Tyres: Barum bravaris 2 245 40 18 97 Y XL [Archive] - VW Audi Forum - The #1 Volkswagen (VW) Forum Dedicated to the whole Volkswagen (VW) Group

neilos100

16-08-2012, 01:03 AM

Just purchased a set off these through National Tyres ebay store. They came in at £426 including fitting. On National's own website they are £548 for the same tyres.
Herd lots of good things about Barum, they are the sister company of Continental and apparantly use the same tread pattern. Made in the Czech Republic so should keep the Mrs happy too( yes, she's Czech!!)
Will keep you updated of their performance ...they are fitted on friday morning.

If anyone is looking...here is the link..... Four (4x) Barum Bravuris 2 XL 245/40/18 R18 Y97 Set of Tyres XL 15401020000 | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Four-4x-Barum-Bravuris-2-XL-245-40-18-R18-Y97-Set-of-Tyres-XL-/270873862794?pt=UK_Cars_Tyres_RL&hash=item3f1157228a)
Seems a real bargain...I guess time will tell.

Neil

JimC64

16-08-2012, 01:51 AM

Hey Neil, also heard good things about them myself and that they are a sister company of Continental going after the mid range market.

Please keep us informed, perhaps a review of them here as you live with them?

Thanks

gianton

16-08-2012, 07:55 AM

Good deal, My local AD recommended me Barum. I'd like to know how they perform too thinking on putting them next time.

apole

16-08-2012, 11:04 AM

Hi,

Got the same on mine earlier in the year to save my winter tyres for the cold weather. So far they've been good in terms of grip wet and dry, and wear.

For a mid range tyre they seem good, and came 3rd place recently in an auto express tyre test, they were behind continental and michelin from memory.

JimC64

16-08-2012, 12:54 PM

Thanks Apole...........I've been offered these before and declined, but been interested after hearing of the tie up with Conti.

I don't think I'm so much a tyre snob as much as knowing the importance of having tyres that will definitely do the job, no ifs ands or buts. After a scary experience years ago, I've always stuck wit Pirelli / Continentals or Bridgestones and never ever had any issues, but jeeesh they are expensive.

I did have some Kuhmo Ecsta on a set of alloys I bought some time ago from new ( they came with the wheels ) and to be honest they weren't bad............I DID notice a difference against what I usually run but they were also about half the price, so its a trade off I guess.

I'm interested to see if any others chime in on the Barum's as they do seem to be getting more popular

neilos100

17-08-2012, 12:40 PM

Well,

they're on the car now...not very much else I can tell you as yet. The only thing really is how quiet new tyres are compared to old worn rubber. It does make me laugh when people say their new tyres are so much quieter than their old ones......of course thay are! Any new tyre will be quieter than one worn down to the marker strips so not comparing like for like.
So, I,m not saying the Barums are quiet tyres, just that I had forgotten how quiet new tyres are in general. Time will tell how they do and I will endeavour to keep comments coming as and when I have used them a little more.
One thing I can say; the service I received from National Tyres was very good indeed. I arrived at about 9am and the tyres were ready and waiting to be fitted. As there were no other customers in, I had 4 of their staff fitting and balancing they tyres so it took maybe half-an-hour to in total. Whilst i was there I had them put a used Michi PS3 on a matching 5 spoke rim...I bought both off ebay a while back...tyre has 7mm and was £35 and the alloy(genuine) was £75.
Took the car home on the A40 so managed to stretch it little just to check the balance...absolutely no vibration upto 80mph so I reckon they did a good job!
So far very happy....Oh and the tyres have now dropped to £420 for 4 ...£6 less than I paid on wednesday!!! :zx11: Four (4x) Barum Bravuris 2 XL 245/40/18 R18 Y97 Set of Tyres XL 15401020000 | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/270873862794?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

Anyway, next report in a few weeks time after a weeks trip to Northumberland with the parents in law.....

Cheers,
:beerchug:

Neil

JimC64

17-08-2012, 02:07 PM

Thanks Neil...........keep the updates coming through the life of them and how you preceive them to be in the wet and dry.

I'll be popping in from time to time and keeping an eye on this with interest.
My 19's will be getting low soon and at £1200 or so for a set of premium rubber I may be shopping around again

Cheers

Brycie

17-08-2012, 02:45 PM

Neil thanks for the report so far mate, what type of tyre is it that the Barums are replacing on your car?

neilos100

17-08-2012, 03:29 PM

Hi Brycie.....
They were a mixed set when I purchased the car. Fronts were Pirelli something-or-others and the rears were Marangoni Mythos....Kwikfits mid range tyre.
They were far from new when I bought the car but managed to get just over 18000 miles from them. The road noise towards the end of their life was becoming quite noticeable but they served their purpose.

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Brycie

17-08-2012, 03:39 PM

I was hoping you'd say something like that actually. I've always had Michelins, Contis or Pirellis before, never anything else at all (until these Dunlop winters). So given that you're going from Pirellis on the front where you want the grip, your opinion on the Barums should be particularly relevant tothose of us who usually have premium tyres.

