205-50-16 Bridgestone RE750's on stock wheels - review

[GerardPRO5]

after almost 27K miles on the stock Dunlop SP5000's and after a bout of hydroplaning on the freeway, I decided it was time to replace the tires.

I still had at least 1/2 tread left, but I didn't want to take any chances. wheels were already slipping in the dry.

my initial impressions of newly mounted 205-50-16 Bridgestone Potenza RE750's on stock 16" wheels:

-much better road feel
-unbelievable cornering!
-rear end tracks much more smoothly...almost like it's on rails
-front wheels don't slip in 1st gear

I had a hard time choosing between the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 and the Bridgestone RE750's...however, treadwear (280 vs 340) and a national backorder on the Goodyears led me to the Bridgestones.

I'm happy with the purchase.

just letting you guys know...Discount Tire Company will price match Tire Rack's online prices.

RE750's were selling for almost $180 apiece at Firestone...got Discount Tire down to $122 with lifetime replacement.

 

[zmepro]

205/50's fit? isn't your wheels diameter much larger now?

 

[GerardPRO5]

only 1.7% larger...our speedo is off by about 2% anyway...so technically, speedo readings are more accurate.

205/45 would be 1.7% smaller, 215/45 would be VERY CLOSE, but not advisable with our 6" wheels.

 

[zmepro]

i thought they were 6.5, im thinking about getting some 215/45 azenis

 

[FasterP5]

...our speedo is off by about 2% anyway

What are you basing the preceding statement on ????

 

[GerardPRO5]

What are you basing the preceding statement on ????

I'm basing this on general assumption from the Edmunds.com discussion boards, this board, and a Mazda mechanic.

The tendency for Mazda (I'm generalizing here) is to be somewhat generous with speedometer readings. My old BMW's ('89 325i and '80 320i) were notorious for being *extremely* generous...but then, BMW's tend to generally off in terms of speed anyway.

if you really wanted to be anal, you can get a G-Tech Pro or some other velocity measuring device to measure it yourself.

 

[sidpro5]

Bottom line---do the 205's fit without any problems? I guess it's too soon to check wear patterns and all, so I was wondering if the fitment gave you any problems at all. (cheers)

 

[KYMP5]

i have the 205/45/16 and they look like they are meant to be on the car. i have the bridgestones and have no complaints about them. I was going to go with falkens but since i work for the largest bridgestone/firestone distributor in the US i got a good deal on them

 

[KYMP5]

my mistake, i have the 910s but will soon have the 750s

 

[sidpro5]

Do you have them on the stock rims? Going by your sig, I wouldn't think so...............

 

[KYMP5]

they were on my stock rims but i put them on these rims afterwards.

 

[KYMP5]

/members/KYMP5/car010.jpg

 

[sidpro5]

well, something to consider. Thanks......(cheers)

 

[GerardPRO5]

no problems with fitment. the 205's don't really appear any wider due to the 6" wheel.

 

[KYMP5]

they only looked wider from the back. the 195s just looked so tiny when you are walking up behind the car. the 205 isnt that much wider but it looks much better

 

[sidpro5]

So, what kind of deal can you swing?





j/k

 

[KYMP5]

probably around 105 ea plus shipping. ill have to get with one of my tire guys to see if i can do any better

 

[sidpro5]

Oh, really? Cool. I was just playing, but for those prices........
Not ready at this moment, but by summer at the latest.........

 

[KYMP5]

just hit me up when your ready. i dont htink they are on my site so you will have to call me

 

[sidpro5]

Cool! Thanks for the info/help/etc........