I, like some others who have responded, have Nexen tires on both my 2002 XKR convertible and my 2010 XKR coupe. The 3000's have been discontinued, I believe, but even the current models should cost no more than $150/tire including mounting and balancing. Compared to the Hankooks I had on my coupe, they are much quieter and smoother (20" low profile). On my convertible, they are very comfortable, good wearing tires that represent a good value without much compromise.

 

The original PIRELLI'S on my 1997 Xk8 were P-Zero's that were Z Rated and rode really hard. I decided to sacrifice Z Rated Handling for a V rated tire that still corners well and I now have a comfortable ride. I bought the new Pirelli P7 Cinturato All Season Plus. The new Plus Model has a quiet all season tread design,( that is slightly more aggressive than the Michelin MXM4 HX Pilot,) and that new design will give you better traction and control. If you drive very aggressively then stick with the harder riding Z Rated models.

 

Thanks, Mike, I didn't know that. Will drop the rears a few PSI & keep an eye on them.

 

Most staggered fitments are not designed to be rotated. The rear tires which are usually wider and many with a larger offset built into the wheel, will rub when moved to the front.

 

The Pirellis do not really work ... first year ... quite good, at wet roads not so good, second year you can throw them away ...

Actually, there are Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 on the cat ... on dry road quite good, on wet road is not really proper grip ... so next year .. i´ll try Conti Sportscontact 5 or the new Hankook

 

When comparing tires it is important not to make assumptions based on a previous model that sounds the same. In my case I selected the NEW Pirelli P7 Cinturato All Season Plus which has a 700 tread wear rating and A & A temp and traction ratings. I am confident that these tires will not be shot in one year.

 

Those are the exact tires I'm looking to get! The reviews look great. And for the money, it's better than off brands like nexxen and other like it.

Comparing tires is interesting. I was in love with my Michelin MXM4's, until I passed them from my xk8 coupe---to my xk8 convertible. It was like a totally different tire!! Super rough, almost howling.. What happened??? I had put a lot of Dynamat on the coupe, and none on the convertible. So... These tires feel rouge now.

Time to invest in Dynamat again, it will make more of a difference in perceived smoothness and quietness than any tire combo..period.

 

Just a report on the new Conti Extreme Contact DWS 06 tires I had installed on my 2005 XK8. These are superb tires! I just drove 200 miles in driving rain and fog and the tires were quiet and stuck to the road like glue. I replaced Conti Sport Contactc2 -- would often hydroplane on these. Also went from 26 MPG to 27 MPG highway on the new tires. Great deal from Tire Rack with $70 credit back - tires were $175 each delivered to my installer.

If you are considering new tires -- these should be on your list.

 

+1 on the Contental ExtremeContact DWS. Good handling, good ride, and very quiet. Good price too!
Regards,

 

Another +1 on the Conti's - 5000+ mi. on mine & I can't imagine a better tire for the XK8.

 

After doing a lot of research on tire rack, if you don't drive in snow at all, the new Dunlop Direzza DZ102 is a great deal at $607 plus $70 shipping but you get a $50 rebate visa card too.

If all season, the new Conti Contact DWS 06 would get my vote.

you can plug in your car and see all the tests and rating comparisons by tire category.

Garry

 

I just picked up a set of 4 ControlContact Sport™ A/S They are exclusive to Discount tires and so far they are great. I bought the car 2 weeks ago and drove it home. Checking the tire codes on Dunlop's on the front and Goodyear's on the back I found the front tires were manufactured in 2002 and the rears in 2006. Although the tread was still good I felt lucky I was able to drive it home 200 miles without a problem.

 

Right, but if they are not directional they can be swapped side to side.

 

What is Dynamat

 

Dynamat is a stick on insulating material used by Stereo shops to deaden the external road noise when put down under carpet and pad.

 

I have been running Falken P722's for the last 30k on an MB roadster. They seem to be the best tire and value that I've ever found. The UTQG is 600AA, so it should last.

 

As most owners do not drive their cars during the winter, it should be recognized that the purchase of an all season tire is a waste of an opportunity to purchase really effective summer tire.
All season tire are a compromise, and as such will not perform as well as dedicated summer or winter tires. Look for the best performing summer tire at a price you find acceptable and buy it.
Don't waste your time or money buying a tire that will not perform as well as a tire specifically designed for the conditions you're most likely to encounter.
Regards,

 

I live down south at the bottom end of the snow line. I will be able to drive mine all year. The only thing I will avoid if home, is rain or bad weather in general... the 722's run about $150 ea plus install, so they are a good value all season tire. I usually wait for a sale and have bought them at near $100 ea...

 

I can second the FALKEN recommendation for an inexpensive tyre, in my experience they stuck like glue in corners, but wore out quickly. After about 15K mi the rears lost grip, and the fronts started tramlining-following every seam in the road. All depends on where and how much you drive.


Regards,
Jerry

 

Just ordered another pair of Yokohama YK580 tires (size 245/40/19) for the front axle of my wife's 2006 XK8 from my local Discount Tire store. The current front pair was installed in October 2012 and has done nearly 49,000 miles against their 45,000-mile treadwear warranty. They are approaching their 2/32 wear bars so it's time for new front rubber to ensure safe winter driving in our neck of the woods....

These YK580s are indeed great tires. They're quiet, they've never hydroplaned, and they have a relatively long treadlife for a 19-inch low-profile design. Still one of the best bang-for-the-buck tire choices on the market. Just be sure to have them Road Force balanced upon installation for best results....