Hi all -
Can anyone recommend good all season replacement tries for the 2005 S40 T5 FWD? The car came with Michelin Pilot HX-MXM4 in 205-50VR17. I have 27,000 miles and they are way worn out. I want to remain with the same size, but I have not been impressed with these stock tires. The tires seem to handle well, but they have become VERY loud as they have worn down. On the highway they now sound like snow tires. A constant loud HUM sound. Has anyone replaced with decent handling quieter tires?
My brother has had good luck with thru Tire Rack.com with Kumho Ecsta ASX on his 2002 BMW 330 coupe. These tires are not expensive, but I am a bit nervous of this brand tire that I never heard of.
Has anyone had any luck with replacement tires on their S40 T5?
Gordon

Hi - I had the same tires on my 2005 S40 T5. I actually thought the tires, performance-wise, were great, but agree they got very noisy with age and wanted to use a different tire. When checking around, I was told that the T5 with 17" wheels have a 93 load rating. My tire retailer told me that he could only sell me a tire with a 93 or above load rating - my choices were the Michelin's again, or Goodyear Eagle F1 A/S. I went with Goodyear and they are awesome! They are good looking, have an very agreesive tread and should be great for the 4 seasons we get in Ohio. They are much quieter than the Michelin's, but still have a firm, responsive ride - probably more so than the Michelin tires. I wanted the performance ride that the T5 can deliver, but with some sophistication and comfort. Be sure to consider your type of driving and the weather conditions in your decision. Good luck.

I have Kumho ECSTA AST 225/40HR18, and I love them! I thought that the original Michelin tires (16 inch) that came with my car were crap. I was constantly breaking them free—without even trying—causing my traction control to kick on. This also happened every time it rained. After 2000 miles I knew that they had to go, and I figured since I was getting new tires, I might as well upgrade to 18s. I had never heard of Kumho tires either, but I figured that at that price, it would be worth the gamble, and they couldn’t be any worse that the Michelins. I am definitely glad that I bought the Kumhos! They are way stickier off of the line, I can corner better, and they keep traction when it rains. I haven’t driven them in snow yet though, so I can’t comment on that.

My 2005 S40 2.4i - sport package came with the HX MXM4s, and I've absolutely loved every minute with them. Mine are at 35k miles and the nylon is coming out through the tread, so today when I got my oil change the place "highly recommended" changing out my tires, citing that there was 2/32nd left of tread or w/e it is that they measure that stuff in.

I'm looking for new tires, as the MXM4s are EXPENSIVE! I'm thinking about going with the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3, as they were #1 in the Car and Driver 2005 Street Tire test. (Car and Driver 12-2005).

I discussed with a buddy of mine the MXM4s, and he swears by them on his TSX, puts his life to them, as he said, because he drives his car so hard, he knows that other tires wouldn't hold up the same. He does burn through the MXM4s in 12k miles. 1/3 of how long it takes me to go through mine. Mine are mostly long-distance driving tires though, as monthly or even bi-monthly I drive 500 miles across FL to come home from school. I do notice that they're a little loud, but I'm happy with them, and they're not deafeningly loud. And for the performance, I'm happy to settle for not the quietest tire on the market.