Quiet Tires???

saildoc · 08-07-2009, 09:38 AM

I switched the 19" Conti SportContact III's that came on the car with Mich Pilot Sport 2's courtesy of the dealer due to harsh feel and noise. In Oklahoma the highways have the grooves ground into them and high performance tires drone something fierce. It is so loud I have a hard time hearing my radio. The PS2's are better than the Conti's but still a problem. On my 335i I ended up putting on Pirelli PZero Nero's which pretty well solved the issue, unfortunately they are not available in the M3 19 inch sizes. It looks like the best option is either Pirelli PZero's or PZero Rosso's. Has anyone driven either one and are they better than the PS2's? I really don't want to give the beautiful OEM 19 inch wheels for 18's.....
Thanks in advance

RealSanaii · 08-07-2009, 11:08 AM

I'm sorry to hear that. I do not have any experience with other tires but here's a test for all different brands.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279362

PunjabiM3 · 08-07-2009, 12:42 PM

I thought the M3 only came with Michelin PS2 from the factory. Did they start putting the Contisport III starting the 09 model year?

saildoc · 08-07-2009, 01:19 PM

Yes, Conti SportContact III's are the OEM tires..... PS2's are significantly better in my brief back to back comparison..

Poppin Fresh · 08-07-2009, 01:31 PM

PS2 FTW!

C17MooseDriver · 08-07-2009, 01:32 PM

I have an 09 and it came with PS2s.

JCtx · 08-07-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saildoc

I really don't want to give the beautiful OEM 19 inch wheels for 18's.....

Me neither, but now that the states are freaking broke, every street and highway/freeway repaved is not even smoothed anymore. I took my car for a ride to the ONLY fun road around, and had to turn back. It was recently repaved, and the roar from the PS2s was deafening due to the rough surface.

I don't track my car, and probably never will, so I don't mind stepping down the performance down a bit, for both longer tread life and a QUIETER ride. Will be following your thread for tips. I thought Contis were pretty quiet, but probably not the high-performance models. Those Pirelli Zeros sound like a good choice. Good luck man.

RENN Spec · 08-07-2009, 01:59 PM

Nitto Invo's are pretty quiet.

URBAN LEGEND · 08-07-2009, 09:55 PM

I have been running Pirelli PZero's out back with Bridgestone Scuderias upfront. No issues or noise to report.

skierman64 · 08-07-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND

I have been running Pirelli PZero's out back with Bridgestone Scuderias upfront. No issues or noise to report.

Mismatched tires, are you serious?

URBAN LEGEND · 08-08-2009, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skierman64

Mismatched tires, are you serious?

Is this you first perfermance car? Is this your fastest car? From a guy like me that had a 550 rwhp car mismatched tires was no problem. I have been doing that for 10 years.

But somebody just recently asked the tirerack the same question. The answer is below:

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3prsiv

I talked with a guy at tirerack.com and he said two brands front and back are not a problem. Side to side is. He stated that sizes need to be consistent in round diameter.

So thumbs down to you for not having a clue.

montreal red · 08-08-2009, 06:08 PM

er... i have pirelli pzero nero tires... although the grip is pretty good, i think the tires are noisy. prob more noisy than PS2s... i dont suggest your change your tires again. not worth while really.

King Tut · 08-08-2009, 07:34 PM

You might want to trade your M3 in for a 328 if you aren't willing to accept a little tire noise from high performance tires.

saildoc · 08-09-2009, 10:37 AM

Montreal: are you sure you have Pirelli PZero Neros? And not straight up PZeros? I couldn't find 19 inch Neros on Pirelli's website that would fit. I would have to go down to 18inch wheels and run a 275 size in the rear. I had Neros on my 335i and they did great around here on the variable road surfaces without the dreaded drone.

saildoc · 08-09-2009, 10:50 AM

King Tut: I see that you live in Florida-you are lucky, you have great roads! I remember I95 in Miami at triple digit speeds-so smooth...
Here in Oklahoma we have freeze-thaw cycles that wreck the roads. They are a combination of potholes, patches and newly ground surfaces. My PS2's are fine on asphalt and old concrete but on the ground ribbed surfaces they make a strange drone that between 75-85 mph becomes a loud resonance in the cockpit. So loud I have to crank the stereo, kinda a sad when you spend $1900 for the high performance stereo upgrade. I think it is something unique to the speed and resonant qualities of the car. My 335i had PZero Neros and did not do that. Some people do not care how much road noise their cars have, I do, call me weird.... Looks like I will be changing out the to 18 inch wheels. I will have a great set of pristine OEM 19inchers for sale soon.

King Tut · 08-10-2009, 07:40 PM

I can see what you are saying. I have owned many performance cars and many different tires, and I have never heard what I thought was excessive tire noise. I guess I can't say what would be too noisy. If you had PZero Neros before than go with those. Why would you need to swap to 18"s though. Do they not make them in 19" sizes?

