I had been quite disappointed with the stodgy handling and poor motorway tracking of my new (2016) BMW 518d Touring. The Beemer was tiring to drive long distances due to constantly having to concentrate on keeping the car in a straight line at high speed. It seemed the car was very sensitive to crosswinds, lorry bow waves and road imperfections. I was very disappojnted as I expected this car to be relaxed and comfortable over long distances. The BMW was fitted at the factory with Michelin Primacy 3's. My last new car in 2014 was a Ford S Max, and that came with Primacy 3's as well. I couldn't wait to get them off.
I had the the BMW four wheel laser tracked, but nothing was amiss. Normally I buy a second set of wheels for winter tires, but this time after having read the rave reviews, I decided to take off the Primacy's and fit Michelin Cross Climate tires.
On my first drive, the BMW felt instantly better. More agile, crisper turn in and improved ride comfort, as well as being quieter than the Primacy's, which had only been on the car for 7000 miles and still looked like new.
The Cross Climates inspire great confidence in very poor weather conditions. I have encountered really foul weather and these Cross Climates have coped brilliantly. Compared to the Primacy 3's which I found prone to aquaplaning, the Cross Climates with their deep and aggressive tread pattern, cut through and disperse road surface water even when it is running across the road like a stream. Because the car handles so much better, I have been able to make better progress on cross country routes, in particular when the weather is bad.
On the motorways the car now drives like a train. Road noise is very suppressed. As yet I have not had any snow to cope with, but I will have a much better chance of getting home with Cross Climate tires fitted, than if I had of left the Primacy's on. Being rear wheel drive, I am sure the BMW would have been a nightmare without a winter type tire in snow and ice. So I will report again when I do encounter any of the white stuff.
In conclusion I recommend these tires as they are not just a jack of all trades with compromises in the summer on dry braking or in the snow, but now rate significantly better than some summer and winter tires in comparative reviews. Buy with confidence.
I had the the BMW four wheel laser tracked, but nothing was amiss. Normally I buy a second set of wheels for winter tires, but this time after having read the rave reviews, I decided to take off the Primacy's and fit Michelin Cross Climate tires.
On my first drive, the BMW felt instantly better. More agile, crisper turn in and improved ride comfort, as well as being quieter than the Primacy's, which had only been on the car for 7000 miles and still looked like new.
The Cross Climates inspire great confidence in very poor weather conditions. I have encountered really foul weather and these Cross Climates have coped brilliantly. Compared to the Primacy 3's which I found prone to aquaplaning, the Cross Climates with their deep and aggressive tread pattern, cut through and disperse road surface water even when it is running across the road like a stream. Because the car handles so much better, I have been able to make better progress on cross country routes, in particular when the weather is bad.
On the motorways the car now drives like a train. Road noise is very suppressed. As yet I have not had any snow to cope with, but I will have a much better chance of getting home with Cross Climate tires fitted, than if I had of left the Primacy's on. Being rear wheel drive, I am sure the BMW would have been a nightmare without a winter type tire in snow and ice. So I will report again when I do encounter any of the white stuff.
In conclusion I recommend these tires as they are not just a jack of all trades with compromises in the summer on dry braking or in the snow, but now rate significantly better than some summer and winter tires in comparative reviews. Buy with confidence.