Time to put on some new tires on my XK8. Was at discount tire today and they recommended either the Continental Extreme Contact Sport 02 or the Yokohama Advance Apex, Currently have the Michelin Pilot Sport. Not sure if I should prioritize ride over handling at this point. Michelins are 12 yrs old so kinda figured id better change them out Love to hear what you guys are driving on.

 

My 2002 XKR is a daily driver, so the miles pile up pretty fast, allowing me to try several different brands of tires. So far I’ve had the Michelins, Pirelli’s, Firestone, Goodyear, I know I’ve left out one, but it slips by

So far my hands down favorite were the Pirelli’s. Soft enough to give an easy ride, but they can really grip much better than the Michelins, which are much harder tire. I had more fun with the Pirelli’s by far. I might try Continental next, or just go back to the Pirelli’s.

the Michelins lasted a good deal longer than the others, but were go-hum in the fun department


Z

 

Barum Bravuris 5HM all-season tires (Barum is a European subsidiary of Continental Tire), available only through Discount Tire. My front tires were built in Slovakia and my rear tires were built in the USA. Been running them since January 2022 with no issues at all. They have a 40,000-mile treadwear warranty and are rated 500/A/A. They were very reasonably priced when I purchased them. Prior to these tires, I ran a couple of sets of Yokohama tires that were exclusive to Discount Tire and are no longer available....

After the prorated treadwear credit was applied for the Yokohama tires these Barum tires replaced, I paid $220 for the set....

 

Great thread @KRT. I’m in a similar boat and these fellas have taught me so much about these cars, that I’d be silly not to take their recommendations on tires.

I’d also like to get their take on sizes. I’m currently running Continentals 245/45 18 on all four. I have read threads about different sizes for fronts and rears.

 

I don’t know what year you have (2003 ?) , but it’s my understanding that the staggered tires are stock on all the years (could be wrong of course).

I do know my 2002 XKR came with 245/45-18 on the front and 255/45-18 on the rear. Those are the only size(s) I’ve ever used.

according to tirerack.com your 2003 factory tires were the same sizes as mine; 245 on the front and 255 on the rear.

Z

 

I second @Jon89 's recommendation on the Barum Bravuris 5HM. Have had multiple brands (Pirelli, Michelin, Nexen, Goodyear) and when I needed to replace in late '22 or early '23, I knew Jon had gone with the Barum's and was pleased so figured I would give them a try. So far, I have been pleased with these.

 

So the Barum Bravuris 5HM tires are a good value compared to what i have been looking at, what makes you guys like them so much? Thanks

 

The wheels on my stock 2005 xk8 are wider on the rear, hence different tire sizes.
wj

 

My initial plan was to go with Continental Contact Sports as many forum members are riding on those. I saw Jon's recommendation on the Barum's, did a bit of research and read reviews - most are pretty favorable. Discount Tire had 4 in stock at a reasonable price - pleased with performance - excellent handling in the rain, less road noise compared to the Goodyears they replaced.

 

Vredesteins here, no complaints.

 

^^ Which Vredestein tire model did you go with?

 

Love our Contis. They do seem get a flat spot after sitting in the garage for a time, but most tires do.

 

So i went with the Continental Exteme Sport 02 tires they matched the Yokohama Advan price. Cant wait to get them on and see how they perform. Appreciate everyone’s input, this sight is the best for advice and research. Thanks again, Kent

 

I have Quatrac Pro 245 45 R17 tires on my 97 XK8. I have Quatrac Pros on my X-Type Sportwagon too. If somebody wants an all weather tire they’re a good cheaper alternative to CrossClimate2’s tho not quite as good at the snow bit, tho still better than all season tires. Pretty quiet too except on grooved concrete freeway bits which I think all tires make noise on.