Stephen Smith

I have read on both this and the A4 Forum comments concerning the demise of the Dunlop SP8000 series tires. Since I own an '99 A4QMS, I was concerned about the avaibility of replacement SP8000E tires, at least in the OEM 205/55ZR16 size.<br>I called the Tire Rack and they indicated that this tire is availble from them at $115.00 ea. + S&H. I directly asked the sales person if this tire had been dicontinued. He said that they had plentiful stock on this tire and no indication that it had been discontinued.<br>I then called Dunlop Tire's Customer Service line and asked them if the SP8000 series tire, including the "E", had been discontinued. They responded that the tire was still in production and had not been discontinued.<br>Though, in this day and time, it is hard to know that you have gotten a straight answer to any question (recent example from a high-level political official "I have never had sex with that women!"), I believe that the reports of the SP8000's demise may be somewhat premature.<br>

Rob MacK

I too spoke w/ Dunlop and TireRack. According to both my sources (Sr. Purchasing Mgr at TireRack and VP of Distribution at Dunlop BTW), it seems like the 8000E is the OEM tire for the Sport package-equipped A4s and other approved vehicles. This is why they may be in short supply. Read DonP's excellent saga of trying to get another 8000E for his A4 in his Audizone webpages- look at Links and go to AudiZone, then look under modifications.<br>BUT, if and when they ever "run out" of 8000Es, the SP8000 tire will be an acceptable substitute. Just remember that there are only a few differences between the 2 tires (again see DonP's website) and that if you have Quattro, you'll have replace all 4 tires if the 8000E "disappears" from circulation. Also, the 8000 is about $85, not $115, which makes it a better buy. Just thought I'd enlighten everyone and clear up some confusion....Email me for more on this subject.