Tires MICHELIN or FEDERAL

I switch from the 255/40R19 oem Pirellis to 215/65R16 Michelin XiceXi2 (one winter so far) for the season. No complaints, except for the look of going from 19x9 to 16x6.5 (super inboard in the rear).

Trying out michelin xice i2s this winter- reviews are great.

Federal 595 are great for the price. $80 for some super sticky stuff

I got a set of the Michelin xi3 on my tig last winter Very very happy with them .

If it helps, I can tell you that Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 235/ 40 R18 tires on 18x8 ET 43 wheels fit perfectly on the MK6. My speedo is about 1.5mph off @ 70mph, according to my GPS. No rub, no nothing, just horrible road noise from 95Y rated tires.

Took the T-reg out on the country roads and I must say I love the feeling of the new Michelin tires, and of course how quiet they are.

look into lightweight battery (I run a Braille 21lbs in my Nismo) and tires...the Michelin Pilot SuperSports are pretty lightweight.

i've replaced some RFTs on my Z4 with Michelin Pilot SuperSports, and LOVE them, but i doubt they're in your < $500 budget..

+1 Had these swapped onto the GTI from the GLI that I traded. On both, they were transformational. Exceptional dry grip, and almost as good in the rain. Amazingly low tire noise and pretty decent tread wear so far.

Confirmed, mine also came with 235/45/R17 Michelin HX MXM4 Pilot tires with an M+S rating, so they are rated for some level of mud and snow service. So far, the little bit we have driven the car it seems to handle ok on the snow and ice, and seems to grip the dry pavement really well.