Tire replacement - 2 or all 4 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

bimmernut1 · 29th May 2006, 21:23

I'm curious whether anyone else has got their car on a 2 tire replacement routine. On my other cars, the rears always wear faster so I tend to just replace those and leave the fronts on and replace them later. Financially, it's always easier to come up with the cost for 2 at a time. The only time I've replaced all 4 is when I've changed manufacturer.

On the M5, they appear to be wearing at a similar rate although I need to replace the fronts now due to alignment wear on the passenger side tire. I bought 4 new Toyo Proxes T1-R's but am considering replacing just the fronts, then running the rears for a few more months. This would get the M5 on a similar two tire replacement routine as well.

I'm curious if anyone else has intentionally put their M5 on a two tire replacement rotation or do you typically just replace all 4 even if one pair still has some mileage left? Anyone seen any difference in M5 handling after the breakin period while running new tires on one end and old ones on the other?

trackstar · 29th May 2006, 21:32

I've replaced mine in pairs, since the rears do wear faster than the fronts. As long as you stick with the same tire, shouldn't be a problem IMO.

imolaman · 29th May 2006, 21:50

I agree with trackstar. Keep the same brand on both axles. I found that the fronts last approximately the same time as two sets of rears.

BTW I have had good experiences with the Toyo Proxes T1-R's. They are very good in terms of traction but does perform less than satisfactory in wet weather. I'm not sure of the weather patterns in Kansas but over here I changed to the Dunlop SP-Sports when the summer rains started falling. There is not many tires better than those for wet weather in my opinion.

All the best,

Rudi

ard · 29th May 2006, 22:30

I run 275s front and rear, so I just rotate to get uniform wear- all 4 at the same time..GENERALLY- I will usually buy 4, but if a pair have a few K left in 'em, I'll put those to the rears- mount fresh rubber up front, and run them down real quick. Then pop the last two on.

In dry conditions I am pretty unconcerned with running them down to 1/32..

A

bimmernut1 · 29th May 2006, 23:01

Thanks guys. Sounds like there should be no handling problems just changing two. I suddenly remembered I have T1-S's on now. I'm not sure I should have R's on the front and S's on the rear. If I can't mix them (probably can't), I'll go with all four this time then work my way into the 2 tire rotation next time. I'll stick the old tires in the attic just in case of emergency. They should fit right in with the other 8 or so tires from other cars I've saved for the "just in case" scenario that has never happened.

The summer tires must all come off in November or so anyway for a dedicated winter set. This is going to be my daily driver and we do get some snow here.

Kinda disappointed to hear the R's don't perform as well in wet however. I've had good performance out of the S's in the wet and I thought the R's were supposed to be the latest technology.

Jayson · 29th May 2006, 23:33

IF the other tires have less than 50 percent life remaining then replace them otherwise it's fine to change pairs provided its front or rear together just keep the same exact tire.

ard · 30th May 2006, 00:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmernut1

I'll stick the old tires in the attic just in case of emergency. They should fit right in with the other 8 or so tires from other cars I've saved for the "just in case" scenario that has never happened.

L M A O

My wife is constantly whining about a rack I have up in second floor of the barn... just 7-8 spare tires for 'emergencies', two sets of wheels for two other cars, a spare front and rear BMW wheel... one can never be too prepared!

(Apparently the horses feel it crowds their hay...)

A

PS I had the opportunity to use my spare front wheel and tire....AND to mount a spare Dunnie while I waited for a warranty replacement PS2 to arrive (road hazard) so I felt quite vindicated as a pack rat.

bimmernut1 · 30th May 2006, 04:22

Ard, glad I'm not the only tire pack rat. Right now in addition to the used ones in the attic, I've also got three new sets in the basement. 1 for my M5, a basically new set of winter Blizzaks to fit an e32 (sold the car right after I bought the wheel/tire set), and a new set of Bridgestone S02a's for the 993. I bought that set when one of my tires lost air for no apparent reason. After pumping it back up, it's held for 4 months now, so I'm trying to extend the current tires as long as possible. (Just 1 more Autocross/DE).

Jayson, does the reason behind the 50% guideline have something to do with the rolling radius of the tire and the potential impact on ABS and DSC if the ratio front to rear changes from stock? I'm guessing, only thing I could think of.