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BMW approved tyres

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meditek View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote meditek Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: BMW approved tyres
    Posted: 22 Nov 2013 at 2:37pm
Anyone know why tyres with the approved star cost up to £20 more than the same thing without it?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Nov 2013 at 4:10pm
BMW probably get a rake-off - but they will probably claim that such tyres are specially checked tobe fit to carry the star.   If you believe that, you must also believe in Santa and the Tooth Fairy . . . .
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote meditek Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Nov 2013 at 6:56pm
Originally posted by Mike Fishwick Mike Fishwick wrote:

BMW probably get a rake-off - but they will probably claim that such tyres are specially checked tobe fit to carry the star.   If you believe that, you must also believe in Santa and the Tooth Fairy . . . .

That was my immediate reaction too but it seems my insurance company takes a different view. No star= modifiied tyres = we cannot insure you. So sayeth the person on the end of the phone! 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peter C Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Nov 2013 at 10:42pm
Change your insurance company.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Nov 2013 at 9:23am
Are you using BMW insurance? If so, they have a vested interest in the use of OE parts.

For the more exotic models however, it is possible that BMW are doing the same thing which Jaguar did during the 'seventies, when the six cylinder and V12 versions of the E-Type, XJ saloon, and XJ coupe all used a common size and type of Dunlop tyre - but each of the six variations of model and engine type used a tyre of subtley different  construction, although they all appeared to be identical.  The exactly correct tyres, marked with with nothing more than a paper label, were only available from Jaguar dealers and were priced accordingly.

Of course, BMW's star may mean that there are differences in tighter tolerances on concentricity, lateral run-out, and balance, which would be important to those few heros who use all the available speed - but there are precious few of them.  For most of their cars this 'approval' will mean nothing.




Edited by Mike Fishwick - 23 Nov 2013 at 12:35pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Thos Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Nov 2013 at 1:47pm
Hi Mike

I bought my last BMW * tyre off the internet. I priced the same one at ATS and it was £50.00 more expensive. The one I bought was delivered and fitted at ATS !!!! not sure how it works but it's certainly a cost saving to buy this way and its fitted correctly as well.

Thos.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote meditek Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Nov 2013 at 12:06pm
Originally posted by Thos Thos wrote:

Hi Mike

I bought my last BMW * tyre off the internet. I priced the same one at ATS and it was £50.00 more expensive. The one I bought was delivered and fitted at ATS !!!! not sure how it works but it's certainly a cost saving to buy this way and its fitted correctly as well.

Thos.
If that was Blackcircles, Halfords under cut them by £20 for Contisport 5 RF's.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JMcWhir Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Nov 2013 at 2:18pm
Ok.. from a Tyre company POV..
 
Tyres that carry a specific homologation marking, e.g. * = BMW, "N" = Porsche, MO= Merc etc. have been developed by the car and tyre manufacturer to optimise the interaction between the tyre and the vehicle.
 
Michelin/BMW have worked together for decades (and others have too..). If there is any reason why the tyre is slightly more expensive, it is primarily a supply and price difference. E.g. we don't charge way more for a homologated tyre than a standard one. But it can be very different beast
 
For example when we worked on the current M5/M6 with BMW M, we ran through some 2000 test tyres and iterations until BMW were happy with the finished product, which then then "homologated" into the Pilot Super Sport *.
 
Now, you can run a vehicle on a non * marked tyre, but in some instances it really is strongly recommended.
For example, we can tune: compounds, casing (constructions) and dimensions. So for some cars if you move away from the homologated tyre a standard tyre might not work on the car.
The vehicle manufacturer isn't doing it to make life difficult for you. Its often the only way to ensure the vehicle performs to its full capabilities.
For example Porsche strongly recommend the "N" rated tyres and it can affect their warranty if a non homologated tyre is fitted.
 
Should you fit * tyres? Where possible, yes.
It really comes down to the driver. In Germany you'd struggle to sell a relatively new BMW used if the tyres were not * marked fitted...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote meditek Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Nov 2013 at 3:01pm

Thank you for your input Tyre Expert, it's always a pleasure to hear a conglomerate's representative speak in public.

