Tires BRIDGESTONE or DUNLOP

The H rated 18" bridgestone dueler H/Ls seem to perform about 90% as well as the V rated OEM Contis that I replaced them with. IMO I gave up 10% of the sticky feel of the Contis for the awesome tread wear of the bridgestones...

I had the same problem with my Bridgestone Potenza RE050's. I contacted Bridgestone directly and they told me that they would warrranty my tires at a pro-rated cost. My tires had 20K on them and they met me halfway. I ended up with a brand new set of Bridgestone Potenza RE960A/S Pole Position's with UNI-T for $400 installed (Usually $800). I've had the tires for about 6 months and they are pretty quiet compared to the RE050's.

I spent this weekend driving my R with the OEM Dunlop A/S M+S tires in light snow, snow that was about 6" deep, ice covered roads and wet roads that were iced over in certain locations (black ice) such as bridges etc.

Well I finally had a chance to road test the new Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D tires on the R32 on wet ice in freezing rain. Bearing in mind that I have driven VWs on top quality snow tires for many years, I can say I was pleasantly impressed with both the R32 and the Dunlop 3D tires.

I had a set of Dunlop wintersport M3s on my last car and was really happy with them.

While I won't say that the M3 or 3D is the best snow tire ever they are a fantastic all season tire that will get you through the worst that winter can throw at your car.

Living in Denver and spending a considerable amount of time in the CO mountains I have had Dunlop WS M3's and 3D's and I would rank both as the best winter tires I've ever driven on compared to Pirelli's, Blizzak's, and Michelin Artic Alpin's. Their ability to do it all, from deep snow, ice, wet slushy mess, to dry roads is unparalled.

I went with steelies and 16". I actually run 16" 55 series Dunlop Wintersport M3 tires. They are OK but not magic. I actually really love the look of plain black painted steel wheels on my lava grey A3. When I put my normal wheels back on in the spring I'm always disappointed.

The factory tires on my 335i are Japanese made Bridgestone RE050 Run-flats. They suck, harsh ride, low tire life, loud, and most of all one small pot-hole and you got an instant sidewall bubble.

I have the same tires and would have to say that they are pretty noisy. I have about 10K on them now and they get louder everyday.