Those that go from budget tyres to Barums may have a different opinion to thowe that go from premium brand to Barum, if you know what I mean.

neilos100

17-08-2012, 03:52 PM

I do see where you are coming from....will definitely keep the thread alive with updates as and when.
My last three sets of tyres were Michelin Primacy which were the factory spec for the Citroen I used to have, followed by Hankook Ventus V12 which really suited the car...thought they were great.
Now the Barums....as said I did a fair amount of research and they get great reviews...the Continental ownership is also a big plus....as is, strangely the Czech manufacturing.....I know from personal experience the pride they take in whatever they do...look at where Skoda is today!
The Hankooks were quite honestly better than the Michelins on all fronts...wear included....the Primacys lasted 15k miles and the Hankook still going strong at 23k when I traded the car in.
I hope the Barums are as good....just couldn't afford the Hankooks....would have been almost 600 quid with fitting on top.....

Neil

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Brycie

17-08-2012, 04:27 PM

Cheers Neil. Well you should definitely get the chance to test them in the wet if you're off to Northumberland ;).

Looking forward to your further updates after you've worn them in.

Cheers,
Paul.

neilos100

17-08-2012, 05:22 PM

Cheers Paul.....was rather hoping for some decent weather up there....:eek:
Miracles can happen.....;)
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SpinneyA6

26-09-2012, 09:33 AM

Put four of these on my A6 to replace very worn Pirelli P-Zeros. They're currently on offer Barum tyres with Price Promise Guarantee! (http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/ts/Manufacturers/Barum.aspx) They've been on for 6 weeks now and I must say how impressed i've been with them. We've had some very wet weather recently and cannot fault their grip and handling.

neilos100

26-09-2012, 07:32 PM

Well, a few thousand miles on the tyres now and I thought I'd give a brief update.
To date they have been through both dry and some very wet conditions indeed. In the dry, as you would expect, they have been faultless. The drive upto and around the North east was a pleasure. Quiet and with loads of grip in a fully laden, with roofbox A6 Avant.
This last week I have been able to see what they are like in the wet. Suffice it to say they have been excellent. Have not seen the flickering light of the traction as the grip has been superb.....coming off the M25 onto M40 east bound there is a lively tight corner.....in the wet at the speed limit(ish) the tyres felt completely composed with no sign of twitchyness.
Very happy with them and I would certainly use them again.
Will update when I can see some signs of wear!
Neil

Sent from my phone...

Brycie

27-09-2012, 01:13 AM

Nice one, glad to hear it. I'm a bit of a convert to part-worns of late, if I can get Michelin PS3/Conti SC2 for £30 a corner with an almost full tread depth, I couldn't really see myself turning to anything else. I have to say though these Barum reviews are tempting me at ninetysomething quid a pop, especially if they do last longer than the Conti's which will give me 10-12k miles.

Cheers Neil & Spinney.

fepifano

29-09-2012, 07:21 AM

Hi Guys
Am a newbie to this. Have a '10 A6 Avant 2.0TDI Le Mans...it runs on run flats. When I need to change, I am being told that I can only replace with run flats which can be approx £250 a piece. Is this true? Are the Barums RFs? Probably not but thought Id ask question.
Thanks
F

Guest 2

29-09-2012, 07:29 AM

Why would someone fit runflats, they're the most uncomfortable tyre ever.

Yes you can change to non RF just make sure you're putting the size 255/35/19 back on.

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fepifano

29-09-2012, 07:37 AM

thanks Chris, however the question really relates to the fact that it can cause warranty issues or other problems not putting RFs on the car.
I don't know so wanted to get an idea what you guys thought on here.
Cheers
F

Guest 2

29-09-2012, 08:01 AM

No Le Mans (or Audis for that matter) came with RF's from factory so no warranty issues going to non RF's.

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fepifano

30-09-2012, 09:02 AM

thanks buddy

Brycie

30-09-2012, 11:51 AM

Just out of curiosity fepifano, who was it that told you that? I'd love to know as they were either very confused/ill informed or trying to pull a fast one.

BMW's all (except for M Series cars) come with runflats from factory & their suspensions are designed to work with them, but as Chris said, that's not the case with Audi.

JimC64

01-10-2012, 12:52 AM

Runflats are terrible and many complain about the road noise from them.

Of course you have a choice and can fit what you want.

JimC64

01-10-2012, 03:17 AM

Don't desperately need new tyres as yet, but I always like to make sure I have good rubber for the winter months.

You guys know the script, get the car health checked, serviced, check the rubber etc etc?

Currently have Continentals Contact 3 on all round, the fronts are getting low at around 3mm the backs are fine, probably at about 5mm. I do like whenever possible to change as a set.

Continentals are around £1100 or thereabouts for the set, whereas National Tyres have a deal on Ebay at the moment for 4 Barum Bravuris2's at £563.68.....some difference, but only if they perform at least to a similar standard.

By the time I take my old ones off and sell probably for around £150 for the 4 it'll be £400 or so.

I'm really tempted to be honest, but I know once they're on and if I'm not happy I'll be stuck with them........more research I guess!!

Rosscow

01-10-2012, 08:21 AM

ABsolutely nothing to do with these tyres but my car came fitted with nearly new Continental Conti Sport Contact 5's and they feel superb.

God knows how much they are though, probably best part of £800 for my tyre size (225/50/17's).

Brycie

01-10-2012, 09:04 AM

That's interesting Rosscow. It's amazing how subjective this topic is. I'm sure I saw the SC5's getting slated on here recently, mainly for the noise. I take it you've not noticed this then?

These do seem to be getting good reviews Jim, I'd be tempted. In fact the price difference would almost allow you to get the 4 Barum tyres & then an extra set of steel wheels/alloys with some winter rubber on for the £1100.

