Non-RF tires: Conti DWS, Michelin HydroEdge or...?

abcommercial · 05-24-2012, 07:49 PM

I'm at 110k on my '06 325i, and about to buy my fourth set of tires. I'm doing so many miles, I'm not getting the Continental run flats this time, and looking for a longer-wearing non-RF tire that will save me money either by being lower cost and/or lasting longer.

Based on reviews (which are SO subjective) I have a couple of ideas:

Continental DWS (rated for 50k miles)
Michelin HydroEdge (rated for 90k miles)

Most of my miles are commute miles. I don't do any sport driving. I just want good performance for evasive maneuvers, like sudden lane-changes.

I am driving in Houston, Texas, which is hot and humid and often rainy.

Ideas??

Thanks

RupertPupkin · 05-24-2012, 07:57 PM

Switched from stock RFT to DWS this past December. They are a little soft compared to the RFT for cornering, but way better in every way.

Quiet, pretty good in rain and puddles, great traction on dry, Happy with them and they appear to be wearing well(not much tread worn off) Would buy them again. I dont know about the michelins

Quote:

Originally Posted by abcommercial

I'm at 110k on my '06 325i, and about to buy my fourth set of tires. I'm doing so many miles, I'm not getting the Continental run flats this time, and looking for a longer-wearing non-RT tire that will save me money either by being lower cost and/or lasting longer.

Based on reviews (which are SO subjective) I have a couple of ideas:

Continental DWS (rated for 50k miles)
Michelin HydroEdge (rated for 90k miles)

Most of my miles are commute miles. I don't do any sport driving. I just want good performance for evasive maneuvers, like sudden lane-changes.

I am driving in Houston, Texas, which is hot and humid and often rainy.

Ideas??

Thanks

Doctor///M · 05-24-2012, 07:59 PM

Hey,

A search will do you well ;-)

I posted an initial comparison between the Pilot Sport A/S and the DWS last weekend. The DWS won... and I'm in Austin btw.

Keep in mind the tire ratings/warranties are halved due to the staggered setup.

Good luck!

Flyer · 05-24-2012, 08:57 PM

I've been driving on DWS for 45k and still have a ton of tread left. I'm very happy with the tires. I run mine with some extra psi and it really stiffens up the sidewall. I use about 45 psi. They are rated at 51 max.

EYE4SPEED · 05-24-2012, 09:21 PM

Check out the Kuhmo LX Platinums. High tread rating and pretty quiet. Not a dedicated summer tire, but good on wear and in all-season conditions.

Discount Tire is running $100 gift card on Fri/Sat and you can get manufacturer's rebates on top.

abcommercial · 05-24-2012, 09:45 PM

Thanks guys! I was pleased to find some responses/suggestions from y'all already after returning from my workout tonight.

I've searched DWS until my mind is numb. On the tire sites, there are so many 5-stars and so many 1-star ratings and it's really hard to sift thru it all. I'm happy to receive some specific Q&A targeted to my specific use.

@ EYE4SPEED:

Thanks for the tip on the $100 gift card. I pre-negotiated a very good price on the DWS at Discount Tire with plans to take delivery on Friday, and there was no mention of the gift card. I see no reason why I shouldn't qualify for this card on top of the negotiated price.

I'm going to be on-my-guard about the reports of occasional defects with this model, but I will request the special "force matching" balancing technique I saw in one of the articles.

(since I don't have the Sport option I think I get the full warranty.)

05-26-2012, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abcommercial

I'm going to be on-my-guard about the reports of occasional defects with this model, but I will request the special "force matching" balancing technique I saw in one of the articles.

That's a good thing to look out for and I'm glad you picked that up in other recent threads. At least you'll be getting these local and not through the mail which makes a huge difference if something doesn't end up feeling right.

Good luck and respond back with your thoughts next week.

abcommercial · 05-29-2012, 11:03 AM

At the risk of being redundant (I mentioned this in a related thread) but for completeness of THIS particular thread, I am very happy with the switch from run-flat (RF) tires to non-RF tires. I ended up going with the DWS. Just driving off the tire lot, they felt eerily smoother...but after a weekend of adjusting they feel like the new normal to me. Much smoother over moderate bumps, and I no longer feel and hear the texture of freeway or road surface. I have to keep in mind, the two sensations I am comparing are the two extremes of (1) nearly worn-out RFs with their stiffer sidewalls and very little tread remaining for cushion and (2) brand new, softer side-wall all-season passenger tires with new, cushy tread.

No negative issues with the DWS tires like have been anecdotally reported in some reviews. They roll very smooth and well-balanced up to 90mph so far.

