theALPINAregister.com

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My E46 B3 wore Kuhmo ECSTA SPT when I bought it - rears 255/35 ZR18 94Y and fronts 225/40 ZR18 92W. They seem good wet or dry, consistent wear all across, though I'm not sure why the rears are rated at 186mph and the fronts at 168mph. The rears could do with changing but those SPT's are no longer available and the replacement has a different tread pattern. I could live with that but not at £350 each so it's going to be Pirelli or Michelin at less than half that price.

The fronts have to stay - only 30% worn. I don't like mixing brands so my question is compatibility; side wall flex, grip, balance, etc. I've asked different suppliers about the various characteristics and have got as many different answers. Has anyone got any knowledge or thoughts on this. Thanks.
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E46 B3 cabrio

[ali]

Alpina suspension was designed to work with Michelin Pilot sport tyres.
The suspension and dampers are tuned for specific use of Michelins so to get the best out of your Alpina stay OEM
Michelins have moved onto the Pilot Sport 4 which seems the common tyre of choice or if you do tend to drive your car hard you could opt for the Super sports which are grippier but won't last as long. Not too sure of the Super sport starts at 19" though
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B3 3.3 Touring #108
B10 V8 #540
B3 3.0 Biturbo #107
E46 M3 Convertible

[Fast3000]

Discussed a couple of times and for your car also! I was in the same situation a few months ago - opted to go for the Michelin Pilot sport 4 tyres. They do a PS4 S also but that is in 19 only so far. Super sports can be had in 18 size. Theres a good review on youtube between the PS4 PS4s And Cup tyres.

here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMv64liOqIE

I was impressed to see how close the PS4 were to the S variant.
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2004 E46 Cabriolet B3S Techno Violet #156
2018 Kia Sportage (Makes BMW look expensive!)
2007 Z4M Coupe (Drivers car, Noise, Drama)

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Thanks for your comments. I'd read the very helpful Pirelli v. Michelin chat but my question is really about how the car's driveability could be affected with Kuhmo on the fronts and either P or M on the rears. Thanks.
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E46 B3 cabrio

[Metrics]

Different tyres on F v R axle isn't ideal, but it's ok.
It will only be in extreme circumstances that any differences in the tyres will become apparent, but in daily running it should be fine.
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2012 Alpina D5 BiTurbo No. 13
2002 Alpina B10 V8S No. 60
1993 Mercedes 190E 2.6 Sportline spec
2005 Audi TT 225
1991 Mk1 Golf GTI Sportline cabriolet
1983 Mk1 Golf GTI

[---pete---]

I'm running both my Alpina's on Kumho tyres all round and am really happy with the performance I'm getting from them. I totally appreciate this differs from the OEM setup but I don't see enough difference to change back for the cost / benefit.

If I were you I would be continuing with Kumho but use the Ecsta Le Sport KU39 which I was paying between £80 and £120 each via either mytyres or blackcircles.




Regards
Pete
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2008 BMW Alpina B3 Biturbo Coupe no.137
2003 BMW Alpina B3s Coupe no.16
2014 BMW 525d M-Sport
2010 BMW 320d M-Sport
2000 BMW Alpina B3 3.3 Saloon no. 213
1995 BMW 328i Coupe
1989 Ford Escort XR3i lux

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Many thanks everyone.
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E46 B3 cabrio

[Arvi]

I've had Michelin Supersports on the rear of my D3 for 4 years and some 30000+ miles. Probably the best wearing tyres I've ever had on a car.