Tires Continental or BRIDGESTONE
I've had Blizzaks, the WS60 that are out of date now, but they were pretty great. Awesome snow traction, great dry handling considering they were snow tires, and very quite.
I've been running 18" Conti Pure Contacts for about 8k miles now. Initially, I didn't love the tire but they handled good so I decided to keep them. Recently had them rebalanced and rotated which that made a difference. Ride is firmer than Michelin's or OEM Contis but this is one of the best handling tire I've owned on any of my cars. Hydroplaning resistance and snow traction for an all season tire is excellent.
I have had Conti DW performance summer tires on my TDI for over a year, now, and run them between 40 - 41 psi. For me, that is a good compromise between handling and comfort, and gives the added benefits of longer tire life and better fuel economy. Note, however, that the standard sport suspension on the US TDI, while about equal in handling to the GTI on real roads, is a bit softer and more forgiving on bad roads. Also, 16" wheels help and are better suited to the chassis than 17" wheels.
four tires (Continental DW)
If its the tires its time to invest in some Continental DWS
I replaced the OE tires with Continental DWS tires and they've been pretty solid. I've got 35k on them at this point and they have good tread remaining. However, I took my car in for rotation recently and they informed me the tires were cupping really badly.
Mine actually came with Continental Pro contact tires. However, I did buy it certified pre owned with 24k miles so I'm not sure if the PO changed them before trading. Whichever, this tires are pretty damn good!!! I'm used to buying Falken Ziex performance tires which I have had on all my previous cars but these seem a lot better. Might have to stick with these now....
So far (300 miles) I have noticed the following; 1. Bridgestone tires seem to have more wet grip than the Kuhmo's
My biggest complaint about the Conti DWS's is their softer sidewall. I prefer a stiffer sidewall for a better turn-in. Other than that, I have heard good things about the Conti's.
The factory tires on my 335i are Japanese made Bridgestone RE050 Run-flats. They suck, harsh ride, low tire life, loud, and most of all one small pot-hole and you got an instant sidewall bubble.
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