I have a relatively low mile 99 M3 (22k). The tires are all original, and have plenty of tread in the front (one is brand new). The rears are almost down to wear bars because of two track sessions.

I will need to replace the rears, and the current tires are Dunlop SP8080.

I guess i have a few choices, and wanted to know what would be best.

1. Keep the front tires and just buy new rear dunlop oem tires. Rough cost about $425 installed.

2. Sell the fronts and hope to get $100 for the pair. Then buy 4 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires at nearly $800 in cost. I know these are a better tire, and i thought this would be better for me as a daily driver car for a beginner track driver as well.

Thoughts?

I like the second option better.

If not, I would move the fronts to the rear (yes, the used ones to the rear) and buy a new set to the front.

its an m its most likly has staggered wheels so that would work 4cyc guy

Why not just buy 2 tires of your choosing, your 2wd car doesnt care if you have different brands in the front and rear.

By all means trash the two survivors and get a set of good tires. I really like the Michelin PS2. And for the money, the Falken Azenis 615 is a great tire. Tires that are 6 years old will not give good traction under track conditions, even after getting them warm. You will be impressed at the addtional grip from a set of PS2s. I would definitely not replace just the rears with new, high performace tires. When you heat them up on the track, the difference in grip will result in more understeer.

By all means trash the two survivors and get a set of good tires. I really like the Michelin PS2. And for the money, the Falken Azenis 615 is a great tire. Tires that are 6 years old will not give good traction under track conditions, even after getting them warm. You will be impressed at the addtional grip from a set of PS2s. I would definitely not replace just the rears with new, high performace tires. When you heat them up on the track, the difference in grip will result in more understeer.

Track? I didn't see that mentioned. Yes I'm with this guy, if you track your car on the tires we are discussing, I would replace all 4.

As far as structural integrity goes, don't tires have a five year life span regardless of tread wear or mileage?

-Mark

As far as structural integrity goes, don't tires have a five year life span regardless of tread wear or mileage?

-Mark

The tires are not actually that old. They are roughly 1 year old, one being 2 months old. It is just that the rears are worn because of the track.

Are Dunlops 8000 really that bad when compared to others? i seemed to be happy enough with them on the track, but then again, i don't have anything to compare them to.

Neel

The tires are not actually that old. They are roughly 1 year old, one being 2 months old. It is just that the rears are worn because of the track.

Are Dunlops 8000 really that bad when compared to others? i seemed to be happy enough with them on the track, but then again, i don't have anything to compare them to.

Neel

Hijack - Any relation to Zuben?

-Mark

Go drifting on the good fronts and buy four new tires.

Shop around. There are a few tires quite similar to the Eagle F1 at a less tear-inducing price.

its an m its most likly has staggered wheels

You are right about that, as I didn't notice what was the car in question (my fault). I would, then, by any means, sell the used tires and get a full set of his choise.

As far as structural integrity goes, don't tires have a five year life span regardless of tread wear or mileage?

-Mark
I hope that's not necessarily true because a couple tires I bought in 2005 were made in 2002 (don't know why the tire shop had so old new tires in their stock).

I hope that's not necessarily true because a couple tires I bought in 2005 were made in 2002 (don't know why the tire shop had so old new tires in their stock).

Hi Daved,

I may have heard this on MotorWeek or a similar program... it may just be marketing. I searched tirerack.com and found nothing; I googled the subject as well but couldn't find any reliable information.

-Mark

Matching tires front and rear (at least similar capabilities/traction ratings, if not the same tire) will matter in a panic situation when you need maximum traction, or in low traction conditions like rain or oil on the ground.

Tires have oils in them that keep the rubber gripping... and they will dry out if not stored properly or if they're just really old, its called dry rot when it gets bad. Ever used a really old eraser? it just sort of smears things and doesn't work very well. I believe ozone (from electric motors?) and UV radiation (sunlight) speeds up the drying process.

If he's tracking the car, I don't think the Falken azenis 615 are a good choice. Do a search, the consensus seems to be that they overheat during autocross runs, people spray them with water to cool them down (they get greasy when hot). I haven't used them, just what i've read consistently.

I would dump all 4 tires, sell the fronts if you want. The goodyear F1's are supposed to be good for dry and very good in wet (compared to most other tires). The Kumho MX is supposed to be track friendly and moderately priced.
Check this thread for more suggestions: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=456421