Halford's fitted non-starred Contisport 5's RF's but corrected their suppliers error yesterday. I thought I was imagining things until I read TE's explanation. The starred version felt in tune with the suspension and absorbed irregularities vastly better. In fact I felt I had normal tyres on the front. The tyres that came off originally were very old BMW Bridgestones. I can't wait to get the rears changed for PS2's as no Contis in that size. 


David
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Thos Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 4:27pm
I'm looking to find 4 tyres for my soon to purchase BMW 382 17" alloys. BUT all the tyres that are * BMW are Run Flats,   and I don't want B****y Run Flats.

I have tried all sorts of sites lots of tyres but as soon as you say BMW I get shown run flats and nothing else.

So what is a guy supposed to do. !!!!!!!!!!!!! I certainly will not buy run flats.

Thos
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JMcWhir Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 4:56pm
Dependant upon the sizes, you may struggle to get a non run flat * marked tyre

after all the * mark is for the OE developed tyre, and a lot of OE (original equipment) is run flat, so for your car the only approved tyres would be what they left the factory on

You may be better going for newer tyre patterns/models that aren't run flat or * marked
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rpennington Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 6:19pm
Hi
I recently changed my tyres to Michelin crossclimates to give them a try, as I can only afford to run one set of wheels & tyres. Are these BMW approved & what tyres are OE * marked for my car ?.

What is the manufacturers recommended tyre pressures for the crossclimates?.
Tyre size is 205/55 R16

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tony Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Mar 2016 at 1:47pm
Originally posted by rpennington rpennington wrote:

Hi
I recently changed my tyres to Michelin crossclimates to give them a try, as I can only afford to run one set of wheels & tyres. Are these BMW approved & what tyres are OE * marked for my car ?.

What is the manufacturers recommended tyre pressures for the crossclimates?.
Tyre size is 205/55 R16

Regards
Rich
Michelin website says 30.46psi (2.1 bar) for the fronts and 36.28psi (2.5 bar) for the rear.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PaulW Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2016 at 12:54pm
Out of interest, does BMW provide a list of approved/recommended tyres.
As cars age, the tyres that were originally installed (approved) when the car left the factory will at some point become unavailable.
I know Porsche produce a list and wondered whether BMW do the same?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Apr 2016 at 3:52pm
Reading this thread one would be forgiven for thinking that Michelin was the only BMW-Approved tyre in the world!  The Z3, for example, came on Michelin, Continental, Dunlop, and Pirelli tyres.

After going from the original - and quite unremarkable - Michelin Pilot Sport* to Falken FK-451 I could not detect any difference at all, except to my wallet!  Unless your insurer follows the BMW party line, I bet there is nothing to be gained from spending money to have a little star moulded on the sidewall, not matter how many hours were allegedly spent to match the tyres to the car. 

Let's face it - the average M3 driver etc may occasionally have a quick belt up to an ego-gratifying speed for a few seconds, but most of their time is spent plodding around town or following the usual motorway procession, when a good remould would be fine . . .

If you drive like a rabid German - and virtually no British owners can or do drive like that in or out of the UK, except in their dreams - then perhaps an Approved tyre may make a tangible difference, in the real world I doubt it.  Has anyone noticed a worthwhile difference?




Edited by Mike Fishwick - 19 Apr 2016 at 3:55pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tony Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Apr 2016 at 8:48pm
Mine came on BMW-Approved Continental M3 tyres. Wear rate was awful, dry grip was nothing to write home about, and wet grip was a bit scary.

Put Supersports on them when they became available in my size and haven't looked back. Price has even dropped from about £800 a set to closer to £500 Thumbs Up
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote davebrindlee36m3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Apr 2016 at 3:59pm
My E36 M3 was factory fitted from new in 1994 with Michelin but they no longer produce them in my size.. Great product but NLA.. Cry
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote safe1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Apr 2016 at 3:18pm
All Approved products have a habit of De- Selection, when the Technology and the Retained increased support £££,s moves on---
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RParkinson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Apr 2016 at 5:30pm
Originally posted by davebrindlee36m3 davebrindlee36m3 wrote:

