Maybe in 87 Pirelli was the greatest thing since sliced bread, but nowdays, so many options with similar, or even better characteristics, at a smaller pricetag. Pirelli must've paid jag a little fee to have that printed up in the manual, just in case owners follow it to the letter.

 

Pirelli, to my knowledge, is the only manufacturer that still makes the CORRECT tires for a Series 3 (215-70VR15). That would be the P4000 Supertouring. I don't think that the Michelin MXV4 (Overrated and overpriced) or Bridgestone Turanza come in that size any more.

So that's about your, umm, your only choice if you want to get the correct speed rating for your car.

 

Bob,

I have been a big pirelli fan fo a long time. They do cost more but not in the long run. I do not have experience on that series but a few examples: I can't verify actual miles due to spare rotating in to the picture but I have a 62 alfa wihere one of the second sets of pirelli's had about 3/4 of the tread left at 96,000 miles. Chrysler sebring, came with goodyear wingfoots, ran 23,000 miles V rated pirelli P6 on same car were bout $40.00 each more expensive and ran over 50,000. The lowest price I could find for my jag tires were continentals at about 135/each. Pirelli p-zero, 185/each at America's tire seemed like a deal.

Pirelli's wear like iron and perform well, they tend to have a softer side wall but I always felt they give a sure footed feel.

I would not feel backed in to a corner. I would love to get another set of p3's for my alfa but they are not importing any more 155/15 or 165/15's with D.O.T. approval.

Italians make good shoes, good suits, and good tires.

Steven (1avguy)

 

I'll be interested to see what you come up with over there, because over here Pirelli are the only manufacturer able to supply the correct size for the original rims and they cost a fortune +- 250$ a piece :-((

Michelin used to manufacture this size but no longer do. I know this because I have one as a spare on my spares car.

BTW Rid my original Jag owners Handbook for the XJ40/XJ6 states 225/65 VR 15 and it's the P4000's I am running.

60's are easy to find but leave too much space under the arches and van tyres are also easy but you can't get the VR rating and that may invalidate insurance.

OH to have a monopoly!!!

One thing I did find when looking a while back is that there is a large range of 60 profile tyres available but you would need to go up to 245/60-15 in order to keep the height about right. Very slightly taller 147mm compared to stock 146.25mm. I know a lot of Corvette nuts use this size and you should find loads of pics on their forums.

If anyone is able to confirm. Would this size fit under the Jag with NO rubbing? Cause it would save approx 50% per tyre-))

 

The Bridgestone Turenza is still available and I have them on my 85 XJ6 and my 85 Mercedes 300SD. They wear great and hold the road well

 

I've used Dunlop and Cooper tires on mine. They're all weather and are really quite nice. I have never liked the Pirellis. These tires are a little larger than stock, but they fit and only rub at the very extreme turning. They hold up well and help the handling. I have 208000 on my car, more than 1/2 on the Dunlops, and hardly any speedo error..

 

RG. be good to know what size,rating etc. Impressive miles BTW.

 

rgstejskal,

I am curious on specifics about what you did not like about the Pirellis on this type of car as I have had consistant good luck with them on others, with one exception. I had a 1600-2 BMW where the Pirelli soft side wall felt sloppy and Michelins XAS, XZX or cheap Firestones ran great.

Primarily, I think, because that BMW was one where hard cornering was a quick tug in direction you wanted and degree of turn was how hard you hit the throttle with back end broken loose. A stiff side wall just worked better on that car.

Right now my xk8 came with three good and one marginal Continental where I have a few decisions myself coming soon.

I have found Pirelli's to not be firm enough and have excess edge wear if you run at car manufacturer's recommended pressure rather than a little closer to tire max pressure. This can turn out to be a little noisier than others.

Regards for Sharing,
Steven (1avguy)

 

I think tire choices are probably pretty subjective.
When I first got my Jag, I thought the ride was too soft. I stiffened the suspension a bit and added KYB shocks. New set of tires helped. I managed to get it right for me. A bit better turn in and a stiffer, but not uncomfortable, by any means, ride.

My mechanics keep telling me its a luxury car and not a sports car. And, XJ's are known for their ride. I read once that a Rolls Royce's ride is nearly as good. I think that if it had 200 more hp it would be an incredible auto. The power might actually be closer to the limits of the suspension.

I started using Dunlops a few years ago and really liked them. The ride and the grip were actually better than the Pirelli's. Pirelli's always felt stiff to me and the wear wasn't that great. Dunlops felt good. I found out later from my dealer that Cooper now owns Dunlop. The same tire by Cooper is less costly. Size? 225.60A15's. Cooper Lifeliner Touring. I haven't been able to tell much difference between the Cooper and Dunlop tires.

I'll admit I like the idea of an English tire on an English car.

 

rgstejskal,

Thanks for the specifics.

I agree, some times with women, tires and cars, what one likes another finds intolerable.

Regards,
Steven (1avguy)

 

As much as I would love to replace the worn out P400's on my 77 XJ6C with P5 205 70 15's there is a reality. Given the way these cars are driven, the tire will age out long before they wear out. I have decided and am installing Vredestein Quatrac 5's.

 

It is my understanding that the Pirelli P5 205-70-15 was developed specifically for the XJ6. My 77 XJC has old & worn P4000's which no longer exist. P5 replacements are about $400 ea. Just finding 205-70-15's today can be problematic and many have gone to the 215-70-15 which seem perfectly fine.
P5's are beautiful though.