There's too many opinions on tires. I want a good, quality tire that provides excellent HANDLING but doesn't break the bank.

Which of these two would you recommend, and why? And if you really think I should consider something else, let me know...

Thanks!

PS-- what size do I want for 18", the standard 245/45/18? Or would I want to consider a different width or profile for any reason?

 

Ive had them both, the T1R's seem to stick better and I think theyre a bit cheaper too.

 

Depends on what you mean by handling, many people who actually track their cars have said T1-rs are horrible, and get slick after a few laps, and the KDW-2's hold up better

 

just handling on the street, on the twisties. nothing intense.

 

245/40-18 front, 255/45-18 rear, love my BFG-KDW2's..Car is only drivin in the twisties (work car when it's nice out, live in the mntns.), much better combo than stock, better grip and wear.

 

I have been running on KDW2 - 255/35/19 and 285/35/19 for some 9k miles. The wear and grip are excellent. Especially the wear when compared to the OEM 19's. I ran 3 sets of the older traditional tread pattern KDW's on my bimmer and . . . well, having had gone through 3 sets speaks for itself.

The only issue some people may have is the road noise when cruising on the Hiways. However, my exhaust drowns out the road noise the majority of the time.

I also had originally looked at the Toyo T1R's, as replacement tires, but the 285/35/19's were not available at the time. I will definitely be reshoeing with the KDW2's again when that time approaches.

 

thanks guys... id love to hear more input. why 255/45/18? doesnt it make the sidewall look too meaty?

 

t1r's are good. if u wana spend less. i suggest general exclaim uhp. really good tires. they gripped better than my current t1r's do there cheaper too

 

bump

 

Had the General Exclaim UHP on my gsr. Really great tire but didnt think you could get em in an 03 oem size. Great tire for the price if you can find em! Need new tires for the front thanks to that sweet factory wear pattern. hah

Great site btw.

 

Dont get the kdw2's I had them on my 240. When i took it to the track the tire came off in chunks and thats even with proper warm up. And the t1r's are noisy. I would either go with the Falken FK-452's or the Dunlop Direzza DZ101 or Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. These are the three tires my buddy who works at Goodyear has recommend. If you have any questions about them I've driven on all these. Just let me know

 

how do you feel about the Nitto Invos? Just for looks or function with form?

 

I havent quite seen a tire made like those. But they are really quiet up to at least 50% left. I havent been able to see what they are past that. I know that in a M3 with a hard launch they only produce a slight chirp. They are a ultra high performance tire which means when the temps get cold they wont lose traction like summer tires do.

 

I haven't had any problems tracking with T1-Rs (T1-S, yes). They don't have spectactular treadwear. I haven't found them noisy. If it means anything, I am putting more T1-R's on my new car.

The other contenders for me were PS2's (expense being the issue there, well, and treadwear), 452's and Goodyear Eagle F1s. I skipped the 452's because I have no real world experience with them. The Goodyears were a little soft for my taste.

 

Its crazy some people have horrible noise problems with the T1-R's and some dont. I dont really like them and that just comes from track experience with them. I would say if you like to hit the twisties prob stay away from the T1-R's. Cal let me know if you have any questions on any other tires.