Rosscow

01-10-2012, 09:15 AM

Perhaps it's because I have 17" rims and mainly have the car set on the 'comfort' setting of my adjustable suspension.

I'd imagine 18" or 19" tyres on standard or S-Line suspension would be noisier by default?

Brycie

01-10-2012, 09:37 AM

Fair point. The thread in question is below, and the OP is just comparing SC3 to SC5 as he's just switched. I've always liked Contis myself, so I took it with a pinch of salt. They're a major manufacturer, surely they wouldn't release anything that bad to market -especially their flagship product.

continental sport contact 5 tyres (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?130935-continental-sport-contact-5-tyres&highlight=continental+sport+contact)

Rosscow

01-10-2012, 09:43 AM

Interesting - although he did have them on a Passat which may make a difference?

JimC64

01-10-2012, 01:44 PM

I did some checking earlier and found the main distributor of Barums and contacted to ask for a price. These guys are usually always pretty good and worth checking as they offer some great prices.

Barum is exclusively distributed by Viking International.
Viking International is the trading name of Stepgrades Motor Accessories Ltd
Registered in Scotland No. SC53223
Registered Office: 26-32 Millbrae Road, Langside, Glasgow G42 9TU
VAT Registration number: 785-4130-19
E-mail: info@barum-tyres.co.uk
Tel: 0141 632 3222

I was quoted £620.06 for a set of 4, thats supply only, not fitted.This makes the current offer by National Tyres outstanding value

Four (4x) Barum Bravuris 2 XL 255/35/19 R19 Y96 Set of Tyres XL 15401340000 | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Four-4x-Barum-Bravuris-2-XL-255-35-19-R19-Y96-Set-of-Tyres-XL-/260889499663?pt=UK_Cars_Tyres_RL&hash=item3cbe39d80f)

4 tyres supplied & fitted for £563.68

see details below of specs, both tyres made in CZ, both are 96Y and both are XL load rated

Treadwear ratings......

Continental Sport Contact3 280 AA A
Barum Bravuris 2 360 A A

The only difference I can see is the "traction" where Conti has a Double A rating as against Barums A
AA is excellent
A is good

The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear of a tire when tested carefully under controlled conditions. For example the useful tread on a tire graded 400 should last twice as long as a tire graded 200. However, another tire manufacturer may grade a comparable design 300, so a grade of 150 would last just half as long under their grading scheme. The lesson learned is to not use one manufacturer's grade versus the other, but instead to compare tire grades within a given brand. Actual treadwear performance can vary tremendously according to the tire's real-world use. Variations in driving habits, service practices (most importantly air pressure maintenance), road conditions and climate affect tire life.
Traction grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on asphalt and concrete test surfaces. As of 1997, the traction grades from highest to lowest are "AA","A","B" and "C". A tire graded "AA" may have relatively better traction performance than a tire graded lower, based on straight-ahead braking tests. The grades do not take into consideration the cornering or turning performance of a tire.

Temperature grades represent a tire's resistance to heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled laboratory test conditions. The grades from highest to lowest are "A","B" and "C". The grade "C" corresponds to the minimum performance required by federal safety standard. Therefore, the "A" tire is the coolest running, and even though the "C" tire runs hotter it does not mean it is unsafe. The temperature grade is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.

The Barum would seem to be a harder wearing tyre which should last longer and obviously as its a harder compound traction won't
be quite as good...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r38/jaycam0802/barumspecs.png

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r38/jaycam0802/contispecs.png

lol......still don't really know who I'm trying to convince with this info.......myself probably!

neilos100

01-10-2012, 01:54 PM

Have to say I'm very happy with mine!
So does the Barum having a treadwear rating of 360 against the Conti's 240, mean they'll last 50% longer?

Neil

JimC64

01-10-2012, 02:12 PM

Hi Neil,
as far as I understand it and in an ideal world it means the Barums SHOULD last up to about 30% longer in the treadwear dept.

As I said though, being a harder compound it would make sense that traction wouldn't be quite as good.......a trade off I guess.

Please know, I'm no expert by any means, just doing my rersearch and making decisions based on as much info as I can lay my hands on.
It's kinda scary when all I've really been used to are premium tyres such as Pirelli, Conti's and Bridgestones.

Having said that, one of the worst experiences of my life was with Dunlop Sports a few years ago, which could have ended fatally. It was only a combination of luck and maybe a little skillful driving that saved me ..............I will NEVER fit Dunlops to any car I own again, ever!!

nigedvd

14-10-2012, 11:40 PM

Hi all. I am tempted by this deal. My A6 has at the moment 245 40 ZR 18 93Y fitted. Would these tyres 'Barum Bravaris 2 XL 245/40/18 R18 Y97' be ok to fit instead? Many thanks.

neilos100

15-10-2012, 12:30 AM

Yep....no issues whatsoever....they are xl tyres but for insurance purposes no different to what you have now.

Neil

Sent from my phone...

neilos100

15-10-2012, 11:40 AM

This deal just keeps on getting better! Now only £394 for the four tyres fitted...... Four (4x) Barum Bravuris 2 XL 245/40/18 R18 Y97 Set of Tyres XL | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Four-4x-Barum-Bravuris-2-XL-245-40-18-R18-Y97-Set-of-Tyres-XL-/270873862794?_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649&clk_rvr_id=398590290619&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&afsrc=1)

nigedvd

15-10-2012, 11:57 AM

I know, just bought them. Thanks for the info.

neilos100

15-10-2012, 12:23 PM

I think you'll be very happy with them.....I certainly have.

