This week's Motorweek had a report on their long-term 350Z. One of the things that they mentioned in particular, was that the tires got extremely noisy after 10,000 miles. Apparently Nissan are aware of this, and they indicated that Nissan dealers are doing some sort of deal to replace the OEM tires when they get noisy, if owners push them on it.

My point in mentioning it here is that the 350Z is delivered with the same Bridgestone RE-040's as the RX-8, which makes me wonder whether RX-8 owners are destined for a noisy ride in a few thousand miles, and if so, what if anything will Mazda or Bridgestone do about it.

 

Protenza RE040 is in stock jap cars in most models.

Then just make me think:

What is the different between the Protenza range?
re010 (dont think they have anymore)
re040
re050?
GII
GIII

Any idea people?

 

I can verify the loudness of these tires on my Z...gets annoying on long trips...i hate these tires

 

this is not good stuff

 

ha... changing time

 

Don 't forget the infamous

RE070

Found stock on the WRX STI, and one of the newer vipers- to my knowledge, these are probably some of the best tires they make.

 

And the S03's, dont forget them...

 

Im not worried about those I worried about the tires on my car

 

RE92 One of the worst all season tires out there.. ugh.. forget those

 

But the RE950s are pretty well-respected as far as all-seasons go.

 

In the current C&D, they had nothing really to say about the 040s on the long term 350Z, except that they replaced them at 21k miles with...OEM 040s! These are not good tires IMHO. Well, they're good but not the best for the money. Even cheaper S03s have better traction/mileage ratings and are not too far off in performance than the Pilot Sport @ 250 each...according to TireRack ratings/reviews. My theory is that Bridgestone cut a deal with Mazda and Nissan to "give" them these tires knowing that most owners would replace them with OEM tires and they will make a nice buck on the deal.
My '02 Miata SE (16") had similar Bridgestone Potenzas that were all but gone in less than 12k miles. I replaced them with Yoko ES100s...cost less, better traction/mileage and knocked about 2" off my autox times on average!
When the 8's tires are gone, I'll be looking for something better than 040s.

 

My Audi came with these tires.. They weren't loud on that car.

I also have a set on my tricked 98 Civic coupe, and they are kinda loud. I think loudness mostly depends on how well the car shields wheel well noises.