Yes, I was aware the OD is slightly off. The door sticker lists 225/45/17 and 245/40/17 as the appropriate factory sizes. These are the stock sizes on the e36 M3 as well. The wheels I have are "Style 68" wheels from a 2004 330ci which also specs 225/45/17 & 245/40/17. I would like to go to 255, but I think they would rub.
Review of Continental ExtremeContact DWS
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Originally Posted By: cutlassvillager
Yes, I was aware the OD is slightly off. The door sticker lists 225/45/17 and 245/40/17 as the appropriate factory sizes.
Same exact sizes as our C300. I'm thinking of getting DWS for this car as well, and will try to use 255/40/17 on the rear if I can. The wife keeps curbing the rims, so a little bit of extra rubber might help.
Yes, I was aware the OD is slightly off. The door sticker lists 225/45/17 and 245/40/17 as the appropriate factory sizes.
Same exact sizes as our C300. I'm thinking of getting DWS for this car as well, and will try to use 255/40/17 on the rear if I can. The wife keeps curbing the rims, so a little bit of extra rubber might help.
Interesting. I'm surprised they recommend those tire sizes with the all wheel drive system. You would think the different diameters would be hard on the drivetrain.
I am considering the DWS as replacements for the current OEM Michelin Pilot Sports summer performance tires I have on my BMW zhp staggered set up. There's still some miles left on the PS tires, but I am going to need an All-Season tire soon...I have heard good things about the Conti DWS from a lot of BMW owners, and most seem to think that they provide a good balance between performance/handling and safety in wet weather
...not a lot of choices for the ZHP staggered set up out there, and DWS certainly seems to be the best choice...
...not a lot of choices for the ZHP staggered set up out there, and DWS certainly seems to be the best choice...
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I have owned them(DWS) for 10k miles on a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT(performance version). They have excellent wet traction. Average dry handling (feel disconnected). Perfect for a family wagon but not a real performance tire.
I am hoping this winter they dazzle me. I have high expectations with Nokian WR G2's as previous tires.
I am hoping this winter they dazzle me. I have high expectations with Nokian WR G2's as previous tires.
I have these on my gf's RDX. They worked well in a few late spring winter storms. We'll see how they handle the winter this year.
Currently have this tire on two vehicles, 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS in 215-50-17 (OEM) and a 2008 Scion xD in 205-55-16 (OEM is 195-60-16 of which there are only two mfg's).
Matrix specs 32 f and r. I run +3 psi at x degrees where "x" is the lowest expected temp for the current month. Scion is 33 psi f and r and I run that car the same. So, say at 60F, mine will be at 37 and 38 psi respectively.
No issues as of yet with only 2k on the Matrix set and about 200 or 300 hundred on the Scion. We don't get huge amounts of snow but I wanted something to get my wife and children through whatever SC weather may throw at them. I have about a 115 mile round trip to work each day and have not seen any change in mpg vs what I had (Eagle F1 All Season in 225-45-17).
Handling is quite different from the F1's but that was to be expected and is quite manageable. I like them.
Matrix specs 32 f and r. I run +3 psi at x degrees where "x" is the lowest expected temp for the current month. Scion is 33 psi f and r and I run that car the same. So, say at 60F, mine will be at 37 and 38 psi respectively.
No issues as of yet with only 2k on the Matrix set and about 200 or 300 hundred on the Scion. We don't get huge amounts of snow but I wanted something to get my wife and children through whatever SC weather may throw at them. I have about a 115 mile round trip to work each day and have not seen any change in mpg vs what I had (Eagle F1 All Season in 225-45-17).
Handling is quite different from the F1's but that was to be expected and is quite manageable. I like them.
I've been running these tires in 225/50/17 (I think... I'd have to go check again, meh) for about 18k miles now. The sidewalls ARE soft at 30-35 PSI but get much better at around 40 psi.
These tires are decent in dry weather, great in rain, and absolutely awesome in the snow for all-season tires. I really couldn't ask for more.
Oh, and they're pretty darn quiet too.
