BMW e36 Tires
On this page you will find the best real world tire reviews from owners of the BMW e36.
Do you Drive a BMW e36? Why not add your own tire review and help other owners pick the right tire! After all, who knows what the best tire for a e36 better than the owners?
| Tire Reviewed | Dry Grip | Wet Grip | Feedback | Handling | Wear | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BFGoodrich gForce Profiler 2 (24) | 92% | 85% | 87% | 84% | 89% | 85% |
| Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (156) | 94% | 87% | 88% | 87% | 80% | 85% |
| Vredestein Sportrac 3 (60) | 85% | 91% | 80% | 80% | 76% | 79% |
| Uniroyal RainSport 2 (226) | 85% | 91% | 78% | 76% | 76% | 80% |
| Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric (141) | 90% | 87% | 82% | 78% | 70% | 80% |
| Continental Sport Contact 3 (244) | 88% | 80% | 81% | 77% | 62% | 74% |
| Falken FK452 (211) | 82% | 72% | 75% | 73% | 69% | 73% |
| Continental Premium Contact 2 (198) | 84% | 77% | 75% | 73% | 62% | 73% |
| Bridgestone Potenza RE050A (212) | 83% | 69% | 74% | 72% | 66% | 59% |
| Marangoni Mythos (29) | 69% | 55% | 58% | 60% | 62% | 58% |
| Federal SS595 SUPER STEEL (136) | 70% | 47% | 57% | 55% | 69% | 48% |
BMW e36 Tire Review Highlights
Writing about the Continental Premium Contact 2 given 84% (205-60-15-H)
Driving on a combination of roads for 1000 spirited miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 1000 spirited miles
I have recently put two of these as front tires on my car and I am very happy with them. Grip when cornering or braking hard is excellent and progressive. Comfort and noise levels are also much better then my old tires. Driving in heavy rain inspires confidence in places where before I was worried about aquaplaning. I don't know about wear but as long as they last me over a year (10-15K) I will be happy. I find it hard getting good tires in this particular size and these continentals are by far the best I have tried yet.
Writing about the BFGoodrich gForce Profiler 2 given 94% (245-40-17-W)
Driving on a combination of roads for 1500 spirited miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 1500 spirited miles
Well back again reviewing some more rubber, my last review only 6 months ago on the Falken 452 I would change if I could I did not realise how dangerous they would become with wear more about that later.
Had a big problem thinking what to buy next as there are some good reviews but it appears to me that all tire dealers have there own prefered tire especially in the mid range section and probably get commission on selling these so after deciding on the BFG'S I had to do some hunting for a dealer.
After speaking to a few it was very clear that these tires are a subsidiary of Michelin made in the same factory with basicly the same rubber so I wanted to give them ago after some good reviews.
I have left it a while before writting so as to give these a fair chance saying that I have just purchased two for for the front ( 225/45/17 ).
I have not been dissapointed these tires are very good,I have found them to be very quiet with little road noise, the handling is fantastic they really stay stuck to the road,I have leaned on these and found nothing but grip all the way. I have noticed a vast improvement in ride comfort as the car does not skip about. These also have some pretty good rim protection with the wheels being nicely " set in ".
As I said I have just had some front ones fitted after the Michelin pilot sport 2's had finally seen better days after 26,000 miles and I cannot notice any difference in handling, saying that I had only just about managed to cover 100 miles or so on the new front tires when driving down country I encountered very heavy rain.The BFG'S were great in wet weather with no aquaplanning even going through large puddles and flooded areas of road, I always felt they were on the road and all the grip was there even around tight bends on country roads.Down the motorways these sit nicely at speed and feel good.It looks like these are going to last as well as I have been running the rears for a while and there appears to be no alarming wear rate either.
So far so good then, I don't think anyone would be dissapointed with these so highly recomend them as I now have a matching set all round.
On the subject of the Falkens 452, had these on the rear before the BF'S after reading reviews, these ended up a total disaster once worn down which was not long only 2500 miles and 6 months of driving ( very poor value for money ) I thought as did my dad that something was wrong with the rear suspension on my car it skiped all over the place and God for bid you if it was wet these were a nightmare. I seriously thought something was wrong with the car, the ride was hard and uncomfortable and the back end was a accident waiting to happen. It just shows you you get what you pay for but in the case of the BFG'S it looks like you get a really good all rounder.I would say on price that these are maybe not as cheap and there are other alternatives but I think these are proving worth the money.
Not many reviews for these tires on this site not sure if this is because these are hard to get hold of elsewere or what but hope this one helps.
