Kumho at $120 a tire - what's the catch? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

1C00lVC · 23rd November 2001, 19:57

At 11500 miles I was looking at my rear tires (OEM Dunlop) and I have less the 1/8" left. I see a range of prices between $350 to $250 (Michelin, Bridgestone, Dunlop, etc) and then Kumho for $120..

What's the catch? At less then half the price of other comparable (on paper) tires, what will I give up?

Arie

ALX · 23rd November 2001, 21:39

Arie,

I saw that too! I would also be interested in knowing what the "catch" is. In the spring I need new tires and if these hold up, I'm getting them!

ALX

TCM · 23rd November 2001, 21:54

Hey guys:

I am no expert on tires but here is what I have heard. Kuhmo is saturating the market with these to break into the high performace end of the market. The tires are supposed to be very good, especiallially for the price. I beleive that Toyo is doing the same thing. Have heard some good things about both Toyo and Kuhmo tires. For the price, you really cannot beat them. I would get them, nothing infuriates(sp) me more then getting a flat in a brand new $200 tire

. Happened twice this year. These tires are expendable, at least compared to the others in this market segment.

BostonRocket · 23rd November 2001, 22:44

From what I heard about Kumho is that they make a great igh-performance tire, but they are more for lighter sports cars.

'Rocket

stever · 23rd November 2001, 23:14

the "catch" is that that they're only W rated (155mph). it's no secret that Michelin et al make HUGE profits on high performance tires

the Tire Rack performance ratings indicate that they're a bit better than Dunlops (faint praise) but not as good as Pilot Sports, SO3's, or Pirellis

if you're putting a lot of miles on or otherwise chewing up tires they're worth consideration

PhilSeastrand · 24th November 2001, 01:36

Quote:

Originally posted by stever
the "catch" is that that they're only W rated (155mph).

I don't believe that is true. My friend got them for him M3 and they are Z rated.

1C00lVC · 24th November 2001, 01:51

Here is a PDF file with tire specs. And here is the
tire page on the manufacturer's website..

According to this rating table on www.tirereview.com "W" rated tire is good for 168mph (270kh)..

Arie

johann · 24th November 2001, 03:17

Quote:

Originally posted by 1C00lVC
At 11500 miles I was looking at my rear tires (OEM Dunlop) and I have less the 1/8" left. I see a range of prices between $350 to $250 (Michelin, Bridgestone, Dunlop, etc) and then Kumho for $120..

What's the catch? At less then half the price of other comparable (on paper) tires, what will I give up?

Arie

I think the catch is that you give up some grip.
Why save on tires on a $70-80K car?

As for price performance the Kuhmos are as good as it gets, so is a Skoda.

Anyway for normal road the grip should be enough for most of us.

Cheers,
/Johan

1C00lVC · 24th November 2001, 03:34

Quote:

Originally posted by johann

I think the catch is that you give up some grip.
Why save on tires on a $70-80K car?

As for price performance the Kuhmos are as good as it gets, so is a Skoda.

Anyway for normal road the grip should be enough for most of us.

Cheers,
/Johan

So you believe the reason the tires are cheap is because they are not as good grip wise. Would you say that they are the same, or worse then the Dunlops (oem) I have on now?

Arie

johann · 24th November 2001, 03:44

Quote:

Originally posted by 1C00lVC

So you believe the reason the tires are cheap is because they are not as good grip wise. Would you say that they are the same, or worse then the Dunlops (oem) I have on now?

Arie

I'd say they are pretty close to both Dunlops (more close to 8080 than 9000) and Michelins, not fully on par with none of them though.

Note that I have no personal expereince of Dunlops.

Cheers,
/Johan