Hello all. Im taking final decisions about my tires/wheels. I will keep my 16x7 front and 16x8 wheels that are already in my car. First question. Are those the original whells sizes? If so, I have to decide about the tires. I would like to use original measures if the wheels are original sizes. Therefore, 205/55-16 and 225/50-16 As I live in Brazil, I don't have too many options. Just some models of Continental, Pirelli, Michelin, Bridgestone and so on... And even in Europe or Usa, Premium tires are hard to find in these measure. As a bottom line, I've found the Pirelli P7 (more vintage style, but a lower class of tire) and the Yokohama AdvanSport V105, which is according to reviews one of the best premium performance tires in the market. But... Design is more modern. Well, thats the question. Which one should I use? I tend to go for the Yokos, but I accept considerations. Or shpuld I go for a wider tire and check the possibilities. Thanks all.
All modern tires are very good, so you really cannot make a bad choice. If you have personal preferences, go with those tires. If you want to shop more, TireRack.com is a great site to see how tires compare. Your wheel widths are probably the original wheel widths. Check your Owner's Manual confirm this.
My wife had Pzero nero's on her last Benz and all four suffered premature side wall failure, luckily we caught it in time. I've also had poor luck with the Continental pro contact series. Finding matching front/rear tires in our size range (I also have 16") is slim so I decided to go with Michelin Pilots, they have more an original look plus they're safe and smooth. Probably not the most sticky tire but plenty adequate.
IMO the Michelin Pilots in the original sizes are most likely the best deal; reliability, availability and price all factor in. I still have Goodyears on my 328 GTS but when it's time I'll switch to the Michelins. Any modern tire will give good performance relative to older tire designs, but the final consideration would be what do you intend to drive the car like- like Jeremy Clarkson, world-famous tire and Mercedes-Benz destroyer (if it isn't one he owns, anyway) or like a more reasonable, actually sane person? Cheers, Rich
I have two tires I've tried and would recommend - the Continental ExtremeContact DW is available in the 205/55-15 and 225/50-16 matched size, and is a light, comfortable, Max performance summer tire. It's not as grippy as tires like the Bridgestone RE-11A, but I think that the latest, greatest max/extreme performance summer tires overwhelm the chassis, being much better than any tire available when the 308 was new. The other tire I like is the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3, again in the OEM 16" sizes. While classed as an ultra-high performance all-season tire, it's grip and handling is the same as most of the UHP summer tires (it's the best all-season tire tested by Tire Rack), is still better than anything available when the 308 was new, and doesn't lose grip in near-freezing temps like a summer tire will.
I also recommend the Continental ExtremeContact DW. I recently bought them for my 328 and am very happy with them. I did my research and it's a very highly regarded tire by owners of various cars.
When I bought my 308 in 2001 it came with brand new TRX tires the PO had just put on. After 6 months I decided to go superformance repos, after looking for original 16 inch rims. I did the upgrade to 225/50 front and 245/45 rears using pole position S2s. A fantastic tire in any weather condition. I needed new rubber and decided to go back to original sizes 205/55 front and 225/50 rears. I chose Potenza RE11A as it had the highest rating for traction in all conditions. As the weather has been terrible hear in NY this winter, I have not had a chance to mount the new tires and go for a drive. Given tire technology gets better and better I expect them to outperform the old tires even in smaller sizes. When I finally get chance to try them, I will give an opinion. I always try and get the tire with the max performance in dry conditions. For me it is what sports cars are all about, cornering.
I run 205s and 225s and am very happy with them. As for brand, I have not heard good things about the Pirellis. Personally, I have run Dunlops on a number of cars and have been very happy with them. I have the Direnza Stars on my 308 (16" wheels) and am very happy with them. My second choice would be the Michelin PS2s, the Dunlops have the same grip but better cold tire performance. A lot of people seem to like the Brigdestones.
I just bought Bridgestone re11a's for my 84 qv from tire rack. tire rack was great my first time using them. they cost me $625 inc shipping to my house. I had a mobile installer balance and install them in my garage for $109. the tires are SO much better than the Goodyear eagle f1 that they replaced. keep in mind the old tires were put on in 2007. they ride great. tons and I mean tons of grip. for the money the 760 's may be a better deal. I don't know if you would notice a difference between the two tires and the 760's are less $$. but I love the re11a so far
The re11 look to be a better tire, maybe even too much, many like them. Only draw back is the tread pattern, just doesn't look right to me, and many agree, does not look period correct. Wanted to go Italian with Pirellis, though good tire, many have had issues with them. Leaving either Contis or Bridgestone 760s, very close, I went with 760s. Many friends have them and they are also good on track. Plus they support FI racing.