Enjoy,

Neil

nigedvd

21-10-2012, 01:52 PM

A really great service from National Tyres and Autocare. Completely hassle free, as it should be. The tyres are great and the car is now so quiet. Thanks for starting the thread.

aoxomoxoa

21-10-2012, 03:04 PM

Ditto. I replaced the front tyres yesterday and am amazed at the improvement. And the service from National Tyres was superb!

neilos100

21-10-2012, 10:09 PM

Well .....these tyres saved me from a nasty incident a couple of days ago.
Very late at night coming along the A40 after finishing work. Very heavy rain but the road was virtually empty so was doing around 60 mph. Hit a very deep puddle of standing water on the nearside....must have been a good 3-4 inches deep. Car immediately swung towards the edge of the road and I thought the rear was going to let go.....it was that sudden and severe....BUT the rear tyres gripped the road and the car straightened out nicely. Heart was in my mouth for a while but fortunately the tyres did the job they were supposed to.....VERY impressed with these tyres indeed! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Sent from my phone...

Brycie

21-10-2012, 11:16 PM

That'll have woken you up then. Bet you were glad you changed your tyres when you did then. It is a weird feeling when that sort of thing happens, exhilerating when you realise you've made it through ok, but not sure it's a good sort of exhileration.

JimC64

19-12-2012, 12:04 AM

Well, I bit the bullet and replaced my front tyres today too.

After extensive research into criteria such as treadwear ratings, temperature & traction ratings, combined with db noise levels, fuel efficiency & wet grip performance I have concluded in favour of the Barum Bravuris 2's

255 35 19 96Y XL

With things being so tight at this time of year and in general I couldn't justify around £560 for Continentals or similar as against £299 for the Barums.

As stated they're made by Conti in Czech Republic and have been getting great reviews everywhere.

Anyway, 2 fitted on the fronts and the car seems better for sure.....The Conti's were down around 2.8mm with around 5mm on the rears so definitely time for a change.
I kept the 2 old ones and will sell them on Ebay for around £50 for someone wanting to just make their car legal briefly or for track use.....no bumps, punctures rips or tears so all good there.

It'll bring the price down to around £250 which is even better still :approve:

I'm sure they'll be fine but will try and remember to report back here as they wear for others.

Thanks

neilos100

19-12-2012, 12:54 AM

Nice choice Jim....I've been very happy with mine although I have the winter tyres on ATM. Will be good to hear your opinion when you've a few miles on them.
Neil

Sent from my phone...

cassy

19-12-2012, 09:34 AM

I was going to get a set of these but opted for some Uniroyal Rainsport 2’s after doing some research.
On tyerreviews.co.uk they both score similarly across the board but the rainsports have been reviewed over more miles which is what made me pick them over the bravaris but they did cost 390 fitted.

apole

19-12-2012, 11:38 AM

I put the Barums on earlier in the year to swap over from Conti 3 winter tyres. Did 9K on them before swapping back to winter tyres again.

Wear is minimal on Barums. Good news as I did find the ride, noise and grip very good on them. Also means they look to last a good while, and my tracking can't be too bad.

So all in very happy with them. In the past I have regretted cheaper tyres, had Bridgestone Potenzas on a previous car, changed to some so called "mid range" nexus from memory, they were rubbish, ruined the cars feel (made it very twitchy like tyres massively overinflated) so soon had them off. Also had accelera on another car before that and found wear good but wet weather stopping wasn't.

Tyre site reviews I've found unreliable in many cases, you get a dirt cheap chinese winter tyre looking almost as good as a high end winter tyre, personal recommendation is always best. Finally of course all of this is subjective and in general sticking with a premium brand is best if you can afford it.

That being said Barums have impressed me and I hope to get another season out of mine.

Willow 15

19-12-2012, 10:38 PM

I got all four corners replaced with Barum Bravuris 2's a couple of weeks ago. They replaced 2 Avon zz5's on front and original Pirelli's on rear. Pirelli's lasted 27000 miles but I only got 10000 out of the Avons. £394 fully fitted for four 245/40/18 97y (National tyres via Ebay) is astounding and so far they have been superb in dry/wet and even a little snow. I even popped into National tyres before ordering from ebay and the best price they could do was around the £540 mark for the Barum's. I also will keep everyone informed on how they do in the long run but at the moment with the limited time I have spent on them I can thoroughly recommend them.

Vindictive

20-12-2012, 10:24 AM

Very interesting thread, when looking at tyre's originally for the RS4 19's they where £200 each for Falken's glad there is a reasonably priced alternative

bwoody

08-01-2013, 12:25 AM

Just ordered two Barum Bravuris 2 XL for the rear of the A6 - 255/35YR19 - 96Y Tyre Shopper | spree default (http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/products/2553519BA2YX?locale=en)

£301 incl fitting etc. Tyre shopper worked out about 4 quid cheaper than ebay for me. Will be good to get rid of the worn Pirelli's that are nearly down on the limiters.

The conti's on the front are nearly new, so should be all good for tyres for a while.

JimC64

08-01-2013, 02:09 AM

Mines have been on for around 3 weeks now and I've done a few hundred miles or so, in various conditions.

Although I haven't fully "tested" them, I have to say so far I'm impressed with how the car feels / reacts, even good in the rain we've had so far now that they've bedded in. :beerchug:

JimC64

30-01-2013, 11:33 AM

UPDATE........

Ok, so here's some more recent info...

