Preferred Tyre Makes

[Anthony B]

My LS430 (four months into ownership now, and no regrets) has three Avon ZV5 tyres but one Marangoni Verso on the offside front. All are in good nick for the winter, but I've never liked running on an odd tyre. (Odder still, the spare is a Dunlop SP Sports 270.) Does anybody have any experience of Marangoni - not a brand I had ever heard of. When I decide to splash out and get re-shod what's the word on the street? I'd be looking for a low road noise as well as good roadholding. According to various websites the Marangoni scores well on noise, but blogs show up the usual diversity of experiences and views on them.

[ambermarine]

Anthony

There are lots of threads in the archives on members likes dislikes and experiences of tyre fitted to the Ls400/430 over the years .

In my own experience the Dunlop sp sport that was fitted in the factory was discontinued and most of us including myself reverted to Falkens which are made by Dunlop.

The latest offering from them as just been fitted on another members car recent thread .

[cruisermark]

hi anthony - mine is a facelift 430 and takes size 245/45/18 - it came bridgstones which were noisy - i then changed to Continental and they were no better - i have now fitted Dunlop SP Sport and they are nice quite supply tyre and suits the car well.

hope this helps

[cleverdick]

I did a certain amount of research on this a few years ago; a lot of people on here were recommending the Falken ZIEX. However, Which? rated them a "don't buy" due to their relatively poor grip in the wet.

And who was I to argue?

OK, this was 5 years ago or so and things may have changed by now. But I looked at all makes - the criteria being safety first, quietness second and wear resistance third (since I do under 5k miles per year).

I eventually went for Conti Premium Contact 2, which on the Mk1 (15") were very quiet. I also have these on my current Mk2 (16"): Not quite as quiet, but I guess that's true of any tyre in a lower-profile format. I did query the slightly higher noise level (WRT the previous Dunlops), and to their credit they sent a rep to investigate. Of course, he couldn't hear what I was trying to demonstrate. But I have no qualms about their performance or grip.

[Titch LS]

My next tyres will probably be Uniroyal Rainexperts. The reviews enthuse about the excellent wet grip and the smooth ride due to softer sidewall. They are reasonably priced but not known for their long life like a Michelin.

[Malc]

Been shod with Falkens for many years now and they seem quite ok for me in all normal driving conditions.

Malc

[ChrisIS200SportTTE]

Yeah I fitted 4 maragoni to my old IS200. They wore very very well, that's all that was good about them. Loud road noise and not very good in the wet.

Saying that I'd prob buy them again as they are cheap, mine were 225/40/18. They seemed to last forever! Lol

[n4chv]

I fitted Falken FK451s onto my LS400 for a number of years and found them to be the best tyres for me - great grip in both wet & dry, great durability for my regular trips up and down the UK and great value too.

My LS430 is fitted with Pirelli P6000s which are doing a great job and seem good in both wet & dry conditions.

The dilemma we all often face with tyres is trying to get the best ones but to pay reasonable money for them. I seem to find that tyre prices seem to vary week to week with dealers.

Good luck

[Titch LS]

I like a tyre that's comfortable on bad roads and also quiet. If it means it wears out a bit quicker in order to provide that, I don't mind too much. The longer-life tyres tend to have less flexible sidewalls and are made of a harder compound which compromises ride comfort and noise levels.

[Keith Bowler]

I have Bridgstone Potenza on mine at present, they are runflats so the compound is hard and you get some road noise.

I will be using Falkens again as they seem to be such a good alround tyre. I have the 451's on my MGB V8 at present and they perform well though they seem to have been discontinued now.

[Anthony B]

Thanks to all who have given advice here. I've decided to try Falkens when the time comes. A first time for me - time and driving skills will tell.

Anthony