Tires for 330xi ZHP

[Docbenjy]

Just bought a 2004 330xi M performance leather Imola red (30 K Kilometers) CPO from my BMW dealer.
Came with 17" Dunlops, SP Sport FM901. I live in Montreal, so I have winter tires for now.
Any thoughts re quality of the Dunlops vs Pilots or any other brand? Should I opt for 18" tires when the weather warms up?

Thanks

Benjamin

 

[Zchild]

What’s up Doc, I can't honestly say I like any of your present choices... I've driven Dunlop’s; hated it... I like Pirelli's P-Zero Nero M&S and Toyo's Proxes 4 as far as quality, road noise and performance. I would suggest that you go over to Tire Rack dot com and take their tire evaluation and let the truth be told. I'm currently rollin 18" wheels with Mastercraft M & S All-Season Radials but I don't believe I get any where near the snow fall you guys get up where you live. I like the 18" look on the 3 series bimmers. Hope this helps... Happy Motoring.
[driving2]

 

[Docbenjy]

Dealer is offering "barely used" OEM BMW M rims with 18" Potenzas RE040.
Initial research suggests that theses aren't the best tires. Will only be used for summer/warm weather driving. Any thoughts? Asking $2000.00 Canadian Tax in.

 

[Zchild]

I just looked over the Tire Rack site concerning the Potenzas and they only rate high in the Dry Traction, Cornering Stability and Steering Response categories. There are 14 rated categories total. Leaving 11 categories which are good to poor. The BF Goodrich g-force T/A KDW 2 is a far superior tire in all categories as a Summer Ultra High Performance tire. The two next best tires are the AVON M500 followed by the Yokohama AVS ES100. These are just the facts man, only the facts... Happy Motoring.
[driving2]

 

[rjp325i]

I'm confused. I have a 2004 330i ZHP and it came standard with Michelin 18 in Pilot Sports (225x40x18 frt and 255x35x18 rear). To my knowledge the ZHP option was never available as an all wheel drive model, at least here in the states. Does your car just have the M appearance package and not the engine, suspension and other int/ext appearance upgrades as on the US model? For the summer use, my Pilot Sports have 29K miles on them and they are still good for several thousand more miles. They now tend to be a bit noisy on certain types of pavement but they still handle great. They are also very good in the occasional rain we get in the desert. Like the earlier postings check out the Tire Rack site and/or talk with one of their technical/sales reps. I have used them in the past and I have found them to be very helpful and not just looking to sell you the most expensive set of tires. Be aware that not all tires are available in the ultra high perf category and/or 18 in sizes. Most tire dealers will only sell you the equivalent or better than what was originally supplied on the car from tha factory. Good luck in your search and decision.

 

[Docbenjy]

The M performance package on the 330xi is only available in Canada to my knowledge. It includes all the upgrades, incl engine, spoiler, thick steering wheel, and interior trim. It also has the sports seats and Montana leather. The only difference as far as I can tell is the suspension, which is raised somewhat given that it is an xi suitable for winter and thus higher ground clearance.

More info: The option code (BMW Canada) is 927 M Sport package AWD, incl Sports seats, M Multi-function leather steering wheel, M aerodynamic package, High-gloss shadow line, Black Alu Cube trim, Anthracite roof liner, 17" wheels. Does not include sport suspension. Incl M footrest, M Door Entry Sill, short Shifter, limited exterior color (mine's a beautiful Imola Red)
I am realizing that the portenzas are not a very good choice, so I am going to see what other tire/rim packages I can find.

 

[Andre]

I'm afraid I have bad news for you Doc. The M Sport Package is not the M Performance Package. They are two separate packages. The AWD was definitely not available with the performance option. The M Sport Package looks like a ZHP, but is missing a few important (very important) features. Namely the engine upgrades, different gearing, exhaust, 18" wheels, fuzzy steering wheel, etc.
The M Sport is simliar to the Clubsport package in the UK.

If your dealer told you that yours has the engine upgrades, then I suggest that you get really angry at him, because he misled you big time. If they actually advertised it that way, then you have a legal case against them.

To answer your question, I recommend the Michelins. I have been quite impressed with them.

 

[Docbenjy]

I was the one who was mistaken. The car was advertised as the M sport package, as i qoted abaove. The dealer gave the BMW spec sheet and highlighted the M sport package. I just assumed it was the same as the performance package. No biggie. The xi is fabulous in the snow, the car looks great. The sports seats and other M upgrades really give the car a sports feel.
The car is a 2004, with 30,000 Kilometers, CPO, Leather and I purchased for $43,000 Canadian. I test drove the new 330i E90, but I prefered the look and fell of the E46. I am seriously considering the Michelins. Is it worth changing to 18", esp in an xi?

Thanks for your feedback

 

[Andre]

Sounds like you got a good deal on a nice car. I agree about the E46 looking nicer than the E90.

Personally, I prefer the 18" wheels, as they look great and handle better. I went from driveing a 2000 328i with 16" wheels to the ZHP with the 18's though, so I noticed quite a bit. The downside for some is the firmer ride. I don't think it matters about the AWD. You would still get the handling benefits of the larger wheels.

I wish they did offer the Xi with the ZHP option. I'd be first in line.

 

[Section_8]

Toyo Proxes 4 are a good summer tire. I love em, excellent grip, comfort ride, and nil noise. Seems more grippy than the previous Pzero Nero M&S's I had, which I'd also suggest for a good all-season performance tire.

 

[Abdoman]

For quiet and comfort and good handling the Pirelli Pzero Nero are very good. I had those on my car and just installed the BF Goodrich T/A KDs on my car. The KDs handle great but are much noisier than the Pirellis. Although I have never had them, I hear the yokohama ES100 are very good tires.