I have just purchased a 2005 diesel xtype.
The road noise is far worse than expected.Would changing the tyres help,or are all xtypes this bad?
I am running on new pirelli P ZERO 225/40/ZR18

 

Hi there, I ran my X type with Pirelli's and loved them, great road holding especially in the wet.
If you have problems you can try changing the tyres for sure...the 40 probably doesn't help either

 

Thank,

Would it ride alot better with some new 16inch rims on 225/55 R16 95W.
Should it make a big difference or is it also a suspension problem with it been the sport?

 

The taller aspect of the tire would allow for lower pressure and provide a bit more cush. But, then you are trading comfort for both looks and handling. How many psi do you need in the 40 series tire, 45 or 50? I had Michelin PS2 sports (dedicated summer tires) on mine that were actually noiser than the winter ones.

X-Types aren't known to be the quietest car inside. Run with the 18's and just turn up the music! When you replace the P Zeros, in about two seasons, reasearch the next set and look for ones rated higher for quietness.

The sport suspension shouldn't make any difference to road noise, but does make the car run a noticeable bit stiffer.

 

So just to clarify,if i gave up the looks,do you think the 16inch rims and tyres would make a big difference or not?
I love the look of the car but am really dissapointed with the motorway road noice,that you dont really notice around town.
I have actually put it up for sale because the missus and kids are not looking forward to the trips to cornwall in it.

 

If it is just general road noise, it is probably the tires. Check tire pressure settings - play around a little - and also check your alignment. Perhaps have the fronts set at zero toe.

Is it a consistent noise at all speeds?

 

Yeh it is more noticable on bad stretches of road,it gets worse with speed,stick at around 80-85mph and you can hardly hear the passenger.
Sorry,what do you mean by zero toe.
I tried increasing and decreasing pressures bot it makes not difference.
I just dont know if to go for the 16 inch rims with the 55 series tyres???

 

Michelin all the way , 225 55 R16 4 season tires are the best

 

Thanks,

Would this mak a big improvement on the motorway?

 

are your tires directional? maybe one or more of them is on backwards...

 

Can't see any arrows on them.
Althought i have just noticed the front tyres are p zero rosso and the rear are p zero nero.
The rosso on the front are a chunky tread compared to the nero on the rear.

 

I was under the impression you put 4 new tires on the car yourself. If you are running mixed tires (not recommended on AWD car) - do you really know which are new? Check the inside edges of your front tires - common spot for irregular wear - could contribute to noise.

I wouldn't do a wholesale swap out to 16's just for noise. Now if you wanted another set for winter tires, then you have something.