Cheap Tyres… (really cheap) Am I going to die?

[Zephyr]

Ok. My new to me BMW E21 is not much of a sports car and until I decide what I am going to do with it, I just take it out for some careful driving.
In a month I have to get it in for inspection (local MOT) and definitely need new tyres.
my options are
Dunlop 185/70/13 at a mind blowing 255€ EACH
Barum Brillantis at 86€ each
Petlas Elegant PT311 at 51€ each

the Dunlops are unexplainably expensive and the reasonable choice seems to be the Barums.
but on the other hand… how bad can the cheaper Petlas can be?
any input on “cheap” rubber? Anyone has to share a success/horror story?
it is just 120€ difference, but why not spend for beer?

 

[andyglym]

Ok. My new to me BMW E21 is not much of a sports car and until I decide what I am going to do with it, I just take it out for some careful driving.
In a month I have to get it in for inspection (local MOT) and definitely need new tyres.
my options are
Dunlop 185/70/13 at a mind blowing 255€ EACH
Barum Brillantis at 86€ each
Petlas Elegant PT311 at 51€ each

the Dunlops are unexplainably expensive and the reasonable choice seems to be the Barums.
but on the other hand… how bad can the cheaper Petlas can be?
any input on “cheap” rubber? Anyone has to share a success/horror story?
it is just 120€ difference, but why not spend for beer?

No personal experience, however ....

Petlas Elegant PT311

Will the Petlas Elegant PT311 suit your car? Find the best tyre for your car read 8 reviews for the Petlas Elegant PT311 and compare to other Economy Comfort tyres at tyre reviews

www.tyrereviews.com

I think in conclusion you'd be better off using Weetabix as tyres.

 

[Synclare]

.

 

[Zephyr]

Not sure about the Brillantis bit, but Barum are a well established and reasonably respected tyre, I would run on them. They are probably part of a major manufacturing group anyway. Guess the sun there can kill a tyre before they wear out and not a lot of rain (?) so slicks probably give better grip!!!

Undortunately tyres over here last about two summers. After two full seasons no matter the thread they are literally toast.
parking in a garage helps but still 40+ celsius (under the shade) and a real and recorded 57 to 60 degrees on the asphalt roads really kill them quickly.

 

[IainP]

I generally check how many sidewall plies cheaper tyres have. The really cheap ones are only two and generally fabric, much easier to burst. Personally I like at least one steel ply. Much harder to burst, not so prone to cracking.

 

[Synclare]

.

 

[t-tony]

Totally agree with Iain regarding sidewall cracking and also in between the treads too with cheaper range tyres. What we used to refer to as Siamese Slippers.

Tony.

 

[DakarZ3_NZ]

You can’t put a price on safety, and the best thing you can put between you and the road is a set of good tyres…so don’t skimp on safety and go with the best rubber you can afford/justify.

 

[IainP]

Do you have anywhere wholesale like these folks?

Car Tyres - MPV Tyres - People Carrier Tyres - 13" R13" - 185/70/13, 185/70R13

www.camskill.co.uk

 

[Zephyr]

Do you have anywhere wholesale like these folks?

Car Tyres - MPV Tyres - People Carrier Tyres - 13" R13" - 185/70/13, 185/70R13

www.camskill.co.uk

Unfortunately not.

 

[IainP]

Freight forwarding maybe? A friend uses that to send stuff too heavy/bulky for the plane, backwards and forwards to Poland. I’ve seen small trucks with Greece>UK>Greece on them, whilst sitting in traffic, no idea of the company names though, they were in Greek.
I can attest Camskill are really helpful, they’ll have the dimensions and weight to hand.

Only other option may be eBay Global Shipping, I use that quite a bit.

 

[Rod and Kate]

No personal experience, however ....

Petlas Elegant PT311

Will the Petlas Elegant PT311 suit your car? Find the best tyre for your car read 8 reviews for the Petlas Elegant PT311 and compare to other Economy Comfort tyres at tyre reviews

www.tyrereviews.com

I think in conclusion you'd be better off using Weetabix as tyres.

Go for the family pack!! It's better value.

 

[Zephyr]

Found someone from Bulgaria that will send cash on delivery a set of Continental Eco Contacts dated 2021 (supposed to be stored in a dry and dark place) at 75 each.
at least I am going to see the actual product before I pay.
my wife found his advertisement on Facebook.
it seems I might end up dead after all… he will be here in two weeks and asked for a “rendez vous” at a shady spot in the international transport area if Athens.
Ever since I bought the E21, in my quest for parts and bit and pieces I have embraced danger and becoming sort of an outlaw…. The places Ive been are beyond any imagination…. Hahaha

 

[Toby]

You want to scrimp on the only thing keeping you in contact with the road ?

 

[Zephyr]

You want to scrimp on the only thing keeping you in contact with the road ?

For sure I am not paying 1.000€ for a set of Dunlops.
I think I got a good deal on the Contis. As long as after the delivery I return home with both my kidneys and alive, I guess this went well.