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Noise on a mature problem is hard to predict. Driver's style of driving, HP and alignement can affect the result. But the biggest predictor of noise is the size of the tread blocks. Large shoulder tread blocks seem to be a problem. I suspect that some tires with higher mileage ratings (harder rubber) might be worse over time as these tires simply have longer life to wear down and more time and miles for bad wear pattens to develop.
Speaking of tread wear, I have 55K miles on the '03 Aero Wagon with the stock tires, with three seasons of winter tires mixed in to that. Definately more than 20K. Mostly highway miles. These are the Michelin Primacy. At $206, i will pass on these.
I am quite impressed with the Pirelli PZero Rosso Asimmetrico on the '04 Aero and from the Aero Academy experiences at $151 each.
The S-03 does cost more and the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 is priced close to the Rosso. Based on the size of the shoulder blocks, I would expect the GS-D3 to develop more noise when older than the S-03 and the Rosso. But reports from the BB would be good to have or review. The GS-D3 has a 280 tread and the others 220. The tread wear ratings are GS-D3, s-03, Rosso for 8.1, 6.7, 5.2. One could easily toss the Rosso for the lower wear rate and that leaves the GS-D3 and the S-03. The S-03 costs $48 more, not significant. Both tires in the end look very good. The GS-D3 should last longer and start off quieter and cost $48 less than the S-03. The S-03 has less large block shoulder tread block groups that may avoid wear patterns that make noise on a mature tire. So for max performance, for me it seems to come down to two tires.
After reviewing many high miles on reviews for both tires. I conclude that the S-03 is better for handling for those who like to push the tires really hard. The GS-D3 has more sidewall flex and is a sub performer in L-R transistions, perhaps a problem for those who are jerky rather than smooth in such things. The S-03s are better for aggressive handling, but tramline and conduct more road flaw noise. For an everday driven luxury high performance vehicle, the DS-G3 would seem to be better. Few noise and wear complaints with either tires, but most involve some models of BMWs. The S-03s have more raving about how good these tires are from folks who really push the limits and drive canyon roads etc. These folks seem to have only one thing in mind and probably overlook some comfort levels. GS-D3 owners are very impressed with the tread life and rain grip. When you look at the reviews, ignore reports from those with low miles on the tires. GS-D3 seems to be the best bet for a high performanc tire with the least chance of buyers remorse after the tire is mature.
My expectations of noise from the GS-D3 shoulder tread blocks would appear to be unwarranted. Perhaps this is a factor with the few complaints of wear patterns on some BMW chassis. There was one good set of reports for 20,000 miles on the GS-D3 on a 9-5 Aero, no mension of noise.
So two tires, choose stiffer sidewalls and aggressive handling with some road surface discomfort, or a smoother quieter ride with softer sidewalls and longer tread life. Both are excellent tires.
For modified engines, the tire traction is a limited factor. There does no seem to be anything in tirerack tests that addreses the accleration traction apects of a front wheel drive. Braking distance in interesting, but that puts a high load on the front tires, and acceneration unloads the front tires. I expect that the S-03 will provide faster accereration with traction control on or limited wheel slip. Any ideas?
For the performance set, perhaps those with 3" turbo back exhaust systems would not hear tire noise :)
, Thu, 10 Feb 2005 12:27:45
, Sun, 13 Feb 2005 17:22:52, Sun, 13 Feb 2005 17:54:26
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