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M3 Tires
Andrew Kallman inquired about e36 M3's with other than MXX3 "rim
protectors"... I've put about 5000 miles on a set of Conti CZ 91's,
and found them to be acceptable. My car is used as daily transport
in the NYC metro area during the week, and used for fun (lots of
twisty roads on the North Shore of LI!) on the weekends. The verdict:
CZ 91's sidewalls are softer (flexier?) than the MXX3's; at first, the
feeling on initial turn in was disconcerting, but I adapted rapidly.
The traction is almost as good (dry); the Conti's are a lot noisier
when pushed, but the ride is much more comfortable, and my rims are
still round - something I couldn't say for the rims the MXX3's were
mounted on. If you autocross, or run driver's schools, you'll need
another set of rims and tires, in my opinion. If not, the Conti's
are a good choice, as long as you keep one thing in mind - YOU MUST
USE A VERY LIGHT FOOT WHEN IT BEGINS TO RAIN - The Conti's are fine
in a heavy downpour, but in a light mist, they can be treacherous -
twice I've accelerated too heavily in the mist, in a straight line,
and the car has slid sideways - each time , it was catchable, , but
it's something to keep in mind. The Conti's were $199 each, and if
I had to do it again ( and I probably will, since this is the third
set of tires on the car!)I'd buy the Conti's, and use the savings for
a set of R1's to mount on my other set of Motorsport rims (the ones the
MXX3's failed to protect, and the Wheel Collision Center is going to
straighten!)
Hope this helps,
Madsman