My E36 M3 was factory fitted from new in 1994 with Michelin but they no longer produce them in my size.. Great product but NLA.. Cry
What size do you have?  I thought the E36 used 215/45 R17 front and 245/40 R17 rear, both are available sizes for PS/4s.  Or are you using the older square setup with 235/40 R17 all round?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote davebrindlee36m3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Apr 2016 at 7:33am
The staggered m double spoke wheels were an option on the m3 e36 3 litre coupe, mine has the original m double spoke style 22 fitted which have 235/40/17 all round. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Arl10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2016 at 9:44pm
BMW approve them under very stringent tests , Mercedes and Porsche also do the same thing approving their car tyres . Unfortunately we pay for the testing by the increased premium 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote d1b4d1af7a Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jun 2018 at 8:11pm
Hey guys,
I've just bought a 730d M Sport 2014 and was wondering if anyone can recommend a good, independent, VAT registered BMW specialist in East London. I'm based near Stratford in East London so anywhere within 30 mins commute from there is perfect.
Thanks in advance ;) 


Edited by d1b4d1af7a - 05 Jun 2018 at 8:12pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ataraxia Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Feb 2019 at 8:57am
Originally posted by Peter C Peter C wrote:

Change your insurance company.


This. If an insurance company is purely driven by brand regardless of whether the tyre is actually suitable, it's time to go.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Norrie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Feb 2019 at 4:59pm
Originally posted by ataraxia ataraxia wrote:

Originally posted by Peter C Peter C wrote:


Change your insurance company.


This. If an insurance company is purely driven by brand regardless of whether the tyre is actually suitable, it's time to go.


There may be very good reasons why the insurance company insists on a certain tyre manufacturer, it could well be that only certain brands have actually been tested on that model. In the case of cars which are not restricted to 155 mph, like one I have I am only worried about my safety and being correctly insured and not just saving a few pounds. Yes I have legally exceeded 180 mph on the autobahn.

Edited by Norrie - 25 Feb 2019 at 5:02pm
n
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MostlyHarmless Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Sep 2019 at 12:38am

Tyres!  Ooh where to start.  Here's what we use... Nothing like putting it out there!  Hope it helps!

 

e66 760Li - Summers are Pirelli on 20" Y-Spoke staggered set.  Winters are Conti 830P on Y20" 245 F&R (Got annoyed by Michelin see below).

e61 M5 - Summers are Michelin PS2* on 19" M167.  Winters still Conti T810S* V-rated on 18" M184, but as those are 10yo originals, I'll get some new ones soon.

e30 320i - Summer fun car 14" classic alloys with 195/65 Toyos - lots of tread, look new as rarely see the sun and no DOT codes for anyone to fret over.

c3 - Not quite perfect, but the best you'll see with 15" spotless alloys and with Michelin CrossClimate+, now ready for anything.

Mileage and qualifications - It is not the miles, it is the quality of the driving experience.  When balancing N4 rated tyres only one needed weights.  That is quality manufacturing in the best plant, which sometimes is worth the money.

Worst tyre experience - Mich PS2 that developed bead failure.  Safety is important on an M5. Getting a refund from Black Circles was not an experience I would ever like to repeat.

Indifferent - GY F1 Asym 245 40 on e39 528iT 540i M Sport T with 18" CSLs (they tram lined).  Mich PS2* when I changed brilliant on same.  Hence my faith in PS2.

Revelation - to all I passed on snow and ice: Pirelli SottoZero S2 in H and V rating.

 

Is there a difference between tyres? YES. ABSOLUTELY. Between Premium and budget - like night and day.   Between summers and winters - another 'where to start?!'....  If you have more than 250BHP, rear wheel drive, drive on unsalted inclines, want to protect your diamond cut alloys keep a car for more than a year and can afford a second set, then get some.

 

Can I feel a difference?  Between the rubbish I often find already on a car and what I put on - Oh yes! Between a Michelin Pilot Sport 2 275/35 ZR19 (100Y) XL EA72 and ones that were not labelled EA72 and 23 months old almost certainly not, but I paid BlackCircles for new EA72!   Why buy PS2* from yesteryear when PS4 from, what, 2016 are generally accepted as 'better' tyres....  When all four need replacing, I'll fit 4s now both sizes are available.