Drive-out price was much cheaper, too, than RFs, and I'm expecting longer tire life.

05-24-2012, 07:49 PM	#1
abcommercial Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 237 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Non-RF tires: Conti DWS, Michelin HydroEdge or...? I'm at 110k on my '06 325i, and about to buy my fourth set of tires. I'm doing so many miles, I'm not getting the Continental run flats this time, and looking for a longer-wearing non-RF tire that will save me money either by being lower cost and/or lasting longer. Based on reviews (which are SO subjective) I have a couple of ideas: Continental DWS (rated for 50k miles) Michelin HydroEdge (rated for 90k miles) Most of my miles are commute miles. I don't do any sport driving. I just want good performance for evasive maneuvers, like sudden lane-changes. I am driving in Houston, Texas, which is hot and humid and often rainy. Ideas?? Thanks Last edited by abcommercial; 05-24-2012 at 09:59 PM..
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05-24-2012, 07:59 PM	#3
Doctor///M Brigadier General 1799 Rep 4,216 Posts Drives: 2023 AUDI RS6 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (14) Garage List 2023 Audi RS6 Avant [0.00] BMW M2 Competition [10.00] 2009 BMW 335i [0.00] 2015 M3 [9.52]	Hey, A search will do you well ;-) I posted an initial comparison between the Pilot Sport A/S and the DWS last weekend. The DWS won... and I'm in Austin btw. Keep in mind the tire ratings/warranties are halved due to the staggered setup. Good luck! __________________ 2020 F87 M2 Competition /l\ LBB /i\ Executive Package 2013 E70 X5M /l\ Space Grey /i\ Full Silverstone Leather /l\ LED Headlights /i\ Comfort Access /l\ HUD /i\ Ventilated Seats /l\ 22" BBS SV BMW CCA Member
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05-24-2012, 08:57 PM	#4
Flyer Captain 21 Rep 766 Posts Drives: 2011 e92xi Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Richmond, VA iTrader: (8)	I've been driving on DWS for 45k and still have a ton of tread left. I'm very happy with the tires. I run mine with some extra psi and it really stiffens up the sidewall. I use about 45 psi. They are rated at 51 max.
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05-24-2012, 09:21 PM	#5
EYE4SPEED Ex-Diesel Driver 63 Rep 2,000 Posts Drives: Audi SQ5 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: West Coast... of Michigan iTrader: (22)	Check out the Kuhmo LX Platinums. High tread rating and pretty quiet. Not a dedicated summer tire, but good on wear and in all-season conditions. Discount Tire is running $100 gift card on Fri/Sat and you can get manufacturer's rebates on top. __________________ FS: HRE Center Caps http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...post13972317l]
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05-24-2012, 09:45 PM	#6
abcommercial Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 237 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys! I was pleased to find some responses/suggestions from y'all already after returning from my workout tonight. I've searched DWS until my mind is numb. On the tire sites, there are so many 5-stars and so many 1-star ratings and it's really hard to sift thru it all. I'm happy to receive some specific Q&A targeted to my specific use. @ EYE4SPEED: Thanks for the tip on the $100 gift card. I pre-negotiated a very good price on the DWS at Discount Tire with plans to take delivery on Friday, and there was no mention of the gift card. I see no reason why I shouldn't qualify for this card on top of the negotiated price. I'm going to be on-my-guard about the reports of occasional defects with this model, but I will request the special "force matching" balancing technique I saw in one of the articles. (since I don't have the Sport option I think I get the full warranty.) Last edited by abcommercial; 05-24-2012 at 10:11 PM..
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05-29-2012, 11:03 AM	#8
abcommercial Second Lieutenant 27 Rep 237 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	At the risk of being redundant (I mentioned this in a related thread) but for completeness of THIS particular thread, I am very happy with the switch from run-flat (RF) tires to non-RF tires. I ended up going with the DWS. Just driving off the tire lot, they felt eerily smoother...but after a weekend of adjusting they feel like the new normal to me. Much smoother over moderate bumps, and I no longer feel and hear the texture of freeway or road surface. I have to keep in mind, the two sensations I am comparing are the two extremes of (1) nearly worn-out RFs with their stiffer sidewalls and very little tread remaining for cushion and (2) brand new, softer side-wall all-season passenger tires with new, cushy tread. No negative issues with the DWS tires like have been anecdotally reported in some reviews. They roll very smooth and well-balanced up to 90mph so far. Drive-out price was much cheaper, too, than RFs, and I'm expecting longer tire life.
	Appreciate 0 Quote