On my way back from the dealers today on the motorway, picture the setting..........

Cold, wet ( reallly wet, raining hard ) and generally dull & miserable on the motorway along with thousands of others at rush hour. Its raining hard and the wind's blowing it into your screen, with the wipers on full felt.
There's lots of standing water on the road, so much so that the car in front leaves tracks ( much as they would in the snow ) then of course there's the odd mini flood across the road or at the roads edge that is unavoidable and comes up unexpectedly.
Being any closer than half a mile to the car in front of you means you drive in a pretty bad fog like mist......sometimes there's an artic on the other side of the road who hits a puddle and throws a wave like pool of water at you.....with the wipers already on full pelt all you can do is point the car in the same direction and say a little prayer...lol

By now I hope you get the idea......

These type of conditions, even to an experienced driver can create, some, shall we say ( Butt clenching moments )

In all honesty, these new Barums handled all of the above really well and I noticed no discernable difference between them and my premium tyres of the past.

Thought I'd share......

Akash

30-01-2013, 12:20 PM

JimC64

30-01-2013, 12:56 PM

Cheers Jim,
I've had a bit of a disaster the last few weeks with my wheels, tyres etc and Barums were something I was initially going to go for
Got about 4mm left on the front's so maybe in the next month or so I will probably switch the contis' for barums

What's your wear rate like at the moment?

Sorry to hear about your issues Akash

I can't really comment on the wear rate to be fair as they've only been on a short time, maybe 6-8 weeks iirc?

neilos100

30-01-2013, 01:31 PM

Ive done probably around 4 thousand miles on mine now....although I have winter tyres on at present. I was giving the 18's a clean yesterday and was surprised that i couldn't actually see any noticeable wear on the tread. I didn't measure but there looked to be as near as dammit still about 8 mm. These tyres are really starting to look very good. I had a moment a few months back in conditions like Jim writes about above, but the tyres dug in and all was well. Grip in all conditions seems to be really very good indeed and now with so little wear they seem to be the complete tyre. Will update when the Barums are back on the car.

Neil

joshA6

30-01-2013, 02:56 PM

has anyone got a comparison between these and the Falken F452s? I need 4 new tyres for my summer wheels

JimC64

30-01-2013, 06:14 PM

Hi Josh, see interesting thread from some of our BM friends below....

BMW: Barum Bravuris : BMW 3 series Forum • BMWLand (http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=107345)

In terms of treadwear rating, traction rating, temperature rating, in that order see below.....
Barum Bravuris 2 - 360 A A
Falken F452 - 300 AA A

The Treadwear Grade describes how a tire manufacturer views the wear of a given tire. In theory, this means that a tire with a 200 grade will wear twice as long as a tire with a 100 grade. However, tire manufacturers are not under any obligation to grade a tire based on the test results, except to say that they can not overstate the grade. This is enforced by NHTSA requiring documentation to justify any assignment of a grade on a tire.
As Course Monitoring Tires have changed, their treadwear grades have changed to numbers considerably higher than 100. As a result, it would be incorrect to say that a tire with a treadwear grade of 200 gets twice the life of the Course Monitoring Tire

Traction grades are an indication of a tyre's ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher graded tyre should allow a car to stop on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tyre with a lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as "AA", "A", "B", and "C".

Of current tyres:
3% are rated “AA”
75% are rated “A”
22% are rated “B”
only 1 line of tyres rated “C”

Temperature ratings
It is important to remember that these ratings are based on standardized test conditions, and the tests do not reflect tires that are operated in overloaded, under inflated, and/or misaligned conditions. It should also be noted that when rated one tire might be a low "A" and another a high "B", so the actual operating performance differences might be relatively small.

Of course there's tyre fuel efficiency, wet grip performance and road noise in db as a further comparison too.

I guess its price dependent and I haven't checked, but assuming that the prices are the same, then the Falkens look to win in terms of traction, but give up longevity for this and the Barums vice versa.

Could really make your head spin I think....lol

Hope you're happy with whatever you choose mate

kamza

30-01-2013, 09:07 PM

has anyone got a comparison between these and the Falken F452s? I need 4 new tyres for my summer wheels

If it's the 19" Le Mans wheels you have Josh then be careful with the Falkens. When my fronts needed replaced I opted for Falkens and found that the rim protudes quite a bit out from the tyre making them very easy to kerb. Not sure what the Barums are like but I'd stay away from the Falken's if I were you.

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joshA6

30-01-2013, 11:35 PM

completely agree. My falkens have wrecked my S5 rims as they have a none existent rim protector. Can anyone say how well the rim protector works on the Bavariums.

Will post a separate thread entitled - alloy refurb, which colour for S5 rims!!!!!!

JimC64

31-01-2013, 12:50 AM

Hey Josh, I need to check for you mate, but if my memory serves me right there is a decent level of rim protection with these Barums too.

I'll try and remember to check tomorrow and repost, perhaps Neilos and others can confirm though?

See this....
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=rim%20protection%20ridge%20on%20barum&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CE4QFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.barum-online.com%2Fgenerator%2Fwww%2Fde%2Fen%2Fbarum%2Ft ires%2Fthemes%2Fservice%2Fdownloads%2Fhidden%2Fdl-technical-databook-en.pdf&ei=oLQJUZ-JMOSc0QWO_4H4DA&usg=AFQjCNEW4Lc_o55a6YmaBYI4jT_kizz1qw

neilos100

31-01-2013, 01:05 AM

My alloys were unfortunately kerbed before I got the Barums on :o but take a look at the photos and you'll see. As I said though anything more than a gentle nudge and the wheel is scratched. But at least there is some protection.