Had a big problem thinking what to buy next as there are some good reviews but it appears to me that all tire dealers have there own prefered tire especially in the mid range section and probably get commission on selling these so after deciding on the BFG'S I had to do some hunting for a dealer.
After speaking to a few it was very clear that these tires are a subsidiary of Michelin made in the same factory with basicly the same rubber so I wanted to give them ago after some good reviews.
I have left it a while before writting so as to give these a fair chance saying that I have just purchased two for for the front ( 225/45/17 ).
I have not been dissapointed these tires are very good,I have found them to be very quiet with little road noise, the handling is fantastic they really stay stuck to the road,I have leaned on these and found nothing but grip all the way. I have noticed a vast improvement in ride comfort as the car does not skip about. These also have some pretty good rim protection with the wheels being nicely " set in ".
As I said I have just had some front ones fitted after the Michelin pilot sport 2's had finally seen better days after 26,000 miles and I cannot notice any difference in handling, saying that I had only just about managed to cover 100 miles or so on the new front tires when driving down country I encountered very heavy rain.The BFG'S were great in wet weather with no aquaplanning even going through large puddles and flooded areas of road, I always felt they were on the road and all the grip was there even around tight bends on country roads.Down the motorways these sit nicely at speed and feel good.It looks like these are going to last as well as I have been running the rears for a while and there appears to be no alarming wear rate either.
So far so good then, I don't think anyone would be dissapointed with these so highly recomend them as I now have a matching set all round.
On the subject of the Falkens 452, had these on the rear before the BF'S after reading reviews, these ended up a total disaster once worn down which was not long only 2500 miles and 6 months of driving ( very poor value for money ) I thought as did my dad that something was wrong with the rear suspension on my car it skiped all over the place and God for bid you if it was wet these were a nightmare. I seriously thought something was wrong with the car, the ride was hard and uncomfortable and the back end was a accident waiting to happen. It just shows you you get what you pay for but in the case of the BFG'S it looks like you get a really good all rounder.I would say on price that these are maybe not as cheap and there are other alternatives but I think these are proving worth the money.
Not many reviews for these tires on this site not sure if this is because these are hard to get hold of elsewere or what but hope this one helps.
Writing about the Falken FK452 given 56% (245-40-17-W)
Driving on a combination of roads for 3500 average miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 3500 average miles
Reviewed these tires before and was fairly happy with the over all performance but now after only 3500 miles and a full 4 and a half months to be fair can now review the ware rate.
The result is not good, I purchased these just before Xmas 2009 and now they only have 3mm left. Now I bet you are thinking I lite these up at every corner, junction or power slide around roundabouts but nothing is further from the truth, yes I pull away quite quickly and enjoy going through the gears up to speed with some fair acceleration but thats about it.
I purchased these at just under ?100 a corner as the cheaper option but it now turns out it has cost me more in the long run, as these are going to need replacing soon and won't even get me though this years MOT !!
These would be fine for a lower power car but I am afraid I won't be fitting again and now need to find something longer lasting - any ideas anyone ??
The result is not good, I purchased these just before Xmas 2009 and now they only have 3mm left. Now I bet you are thinking I lite these up at every corner, junction or power slide around roundabouts but nothing is further from the truth, yes I pull away quite quickly and enjoy going through the gears up to speed with some fair acceleration but thats about it.
I purchased these at just under ?100 a corner as the cheaper option but it now turns out it has cost me more in the long run, as these are going to need replacing soon and won't even get me though this years MOT !!
These would be fine for a lower power car but I am afraid I won't be fitting again and now need to find something longer lasting - any ideas anyone ??
Writing about the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A given 93% (225-40-18-W)
Driving on a combination of roads for 37000 easy going miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 37000 easy going miles
When it comes to tires I have narrowed them down to:
Michelin PS2, Continental CSC3, Bridgestone RE050A
Depending on which is the best value at the time all the above tires give excellent grip in the dry and wet and feel very progressive on the limits.
In the dry I think the Michelins just shade the Bridgestone's, Continentals are best for preventing aquaplaning in a bend or straight line.
The Michelins are best in the wet too with again Bridgestone just behind in second. So all three are superb tires but I find the Michelins last the longest with Bridgestone 2nd and the Continentals 3rd.
In terms of value for money I would say the Continentals and Bridgestone are good with the Michelin being pricey and in 3rd place.
Michelin PS2, Continental CSC3, Bridgestone RE050A
Depending on which is the best value at the time all the above tires give excellent grip in the dry and wet and feel very progressive on the limits.
In the dry I think the Michelins just shade the Bridgestone's, Continentals are best for preventing aquaplaning in a bend or straight line.