 

Would I fit Conti WinterContact TS810S on my M5 just because they are * rated and the only ones BMW list for my car.  Er, no!  I mean do they even still make them?  Would I fit another say Bridgestone * rated just because it is star rated (for a 218), no.  Nor would I fit the latest Michelin PA5 just because the new labelling suggest they are better, no.  No, there's a lot of good M5 owner feedback on PA4 and Michelin recommend PA4 for my M5.

 

Tips - Google Tyre Reviews. Look for a trim fella with a beard who test tyres for a living.

September is a good time to start thinking about winter tyres.  Old stock should have cleared but prices not yet going up due to panic buying.

MyTyres have a huge range as do AHEM BlackCircles, but choose your internet provider carefully and remember you can't pop round to have a word when there's a problem.

I have had a good experience with AutoPink-Shop.co.uk but as www.feedback shows nobody is perfect.

eBay is a good place for those on a budget to find part-worns.  Even main dealers move on tyres through eBay with 6mm from MNO people.  But there are unscrupulous traders.  Thankfully, fewer than nice ones.

 

Fitting suggestion:  Get them fitted by a wheel refurbishment company.  (Buy tyres off internet at 60% cheaper than >EuroKwikMaster< take them in your car for wheel refurb and job done.)

I can recommend Diamond Alloys of Northholt, A1 Alloys of Bromley and Christchurch Tyres:  If the tyre shop asks you what nut torque and what pressure you want to run, and use wheel protection cloths, keep using them.

If you don’t know your tyre pressure, there’s always Mercedes.

Sizes.  Don't deviate from the wheel, tyres sizes and tyre pressures on the door pillar.

TPMS with pressure and temperature sensors have better response times than circumference monitoring.  BUT don’t rely on either - Check your tyres regularly (before any potential speed trip). Doing so saved us from a blowout.

Yes, a problem comes if your insurer wants a * rated tyre and one is not available from 'Bert’s garage' in the correct size for your (high performance) car.  It is your car, your life and your, hopefully informed, choice.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AndyC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Nov 2019 at 7:49pm
Hi, 
    I'd value some advice please.

I have the F30 320d efficient dynamics plus ('65 plate 48,000 miles) with the naff 16" wheels. I have michelin * energy savers (205/60 R16 92W) on the front and they now need replacing.

Some numpty (possibly FOW) put Nankang Econex NA-1 205/60 R16 96V XL's on the rears but the still have a lot of tread on them.

My question is do i really need the W rated tyres? 

I'd prefer to have Goodyears on, but Bridgestones appear to be another good option, the Michelin's are expensive. As it is wet a lot here i prefer to have A reated tyres for the wet, but do i need W rated tyres or will V be ok? I won't be doing 130mph which is H rated so i definitely won't be doing anywhere near the V or W rated speeds.
Options:-
Bridgestone Turanza T005 205/60 R16 92V (A wet, B fuel 71db) £81.11 per tyre

Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance 205/60 R16 92V (A wet, B fuel 68db) £82.78 per tyre

Michelin Energy Saver 205/60 R16 92W (A wet, B Fuel 70db) * £98.29 per tyre

All black circle prices, but i do have 10% code for Kwik fit.

I need to replace the 2 fronts so double the price, any advice would be much appreciated. Tyre label for my BMW below.

Cheers



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Norrie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Nov 2019 at 8:04pm
The most important thing is making sure your insurance in not invalidated by having the incorrect size or load rating tyres. You will find most insurers do not specify which brand only that they should be compliant. There are some exceptions for very high performance cars whereby only certain tyres have been tested. Therefore, simple answer is follow those instructions which are on that label you posted and check tyres are correctly inflated. Remember the thing which is in contact with the road is you tyre, safety cannot be comprised. Insurers are not in the business to pay out and our friend the Policeman will look for any cause that might lead to an accident whereby parties are injured.   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AndyC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Nov 2019 at 8:26pm
Originally posted by Norrie Norrie wrote:

The most important thing is making sure your insurance in not invalidated by having the incorrect size or load rating tyres. You will find most insurers do not specify which brand only that they should be compliant. There are some exceptions for very high performance cars whereby only certain tyres have been tested. Therefore, simple answer is follow those instructions which are on that label you posted and check tyres are correctly inflated. Remember the thing which is in contact with the road is you tyre, safety cannot be comprised. Insurers are not in the business to pay out and our friend the Policeman will look for any cause that might lead to an accident whereby parties are injured.   