Sent from my phone...

Akash

01-02-2013, 11:31 AM

joshA6

01-02-2013, 11:38 AM

Stop blaming lack of rim protectors when wheels get kerbed...you kerb wheels not the lack of protectors! :- )

no ones blaming them, it's just that they are not very effective on 19 inch wheels. Therefore, finding tyres with a bigger protection is a sensible thing to do. I obviously cannot park inch perfect like other people every time in every location, so i need all the help i can get!

Akash

01-02-2013, 11:44 AM

Here you go: Alloy wheel protection? Rimblades, high quality, self adhesive, easy to fit. (http://www.rimblades.com/)

Don't say I don't help on here ;)

JimC64

01-02-2013, 12:02 PM

Stop blaming lack of rim protectors when wheels get kerbed...you kerb wheels not the lack of protectors! :- )

In all honesty, I've lost count how many times I've had my wheels refurbed - usually by Audi's smart guys but more recently, I've had all 5 done completely (acid strip, fix, colour etc)
Since then, I've parked a mile away from the kerb and touch-wood I've been fine.

The only issue I'm currently having is my gym carpark which is bloomin narrow to get in/out of and to top it off, it's one of those windy ones...and then they put a pole next to the tightest point when exiting. So far I've been ok but I know the previous A6 had a few run-ins with the kerb there

OMG....So on the money....lol

Rim protectors are great, but as you say Akash, the best thing is just to avoid the kerbs altogether and pay a little more attention.

Re the windy narrow lanes into certain places......I have one similar at McD's drive through, I complained to the manager, not that they listened. Now I just don't drive thru anymore and keep my alloys safe.
I'll be damned if I'm going to screw up a perfectly good set of alloys for a McD's burger....lol

Akash

01-02-2013, 01:18 PM

OMG....So on the money....lol

Rim protectors are great, but as you say Akash, the best thing is just to avoid the kerbs altogether and pay a little more attention.

Re the windy narrow lanes into certain places......I have one similar at McD's drive through, I complained to the manager, not that they listened. Now I just don't drive thru anymore and keep my alloys safe.
I'll be damned if I'm going to screw up a perfectly good set of alloys for a McD's burger....lol

Almost did that myself but the problem is cost! The carpark is free for Fitness First members, alternative is on the street parking. Last week I decided on that until someone "tried" to park in front of me. After trying to put a Corsa in a space fit for a bus in no more than 50 turns, I decided it was not worth the risk especially as she was still miles out. The in-car cameras would have caught her had she gone into me but the agro isn't worth it

On that note, the amount of paint from people's bumpers and also the scrapes on the kerbs is quite amazing on the windy bit of the carpark

JimC64

02-02-2013, 05:57 PM

Ok so had a few hours spare today and decided to get the old girl cleaned up a little, thorough wash n dry, inside n out, alloys de tarred n cleaned properly and tyres all blacked....lookin good :approve:

Whilst I was there I rememebred the rim protector question and had a really close look and find as follows.....

The Conti's I still have on the back have zero rim protection, none, nada, zip.

The Barums on the front, at best have maybe a few mm, not much but definitely better than the Conti's

ntp

20-02-2013, 01:30 PM

Thanks to Neilos100 for starting up this thread. I have just ordered a set of 4 Barums 2 FR 95W XL for my b7 3.0 TDI. I look forward to having them on my car and hope that they will meet my expectations as per all the posts above.

08a6

25-02-2013, 06:17 PM

Hi all,

just about to seal the deal on a set of these for £421 incl fitting and balancing.....is there any reason why I should back away?

ntp

25-02-2013, 07:06 PM

Nobody in this thread has mentioned the opposite. I have just had 4 new tyres fitted on mine. Haven't driven much but so far good results.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

neilos100

25-02-2013, 08:34 PM

I would certainly use them again.....although I have winter tyres on the car at the moment (I'm in the Czech Republic for another week and they are the law here ins winter) I'm looking forward to putting them back on the car when I return.
I've done a few thousand miles on them now and when I washed them when changing to winter tyres, I couldn't see any noticeable wear. The grip in all conditions has been very good indeed and the road noise is fine too. For £420 I think they are a bargain....I can see no reason not to buy these tyres if yours are due a change.
Will be looking into Barum winter tyres next year too......:biglaugh:

JimC64

26-02-2013, 03:03 AM

Akash

26-02-2013, 10:58 AM

JimC64

26-02-2013, 11:07 AM

"Weaker sidewalls?"

These tyres are XL load rated :beerchug:

neilos100

26-02-2013, 11:22 AM

The only thing that has had doubts in my head is the strength for our weight cars
I've seen on a number of other forums too stay clear due to blow-outs because of their weaker side-walls.
Unsure if there is truth in this but it's had an impact on my purchasing on these although I can wait another few months before it's time to change.
I've had four adults, a FULLY laden boot (Avant remember) and a full roofbox sitting on these tyres.....trust me......weak side walls is a non-issue and whoever made that one up doesn't know what he's talking about...as Jim says...XL rated. :biggthump

neilos100

26-02-2013, 11:27 AM

Tyre bulge - MG-Rover.org Forums (http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=423711)

If this is what you read then its because he whacked a kerb.......he says so in the post further down.....no defect in the tyre wall....his own fault. The only other article i can find relating to weak side walls comes from 2008 and is some daft Americans doing weird things to their tyres on a ramp!

