John

Everyone complains about the O.E. Potenza RE040. Everybody says dry performance is lukewarm, and wet and snow performance sucks. If it does neither task well, why are they on the Audi S4? They aren't cheap either. Why doesn't Audi choose the Pilot Sport (or MXX3, either of which were O.E. on BMW M3, M roadster, MB CLK 430, C43, etc.)

And if the Bridgestone S-02PP are as great as they say (which I believe they are), why aren't they O.E. on ANY car? They seem great - max performance and good wet weather traction.

Audi is getting a bum rap on the choice of tires. They could have at least given us a 4 season tire. Sure the dry performance would be as bad as the stock Potenzas, but at least it would be better in wet weather.

TurboX2

aftermarket but I bet they are way cheaper for audi than the s-02 or the pilots. Different class of tire. Besides, the S4 is not marketed as a sports car, its a luxury sports sedan.....

John

Audi can also. If BMW is outfitting the M cars (99 M3, 00 M roadster) with Pilot Sports, Audi should do the same with the S4.

leslie

Trust me, that is all I ever drive in. I wouldn't use them in snow, and I'm not debating that they are superior to the Pilots or those other tires are better. But I've done some high speed maneuvering in pouring rain, w/o any loss of traction, or confidence.

leslie

Silver S4

with the best overall performance. Quiet is good when you are trying to sell a car of this nature. Regardless of performance.

They are using Pirellis and Michellins also. Depends on what is in stock at the time the car is built

Another Drew

I don't they stink that bad. Wet weather is fine. Snow is another story.

Bartie

They may not suck, but there are definitely better tires for wet weather out there. I upgraded from the stock Potenza's to S-02's, and the difference is significant. And, I can deal with icy/snowy surfaces a lot better as well.

The stock Potenza's seem to be a good option for dry weather only. There are better tires out there for life in a place like the North West. MHO

leslie

I believe I conceded this point in my original message, and (if and) when I upgrade to 18's, I am planning on going w/ these or the Pilots.

Audihere

BP 040 are horrible.

donp

I was quoted $257 for a 225/45-17 RE040. 10 days to get it.