General Tire XP 2000 Z4 BTDT?

[james accordino]

--- "M. A. Luong" <maluong at mindspring.com> wrote:
> Robert,
> 
> I have an '88 5KCSTQ with the XP2000s.  
> The tires are pretty good for the price (can you say
> "the value pick?") but 
> not as good as far as ride, noise, and grip as the
> Michelin MXV4s I have on 
> my 300E.  The absolute grip is lower and the
> compound gets a little hard 
> when it falls below freezing.  Ice traction is only
> average, based on past 
> cars I have owned.

This has been my experience as well.  They cost half
as much as the MXV4.  I don't own race cars and most
of my time is spent schlepping family and luggage or
commuting great distances.  I can't justify "ultimate"
grip tires that cost $125-$200 ea. and have a wear
rating of 60.  As far as cheap tires go, anyone ever
subjected to driving on some of the new "import"
tires?  "Euro"..."MetricGT"..."MegaTread"  These tires
generally cost $25-35 and are downright dangerous.  I
don't know who makes these things, or how they even
get approved for road use, but THEY suck!  A nice
neighbor lady insists on buying this trash, and can't
understand why no 1 tire has lasted more than 5-7k
miles.  

Jim Accordino