Potenza G009 tires- opinions?

[Old F4 Pilot]

I want to replace my Turanza LS-H tires. I find that Bridgestone will not make the Turanza in 225x60x15 any longer. Declining market. They recommended the Potenza.

My priorites are excellent wet weather all season traction, long wear and smooth comfortable ride. This is a daily commute car. TIA

I have a set on my 90, 535i, 5-speed, w/ 266K miles, Bilstein HD's & BBS factory multispokes. I also have a set of RE950 Potenza's on my 89, 525i, automatic 335K miles ALL ORIGINAL! The RE950's are one size undersized, 215-60-15. The only difference is that the speedometer is 3mph "fast" at all speeds. However, the handling differences are dramatic! There is a center rib on the 950's that separate the right & left asymetrical grooves and that stabilizes the tread in high cornering loads. The G-009's lack that rib and take getting used to to say the least. The first time that I tried to navigate the same stretch of mountain, winding roads between Tennessee & North Carolina at the same speeds with the 535i that I regularly do with the 525i, I almost got a Darlington Stripe on my passenger's side from the concrete divider wall. Thank God I'm on blood pressure medicine! I have since learned the all-out limitations of the G-009's. They are fabulous wet tires, as are the RE950's, but the 950's are a "performance tire" for wet weather whereas the G-009's are a compromise wet-weather performance tire. The cornering limits for the G-009's are considerably lower than the RE-950's. I think that this is a pretty good test since the only difference between the two cars is the engine power & tires. Both cars have the Bilstein HD's & factory wheels and similar mileages.

One other item, I regularly get about 48,000 or so miles on my RE950's before I get ready to replace them. I replace my tires when they wear down to 4/32". I drive very aggressively and mostly at speeds in excess of 85mph. Nary a week goes by that I don't bump either the rev or top speed limiters on both cars.

[632 Regal]

I put a set of Potenza RE960AS Pole Position on the 8, need new treads for the 5er this spring and think I will get a set for that. The reviews were real good in comparison of other brands and models of tires. I like the tread pattern too, they seem to be silent on the 8 but I havent really gave them hell yet. To me noise wear and traction are all equilly inportant. The Falken 512 is a great all around cheap tire but are very noisey after 10k or so unless on smooth black top.



That didnt work out well at all...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....nSpeedRating=V

[Russell]

might consider them at 215x60x15 so I can keep my stock wheels. Just a liitle smaller whcih slightly affects my speedo. If I could get a set of 16 inch oe bmw wheels (no hubcentric rings) in excellent condition very cheap I could go in that direction.

[Wack]

Russell,
Did you try Sam's Club for the Turanza's? I just "shoe'd" both my tourings with the LS-H's and I am quite happy with them. Bummer about phasing them out for this 225 / 60/15 size. Good luck ...

[Russell]

Will not need for about 4 months. I am sure the Turanzas will be hard to find then. Also, what happens if there are none to replace a damaged tire? Even so I still may try then.

[Wack]

What tire did you end up buying?

[Russell]

nothing yet. The Turanza LH tires keep on wearing. Looks like at least 3 more months, possibly just before winter at this rate. I also need tires for my wife's Ford Explorer. Also just before winter.