The Michelins are best in the wet too with again Bridgestone just behind in second. So all three are superb tires but I find the Michelins last the longest with Bridgestone 2nd and the Continentals 3rd.
In terms of value for money I would say the Continentals and Bridgestone are good with the Michelin being pricey and in 3rd place.
Writing about the Continental Sport Contact 3 given 94% (225-40-18-W)
Driving on a combination of roads for 37000 easy going miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 37000 easy going miles
When it comes to tires I have narrowed them down to:
Michelin PS2, Continental CSC3, Bridgestone RE050A
Depending on which is the best value at the time all the above tires give excellent grip in the dry and wet and feel very progressive on the limits.
In the dry I think the Michelins just shade the Bridgestone's, Continentals are best for preventing aquaplaning in a bend or straight line.
The Michelins are best in the wet too with again Bridgestone just behind in second. So all three are superb tires but I find the Michelins last the longest with Bridgestone 2nd and the Continentals 3rd.
In terms of value for money I would say the Continentals and Bridgestone are good with the Michelin being pricey and in 3rd place.
Michelin PS2, Continental CSC3, Bridgestone RE050A
Depending on which is the best value at the time all the above tires give excellent grip in the dry and wet and feel very progressive on the limits.
In the dry I think the Michelins just shade the Bridgestone's, Continentals are best for preventing aquaplaning in a bend or straight line.
The Michelins are best in the wet too with again Bridgestone just behind in second. So all three are superb tires but I find the Michelins last the longest with Bridgestone 2nd and the Continentals 3rd.
In terms of value for money I would say the Continentals and Bridgestone are good with the Michelin being pricey and in 3rd place.
Writing about the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 given 97% (225-40-18-W)
Driving on a combination of roads for 38000 easy going miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 38000 easy going miles
When it comes to tires I have narrowed them down to:
Michelin PS2, Continental CSC3, Bridgestone RE050A
Depending on which is the best value at the time all the above tires give excellent grip in the dry and wet and feel very progressive on the limits.
In the dry I think the Michelins just shade the Bridgestone's, Continentals are best for preventing aquaplaning in a bend or straight line.
The Michelins are best in the wet too with again Bridgestone just behind in second. So all three are superb tires but I find the Michelins last the longest with Bridgestone 2nd and the Continentals 3rd.
In terms of value for money I would say the Continentals and Bridgestone are good with the Michelin being pricey and in 3rd place.
Michelin PS2, Continental CSC3, Bridgestone RE050A
Depending on which is the best value at the time all the above tires give excellent grip in the dry and wet and feel very progressive on the limits.
In the dry I think the Michelins just shade the Bridgestone's, Continentals are best for preventing aquaplaning in a bend or straight line.
The Michelins are best in the wet too with again Bridgestone just behind in second. So all three are superb tires but I find the Michelins last the longest with Bridgestone 2nd and the Continentals 3rd.
In terms of value for money I would say the Continentals and Bridgestone are good with the Michelin being pricey and in 3rd place.
Writing about the Vredestein Sportrac 3 given 90% (205-60-15-V)
Driving on a combination of roads for 32 spirited miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 32 spirited miles
I am now having to change the rears after nearly 2 years (fitted Nov 2007)and ~30K.
I can not rave about these tires enough! The grip and wear rate is fantastic considering i drive fairly hard on all types of road.
Driving characteristics are good and they inspire plenty of confidence in heavy rain/standing water. When they do let go you get plenty of warning and any slide is nice and progressive and easy to recover.
Whats even more impressive with these is that i have also used these on track days with no issues and in this winters snow and ice they were awesome.
Only downside is that in the last couple of thousand miles they have got noisy (i.e. i thought i had a wheel bearing on the way out,) but apart from that there are no downsides with these tires at all.
I can not rave about these tires enough! The grip and wear rate is fantastic considering i drive fairly hard on all types of road.
Driving characteristics are good and they inspire plenty of confidence in heavy rain/standing water. When they do let go you get plenty of warning and any slide is nice and progressive and easy to recover.
Whats even more impressive with these is that i have also used these on track days with no issues and in this winters snow and ice they were awesome.
Only downside is that in the last couple of thousand miles they have got noisy (i.e. i thought i had a wheel bearing on the way out,) but apart from that there are no downsides with these tires at all.
Writing about the Marangoni Mythos given 80% (215-40-17-W)
Driving on mostly country roads for 8000 spirited miles
Driving on mostly country roads for 8000 spirited miles
I have these tires on the front wheels of my bmw 323i and have been impressed by them so far. Grip is fantastic on a dry road but I feel is not as good as some others on wet and ice. I have done over 8000 miles with these tires and they have still got 4mm tread left on them which is pretty good considering the weight of the car, the bendy country roads I drive on and the speed I tend to drive at. There is little road noise from these tires and they make cruising on the motorway very smooth and comfortable. I will be ordering a full set of these tires when my current ones wear out.
