[hunter6]

I've recently picked up a used E46 M3 with 12k miles and the original Pilot Sports that were manufactured in 05-06. I plan to track the car and am concerned about the age of the tires. Some references indicate that tires should be changed out after 5 to 6 years even if not worn out simply due to age. I wanted to get some opinions here on whether or not it is o.k. to track a tire that is older but in otherwise excellent condition.

Thanks,
Justin

[SJDave]

Tracked mine first time this year with 2005 vintage Pilot Sports with 50% tread left; no problems except I wore them out driving aggressively on a 105 degree day. Did the age of the rubber contribute to the wear, maybe, but the tires felt fine all day and seemed very safe to me. But I had tire cord starting to peek through on all 4 at the end of the day.

I have had ski boats for the last 35 years, you tend to put very low mileage on those tires, they get replaced from either too many screws and nail punctures or tread separation due to aging. My current Goodyear trailer tires are 8 years old with 80% tread and show no signs of cracking along the sidewall or on the face of the tread, inside the deepest grooves. When I see signs of cracking in the grooves in particular, I replace the tires as I have had them start to separate and eventually scrub the tread off.

I would run with them, keep an eye on the wear, you may have to miss a session and order some new tires to put on when you get it home.

I have 19" wheels, went with Kumho Ecsta SPTs ( good compromise wet/dry) for the street and bought a set of OEM 18" wheels off Craigslist and mounted Hankook DOT R C51 medium compound slicks for the track. They are wearing fantastic (both) and the R compounds are amazing on the track, very forgiving and allow you to play with slip angle easily. I have not found them to have a "breakaway abruptly" point at all as some indicated. I think they are easier to drive fast and under control then street tires. Alot of guys run Toyo Proxes "R" compound tires for both street and track, seems to be most popular tire out there, especially with the coaches.

http://www.1010tires.com/tire.asp?ti...el=Proxes+R888

Get out there and have some fun.

*** Bleed your brakes before going..need to remove the moisture or the fluid may boil if your pushing it and the pedal will go to the floor. Ideally switch to a DOT 4 high boiling point fluid at the same time like ATE Blue/Gold.

[steeezm3]

Recommending R comps to a novice driver wouldn't necessarily be the advice I'd give. What I would suggest is picking up a set of spare wheels and run RE-11's or something of the likes.

100% agreed on swapping over to super blue, it's actually the only track prep I suggest to new guys.

[hunter6]

I appreciate the input very much. I just completed my first track day with the M3 (8th overall) this past weekend at Laguna Seca but due to the rain I was not as concerned about the age of the tires. I will take your advice and use them for now....keeping a close eye on how they hold up.

Got it on the ATEe...I learned the hard way on my 1st track day when the brake pedal hit the floor....fortunately I was in the paddock doing 5mph when it happened. Switched to ATE and had no problems after that.

M3 is new to me so until I'm more familiar I'll stick with the street tires.

Thanks again.

[1997M3sedan]

TEAM Racing is running Thunderhill Dec 10th. That's a good track to test you and the car. Let me know if you have the time to go.

[hunter6]

Originally Posted by 1997M3sedan

TEAM Racing is running Thunderhill Dec 10th. That's a good track to test you and the car. Let me know if you have the time to go.

Very kind...I appreciate that. Unfortunately the time has come for me to move again...so I'm leaving CA on the 17th. Next track day will likely be at VIR, Summit Point, of NJMP.

Thanks,
Justin