A better M3

[DgcNjc@xxxxxxx]

Hi folks,
I've had my 1997 M3 sedan for 5 months and 10,000 miles now, and propose a 
"better than stock" setup for the sport touring crowd :

As I'm sure you all know, the car comes with 17" Michelin MXX3 tires, but due 
to the high cost of 17" tires, I bought from Tirerack 16" rims and Michelin 
XGTH4's (225/50 x 16) all around. I've now switched back and forth a few 
times, with several thousand miles on each set up , and this much I can say :

1) The 16" XGTH4's are much quieter, and smoother, at all speeds.
2) The 16" XGTH4's give about 2 mpg better mileage (they should..higher 
silica tread compound).
3) The 16" XGTH4's show signs of being a 40,000 mile tire, versus 10,000 for 
the 17" MXX3's. They cost $120 each versus $250 each for the MXX3's.
4) The back end breaks loose sooner on the 16" XGTH4's. But you really have 
to push it to do that, and I am embarrassed to be seen driving that fast!
5) The XGTH4's will handle snow, not too badly!  We won't talk about the 
MXX3's on snow !

So, my proposal is that if your priorities are similar to mine (sporty grand 
touring , good tunes, never slow for corners ?), the $1200 for wheels plus 
tires will pay for itself in 20,000 miles, and you might just enjoy the ride !

Doug C.,          Reno, Nevada

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