I got some new tires (that would be tyres for my European friends) and now I get what all the fuss is about. I had been driving my XJ8 for about a week and was really getting a bit disappointed with the ride quality and the noise. The new rubbers make it almost like a whole different car.

 

true. (image of a budweiser appears)

 

I also recently got new tyres on my XJ8. I did have the Factory Standard Pirelli tyres, but I didn't like how noisy they were or how hard they were. I have replaced them with a set of Falken Tyres, which are a lot better. Softer compound means the ride is a little softer and quieter. Now I need to have my front suspension bushes replaced and the tracking (alignment) done.

 

@ Clark, which tyres did you go with?

 

Nothin' Fancy - I've bought every tire I've ever had put on a vehicle from a local independent dealer for 20 years or so now. I told him what I wanted - priority was smooth, quiet ride, this is my every day driver not a high speed pleasure cruiser - he recommended an Avenger touring tire (not sure of the manufacturer (not on the paperwork I have handy)) and I went with it.

Whole deal, installed, balanced, alignment - $600.00

It's nice to have folks you have a long business relationship with so you can lean on their expertise.

 

Here's an idea I'd like feedback on. It may only be the XJR, but it might relate to the XJ8 also, or might be only in my head .

Before I replaced my tires, the car tracked horribly (Grabbed grooves easily and pulled on side-hills). I put the new tires on and re-aligned it, but found it tracked horribly still. I was VERY disappointed because I thought that would be the end of it. I got the Goodyear Eagle GT's, and LOVE the look and ride, but tracking was awful. I will say, they are still slightly loud, but quieter than what was on it (P-Zero's).

One day I started thinking about the assistive steering. I knew it must be controlled by the computer, so I decided to reset the computer and make the car re-learn how to drive. I pulled the Negative Battery cable and touched it to the Positive post for about 10 seconds, put it back on, allowed it to idle for about 5 mins to relearn all the fuel mixture, throttle positions, etc, then took it for a drive.

When I started out, the steering wheel was VERY heavy. It tracked straight, but was hard to turn. In about 5 minutes, when the computers started to learn everything again, I was amazed that my tracking was perfect, it does NOT pull anymore, and the steering is light again (when needed).

Maybe it's just all in my head, but I believe it made a HUGE difference. Might be worth a try... Besides, this may eliminate other gremlins that you didn't realize existed.

 

@ Stephen, that's a canny idea, once I'm back on the road I'll try that, a before and after, and update the thread. The Goodyears look to have an incredible tread life, are they "Y" rated, extra load tyres?

I've just switched to Bridgestone Potenza, I hope I get more life out of them than the Michelin pilotsport 2s.

 

I put on 255 zr's and they say 92w. does that make sense? I think I was told they are Y rated.

 

Two more cents: I am running Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus and love the ride. They are low noise and wearing very well, with good tread after about 33,000 miles.