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Two years ago replaced the OEM Michelin tires on my wifes 95 855
with Continental Touring Contact CH95s (Tirerack, $57 each). Had
a flat this weekend and when the tire was removed for repair it
was found that there was a half moon shape separation (about 3
inches long) near the bead (on the sidewall). Inspection of the
other three tires revealed that two of them each had two similar separations around the rim/bead (these are small failures but
since they are on the sidewall they are worrisome). Tire guys
would not repair the flat.
Went to another tire shop and they said they had seen this before
on BMWs (Continental is BMW OEM -- in fact, when I carried in the
wheel and showed them tire they first asked if the wheel was from
a BMW). This tire shop manager attributed the problem to low air
pressure (I've never measured aything less then 28 PSI on this
car). Maybe potholes?
The 2nd shop sold Michelin Pilot XGT H4s for $93 each (vs. $86 from
Tirerack -- 195/60 15s) so I replaced all 4 with the Michelins (a
Pilot for under $100 is worth trying, I figure).
I know I have seen a couple of other people post that they have
the same Continental tires (I liked the fairly compliant ride).
So, if you have them, give em a close look. The damage on mine
were all on the inside of the tire and not easily seen.
P.S.
Both tire dealers doubted it could have been caused during the
original tire mounting/installation (my first thought).
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