These tires are decent in dry weather, great in rain, and absolutely awesome in the snow for all-season tires. I really couldn't ask for more.
Oh, and they're pretty darn quiet too.
UPDATE. One thing I have noticed about the DWS is after sitting overnight they seem to ride somewhat busy(rougher) until they have been driven for a couple/few minutes, it doesn't last long. After the tires get warm(er) they seem to smooth out and ride nicely. I have read some comments/reviews about the DWS flatspotting. I believe that's what is going on, but I'll have to drive them more to confirm my suspicion.
I have a DT 30 day ride guarantee, not sure even if that is what's going on I'd return them, as it's relatively minor.
I have a DT 30 day ride guarantee, not sure even if that is what's going on I'd return them, as it's relatively minor.
Originally Posted By: sayjac
UPDATE. One thing I have noticed about the DWS is after sitting overnight they seem to ride somewhat busy(rougher) until they have been driven for a couple/few minutes, it doesn't last long. After the tires get warm(er) they seem to smooth out and ride nicely. I have read some comments/reviews about the DWS flatspotting. I believe that's what is going on, but I'll have to drive them more to confirm my suspicion.
I have a DT 30 day ride guarantee, not sure even if that is what's going on I'd return them, as it's relatively minor.
I get the same thing every morning when it gets cool. Takes mine a mile or two of driving before they smooth out. It's really not too bad. My last set of tires (Fuzion) did the same thing.
UPDATE. One thing I have noticed about the DWS is after sitting overnight they seem to ride somewhat busy(rougher) until they have been driven for a couple/few minutes, it doesn't last long. After the tires get warm(er) they seem to smooth out and ride nicely. I have read some comments/reviews about the DWS flatspotting. I believe that's what is going on, but I'll have to drive them more to confirm my suspicion.
I have a DT 30 day ride guarantee, not sure even if that is what's going on I'd return them, as it's relatively minor.
I get the same thing every morning when it gets cool. Takes mine a mile or two of driving before they smooth out. It's really not too bad. My last set of tires (Fuzion) did the same thing.
Originally Posted By: JRed
I get the same thing every morning when it gets cool. Takes mine a mile or two of driving before they smooth out. It's really not too bad. My last set of tires (Fuzion) did the same thing.
Sounds about right. It makes me wonder if the type of tire compound that causes it, is also why the DWS performed so well in TR's winter testing? Not having had a tire perform like this before though, it's a new experience for me.
I get the same thing every morning when it gets cool. Takes mine a mile or two of driving before they smooth out. It's really not too bad. My last set of tires (Fuzion) did the same thing.
Sounds about right. It makes me wonder if the type of tire compound that causes it, is also why the DWS performed so well in TR's winter testing? Not having had a tire perform like this before though, it's a new experience for me.
I think most tires that I have had, which had a somewhat performance AND all-weather oriented attribute to them, they all did that... might have to do with the tire pressures, too, though...
I really think this tire will be my choice when I go from summers to all-seasons for my BMW.
I really think this tire will be my choice when I go from summers to all-seasons for my BMW.
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Originally Posted By: sayjac
Sounds about right. It makes me wonder if the type of tire compound that causes it, is also why the DWS performed so well in TR's winter testing? Not having had a tire perform like this before though, it's a new experience for me.
It's the tire construction. From another thread:
Originally Posted By: CapriRacer
Flatspotting is mainly a function of the amount of nylon used in the tire.
Flatspotting Thread
Increasing inflation pressure will help. The tire will stay cooler in use and rounder when parked. CapriRacer also said that slowing down gradually after use will reduce the effect.
I've had very minimal flat-spotting effects with my Pilot A/S tires. It's rarely noticeable and very minor the few times it has been. But it's relatively cool here, I rarely drive much faster than 70 mph, and I run a little higher pressure in front than recommended.
My buddy was getting nasty flatspotting effects with his BFG Traction T/As one spring. We checked the tire pressure and they only had about 20 psi, as he had forgotten to add air after installing them in the spring change-over a couple days prior. Problem solved!
