VoyagerDude

Thanks for the URL, I'll check it out.

Completely forgot about the 7.5" rim

spasibo

Buellwinkle

I've heard this debate for years. Patch people say that's the only real way to fix a flat and the plugs cause the plys to delaminate and the plug can come out. The plug people says it's they only real way to fix a flat as the plug holds seals in where the hole is and it's glued in so it can't come out. I've had flats fixed both ways and I can't tell the difference. American Tire (aka Discount Tire) will fix your flat for free and they dismount the tire, patch it and remount the tire and balance it. You don't even have had to buy the tire from them. Plugs are really easy, you can get a kit from Pep Boys, stick a t-handled gizmo in the hole to make it bigger to fit the plug, put a strip of rubber at the end of the T-handled gizmo, put glue on the strip and shove it in the hole and fill with air. Flat fixed in under 5 minutes.

SFVideoGuy

Thanks guys. It was plugged at a gas station on Friday. I'm crossing my fingers and keeping the phone in the car. My boss has a 540i that's always breaking down, si if I call him from the side of the road, I'm sure he'll understand!

Mercedes101

Im definately thinking of upgrading from the stock 16" ContiTouring's that came with my C240 to 17" wheels and Tires. Im not an expert but after 8K miles my biggest complaint about the Conti's are noise - frankly i didnt think it was possible for a tire to make so much noise but they are very noticeable - no complaints otherwise as i think they handle acceptably, don't squeel in turns and are wearing evenly but boy do they RUUMMMBLE - i just wanted to do a reality check - how do people feel about the conti tourings - is it just my imagination as to how loud they are? - i will likely go with the Kumho 712's on 17" wheels - what can i reasonable expect to feel from a noise and handling perspective from those who have upgraded from OEM tires?

MercManiac

yes, they are noisy, but damn good tires in the rain. Try Mich. Pilot XGT ZR 4s, they handle great, low noise but still give an excellent highway ride that doesn't fatigue.

hokusbenz

what do you guys use for tire treatment? i use black magic gel, which seems to kick up onto the body if not applied thinly enough... any reccomendations?

awiner

I have been using the Meguires Gel. I find that it won't kick up on the body if you apply it with a damp sponge. You still need to aplly it light but the damp sponge trick has worked well for me.

hokusbenz

hmmm.... i will try out the damp sponge idea. used to use meguires- but the shine is nowhere near the black magic

TimmyC230boy

I use the tire foam. Its made by ArmorAll. You spray it on and its a white foam. It drys in a few minutes and lasts a good while. No sling off. Lasts very well after rain, and is resistant to dust. Tires on mine were shiny for 9 days with 1 rain and 45 miles per day. NO SLING OFF. Its good stuff

Mark08859

I find Stoner Solutions MORE SHINE LESS TIME for tires really works well. Just spray and walk away.

MarkL

I use "Endurance" by Meguiars? Mothers? Can't remember. But, it's a thick gel that you apply to a sponge applicator. Won't overspray onto the wheels so it won't act as a super dust magnet. Two applications works pretty well.

NANA

How is the performance of the Conti tires that came with C7 package (17") during rain (NOT Snow!). Do I have to change them to All Season tires or is it safe to keep it for its life?

viper

Any of the summer performance tires are fine in the rain. If you don't encounter snow or ice you will have no problem and can leave them on all year. If you find yourself in snow you don't have to worry because you won't be going anywhere except by tow truck. Note that you will experience faster tire wear and will have to replace them that much sooner compared to the all season tires. I heard that 2003 will see an all season performance tire because of the inconvenience of having to purchase snow tires for those of us in colder climates.

steve s

all-season tires are for light snow. summer tires/max performance tires sometimes perform just as well if not better than all-season tires during rain or wet conditions.

hokusbenz

i find that the C7 tires are excellent performers in the rain... havent gotten into any trouble yet... while averaging 75- 80 highway driving in moderate rains.... the traction is good in the corners too. i am happy with them, but have not tried them in snow yet.

dasMafia

the stock continentals are fine until the snow starts to fall, there is good reason that those tires (or similar) are used on almost all BMW M cars, and all of the "sport-optioned" BMWs and (some) audis... they are a great tire for going fast.

ting

Meguir's Gel as well

Duffer

I just bought Meguiars. Others on TT Forum say it lasts a long time and shines well.

bagwell

I tried BLACK JACK...a liquid that WILL fling off but even after a hard rain it stayed on shiny...I washed the car and still remained shiny.

Silver_Lana

Dude...he said stoner... hehe :p
(sorry way too much beavis and butthead watched in my lifetime.)

greg230

meguires gel, 2 coats every 2 weeks, amazing finish, neat, and no sling off

BrabusCClass

I use Meguairs, it smells the best and I get it free.... Hehe. I use a sponge applicator and it doesn sling off. I really like the smell. Makes me want to lick it. Hahaha.

BlackC230Coupe

eww man thats sick. lol but funny by the way how do u get free Meguairs stuff. Also i saw your car on the meguairs web site on the Virtual car show i am going to put mine on there next week.

Big Dog

I've been using Eimann Fabrik Black Opal Dressing for a couple of years. Just spray it on and let it sit for awhile. Lasts a long time and look great. http://www.properautocare.com/bl-32.html.

jack230

At Target, I bought a special applicator for tire dressings. It's like a curved sponge with a handle--works really well with Black Magic.