Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[groovygeek]

Hi there, first post from a new owner, please be gentle

Bought my first bimmer a few days ago, a loaded 2009 328xi for my 22-year old daughter (yes, I want to spoil her, so sue me ). The OEM RFTs are nearly worn out after 25kmi and I find the ride stiff and noisy. Looking to replace them with good A/S that will give her a more comfy ride. Knowing her great looks and smoother ride will be preferred over great handling.

From what I can gather, Continental ContiProContact SSR's are potentially better options than the OEM Turanzas if I go with RFTs. Is that the prevailing opinion? Anything else I should consider?

However, the range of choices for non-RFTs is bewildering. Anyone care to recommend a good A/S tire that looks good and rides well even if it compromises handling a bit. Size is 225/45-17, she is in SoCal so mostly summer driving but she may go skiing occasionally. Yes, I know no spare, this is what AAA is for.

Last but not least, in the past I have always bought tires directly from the shop that installed them, so I would also appreciate some advice on what I need to order from TireRack should I decide to go that way - tires + a set of four TPMS? What would install typically run per tire at one of their recommended shops?

Thanks for the patience with a noob.

[roundle]

If I lived in the US, I would buy the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus. They get great reviews, look bad-ass, and wear like iron.