Sounds about right. It makes me wonder if the type of tire compound that causes it, is also why the DWS performed so well in TR's winter testing? Not having had a tire perform like this before though, it's a new experience for me.
It's the tire construction. From another thread:
Originally Posted By: CapriRacer
Flatspotting is mainly a function of the amount of nylon used in the tire.
Flatspotting Thread
Increasing inflation pressure will help. The tire will stay cooler in use and rounder when parked. CapriRacer also said that slowing down gradually after use will reduce the effect.
I've had very minimal flat-spotting effects with my Pilot A/S tires. It's rarely noticeable and very minor the few times it has been. But it's relatively cool here, I rarely drive much faster than 70 mph, and I run a little higher pressure in front than recommended.
My buddy was getting nasty flatspotting effects with his BFG Traction T/As one spring. We checked the tire pressure and they only had about 20 psi, as he had forgotten to add air after installing them in the spring change-over a couple days prior. Problem solved!
Originally Posted By: D189379
I have these on my gf's RDX. They worked well in a few late spring winter storms. We'll see how they handle the winter this year.
Figured I'd update the "snow" performance of these tires.
I drove on them last night after about 6-7 days of snowing. The temps over the past week have been around -20, and the roads are a mixture of loose snow, packed snow, and ice.
The tires have done a lot worse than I had hoped for. They seem to wander alot on the highways, especially when on different tractions surfaces (Left side on pavement, right side on packed snow or ice.
Accelerating on ice or snow (or packed snow), the car is constantly searching for traction. Braking is similar with the tires not getting alot of traction.
I know these aren't dedicated winter tires, but I was hoping for better results than the previous all-season tires we were using. I wouldn't recommend these for any serious winter use.
I have these on my gf's RDX. They worked well in a few late spring winter storms. We'll see how they handle the winter this year.
Figured I'd update the "snow" performance of these tires.
I drove on them last night after about 6-7 days of snowing. The temps over the past week have been around -20, and the roads are a mixture of loose snow, packed snow, and ice.
The tires have done a lot worse than I had hoped for. They seem to wander alot on the highways, especially when on different tractions surfaces (Left side on pavement, right side on packed snow or ice.
Accelerating on ice or snow (or packed snow), the car is constantly searching for traction. Braking is similar with the tires not getting alot of traction.
I know these aren't dedicated winter tires, but I was hoping for better results than the previous all-season tires we were using. I wouldn't recommend these for any serious winter use.
UPDATE
Returned the DWS on the DT 30 day ride guarantee. Just couldn't take the vibration when the tires were cold and had been sitting. The Accord shook/vibrated and was a very unpleasant ride. And the vibration was worse as the temperature dropped.
The flat spotting vibration improved after driving for some time and the tire warmed up. But, I said to myself is this something I can live with, or should have to for ~50k miles? I concluded, the answer for me was, no.
I ended up with the Michelin Primacy MXV4, and the ride right from the beginning was smoother and much more satisfying. These are the first Michelins I've purchsed, hope they will live up to my expectations and their reputation.
As for the DWS, perhaps for less stiff suspension or a taller sidewall the 215/50-17 these tires might be fine. Just didn't work for me, and is the first tire I've ever purchased where I noticed a vibration from flat spotting when the vehicle had been sitting for some time.
Returned the DWS on the DT 30 day ride guarantee. Just couldn't take the vibration when the tires were cold and had been sitting. The Accord shook/vibrated and was a very unpleasant ride. And the vibration was worse as the temperature dropped.
The flat spotting vibration improved after driving for some time and the tire warmed up. But, I said to myself is this something I can live with, or should have to for ~50k miles? I concluded, the answer for me was, no.
I ended up with the Michelin Primacy MXV4, and the ride right from the beginning was smoother and much more satisfying. These are the first Michelins I've purchsed, hope they will live up to my expectations and their reputation.
As for the DWS, perhaps for less stiff suspension or a taller sidewall the 215/50-17 these tires might be fine. Just didn't work for me, and is the first tire I've ever purchased where I noticed a vibration from flat spotting when the vehicle had been sitting for some time.