TLud · 08-10-2009, 08:25 PM

Some roads are just going to be bad no matter what tires you're on. For example, some stretches of US-290 between Austin and Houston are ridiculously loud regardless of what I'm driving. In general, however, I find that the PS2s are the best blend of performance and comfort/quietness out there right now.

I haven't tried them myself, but I hear the PZeros are slightly quieter than the PS2s. If you're willing to sacrifice a little performance for comfort and quiet, you might try the Potenza RE760s or the Pilot Exalta PE2s.

MrHarris · 08-10-2009, 08:30 PM

Quietest tire by far is the Nitto INVO, but certainly not the best performing.

skierman64 · 08-11-2009, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLud

If you're willing to sacrifice a little performance for comfort and quiet, you might try the Potenza RE760s or the Pilot Exalta PE2s.

I had the predicessor to the 760s on my E36 M3 and loved them.

Georgeair · 08-11-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND

From a guy like me that had a 550 rwhp drag car mismatched tires was no problem.

There - fixed that for ya......

skierman64 · 08-11-2009, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by URBAN LEGEND

Is this you first perfermance car? Is this your fastest car? From a guy like me that had a 550 rwhp car mismatched tires was no problem. I have been doing that for 10 years.

But somebody just recently asked the tirerack the same question. The answer is below:
So thumbs down to you for not having a clue.

Well I've been going to the track as a driver for 13+ years and I can say that at a road course where acceleration is only a fraction of the equation I can't ever remember anyone ever running mismatched tires on the track.

Does it have an effect for normal everyday driving, no. Does it have an effect going straight down the 1/4 mile, no. Is it extremely redneck for a BMW, yes IMHO. Does it effect handling at the limit, absolutely yes.

So I'll take your no clue and raise you one. Ask a BMWCCA instructor if you don't believe me.

Brosef · 08-11-2009, 07:58 PM

what psi are you running in your tires? I run mine at 33-F and 35-R and they're very quiet and comfortable. The Nitto Invo's are supposed to be extremely quiet, but their sidewalls are slightly stiffer than those found on the PS2's, so the ride will be firmer. Not much, but enough to notice. I've never used invo's though - maybe another member can chime in with first-hand experience.

