New tyre time again

[JimC64]

Well, cleaned both the Audi and the Jaguar yesterday, all shiny and looking good.

Having a good look around as I completed the mini detail I checked the tyres 255 35 19's as I tend to do around this time of year anyway, always prefer new fresh rubber ( or as new as ) going through the winter.
On a side note, she's still looking pretty decent, apart from the 4 kerbed alloys that were once perfect and the scrape on the leading edge of the front bumper

All 4 are looking a little more than worn, around 2.5 - 3mm more or less all round, slightly more on the back, but wearing at the edges, so its getting time for replacement I think.

These were the Barum Bravuris 2's, a really good tyre thats held up well with no issues.

I reckon I'll be going down the route of the same for replacement ( well the Barum Bravuris 3 - superseded tyre ) at £458 from National Tyre for the set
Imo these are near as damn as good as the so called premium's I've ran on the past at almost twice the price.

The XJ is pretty similar in regards to wear although these are 255 30 20's.....probably need to consider getting these done shortly too.

Try to get this sorted asap I think

[neilos100]

Hi Jim......
Mine too are due soon...well just the fronts actually. The Bravuris 3's are what I'll be getting...although it may well be next year as I'm thinking it's soon time for the winters to go on.
I had a pair of the 3's put on the front of my wife's A3...different tread pattern but every bit as good so far. They apparently are slightly a slightly different compound...a little harder I believe as the have 'HM' as a suffix....meaning 'high mileage'.
Let us know what you think.
Sure think the 2's are brilliant...I agree they are as good as a double priced premium....
And for 400 odd quid a set unbelievable value.
Neil
Sent from my HTC One using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

[JimC64]

Ok, so I normally prefer the face to face interaction, or at best on the phone to sort these things out, but....

There is a much better deal available online.

The Barums are still great value at around £640 if going in to store and ordering there n then, but, ordering online is much much cheaper!
I used their website and got 4 Barum Bravuris 3's in 255 35 19 XL for £458.00

Then there is a 5% discount voucher available until the 31.12.2014 the code is A5BRM
This takes the price down to £437.40, this represents excellent value for money on a really good tyre.

I've ran premium brands such as Pirelli, Bridgestone and Continentals for many many years travelling hundreds of thousands of miles. having the Barums fitted to my Audi A6, Jaguar X type, Vauxhall Vectra and my aunts Renault Laguna for around 2 years now, I can attest to how good they are.

I've thrown the car into roundabouts , bends in the dry and the wet and the difference is very subtle, probably only noticeable if you're rallying the car or driving it like you stole it, certainly not £500+ worth of a difference as these are no ditchfinders.

The tyres on the car a present have around 2.5mm - 3mm with no punctures / repairs etc
I'll offer them on Gumtree for those that want legal usable spares, or those that track their cars, for around £80 the set, I'll get around £60 as I have done in the past, this brings the price down to £377.40
That'll do for me

Anyway, tyres ordered.........now for the Jaguar XJ next

[JimC64]

Just checked for the XJ currently running 255 30 20's

The Barums 3HM are available in store for £684.00 which is a decent price

Online they are £562.00

Applying the 5% discount code A5BRM brings that down to £536.20

The existing tyres are Dunlop Sp Maxx and have around 3mm across the treadwidth, I'll stick them on Gumtree for those that want usable legal spares or are on a budget, want to track their cars
and I'll see around £60 - £80 for them.

This brings the total price down to £476.20

Not bad!

[GeoffreyS]

I can't do new 19" tyres right now, as I'm just splashing out for 17" rims and winter tyres for the Allroad that I've not had long. It came from a dealer with nicely refurbed 19" wheels with 245/40/R19 Dunlops. However, when the tyres for those are done, I'm thinking of flogging the wheels and replacing with a set of 18" audi rims from german ebay, in order to fit a higher profile tyre which would be a bit more protective of my alloys from the high granite kerbs here in the middle of Edinburgh - they are a killer!
Will I find that handling in the summer will be noticeably softer?

[Splash]

It's been a while since I had the 19s on my allroad, but I didn't notice a massive difference from 19"/40 to 18"/45 and now 17"/55 save for the squirminess of a winter compound slightly out of season. I only use "Comfort" to negotiate the drive/track I live up, but recognise there must me some marginal improvement. Coming from an RS background, I've always avoided even small potholes etc. where possible and never found a ride too hard. I will admit to playing the game of avoiding cats' eyes when changing lanes if its safe. Got a sense of deja vu there Geoffrey.

[apole]

Agree the Barums are very good for the price, done 28k on mine so far and still more life yet.

One thing to confirm though is the load rating, need 97 and above. Seen several new Barum 3's on ebay with a rating of 94 so suggest you confirm they are the higher rating before ordering.

[Splash]

Load plate on my C6 3.0 TDI allroad shows that you can just get away with 94s - I've even done it as a temporary measure. OK that's static rather than dynamic, but is for the max spec of the rear axle IIRC and that's on a an Avant auto with a heavier engine, so there should be more safety margin on Jim's. Even so unless the price was wildly different I'd go 97. Only saying, as technically and legally it is possible although I wouldn't want to be arguing with my insurer...

[JimC64]

Agree the Barums are very good for the price, done 28k on mine so far and still more life yet.

One thing to confirm though is the load rating, need 97 and above. Seen several new Barum 3's on ebay with a rating of 94 so suggest you confirm they are the higher rating before ordering.

96Y XL Extra Load Andy, as were the previous tyres on for quite some time and many miles / smiles

All good, happy bunny

Must try to get the Jaguar sorted now too...

[JimC64]

Just checked for the XJ currently running 255 30 20's

The nearest they have are 255 35 20's in Barum so I'm going for them, should fill out the wheel well a little better too and offer a little more protection with the increased profile

The Barums 3HM are available in store for £684.00 which is a decent price to be fair
Online they are £562.00

Applying the 5% discount code A5BRM brings that down to £536.20
Removing the £6 for tyre disposal as I'll be selling them as quality part worns on Gumtree, brings that down to £530.20

The existing tyres are Dunlop Sp Maxx
and have around 3mm across the treadwidth, I'll stick them on Gumtree for those that want usable legal spares or are on a budget, want to track their cars
and I'll see around £60 - £80 for them.

This brings the total price down to £470.20

Not bad

Should be shod Saturday morning or earlier if time allows