The DWS 235/45-17 on my 3800 lbs E430 with fairly firm suspension (Bilstein HD shocks) did not have flat spot even after not driving for 1-2 days. May be I have higher pressure at 40-42 PSI and the temperature is rarely dropped below 50F in the garage.
I ran/run the tires ~3 lbs above the tire placard pressures, so ~35 in front 32 in the back. The car would shake after just sitting overnight, and worse if longer. On Monday the car had set for a couple days and the temps dropped into the mid/upper 30's overnight, car vibrated longer and worse than any previous time. Just reached a point where it was something I wasn't willing to live with, to wait for the ride smooth out.
I could see the DWS being smoother or smooth out faster in warmer weather.
I could see the DWS being smoother or smooth out faster in warmer weather.
I have the 225-45-17's on my wife's 2007 Nissan Sentra SER and really like them alot. Put them on about 3 weeks before our trip to Florida this summer and they performed great. Wet traction in the Fl afternoon downpours was fantastic! The only thing I noticed about them was the long break in time. The car was pulling to one side while driving down the highway the first day out but by day two, they were tracking straight as an arrow. Must have been 1000 miles on them before they took their set on the car. Sidewalls do seem soft but playing with pressures should make them do what you want. And quite too, love that sound of silence when traveling down the road.
Originally Posted By: D189379
..............I drove on them last night after about 6-7 days of snowing. The temps over the past week have been around -20, and the roads are a mixture of loose snow, packed snow, and ice.
The tires have done a lot worse than I had hoped for................
Continental advises that you not use their all-season tires at temperatures below 45F. They want you to use winter tires instead.
Here is what Joerg Burfien, the VP of R&D at Continental says about this:
"............Our studies suggest that winter tires should be mounted at the first signs of cooling air below 45°F, not just at the first snowfall.......................
But below 45°F, the harder tread compounds of these all-season tires become increasingly stiff and brittle, a condition that worsens as temperatures decline.
The hardness of these tires at lower temperatures means they no longer conform to the surface of the road. This leads directly to reduced grip on the road and a much-reduced overall performance – mileage, braking distances, cornering, handling, etc. – ranging from 20% to 25%. In fact, stopping distances can double if you are not using a winter tire as temperatures decline.
..........Additionally, even in those areas that don’t see dozens of inches of snow each year, winter tires outperform all-season treads in wet traction and braking..............
.........Slush-covered roads pose a dangerous situation for standard all-season tires, but the softer compounds and added gripping edges of winter patterns deliver greater driving reliability.............
http://www.tirereview.com/Article/78010/help_customers_know_when_to_change_over_to_winter_tires.aspx
..............I drove on them last night after about 6-7 days of snowing. The temps over the past week have been around -20, and the roads are a mixture of loose snow, packed snow, and ice.
The tires have done a lot worse than I had hoped for................
Continental advises that you not use their all-season tires at temperatures below 45F. They want you to use winter tires instead.
Here is what Joerg Burfien, the VP of R&D at Continental says about this:
"............Our studies suggest that winter tires should be mounted at the first signs of cooling air below 45°F, not just at the first snowfall.......................
But below 45°F, the harder tread compounds of these all-season tires become increasingly stiff and brittle, a condition that worsens as temperatures decline.
The hardness of these tires at lower temperatures means they no longer conform to the surface of the road. This leads directly to reduced grip on the road and a much-reduced overall performance – mileage, braking distances, cornering, handling, etc. – ranging from 20% to 25%. In fact, stopping distances can double if you are not using a winter tire as temperatures decline.
..........Additionally, even in those areas that don’t see dozens of inches of snow each year, winter tires outperform all-season treads in wet traction and braking..............
.........Slush-covered roads pose a dangerous situation for standard all-season tires, but the softer compounds and added gripping edges of winter patterns deliver greater driving reliability.............
http://www.tirereview.com/Article/78010/help_customers_know_when_to_change_over_to_winter_tires.aspx
I really wonder how many people really use winter tires whenever temps drop below 45! Pretty much everyone I know who have used the DWS have used them below that temp, and had no issues at all.
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