Tire Noise

[philt]

Just took delivery of 2000 328CI coupe, running 18" wheels with Dunlop SP Sport 9000 tyres, 225/40/ZR18 front, 255/35/ZR18 rear.
On some road surfaces tyre noise is quite noticable, any ideas to reduce noise, i.e. another brand of tyre etc.

[flyingtoaster]

I have same size tires, but Michelin Pilot Sports. Tire noise is noticeable on coarse surfaces. Bridgestone's have some new tires with lesser noise, but I cannot remeber their model name or #.

"Lesser noise" does not mean, you won't hear them however. Such low profile tires with strong side walls and ZR rated always make significantly more noise than all season tires.

[JetBlack330Ci]

Originally posted by philt
Just took delivery of 2000 328CI coupe, running 18" wheels with Dunlop SP Sport 9000 tyres, 225/40/ZR18 front, 255/35/ZR18 rear.
On some road surfaces tyre noise is quite noticable, any ideas to reduce noise, i.e. another brand of tyre etc.

Are those BMW wheels? What style are they? I am getting a 2002 330Ci and I ordered the 18" wheels. I must admit I am used to driving a car wih very little tyre/road noise. I also know that most of the motorways in England have better road surface than what we have here in California. I wonder if there is any road noise insulation difference between a 328Ci (European?) and 330Ci US?

[RobG]

The quiet Bridgestone's you're thinking of are the Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position. Dry and wet handling is also marginally better than the Michelin's or Dunlop's. Just break out the Blizzak's for the snow and ice because the Potenza's won't even be able to grip at all.

Went from the stock Goodyear Eagle RS-As to the Bridgestone's on my current ride and it handles like a completely different car. 4 cars here at the office are running the S-03s and we have no complaints about them. Michelin Pilot Sports make a nice 2nd place though.

[JetBlack330Ci]

My 18" wheels came with Michelin Pilot Sport. I have not done many miles yet but so far I think they are not noisy at all.

[flyingtoaster]

Congratulations JetBlack, finally you have your car

So, how many miles did it come with?

RobG - Thanks, yes I was thinking of the S-03s. I am hoping to get those once I finish the current Michelin's, I heard that for wet traction it is way ahead of the Michelins.

[JetBlack330Ci]

Originally posted by flyingtoaster
Congratulations JetBlack, finally you have your car

So, how many miles did it come with?

Thanks, it is a great car!

It had 9 miles.