Pirelli P4000 225/60 ZR 16.

[DavidMJS]

I have owned my X300 Sovereign from new and it has always been shod with Pirelli P4000 225/60 ZR 16 tyres. I am now about to have a new set of tyres fitted, but find that the Pirelli tyres are no longer available at my local tyre factor. What are the options please? What are the current recommendations? I don't want to fit inferior or unsuitable ones.

Many thanks.

[maxbozon]

Hi!

I had come across a similar problem, here is our discussion: http://www.jec.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=131&t=5746

In general just go for any quality tyres. I was trying to choose from Michelin, Continental and Pirelli P7 I ended up having Contis. I can't say anything bad about them.

I also found it quite useful to compare different models in tyre-shops online. So far I've tried at http://bestbuytyres.co.uk/ and http://www.national.co.uk/ and found that the first one, run by Drexel, gives cheaper quotations and service is definitely better (at least in Sheffield).

[DavidMJS]

Thanks for the prompt response. It seems that I have quite a choice: shame though that Pirelli no longer makes the original ones. The first set lasted to 39,763 miles, the second were replaced after 26,794 and I've now done 20,100 on the current set. This reflects the change of use over the years and more journeys on very twisty hilly Devon country lanes! I should have changed the fronts to the rear, as the rear tyres are far less worn. However, as the car has always been maintained for me, I have never had the wheels off myself (tried yesterday but couldn't get any of the wheel nuts undone!!!!!!!!)

I will keep you all posted on the eventual choice of new tyres.

[maxbozon]

I wouldn't be very upset by the fact that Pirelli is not manufacturing old designed tyres any more. I truly believe in progress! And knowing advances in technology in last 15 years I would definitely go for something newer given this time frame, assuming that it would deliver better performance and safety.

[DavidMJS]

Thanks for all the advice from members regarding my X300 Sovereign tyre replacement. I have just fitted a set of Pirelli P7 Cinturato 225/60 16s and they seem satisfactory so far. I note that modern tyres look very different, with much wider grooves and not much tread! It will be interesting to see how they wear. My first set of P4000s lasted nearly 40,000 miles, the second 27,000 and the last 21,000. This reflects the lower annual mileage and much more driving on twisty hilly Devon country lanes.

Thanks again, David.

[DavidMJS]

Just returned from a trip to France and can report that the new tyres have performed well. However, they don't seem as quiet as the original P4000s and there is far more "bump, thump" over rough roads. I ran them at 28psi front, 30psi rear for the trip and would appreciate any comments. The ride is certainly not as supple as with the original P4000 tyres.

David.