tires

[D.Troast]

i need to replace all 4 tires on my '72 2002

any recommendations appreciated

[jp5Touring]

13,14 or 15 inch tires ?

 

[D.Troast]

13

[visionaut]

There’s more than 2700 threads on 13” tires..

 

Maybe start here, these both seem to be popular:

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/333672-vredestein-sprint-classic-vs-pirelli-cinturato-cn36/

 

https://www.bmw2002faq.com/forums/topic/332170-tire-choice/

[Mike Self]

Folks seem to like very much the Pirelli Cinturato 185/70 x 13 tires currently available that are the tread design from back in the 70s.  but if you want to go with an OEM size (165/80 x 13) and don't mind lots of $$$, Michelin XAS tires (original equipment tires for most US 2002s) are still available.  

 

Others will chime in on available brands of 185/70 tires, but most are from brands you've not heard of and aren't very impressive WRT handling...I have a set of MAXXIS tires on my E30 that I really like, but they don't make a 185/70 x 13.  And I'd stay away from a 175/70 x 13 as they're a bit undersize and will throw off your speedo and odometer readings.

 

mike

[johnny02]

What @Mike Self said.  I have the 185/70R13 Pirelli Cinturatos and like them so far. The similar Vredestein is also well-liked, it seems.  Those seem to be the two most popular options.    I got them from Lucas Tire. They are only periodically in stock.  Longstone I think is the supplier in the UK.  

[tech71]

3 hours ago, D.Troast said:

i need to replace all 4 tires on my '72 2002

any recommendations appreciated

How much cash are you able/willing to spend?

[wingswheelshulls]

I vote for Vredestein, have them on a Tr6 (Sprint Classic) and 911/993 (Sprint+) now.  They are a good tire anyway, but I do have some loyalty to them for supporting a few orphan sizes throughout the years.  New corporate ownership, but still have European operations.

[D.Troast]

vredestein look good but hard to find a supplier in US

hoping to stay within $100 per tire

[wingswheelshulls]

Priority

 

I usually stick to upper tier brands, but these folks carry the whole range.   

 

I actually used Petlas on my '02 because I have e30 wheels, for now, and wanted to stay with the stock diameter in a summer, non all season tire.  Petlas certainly aren't a premium tire, but they are well known in the defense and ag markets and I'm happy so far...for what they are.

[tech71]

I like the Laufen G fits, have run them on several cars.

Quiet, decent rain performance, better than Kumhos in the rain for sure.

Currently have a set installed on my FPS wheels waiting to go on Survivor, if the Barums on installed steelies ever wear out. Also a good tire, I like em

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[Max L]

I am happy with Kumho Solus TA11 in 185/70r13, have had them on my e21 since spring of 2020. They balanced well, have a decent grip for an all season tire and do not seem to flatspot from sitting over the winter. Wear is OK too. Current price is $86 a piece.

 

Max

Edited January 26 by Max L

[Ray_73Turkis_OH]

My 12 yr old 185/70 13 Kumho Solus have plenty of tread and look good.  Should probably replace, but now i have a set of 14” basket weaves with 

Falken Azenis RT-615K+ For summer fun i am not going to bother as i only put the Khumos on for a few winter months.

 

With the old Khumos Its fun to spin the tires taking off in first. And chirping in 2nd. The Falkens just stick and go!

[Gordon]

On 1/25/2024 at 9:11 AM, D.Troast said:

i need to replace all 4 tires on my '72 2002

any recommendations appreciated

Problem is,  decent 13" tires are going the way of the dinosaur in the US market.  I realize that you can order Pirelli CN36 from Longstone in the UK or order 185/70 from Coker tire for $200/tire. Even decent 195/60-14 for bottlecaps are getting hard to find.  

[Santawillis]

53 minutes ago, Gordon said:

Problem is,  decent 13" tires are going the way of the dinosaur in the US market.  I realize that you can order Pirelli CN36 from Longstone in the UK or order 185/70 from Coker tire for $200/tire. Even decent 195/60-14 for bottlecaps are getting hard to find.  

Truth! Not cheap to run these tires in the US. A full set of Sprint Classics at Tire Rack is going for over $800USD. Does anyone know anywhere that is cheaper?