Writing about the Federal SS595 SUPER STEEL given 46% (255-35-18-W)
Driving on a combination of roads for 76 spirited miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 76 spirited miles
Nice budget tire which is reasonable with grip level. Problem is I drive my car at weekends only; this tire lasted under 2000 miles, admittedly I drive with spirit, but not like a race driver.
Writing about the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric given 80% (235-40-17-)
Driving on a combination of roads for 12500 average miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 12500 average miles
No comments left
Writing about the Uniroyal RainSport 2 given 97% (245-40-17-W)
Driving on a combination of roads for 700 spirited miles
Driving on a combination of roads for 700 spirited miles
Wow what a tire !! These are just great.After changing my Michelin pilot sport 2's on the rear of my 325 bmw after only 5000 very disapointing miles these Uniroyals are the best thing since sliced bread.
As soon as I had the rain sport2's fitted the car felt totally different.There was grip tons of it, the rear of the car no longer skipped and let go over ruts in the road when going round a corner on the rear, these babies have almost 9mm of tread when new !!
The car also felt more comfortable and a definate reduction in road noise was instant the moment I rolled out of the tire fitting centre.
The dry grip is just fantastic and although I have yet to try these on really wet roads even though I have done over 700 miles so far, when the roads have had that wet glossy look ( which I sometimes feel can be more of a hazard) I have had full confidence that the grip is still all there. If you are wondering what the tread patten is like then these have a deep v type pattern simillar to the Goodyear.
Cannot comment on wear as yet but hoping to get much more than the Michelin and these only cost me just a fraction over 100.00 a corner where as the Michelins were another 60.00 at least.
Cannot hardly wait for the fronts to ware out so I can get a matching set !!!
If you are looking for a great all round tire at a very reasonable cost price then these are a must.You might have to ring round a few tire places to get hold of these but well worth it !!
As soon as I had the rain sport2's fitted the car felt totally different.There was grip tons of it, the rear of the car no longer skipped and let go over ruts in the road when going round a corner on the rear, these babies have almost 9mm of tread when new !!
The car also felt more comfortable and a definate reduction in road noise was instant the moment I rolled out of the tire fitting centre.
The dry grip is just fantastic and although I have yet to try these on really wet roads even though I have done over 700 miles so far, when the roads have had that wet glossy look ( which I sometimes feel can be more of a hazard) I have had full confidence that the grip is still all there. If you are wondering what the tread patten is like then these have a deep v type pattern simillar to the Goodyear.
Cannot comment on wear as yet but hoping to get much more than the Michelin and these only cost me just a fraction over 100.00 a corner where as the Michelins were another 60.00 at least.
Cannot hardly wait for the fronts to ware out so I can get a matching set !!!
If you are looking for a great all round tire at a very reasonable cost price then these are a must.You might have to ring round a few tire places to get hold of these but well worth it !!
Writing about the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 given 60% (245-40-17-W)
Driving on mostly town for 5000 average miles
Driving on mostly town for 5000 average miles
After spending a small fortune poping these on my 3 series I can only say after checking the rears ( fronts 225 45 17) how dissapointed I was to find that only after 5000 miles I have just under 4mm of tread left. These were only fitted October 07 ! I was told that Michelin were best for mileage but not the case here.Now don't get me wrong I enjoy driving but don't burn rubber at every traffic light.These handle dry road fantasticly and the breaking is good, and always feel confident of stopping even in the wet.I do find the rears tend to "Slip out" in the wet when cornering over bumpy roads and can only put this down to the tram line type tread pattern and this is even more noticable now that they are well worn and no they are not over inflated.
The noise of the rears is also noticable annoying especially on motorway driving, a case of turn up the radio I am afraid.Just to point out the fronts still have 7mm of tread and look like new still, it looks like I could do two maybe two and a half sets of rears to one of fronts if I replaced like for like, but I won't be doing that again I am afraid.
Can anyone recommend a possible replacement for the Michelin, I was looking at Uni-royal rainsports and they have some good reviews - do you know better?
The noise of the rears is also noticable annoying especially on motorway driving, a case of turn up the radio I am afraid.Just to point out the fronts still have 7mm of tread and look like new still, it looks like I could do two maybe two and a half sets of rears to one of fronts if I replaced like for like, but I won't be doing that again I am afraid.
Can anyone recommend a possible replacement for the Michelin, I was looking at Uni-royal rainsports and they have some good reviews - do you know better?
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