I'm putting Barum Bravuris on my W211 E500

[Dr No]

If Gordon Brown needs any more proof that the country is on a downward spiral, he best look at my car which will be hoofed with 245/45R17 Barum Bravuris as of this Friday.

On a serious note, these tyres will be replacing the Pirelli P Zero Rosso's which lasted for a grand total of 7000 miles! Nor were they that great a drive, although I did prefer them to the Conti Sport 2 - I found the steering to vague on them. No more Contis or Pirellis for me.

I was looking to put the Goodyear Eagle F1 on the car - my wife drives them on hers and they are a dream. But seeing that I am changing only the 2 back tyres - waiting for the Pirellis at the front to go - I thought I give these a try esp as they are costing me less than a tank of fuel Also with the speeds we are to drive at in this country, I fail to see the point of premium tyres. Once they ban radar detectors in the autumn I'll probably switch to wooden wheels. Why o why is evolution starting to turn backwards ... I blame Labour:grin:

Anyone have any experience with these tyres?

 

[jberks]

As with most of the 'budget' tyres, I've never heard anything other than good things. I suspect you are about to discover what many of us have known for a while. Brand names and fancy advertising don't mean that their tyres are any better than the less well known varieties. Gordon got to me a couple of years ago so now I'm a budget tyre convert and I suspect like me, you'll soon wonder why you spent all that money on Pirelli, Conti and the rest.

Still that <can't type what I really feel about the chap as the mods would ban me> will be out of office soon - Sadly, just not soon enough. He has another budget left and as I understand it, plans to use it to destroy the remnants of small businesses so his billionaire non dom buddies can clean up, unhindered.

 

[stumpy]

As with most of the 'budget' tyres, I've never heard anything other than good things. I suspect you are about to discover what many of us have known for a while. Brand names and fancy advertising don't mean that their tyres are any better than the less well known varieties. Gordon got to me a couple of years ago so now I'm a budget tyre convert and I suspect like me, you'll soon wonder why you spent all that money on Pirelli, Conti and the rest.

Still that <can't type what I really feel about the chap as the mods would ban me> will be out of office soon - Sadly, just not soon enough. He has another budget left and as I understand it, plans to use it to destroy the remnants of small businesses so his billionaire non dom buddies can clean up, unhindered.

It depends how budget you want to go with tyres. As they are the only thing keeping you on the road I believe in spending the extra on good tyres. My faves are Pirelli Rosso and Mich PS2. I once had an Omega with 'Fullrun' and 'Nexen' tyres. The tread pattern looked like an Eagle F1, but the wet weather grip was truly shocking. I know the Omega is a bit lively at the back but this was like driving around on diesel. I have Mich Primacy on my E class. Not expensive and grip like poo to a blanket.

 

[Myros]

I have gone from Michelin Primacy and others

to Barum Bravuris on all three of ours. I think them better than the Michelin in all respects. Admittedly I am biased, and they do save me £20 plus a corner. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[moosehead]

Aren't they Continentals cheaper brand of tyre? Probably as good but half the price.

 

[FIBAMAN]

Most main manufacturers have second string brands Pirelli = Courier, Bridgestone = Lassa.

I have used both and found them excellent. Your tyre dealer can often tell you who makes what.

 

[Dr No]

Originally Posted by jberks View Post
Still that <can't type what I really feel about the chap as the mods would ban me> will be out of office soon - Sadly, just not soon enough. He has another budget left and as I understand it, plans to use it to destroy the remnants of small businesses so his billionaire non dom buddies can clean up, unhindered.[/QUOTE]

Thanks all for the replies. It's true that tyres are what keeps you on the road but we are in the UK and the speed limit is 110 km/h. My last job was in germany and I was driving rental cars from Hahn to my destination 300km away through the most atrocious weather for a year or so. The rental company I used had no name winter tyres on their cars. I was motoring along at up to 50kmh above the tyre rating for miles and miles on the autobahn. Traction was good, never had a problem. This even though when I checked the tyres in the german press they were meant to be rubbish. The power of advertisment and backhanders! By the way this is an excellent source for tyre reviews - if you read german

http://www.reifenpresse.de/CDML007/de/gast/fs_i_reifentests.php?art=Sommerreifen

As far as the Brown beastie is concerned - HOPE HE LOSES THE BYELECTION! Their hatred of civil rights and the middle classes is unbelievable. As you say JBerks, vote Lavour only if you are a billionaire businessman (and want a seat in the house of lords) Of course we believe you Tony

 

[the Wildman]

budget V premium brand tyres

My merc had new AvonZZ3 directional tyres on it when i bought it.
They lasted only a year which equated to about 6000 miles.
The MOT mechanic said that as they are such a low profile (45 fronts 40 rears) that they easily get out of shape with the slightest little knock over speed bumps etc.
This makes them wear in an uneven manner and hence the need for replacements. They were treadless on the edge.
I replaced them with 'BF Goodrich gForce Profiler 2'.
These are brilliant in all respects.
They are quieter more comfy to drive on and the braking in both dry and wet is fantastic.
I have just bought some cheap M+S snow tyres for my vauxhall Vivaro van from Germany.
I believe it is 'horses for courses'.
The cheap tyres wear out quicker and are usually not so good in the handling and braking dept.
But the difference in price can be so much that could hardly matter less, unless you drive like jenson button when going to the shops.

 

[Dosco]

Said it so many times on here, just once more then that's it - Cooper Tires - yes I know that is the US spelling but they are a US tyre at the right price and give a good account of themselves to boot

 

[roadhog]

This even though when I checked the tyres in the german press they were meant to be rubbish. The power of advertisment and backhanders! By the way this is an excellent source for tyre reviews - if you read german

http://www.reifenpresse.de/CDML007/de/gast/fs_i_reifentests.php?art=Sommerreifen

Here's another one:
http://www.test.de/themen/auto-verkehr/test/-Sommerreifen/1653068/1653068/1654466/1654455/

I always thought them to be fairly impartial but am prepared to stand corrected.

 

[Xtractorfan]

My only abiding memeory of Barums was many years ago sliding past my intended turn off in the middle of my local village ..the road was wet.. (MK3 Cortina) and embarassingly having to park up on the other side of the road and then do an about turn..

 

[ianrandom]

I've got proper budgets on mine, i was skint at the time and they were £35 each! (205/65/16) The road noise was truly diabolical, but as they have worn down perhaps 10,000 miles later it has improved and less drone. The grip is great though and they still arent looking at ll worn.
I'd have to say that with that level of drone though, i wouldnt use them again if i could afford to choose..

 

[jberks]

My only abiding memeory of Barums was many years ago sliding past my intended turn off in the middle of my local village ..the road was wet.. (MK3 Cortina) and embarassingly having to park up on the other side of the road and then do an about turn..

I suspect that had more to do with the car than the tyres. I had decent tyres on a Viva. That wouldn't stop in a hurry either. They've come a long way with suspension design.

 

[Myros]

well, I've been semi-scientific

and put Avon ZV5s on my 210. Apart from costing about £15 each more than the Barums, I can't really feel much difference. Indeed, in the recent snow, I'd say the Barum's had the slight edge coming up our street, even though my car was ballasted up and the mem's wasn't. Entirely subjective of course.

 

[Coupe220]

Said it so many times on here, just once more then that's it - Cooper Tires - yes I know that is the US spelling but they are a US tyre at the right price and give a good account of themselves to boot

Is that not the name for Avon. They are owned by Cooper tyres