Thinking of Barum tyres

[Sylvian]

Or the like for my 986 S is this ok, or will I really regret not getting Michelins? I have tried Bridgestones in the past but I hated the wet grip.

 

[Buddy]

When I had a 986S I did find that the Michelins were the best tyres I used, I wasn't impressed with the Pirellis though some like them, I'm currently using Bridgestones on the Cayman S and find them comparable with the Michelins I had on it before. Maybe the Bridgestones have changed compound, what N number have you?

I've not heard of anyone using Barum on the later cars.

 

[BartyB]

I'm fairly sure they're not a Porsche approved tyre type (they should be N rated) so think you're going to seriously compromise handling and performance if you fit them. To be honest, they sound like a budget tyre better suited to a family saloon to me. Bear in mind that if you fit incorrectly specified tyres you run the risk that in the event of an accident you could have a problem with any insurance claim. I run Pirelli P Zeros and would recommend these. In my experience, P Zeros seem to have better grip than the Michelins, both in the dry and in the wet, but possibly wear marginally quicker. No doubt others will have their own preferences. The other approved tyre is Continental. Bridgestones aren't approved for the 986 as far as I know.

 

[Sylvian]

Not a fan of contis, so it looks like Pirelli or Michelin.

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: BartyB

... Bear in mind that if you fit incorrectly specified tyres you run the risk that in the event of an accident you could have a problem with any insurance claim....

If you speak to your insurance company you will likely find same as me - they don't care about Porsche's N rating - their concern is the correct size and speed rating.

I do always buy N rated tyres for my car but I was lent a set of wheels once (while mine were refurbished) and those were fitted with non-N rated tyres - which was why I called my insurance broker.

 

[BartyB]

I agree Mark but I did say that 'if you fit incorrectly specified tyres'. From what I could see on Barum's site the sizes on offer did not seem correct for a 3.2S let alone being N marked. It's my experience that different insurers take different views on tyre and wheel fitment so personally, I'd rather not give an insurer any reason to avoid paying out and would always fit what it specifies in the handbook.

 

[cjdavidson]

Bridgestone do make approved N rated tyres for the 986, I have SO2 fitted to mine
and I like them.
But I don't think people should get to hung up about having N rated
tyres, as long as they are the correct size and rating for your Boxster.

 

[Sylvian]

What is the best Pirelli or Contis for wet grip? I was looking and kwik fit don't list a Michelin PS for the 18inch Carerra wheel is there a Michelin out there for this size of wheel?

 

[BrianJ]

KwikFit sell loads of tyres that they don't list on their web site, including 18" N rated Michelins for my Porsche. Just ring and ask. The guys in the place are as mystified as I am as to why this is. My local KF has always been able to supply unlisted Michelins same or next day and (with a bit of encouragement) bid the most competitive price. And they have always looked after my wheels. I have no connection with them, except as a customer. The just happen to be convenient for me.

 

[BartyB]

I most definitely wouldn't let a Kwik Fit fitter near any alloy wheel let alone those on my Boxster. My experience is that they, along with ATS, National, Halfords and their ilk can't even jack a car up properly, let alone remove and refit a tyre to a wheel without damaging it. And then there's the matter of removing and fitting balance weights competently. I've seen so many examples of poor tyre fitting practice that I now take the wheels off my car myself and take them down to a local fitter who has the skills and knowledge to fit tyres properly to alloy wheels.