Tyres: Barum bravaris 2 245 40 18 97 Y XL

[fepifano]

thanks buddy

[Brycie]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Rosscow]

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

[JimC64]

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

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...








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