SMA8L

Hi Gary,

One year ago you gave me excellent advice on max tire size for my allroad - 245/45/17 Pirelli PZero Nero M/S. I loved how they changed the cars handling and ride.

So the allroad has been returned and I now have a 2005 A8L, which I love. But the stock tire, Pirelli P6 Four Seasons, suck. They are loud, rough and a disgrace to the car.

I want to plus up the size from stock of 255/40/19 to 275/35/19.

For a summer only tire I am looking at the Michelin PS2 and the Goodyear F1-D3 in that larger size.

Can the car handle this size and which tire would you recommend?

Many thanks in advance!

FallenBMWer

As it is, the D3 will take a 275-35-20 tire with a 20" rim (stock from the factory on a W12 and a current option on the 8-cylinder cars), so I'd imagine a 275-40-19 would be fine. Going to a 35 series tire with a 19" wheel would give you too small a diameter, I'd think.

SMA8L

Fallen:

Thanks for the feedback. And I agree. I would like to fill the wheel well to the max.

The problem is finding a decent tire in 275/40/19. Tirerack has only Conti and Pirelli options in this size, which I cannot image downgrading to.

When reviewing the Tirerack surveys' for Max Performance Summer tire it's clear what models are best: Michelin PS2 or Goodyear F1-D3. Those tires are only available in 275/35/19.

I would rather have excellent tires and some gap. But would really desire the tires of choice and the ability to lower the ride.

Any suggestions?

FYI - I have the same Akoya Silver as you.

Ciao.

FallenBMWer

I'm actually running P-Zero Nero M&S on 20" rims, 255-35-20 with the car lowered about one inch, back and front. There are three pics in my picture poster of the lowered car. Diameter of tire is 27". I'd be reluctant to go any smaller than that. Like the tires a great deal; wish they came in 275s. They compare favorably to the non-AS (summer) Pilot Sports on my 740i.

Good luck

SMA8L

Fallen:

I loved the PZero Nero M/S on my old allroad and had hoped to install them on the A8L. But to no avail, as Pirelli only makes them in 225 for the 19 inch wheels.

So, I'll keep pondering solutions.

How did you manage to lower a full inch? Any tips you can share.

Many thanks.

FallenBMWer

It's done by using VAG-com to outsmart the adaptive air suspension. It took about two hours of time by a pretty savvy local tuner, who was in phone contact with Atlas during the process. Couldn't have done it without him.

Unless you are totally locked in on summer tires, you may want to consider the Michelin Pilot Sports AS tires if they make them in the 275-40-19 size. Just checked: they make it in a 255-40-19 with a 27.1" diameter, which should do a pretty good job filling the wheel well.

Gary@Tirerack.com

The largest that we've fit is the 255 width tires, either 255/40R19 or 255/35R20. The PS2 has a bit faster steering response and slightly more dry grip, but the Goodyear will ride a bit softer and is so close to the Michelin in all other catagories that they are certainly worth considering.<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AR8&amp;url=/tires/index.jsp">Tires</a></li></ul>

SMA8L

Gary:

Thanks for the reply. Do you think that the Audi 19" 12 spoke can handle a 275 width?

Other respondents claim that the wheel well can handle the width but they are using 20" wheels.

Thanks for the assistance.