JM

I was told the best place to order some new tires is online. I have a 96 993 C4S and need front tires only. (The old owner didn't get the wheels aligned and ruined the tires). I am looking for some sites to check pricing of Bridgestones.

Viken

www.tirerack.com

Levent

^^^

Paid $914 including shipping for Bridgestone S03's at TireRack for four. Two each of 205/50ZR17 and 255/40ZR17.

STLPCA

JM - I assume you have Bridgestones (type ??) on the front & know not to mismatch tires (i.e., all 4 should be the same make/type, & some would argue, "N" number).

Since the 993 generally goes through 2 pairs of rear tires for each pair of fronts, this might be a good time to consider replacing all 4, unless you're OK living w/whatever is on the rears for a good while.

You might also consider going wider in front (to 225/45x17) for better handling balance (less understeer).

If you do order from TireRack.com (likely the best price you'll find), they will "drop ship" to any of a number of local tire shops listed on their website for mounting & balancing. You can also have them drop ship to Reid Vann which as you may already know is a highly respected St. Louis Porsche repair shop w/skilled people & equipment to do the job right (incl. Hunter laser alignments). Just call Reid Vann to let them know your tires are coming.

Last, the St. Louis BMW Club has its annual driving school the weekend of September 22/23 at Gateway. It's open to anyone & PCA members get a discount. There will be plenty of P cars there. Registration is now open if you are interested (

BMWCCA Driving School Application)) and the slots fill up fast. Hope to see you there.

[ 07-04-2001: Message edited by: Dan 96C2 St.Louis ]

JM

Dan 96C2,
You are correct about the rear tires wearing faster than the front. The rear are just about gone, so I am going to replace all four tires. Reid Vann did my PPI so I do plan to use them for the tires and alignment.

The tires I currently have are:
Front: Bridgestone S-02, 225/40ZR18
Rear: Bridgestone Potenza S-02, 285/35ZR18

What tires do you recommend?

Also, thanks for the info on Gateway, I will likely attend.

STLPCA

I have no personal basis for comparison on my P car since I've only been on the oem Michelin Pilots & have no reason to change. They do everything (except winter) well - especially in the rain. During my 1 track weekend I found them to be sticky, progressive & confidence inspiring. They are pricey, but reportedly wear better than the S02.

BTW, don't count on (even) your AWD on performance tires to conquer snow. I have a set of Dunlop Winter Sports on spare wheels which easily handle our winters.

Check the archives, there's been much tire discussion.

993Widebody

I recently ordered the SO2 pole positions from tirerack. They have them on special right now, I think because the SO3s are out. The pole positions are the last version of the SO2s and make some improvements over the earlier generation SO2s. For instance I think the tread wear rating is 180 vs. 140.

IMO the four tires (17 inch 225/25 up front, 255/40 in the rear) costing $800 including shipping is a very reasonable price for these tires. Not too long ago, they were considered the best of the best for dry/wet performance. So far I am very pleased with the tire, quiet, comfortable, responsive and nice and sticky.