Tyre choice

[steveww]

My XJS takes 225x60x16 tyres. What makes of tyre have you used and what are they like?

I believe the P6000 is the default but is there anything better?

[PaulE]

My car had P4000 when I got it in '03; replaced the rears with P6000 when they wore, but am still using the fronts after 25000 miles which I think is remarkable. Perhaps I am not cornering fast enough. Shall continue with the P6000. It is not easy to find reliable assessments of tyres actually in use on the XJS, presumably because they do not do many miles these days. I did look into using Vredestein and had a long visit to their stand at Southern Day coming away with all the bumf and a baseball cap. They were sponsoring some Jag racing at the time and were offering discounts to members and I had almost decided on giving them a try until I found out that they were not easy to get in S.Yorks. I know Thorley has some on his XJ8 and says thet are OK.You can get the Pirelli brand anywhere. I used to be a staunch Michelin user but no more after the last set of 'Primacys' on my SAAB 9.5 Aero were very noisy and wore out in no time. I am now using Yokos on that car as my SAAB man can supply very reasonably and they are good, but not listed in the size the XJS needs. Do a search on Black Circles if you want a good read.

[ptjs1]

steveww,

The default tyre changed over time and was also dependent on whether one had touring or sports suspension.

Your sig doesn't say what type of model and year you have. However, assuming that you've got a latish facelift car, then P600 (now 6000) were standard on Sports Suspension cars but they were a lower aspect tyre - 225/55. P400 (now 4000) 225/60 tyres were standard on Touring suspension. I've had both but have now stuck to Pirelli P6000 225/55 which work really well for me.

Having said that, I did good mileage out of the P4000s on the rear of my car. I recently changed them after 29000 miles still with a few mm of tread left.

Paul

[dhdove]

Steveww

I run my current car (and my previous Celebration) on the (Coupe) recommended Pirelli P6000 225/55R16 W (J) - the (J) indicating Jaguar approved spec. for that vehicle. I replaced the fronts earlier this month and paid £234.74 inc. at my local dealer.
I have found that these tyres last approx. 20-25,000 miles, though I do replace them just before the tread markers start to wear. I have no problems with noise and they seem to grip well enough.

I have heard that you could have problems with an insurance claim if the car is involved in a "tyre related" accident, not only if they are the wrong spec. but also if they are not the vehicle manufacturers approved tyre. However this may be an apocryphal story.

I would strongly advise that you ensure that the fitters use stick on weights on the inside rim as this will avoid damage and future corrosion problems between the (unsightly) hammer-on weights and your expensive alloys.

Regards
Tony