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Ande3T
16-03-2008, 11:57 PM
Hi,

I have a Sep 2003 130 TDi SE which is running well but has now covered nearly 90k. I am currently running up and down to the midlands every week hence the mileage but being an Alhambra the trips are generally uneventful. The only Mods are to the front brake discs / pads - slotted drilled discs and EBC pads (well worth the look on following drivers faces when you have to brake sharply!).
My only complaint with the long journeys is the road noise is excessive - changing from concrete to standard tarmac to the "quiet" tarmac is very noticeable. I recently changed the front tyres (again) and have been using the Kumhos as they are reinforced and reasonably quiet. The question I want to ask is whether anyone has upgraded from 16" to 17" alloys and whether there is still a need to use the reinforced rubber as a result? If so, is there a noticeable difference in the ride quality and is it therefore feasible to obtain a quieter ride by using slightly more exotice rubber?
I have considered changing the car but don't think that I would gain much benefit as I will be doing this for a couple of years still.

Any comments appreciated

Regards

Andy

Vag-Alloys
03-07-2008, 09:25 AM
The joys of upgrading to bigger wheels! Unfortunately, the downside is you will probably have to put up with MORE road noise, tramlining etc. Most 17" tyres are extra load, so you will be able to get them.

Matt1e
26-07-2008, 12:51 AM
Ihave the seat 17" on my tdi 130 (53 plate). 225/45/R17 w94.

Note the 94 load rating, if I remember rightly this is the correct load rating for the bamma. If you do not have the correct specification tyres on then you have to be aware that should the unfotunate happen, you may not get paid out !.

I play safe..... ;)

The tyre noise is dependant on the make and tread on the tyre. I have fortunas on as they are the Micheliin pilot for the eastern market ! same tread and from what I have found the same performance as the Michelins I had originally, for half the cost.

The handling is improved with the 17"s and it is still a nice ride.