best 235x45x17 tire for commute?

[Russell]

I just bought some BMW OE e39 style 32 8x17 ET20 wheels for my 95 525i. I will need to buy hubcentric adapters. Not sure if I need plastic or metal.

Big question what brand "ALL SEASON" tires would be best in my situation with a daily driver/commute car. I am currently looking at the new Bridgestone Turanza Senerity or Michelin Exalto. Also thought about an older style tire, the Bridgestone G009. Most important is wet handling, tire wear, and comfort and low noise. Dry handling is seconday. Any thoughts?. TIA

[Tiger]

Summer tire or All season only?

[BMWCCA1]

NOT the Avon 550 all-seasons from Tire Rack. I'm going deaf after 15,000 miles.

[Anton CH.]

Michelin Exalto's are slightly stiffer than a normal tire. I don't have any experience with them on the 525. Problem is that once you go 15->17" your noise levels will increase either way.

[Russell]

All Season I just edited my post to show all season. Sorry

[Qube]

Avon 550s are ok on my wife's Focus running on 17s. I'm still going to run Exclaim UHPs.

[Tiger]

I have two sets of General Exclaim UHP... they are summer only tire... even though they do have slight all season capabilty

[BMWCCA1]

Avon 550s are ok on my wife's Focus running on 17s.How many miles do you have on them so far? Mine were nice and quiet for the first 12,000-miles and now they're driving me crazy...with plenty of tread left, too!

[Jr ///M5]

The last set of tires I bought for Lori's E39 525i were Michelin Exhaltos. They have gone over 30k miles a year ago June, and are now at 8/32 wear. I am extremly happy with the traction in dry, wet and even snow conditions. They handle very well and are still quiet after 30k miles. We have them rotated and balanced every 6k miles. I have never had a tire that has lasted and performed like these tires. I highly recommend them.

Her car is running stock, which means 16" wheels with 225/55/16 tires. That in itself will deliver a smoother ride, and will extend tire life somewhat as compared to the 17's. I liked them so much I bought a set for my daughters car too. So here's a vote for the Michelins. I know what's going back on the 525i when those wear out.

Hope this helps,
JR

[Russell]

currenty my Bridgestone Turanza 225x60x15 LS-H tires have 55,000 and almost 6/32 left. I hope to change to the 17 inch wheels by winter. Yes I expect the 17 inch wheels/tires to ride a bit firmer and not last quite as long. had hope to purchase 16 inch wheels so I had a wider choice in new tire designs. However, this deal just was there and i went for it. Tirerack sure like the Michelins

[markus]

i have the gerneral exclaim UHPs and im pretty happy wth them. theyre a good tire for the price. cheap and quiet and handle very well.

[Evan]

Pirelli P Zero Nero... great wet and dry traction.. low noise... great looking

[RichG]

Pirelli P Zero Nero... great wet and dry traction.. low noise... great looking

2nd Vote for the Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S. They made it through one winter so far in Indiana and did pretty good. Wet traction seems pretty good, but I don't push it too much when it's wet out. Don't remember ever hydroplaning with them though. Dry traction is pretty good too.

Noise doesn't seem to be a problem. I don't notice them so they don't bother me. And if tire noise is a problem, your stereo isn't up loud enough.

[Sam-Son]

NOT the Avon 550 all-seasons from Tire Rack. I'm going deaf after 15,000 miles.
I don't have quite as many miles on them but they are pretty much useless in the snow.

[Qube]

My original choice were Pirelli P Zero Nero for her, but discussion with few others local I went for the 550. Next run I'll try those on the Focus.