08-07-2009, 09:38 AM	#1
saildoc Private First Class 41 Rep 194 Posts Drives: 2012 Porsche Cayman R Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: oklahoma city iTrader: (1)	Quiet Tires??? I switched the 19" Conti SportContact III's that came on the car with Mich Pilot Sport 2's courtesy of the dealer due to harsh feel and noise. In Oklahoma the highways have the grooves ground into them and high performance tires drone something fierce. It is so loud I have a hard time hearing my radio. The PS2's are better than the Conti's but still a problem. On my 335i I ended up putting on Pirelli PZero Nero's which pretty well solved the issue, unfortunately they are not available in the M3 19 inch sizes. It looks like the best option is either Pirelli PZero's or PZero Rosso's. Has anyone driven either one and are they better than the PS2's? I really don't want to give the beautiful OEM 19 inch wheels for 18's..... Thanks in advance
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-07-2009, 11:08 AM	#2
RealSanaii Lieutenant 21 Rep 452 Posts Drives: 2008 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: US iTrader: (0)	I'm sorry to hear that. I do not have any experience with other tires but here's a test for all different brands. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279362 __________________ I get it now... BMW FTW!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-07-2009, 12:42 PM	#3
PunjabiM3 Colonel 253 Rep 2,091 Posts Drives: M5 CS Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Flower Mound, TX iTrader: (1)	I thought the M3 only came with Michelin PS2 from the factory. Did they start putting the Contisport III starting the 09 model year? __________________ 2012 Audi R8 V10TT\| 6MT\| Suzuka Grey 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale\| Rosso Scuderia 2020 BMW X7\| Mineral White 2024 718 GT4 RS \| Arctic Grey
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-07-2009, 01:19 PM	#4
saildoc Private First Class 41 Rep 194 Posts Drives: 2012 Porsche Cayman R Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: oklahoma city iTrader: (1)	Yes, Conti SportContact III's are the OEM tires..... PS2's are significantly better in my brief back to back comparison..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-07-2009, 01:31 PM	#5
Poppin Fresh Colonel 86 Rep 2,148 Posts Drives: With a sunroof and front plate Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bergen County NJ iTrader: (0)	PS2 FTW! __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-07-2009, 01:32 PM	#6
C17MooseDriver Captain 20 Rep 878 Posts Drives: E92 AW M3 6MT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	I have an 09 and it came with PS2s. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-07-2009, 01:59 PM	#8
RENN Spec Major 141 Rep 1,314 Posts Drives: 488 Pista, M2CS, Tundra Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Arcadia, CA iTrader: (3)	Nitto Invo's are pretty quiet.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-07-2009, 09:55 PM	#9
URBAN LEGEND Rocky 412 Rep 3,085 Posts Drives: 16 M5, 18 ZL1 1LE, 18 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Brenham TX iTrader: (0)	I have been running Pirelli PZero's out back with Bridgestone Scuderias upfront. No issues or noise to report. __________________ 22 Audi RS E-Tron GT 21 Model S Plaid
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-08-2009, 06:08 PM	#12
montreal red chris 278 Rep 12,144 Posts Drives: White Boat Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (31)	er... i have pirelli pzero nero tires... although the grip is pretty good, i think the tires are noisy. prob more noisy than PS2s... i dont suggest your change your tires again. not worth while really. __________________ Current: 2013 F10 M5 & 2016 Mini JCW 2013 GLK350 (gone), 997.1 GT3RS (gone), 2009 WRX STI (gone), e92 M3 (gone)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-08-2009, 07:34 PM	#13
King Tut NASA SpecE30 Racer 82 Rep 1,307 Posts Drives: 2006 Honda S2000 TT3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL iTrader: (2)	You might want to trade your M3 in for a 328 if you aren't willing to accept a little tire noise from high performance tires. __________________ King Tut 2012 BMW M3 Individual: Sold lsb.ridedomain.com 1987 BMW 325is SpecE30: spece30.ridedomain.com 2009 BMW M3 Coupe: Sold e92.ridedomain.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-09-2009, 10:37 AM	#14
saildoc Private First Class 41 Rep 194 Posts Drives: 2012 Porsche Cayman R Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: oklahoma city iTrader: (1)	Montreal: are you sure you have Pirelli PZero Neros? And not straight up PZeros? I couldn't find 19 inch Neros on Pirelli's website that would fit. I would have to go down to 18inch wheels and run a 275 size in the rear. I had Neros on my 335i and they did great around here on the variable road surfaces without the dreaded drone.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-09-2009, 10:50 AM	#15
saildoc Private First Class 41 Rep 194 Posts Drives: 2012 Porsche Cayman R Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: oklahoma city iTrader: (1)	King Tut: I see that you live in Florida-you are lucky, you have great roads! I remember I95 in Miami at triple digit speeds-so smooth... Here in Oklahoma we have freeze-thaw cycles that wreck the roads. They are a combination of potholes, patches and newly ground surfaces. My PS2's are fine on asphalt and old concrete but on the ground ribbed surfaces they make a strange drone that between 75-85 mph becomes a loud resonance in the cockpit. So loud I have to crank the stereo, kinda a sad when you spend $1900 for the high performance stereo upgrade. I think it is something unique to the speed and resonant qualities of the car. My 335i had PZero Neros and did not do that. Some people do not care how much road noise their cars have, I do, call me weird.... Looks like I will be changing out the to 18 inch wheels. I will have a great set of pristine OEM 19inchers for sale soon.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-10-2009, 07:40 PM	#16
King Tut NASA SpecE30 Racer 82 Rep 1,307 Posts Drives: 2006 Honda S2000 TT3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL iTrader: (2)	I can see what you are saying. I have owned many performance cars and many different tires, and I have never heard what I thought was excessive tire noise. I guess I can't say what would be too noisy. If you had PZero Neros before than go with those. Why would you need to swap to 18"s though. Do they not make them in 19" sizes? __________________ King Tut 2012 BMW M3 Individual: Sold lsb.ridedomain.com 1987 BMW 325is SpecE30: spece30.ridedomain.com 2009 BMW M3 Coupe: Sold e92.ridedomain.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-10-2009, 08:25 PM	#17
TLud Colonel 108 Rep 2,279 Posts Drives: '12 Golf R Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (3)	Some roads are just going to be bad no matter what tires you're on. For example, some stretches of US-290 between Austin and Houston are ridiculously loud regardless of what I'm driving. In general, however, I find that the PS2s are the best blend of performance and comfort/quietness out there right now. I haven't tried them myself, but I hear the PZeros are slightly quieter than the PS2s. If you're willing to sacrifice a little performance for comfort and quiet, you might try the Potenza RE760s or the Pilot Exalta PE2s. __________________ '09 Interlagos Blue E92 M3 (sold to a good home) Last edited by TLud; 08-11-2009 at 04:34 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-10-2009, 08:30 PM	#18
MrHarris yodog 197 Rep 5,025 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	Quietest tire by far is the Nitto INVO, but certainly not the best performing. __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-11-2009, 07:58 PM	#22
Brosef Brigadier General 876 Rep 3,450 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago iTrader: (4)	what psi are you running in your tires? I run mine at 33-F and 35-R and they're very quiet and comfortable. The Nitto Invo's are supposed to be extremely quiet, but their sidewalls are slightly stiffer than those found on the PS2's, so the ride will be firmer. Not much, but enough to notice. I've never used invo's though - maybe another member can chime in with first-hand experience.
	Appreciate 0 Quote