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[robbiec]

I thought I would share the review I posted recently on Tire Rack. 2006 325i Sport Package 225/45/17 front 255/40/17 rear. Car had Pirelli Euphori RFT's when I bought it in May 2007, switched to Bridgestone RE760 in April 2009. I really liked the Bridgestones, but they are XL-rated in the 225 size. This makes for a VERY heavy tire, 28 lbs! I wanted something lighter and with a little softer sidewall. Since Michelin PSS is not available in 255/40/17, that was not an option. Deliberated for a long time between Conti DW, Bridgestone S-04, and the A/S 3. Based on all the positive test results and the fact that I like to drive on my 3-season tires for as many days as possible, I took a chance on the A/S 3. A little softer steering response than the 760's, but the ride quality is VERY nice on the pothole laden MA roads on which I drive. Here's what I wrote on Tire Rack:


I know 300 miles is a pretty small sample size, but I want to convey my initial impressions of this tire. I bought these to replace a set of Bridgestone RE760 as my 3 season tires. I run a dedicated set of winter tires, so I do not plan on doing much snow driving with these tires. I do like to keep the summer tires on from late March until Thanksgiving, which means I usually get caught in a little snow here in Boston.

The first week I ran these tires, the mornings were below 20 F. Very impressive grip from an A/S tire, or for any tire at that temperature. Grip is equally impressive in the 50 F range. We'll see how they do come July. I would say there is a slight dropoff from the 760's, but hardly noticeable on the street. Responsiveness is off a bit from the Bridgestones as well, but again, the RE760 has a very stiff sidewall in this size.

This morning was 50 F and pouring rain. I pushed the tires in the corners where I like to have a little fun. Again, excellent grip in the wet. No issues at 80 mph on the highway either. Very stable on the highway.

These tires also do a great job of filtering and attenuating minor road imperfections. These tires give a better ride than the 55-series Dunlop Wintersports I had been running for the past 4 months. Very surprised at the smooth ride, since some reviews I had read stated this is a stiff tire. Certainly a better ride than the XL-rated 760's. Those 760's were stiff in the 225/45/17 size, where they are the heaviest non-RFT tire you can get in that size. These tires have made my sport package 3-series enjoyable to drive again.

The last comment I have is that there is a little bit of a growl at highway speeds. Nothing overpowering or unbearable, but there is a little growl. Nothing that low volume level music can't cover up.

[Nitrous Garage]

Thanks for the nice write up! I am also a fan of the Michelin A/S 3 tires. I run them on my 5-series and are by far my favorite