I finally picked up my Maxima GXE (Automatic) yesterday (whoo whoo!). It was a replacement to my good old Altima.

Little did I notice the 17" alloy wheels, and took even less notice of the Dunlop Tires until last night (seriously - the purchase was fast and furious, I needed a car and I found it quickly, purchasing it in the rain, and concentrating mainly on the engine, bodywork etc).

I was (initially) quite amazed to see these tires, and realized they are "Z" rated: Dunlop SP Sport 8080E - 225/45z/17. They look quite new, and unworn.

When I researched (all excited like!) I was keen to see their value and reviews etc.

It seems they are German imports, primarily targeted at the BMZ Z cars. That didn't sound too bad - until I saw reviews showing a poor rating for these tires, primarily because of their fast wearing, and them being somewhat "noisy". Most people who evidently reviewed these tires said they would not replace with similar tires.

All I can tell is that they are similar to Dunlop 8000 series.

I am nowhere near a point of replacing these right now, and to be honest they look rather good, lifting my married with two young children, slightly graying haired look, elevating me to a distinctively lofty level compared to my old Altima days (an Altima to those from the UK is the same ... well almost... as a Nissan Primera).

Does anyone else have these tires on their Altima, and what experiences (if any) can you share...

Regards,
Sir Robert

ps. I live in Southern California, but I am of English descent, so I find it amusing when it rains here! And I see everyone panic, and drive hideously in the rain, turning their lumbering SUVs into out of control behemoths!