Akash

26-02-2013, 02:40 PM

Cheers neilos - I have to admit I did not read the full thread- Cant' remember if it was that one
Either way, seems to have the approval from here so I'll probably end up with them too :- )

Off topic but I can't remember if I asked you where you are in NW London - (That's where I am too)

neilos100

26-02-2013, 04:28 PM

Hi mate....I'm in Ickenham...just outside Ruislip. You?
Sent from my phone...

Akash

27-02-2013, 09:14 PM

Hi mate....I'm in Ickenham...just outside Ruislip. You?
Sent from my phone...

Harrow!

neilos100

27-02-2013, 09:25 PM

Ah....virtually neighbours then!
As an aside and off topic.....next time you need a service or repair try these guys if you don't want to go the Audi main dealer route..... Audi VW Volkswagen Skoda Seat Independent Specialist London (http://www.audivwsc.co.uk/)
I used them to get rid of component protection on a new radio unit. Very good....main man is Peter....one of the site sponsors and is in your neck of the woods.....:thumbup:
Neil
Sent from my phone...

Akash

27-02-2013, 09:56 PM

Brill thanks for that - I did know about them (possibly through your component protection thread/query/reply) and realised that they were literally walking distance from me (google states it's a 3minute drive!)
However I wasn't too sure about what they were like. I did ring them in regards to DRL fitting etc and their rates are reasonable

Better not go too much into it on this thread though :- )

joedredd

18-08-2014, 07:39 PM

Just bumping this thread to see how you are all getting on with these.

I have no grumbles apart from tyre noise, on smooth roads no issue but get on old road surface and its a little bit noisy.

neilos100

26-11-2014, 08:14 PM

Just bumping for those who are currently looking at these tyres.
They have now been superceded by the Bravuris 3 HM but are still available. My wife has the 3s on the front of her A3 and it's what I'll be putting on my A6 come springtime. The 'HM' stands for high mileage.....

Neil

Sent from my HTC One using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

JimC64

27-11-2014, 12:37 AM

For those concerned about road noise

Comparable tyres from Bridgestone, Continental, Pirelli, and Avon all run at around 71db, some at 72db and also at 73db which is the same as the Barums.

There's certainly not £600 worth of difference!

I've just put the Bravuris 3HM's on both my A6 and Jaguar XJ Sovereign LWB
Barum discount code A5BRM for a further 5% off available until end of December

neilos100

27-11-2014, 12:42 AM

I believe the noise level is measured outside the cabin so will obviously be much quieter inside.
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong here though...

Sent from my HTC One using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

philfingers

14-12-2014, 01:17 PM

£94.89 for the XL 97Y Bravuris 3 from Tyre 245/40 R18 Barum : discount price, free delivery - Tyre Leader (http://www.tyreleader.co.uk/car-tyres-245-40-18/?m=40) inc delivery from Germany
they have some good reviews
Just ordered some Vredestein Wintrac 4Extreme for my Dads X3 from there for £100 each. The Wintrac Extreme in the245/40 x 18 for the A6 are under £500 for 4, inc delivery but not fitting which I pay about £10 a wheel locally
Having had the earlier versions on my old A4 Quattro 1.9 the car was unstoppable. Local 1in5 hill, people were sledging down it, Range Rovers were turning around at the bottom. A4, went straight to the top, at about 2000rpm in 2nd, traction control light never blinked!

Guest 2

02-06-2015, 08:59 PM

how are people finding their barums time/mileage on?

tyres on the a6 now need replaced and as usual doing a bit of research before jumping in.

need something which will do 30k+

neilos100

02-06-2015, 09:15 PM

HI Chris,

I now have the Bravuris 3HM on the front of my A6 as well as on the wife's A3. On the A3 they have probably done around 10.000 miles with very little wear. On the A6 its too early to tell; they've only been on for a couple of months and Ive not used the car that often.
The Bravuris 2 I had on were however excellent and the fronts lasted at least 35K miles and the rears are still going strong, on your quattro I guess you'll get the same on the back as at the front. The 'HM' on the Bravuris 3 means high mileage so im hoping to get even more from them than the '2s'.
Very highly recommended though Chris and I'm sure JimC64 will agree.
Oh, I used oponeo for them...brilliant service and the cheapest I could find by a few quid per tyre...this is for the 18's.....http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-details/barum-bravuris-3hm-245-40-r18-97-y-xl-fr#92560610 £82 each!

Best, Neil

Guest 2

02-06-2015, 09:32 PM

Thanks Neil, I might give them a shot. They seem to range from £80-100 per corner.

Do they have a rim protector? What price were they for the A3? I have Kuhmo's Ecsta Sports on it atm and didn't realise they are a soft tyre so they've wore drastically within 10k.

neilos100

02-06-2015, 09:47 PM

Meh..the A3 tyres are only £56 a corner! http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-details/barum-bravuris-3hm-225-45-r17-94-y-xl-fr#92349568

There is some rim protection, I've just had a look, about 5mm so reasonable but not great. Mind you, whack it properly and no rim protection will help you!
I'm a big fan of the Barums, for the price i honestly don't think they can be beaten and you have the peace of mind that they're made by Continental....these are the 'Skodas' of the tyre world!

