were steel and intended for track use I didn't care. For my regular wheels I do care, so I talked to my dealer and they said they would do it for $30 (I think...something around there).<p>Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms

Rodney

<p>Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms

dcarter

Thanks Rodney for that wealth of info! I'll look at the 225 and the 205's. i assume YOU would go for more surface (rubber) on the road...so you probably run the 225's, right?!

It's between the Bridgestones and Pirelli's. I think I will call my local shop, and see how much they would charge me for the tire of my choice. I'm curious if the Internet price (after shipping) is that great? I bet it is!

Thanks again!

Dwayne