I've done a search of threads on tires, but many of the posts seem old. Looking for current tire advice: I want a tire that's a good compromise between handling and comfort, with good grip in wet conditions (but not snow-have winter tires. Cost is secondary to getting the right tire. Recommendations? (Have OEM rims and don't intend to change.)

Do a little search for markcincinnati's writings on both those tires, or one on my writings on the Falkens.

I have the 512's and am pleased as punch. I daresay that you'll be happy, too.

I have the 512s on OEM rims and they're great (and inexpensive), but for 3-season use GS-D3s could be a better choice, particularly in the handling department as they're more like SO3s w/o the harshness, I understand.

great dry traction. Superior wet traction.

The only thing none of us knows is how long they will hold up on a big, heavy allroad.

they ride nicely as long as the pressure is below 37lbs, and they're quiet. I am disappointed that they get so much harder when you approach 40lbs of pressure though, and I'm not thrilled that the turn in is kind of dulled.

that I am very happy with my Falken 512's. 5K miles and no noise, wet handling is wonderful, I had them on the track at Limerock and they never let me down.. and at 95.00+ shipping and mounting you can't go wrong.

512s the car had Conti winter tires.. Anything is better then those things.. :)

since the winter tires were bought from the local shop, all they charged was $10 to mount and balance these things.. :)

Otherwise the shop quoted about $170 for the P6000s + tax..

1. Z-rated tires are intended to be used when the abmient temperature is above 7C (45F). In some climates, a V-rated tire is a better choice in cold weather.

2. Some tires give up comfort for grip, such as the Bridgestone S-03. For the allroad, I personally prefer a tire that gives up some grip to improve quietness and comfort, such as the relatively inexpensive Cooper Zeon 2XS.

Uhmm.. Lets see.. I have two storage bins to the left and right of the sub enclosure.. All fiberglass wrapped in alcantara.. I have a better description of the setup in the link along with more pictures..<ul><li><a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/tt/msgs/1052036.phtml">A little writeup on the piece..</a></li></ul>

Since you plan to keep the stock wheels, I suggest that you consider going to 245 x 50 x 17" tires.

If cost is no object, the sky's the limit.

I rather assume that cost is an issue -- in that case, just for starters, go to tires.com and tirerack.com, since they do not carry all the same brands and search for 245 x 50 x 17" in UHP or Max performance tires. I guess you COULD search for all seasons, but it seems like that would not be required since you have winter tires.

I don't know all the sizes avail in brands -- I endorse, in the non Premium price brand, the following: Cooper and Falken. My experience with these tires is with their Zeon 2XS and Azenis ST115's respectively. I have read good things about other Falken's too.

I had and enjoyed the Pilot Sports (which I believe you can get in all season or summer only versions). I thought, however, they were too expensive, too noisy too quickly and at 19,000 miles on the A/S version, I had to ditch them due to road noise.

Personally, I wouldn't spend the money for another set of these tires.

But I cannot complain about the performance, other than as noted, which is more of a "for the money" issue than anything else.

If you look around the site you will find a comparo of all tire brands that they sell in each catagory. They list from the no 1 choice of all customers to the lowest rated tire based upon customer feedback. I have based my latest purchase on this chart (since no other method of choosing a tire seems to work for me 100% of the time) and this is my latest scientific methodology.
The top 3 rated tires according to the chart were as follows:
1....Goodyear F1-GS-D3
2....Bridgestone Potenza Pole Position S-03
3....Michellin Pilot Sport
and so on.
I found it useful in addition to the advice I received here on this forum. Hope that this helps

I don't know what sizes are available, but with the factory wheels (17" either one, stock or optional 17") you have two choices 225 x 55 or 245 x 50 -- I would, personally go for the 245 x 50 if Cooper or Falken makes them in that size.

Michelin does. And my only issue with Michelin is value, not quality or performance -- value. They cost about 20% (at least) too much just for the name as far as I am concerned.