Thanks Norrie. I'm not sure it dictates in my policy about the load rating of tyres, i've gone through the policy but can't see anything other than it needs to be roadworthy. If i ask them it might prompt a reply i don't like as theoretically i would need to replace all 4 and could mean disappointment for others!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Norrie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Nov 2019 at 8:56pm
My kind of luck is that if I do not check everything twice I get caught out, maybe I am paranoid, but always worth a peace of mind drive.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote MostlyHarmless Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Nov 2019 at 11:30pm
Dear Andy C,  Roadworthy means passing the MoT and not dropping below the MoT standard.  MoTs include checks on tyres and thank god for that as faults can develop in the inside walls that only putting the car on lift and going under can check.

The plate requires 205/60 R16 92 with the 92 being the load rating and all your preferences are 92s so I'll address your speed rating query and touch on your other points.
Speed rating:  It is amazing the range of speed ratings for your F30 320d efficient dynamics plus ('65 plate 48,000 miles) with the naff 16" wheels. H, V, W and Y!!!!!!!  So, 130, 149, 168 and 186mph in that order.

A possible explanation is that when first made that model was tested with wheels and tyres in all those sizes that actually had those capabilities.  Oh and the M is probably a get you home space saver rated to 81 when they tell you to keep below 50mph, but people forget and some folks are stupid and I saw one idiot try to smoke his.  Nankangs are only a £35 tyre, not as bad as some, but it is not a good idea having fantastic and not so great tyres on the same car even for 'normal' driving.

Cost vs value:  The Michelins may well be the originals, what do those date codes suggest, if 15/XX that was pretty good value. 

Speed rating:  Anyway, the pertinent question is how fast can your car actually go?  You do not give your reg or vin so if we go on your description https://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs/BMW/40038/BMW-F30-3-Series-Sedan-320d-EfficientDynamics-Edition.html suggests a Vmax of 143mph.  (Of course if the car has been chipped or tuned, but you say you won't be doing 130 so I take you at your word;)
If your manual says 143 is the top speed then being less than 149mph, a V-rated summer tyre is acceptable.  

It is also normal to accept a winter tyre one letter lower so an H rated winter.  ((Hence the next box down H M+S.  This is on the basis that winter tyres are used in winter when the road surfaces are much colder and thus heat buildup, the great enemy of tyres, is much less.))



Location and usage:  You say 'as it wet here' and I see you're in the UK, but there's a huge difference between London where it is +7oC heading for +2oC and Scotland where it has hit -9oC already according to AuntyB.  So, in one sentence; if you live in London and promise not to go out when it snows or is icy, get a summer tyre.  However, if you live or drive in Scotti-land or over 500ft think about winters to keep you moving regardless.

Aging:  You say the rears still have good tread on them, but some rubber degrades faster particularly if left in the sun.  What do the date codes say on the Nankang? [17/41 means 2017 week 41 and not that old should still be good for sedate driving but keep an eye on them.]  If the rubber looks crumbly or cracked, usually shows first on outside shoulders and side walls,  then plan to replace.

Bottom line £: At the end of the day it is only £18 between the Michelin * rated BMW approved tyre and your lowest option.  Expect the chains like ATS to charge a lot more, but to include fitting.  Though if money really is tight, go to Autopink-shop.co.uk for your Goodyears up front - now only £77.30ea (delivered) and expect to pay £15 a corner for fitting with hidden balancing.  Then get the rears done before you go on a big trip with your family.

Checking:  Indeed, old Russian saying: "Trust is good, but checking is better."  So, ask to keep the tyre labels.  Watch them fitting, balancing, adding air and pressure testing when fitted with car on ground.  Place the locking nut back in its cubby hole yourself.  Don't drive off without resetting the TPMS.  Drive cautiously for the first 100 miles and recheck the wheel nut torque and pressure when cold.

Hope this was informative.

Your mileage and performance may vary.  Always get advice and 3 quotes from reputable local tyre companies, if you pay them they are responsible, if you self-select it is down to you.  No liability accepted by me or BMWCCGB

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