New tyres

[dergside]

Folks

I need new boots on the 530e (M-Sport - 19" ROF's).

There were a fairly new set of Dunlop Sport Maxx's on it when I bought it and they've served well, the only blot being one or two slight aquaplaning incidents (hadn't had one of those on a BMW for a long time). They generally gripped well, with the above exception, were quiet enough and lasted fairly well (20k miles), although all 4 now need replacing after that (seems that the same happened at last change, all 4 done). It wouldn't be the worst thing to do to have the same again, but would consider alternatives - (pre-requisite being that they are * marked OEM).

Dunlop EfficientGrips seem fairly well priced, the official ratings on Conti PremiumContact 6's and Hankook Ventus look positive - all * branded.

Anyone got a stand-out recent experience, or other thoughts to share on alternative ROF's in similar size on similar car (3/5 Series)?

[eamo]

It’s hard to beat Michelin pilot sports boss.

[Big H]

Contemplate moving to non-ROF's at all, or has RFT technology come on that much compared to the concrete sidewall'd jobs of a decade+ ago ?

[dergside]

Contemplate moving to non-ROF's at all, or has RFT technology come on that much compared to the concrete sidewall'd jobs of a decade+ ago ?

Not really.

I hated the ROF's on Mrs D's old e91 and ditched them (although she decided she wanted them back the following change of boots because of the space lost with the spacesaver in the boot), even though they were only 16's. They were dreadful on the Z4 (Sport - 18's), so they were binned quickly. They were a little stiff on the f10 (SE), but OK (17's). I assumed I'd hate them on the 630i (Sport) but they're actually fine, as they are on the G30. They're probably a teeny tiny bit stiffer than would be my ideal preference on the G30, but I'd imagine it would be spot on on 18" ROF's, or if I was really bothered then I'd go SE next time. The e60 (SE) came to me with non-ROF's and I never felt the need to change back because there's a spare wheel well for a spacesaver and comfort and mile munching was the name of the game with that car.

I assume the tyre technology has improved and that BMW have gotten a bit better at tuning suspension and that they've made the difference in them being tolerable on more recent cars, but a lot of road tests through recent years have criticised ride comfort and suspension, so I imagine that its very model/spec sensitive.

[bazz26]

I had Dunlop Sport Maxx ROFs on a 5 Series before and found them terrible. There was still about 3mm of thread left on them but their performance and grip had totally degraded to the point it felt like they were bald. Replaced them with Goodyear Eagle F1s and the difference was night and day. I've had Michelin Pilot Sport ROF on a 530d too and found them great especially for wear but they can be crazy expensive. BMW use both Goodyear and Michelin as OEM tyres on alot of their models too btw.