I bought my car around Thanksgiving with Nexen tires on it. They are nearly new but they seem to ride harsh with the 20" rims. Maybe that's just the side effect of BBS 20" rims? Any recommendations for new tires? I'm not racing the car so I don't need the really expensive tires and I prefer smooth riding and quiet tires.

 

Personally I would go to 18" rims and tires. I believe a 20" set-up will always give a rougher ride.


If you want to stick with these rims I would recommend Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, but they are not the cheapest tire.

 

Unfortunately I bought a special interest car. It is a portfolio car so I hate to change it.

 

I have Nexens on 18" wheels on my 2002XKR and Nexens on 20" wheels on my 2010XKR. Previously on the 20" wheels I had Hankook tires and they were the noisiest, harshest tires I've ever had. The Nexens are very comfortable tires on both my cars. Let's face it, the first generation Xk/XKR series does not have the most compliant suspension in the world to put it mildly, it combined with 20" low profile tires are just not going to produce a very comfortable ride. On the hugely improved suspension of the 2nd generation cars, the 20"s are firm but comfortable, but the suspension is so much more sophisticated and compliant that you really can't compare. I don't think you'll find a much softer tire than the Nexens.

 

I changed my stock 19's to 18's with Mitchlen pilot super sports and could not be happier. Very quite and great handling. You run rubber band tires you will get a harsh ride. Personally I think the car looks better with a little meat on the rims instead of big hoops and no tire.

 

I'm in San Diego and I like Discount tires. Whenever I go in I always have a choice of 4-6 different makes. They are also very knowledgeable about ride. You could even ask them to mount a set and see how they feel. I'm not sure they would do that , but I believe they have a money back guarantee if you aren't satisfied. I'm in RB so the Poway store is the closest to me.

 

I have the same car as your with 20" bbs Detroit's. The original Pirelli tires still had good tread at 14K miles but rode real hard due to decomposition from age. They were replaces with Continental Extreme Contact tires. They ride and perform quite well. I would recommend them.


Do a forum search for Continental Extreme and you will find many satisfied owners.