300C Tire Replacement

Replies to this message:
• bdyment (Sep 21, 2007 3:56 am)
  • bamsdm (Sep 21, 2007 4:46 pm)
    • vic10 (Sep 22, 2007 1:48 pm) and 1 more...

Replying to: bamsdm (Sep 21, 2007 2:36 am)

Replies to this message:
• bamsdm (Sep 21, 2007 4:46 pm)
  • vic10 (Sep 22, 2007 1:48 pm)
    • bamsdm (Sep 22, 2007 5:34 pm)

Replying to: bdyment (Sep 21, 2007 3:56 am)

Replies to this message:
• vic10 (Sep 22, 2007 1:48 pm)
  • bamsdm (Sep 22, 2007 5:34 pm)

Replying to: bamsdm (Sep 21, 2007 4:46 pm)

Replies to this message:
• bamsdm (Sep 22, 2007 5:34 pm)

Replying to: vic10 (Sep 22, 2007 1:48 pm)

I just replaced my OEM Continentals (P215R60-18) with a set of Michelin Latitude HP (P255R55-18) on the stock chrome clad rims that came with my 2006 300C Heritage Edition. The new tires are the exact size, brand and type that come with the BMW SUV's as OEM equipment. They are H-rated and run flat design. I only got 20,000 miles of the Continentals, but expect about 60,000 miles out of the Michelins. Performance is greatly enhanced. I am experiencing much better braking and traction on wet and dry pavements as well as amazing cornering improvemnet. The run flat design makes the ride a bit more firm, but it corners so much better I don't mind it at all. The tire profile elevates the ride height slightly, which is OK because the car is a little too low to clear some steep driveways without scraping anyway. You can buy cheaper tires, but I don't think you can buy better tires than Michelins. I spared no expense for something so critically important to the safe operation of my vehicle.

Replies to this message:
• vic10 (Mar 13, 2008 12:19 pm)
  • smithed (Mar 19, 2008 5:22 am)

Replying to: coolrunning (Mar 09, 2008 9:04 am)

Replies to this message:
• smithed (Mar 19, 2008 5:22 am)

Replying to: vic10 (Mar 13, 2008 12:19 pm)

The Coopers now have 12,000 miles on and look like new. The adhesion has been much better than the Continentals. Rotated once so far and will do next week with the next oil change.

I have been around cars for most of my 62 yrs and have been a mechanic for the past 30. Our 2006 SRT with 17,000 miles on the odometer had the Eagle F-1's and had wear on half of both front tires on the inside. Now this is going to seem crazy and it is. If you draw a line across the center of the tire from front to back, back bumper to front bumper ....only one half is worn...top or bottom you chose but only half. There is a wear pattern like it was rubbing against something, it has a groove about 5/8ths inch wide that starts at one side on the inside and gets deep in the center about 3/8ths in deep and tapers off at the other side.
The only reasonable explanation I can come up with is the tire suffers from tread separation.
 I know of three other SRT owners here on the Big Island that have had the exact same problem. Dealer has no explanation for it and the Goodyear says there's nothing wrong with the tire. I can buy new ones for 399.00 a piece. Yeah like I would buy another of those tires.
It is utterly ridiculous and I''m sure there have been a death of two that this attributes to. Someone just has to expect the unexpected and check the tires for this unbelievable wear pattern. The outer portion of the tires looked great but I had the car up on my lift and saw the problem.....check your F1's they are very , very dangerous. The tell tale is the vibration that feels like a tire balance problem, don't be lazy get under the car and look at the inside tread...

Replies to this message:
• mzmoniquerenee (Oct 08, 2008 9:20 am)