Neil

JimC64

03-06-2015, 12:16 AM

Love the Barums, now running them with 19's on my Audi A6 and have done for a few years now, so had a few sets. I 've also just recently shod the Jaguar XJ with 20's in Barum Bravuris3
These tyres are also fitted onto my son Peter's X type 2.0d Sport Premium and Connor will be replacing his tyres on his Jaguar X type 2.2d Sport Premium, they're both 18's. Jamie has them fitted on to his Vauxhall Vectra and I also had 2 fitted on to my Aunt's Renault Laguna, so as you can tell I'm a big fan.

They are very good in grip levels, made by Conti in the Czech Republic as you know, I always use National Tyres for mine and the 245 40 18 97 Y XL are coming in at around £370.80 fully fitted for the set, a real bargain.

Longevity isn't the main reason I buy them to be honest, for me it's a combination of a good quality tyre, suitable for the car that does the job it's supposed to do in all conditions and is reasonably priced.
I have always had decent mileage out of them bearing in mind that nowadays nearly all my mileage is stop / start, around town, roundabouts etc etc and not too many motorway miles. Its difficult for me to accurately quantify mileage as I usually change my tyres at around 3-4 mm so I always have good rubber on the car.

I find that this works for me and the good quality usable tyres I take off go on Ebay for around £80 the set and always sell to someone looking for quality used tyres with decent tread, either on a budget or looking for tyres to track their car with.

I could be wrong, it's from memory but the Conti's had a tyre treadwear rating of around 240 and the Barums were 360 iirc
This means that the Barums are half again as hard wearing as the Conti's and although you give up a little of the wet grip, it's not noticeable unless you drive it like you stole it in the wet. Unlike the so called cheap Chinese ditchfinders that just "let go" these are progressive as all good tyres are and you can drive with confidence
See post #30 and post #55 in this thread for more info

Here's the Dunlop SM MAXX that came with the car.....
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r38/jaycam0802/wheelsrefurbed_zps62a19ad7.jpg (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/jaycam0802/media/wheelsrefurbed_zps62a19ad7.jpg.html)

Below is the Barum Bravuris3 in terms of comparable rim protection...
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r38/jaycam0802/11.11_zpspfu9khpu.jpg (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/jaycam0802/media/11.11_zpspfu9khpu.jpg.html)
http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r38/jaycam0802/20150509_181409_zps3fge4zl5.jpg (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/jaycam0802/media/20150509_181409_zps3fge4zl5.jpg.html)

I recommend them to everyone and have done for years now

apole

03-06-2015, 03:28 PM

Hi Chris,

My Barum 2's did just over 30k, now on 3's. Very pleased with them, best price at the time was from Oponeo but shop around as national for example doing 2 for price of 1 on certain sizes.

http://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-details/barum-bravuris-3hm-245-40-r18-97-y-xl-fr#92560610

Andy

Guest 2

04-06-2015, 07:06 AM

Thanks guys, think I'll end up going for them. Need to have a look around my local retailers to see if they can supply them.

Will update when they're fitted ;)

neilos100

21-06-2015, 09:55 PM

Any updates Chris? Did you find any?

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Guest 2

21-06-2015, 10:04 PM

Once payday comes I'll get them ordered.

Found them online in 255/35/19 for £343.16 delivered from newrubber.co.uk

Can't find them any cheaper locally either!

neilos100

21-06-2015, 10:36 PM

Once payday comes I'll get them ordered.

Found them online in 255/35/19 for £343.16 delivered from newrubber.co.uk

Can't find them any cheaper locally either!
That's ridiculously cheap! About £85 each....Nice find Chris.

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JimC64

21-06-2015, 11:43 PM

That's ridiculously cheap! About £85 each....Nice find Chris.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

Sweet!

neil w

19-07-2015, 09:02 AM

Back in the mid 80's all the lads at work used BARUM tyres because we had a local source that could get them cheap(read very cheap) .They were on everything from Peugeot 504's, Golfs GTI mk1's to Cortinas and Capris and although they were jokingly referred to as 'G'DANSK SHIPYARD REMOULDS' they were absolutely superb tyres, great in the wet and dry with superb wear rates in comparison with the premium and budget tyres around at the time. Unfortunately when the wall came down they disappeared off the UK market for a while

Used them since about 5 years ago on a Corrado and again they were a very good tyre, reckon when I eventually get the Scirocco mk2 restored with the 1.9 tdi engine in it the barums will be first tyre of choice

Guest 2

16-08-2015, 10:34 AM

finally got round to ordering them and finally got them here.

will hopefully have them fitted today or at latest tuesday.

http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz90/57_audi/A6/image_zps63zeostt.jpg

ck73

09-09-2015, 08:57 AM

Hi folks, My Jetta came with Barums fitted new to the rear when i bought it. Interesting to hear their background thought they were just some cheap tyres cause it was arnold clark i got the car from just replaced my two fronts with goodyear eagle f1's but will be keeping an eye on this thread for future knowledge.

Innocent Rod

09-09-2015, 04:12 PM

Barum are an Eastern European budget tyre.

They are not a sister company to Continental, Continental bought the company a few years ago. Continental shifted their own profile upmarket to be on par with Michelin etc and so to give themselves a second bite of the cherry they bought Barum. At this time (around 1992 from memory) Continental also owned National Tyres and they signed an exclusivity deal with National to supply Barum. This then allowed National to create their own smoke and mirrors by selling it as a mid range tyre as nobody could undercut them.
Barum tyres although grip is very poor the wear rate is acceptable allowing National to continue marketing them as mid range.

Hope this helps.