Help me pick my next tires: Toyo R1R, BFG KDW2, or Falken FK-452

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  • RainierHooker
    R3VLimited
    • Jul 2009
    • 2026

    #1

    Help me pick my next tires: Toyo R1R, BFG KDW2, or Falken FK-452

    Ok, I need to order a new set of tires in the next week or so in hopes that they are at my doorstep before I come home on leave. Afterall I've got plans for the M...

    Anyway my choices are:

    Toyo R1R: Probably the best of the three as far as handling goes. However the wet traction reviews are less than promissing, and while I don't PLAN on driving in the rain, I do live in the PNW, so its pretty much unavaoidable. Also treadwear has come up more than a few times in the reviews, afterall it is an R-Comp. Also, of the three they are the most visually appealing to me.

    BF Goodrich KDW-2: These also seem to get very good ratings in the handling department, however since they aren't an R-compound they probably have nearly the dry traction of the R1R. However they seem to get positive reviews for wet traction, at least for this tire's purpose. Most of the cons listed for these have to do with road noise and handling loss after a few years. They are markedly cheaper than the Toyo's too, although thier tread-patten is just this side of obnoxious.

    Falken FK-412: These pretty much seem to rate right along with the BFG's in terms of dry and wet traction and price without the noise complaints. I have read more than one unfavorable review in the tread-wear department though. They seem to be a bit more of a 'squishy' tire compared to the other two. They also have a fairly mundane tread pattern, and I like mundane things that perform better than expected.

    I'd like to know if the r3v has any first hand experiences with any of these tires. For reference, these are going on the car in my sig, which is my fair-weather toy. While I pamper her, she will get her dose of canyon carving and the occasional trip to Pacific Raceways. On the other hand, she has to cope with the occasional commute/pub-run.

    What does the hive-mind say?
    6
    Toyo R1R
    50.00%
    3
    BF Goodrich KDW-2
    50.00%
    3
    Falken FX-452
    0.00%
    0

    1984 Hennarot 325e - 1990 Brillantrot M3 - 1938 Buick Special Business Coupe
  • NigelStu
    E30 Modder
    • Oct 2010
    • 827

    #2
    Do the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec come in the size you need? I'd vote for those.
    Ben
    Thelma-Louise, the '88is Chump Car - back to M20 power!

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    • Hellabad
      E30 Modder
      • Aug 2008
      • 807

      #3
      If you're on any sort of budget I really like the General Exclaim UHP.
      Here is my photo gallery answering common questions about Ground Control Suspension, and e30 suspension problems in general.
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      • Boosted E30
        Wrencher
        • Dec 2009
        • 288

        #4
        I have the KDW-2 and I've driven track and street and other then the tire noise I really like them and will buy them again. They give great feed back the side wall is nice and stiff and are very sticky, wet performance isn't the greatest but still manageable.

        I also have the Dunlop star specs but I have only driven a few hundred km on them, they do feel nice but wear very fast.

        Comment

        • N2MYE30
          R3V Elite
          • Oct 2007
          • 5536

          #5
          The only experience I have are with the KDW2s. I had some 205/55/15 that I bought new on my euroweaves and they held up great. The only problem I had is that my camber ate up the inner tire but thats my fault. Since BFG does not make any 15"ers I had to go with something else...same size but DZ101. It is a quiter tire but not as sure footed as the KDW2s. Its not saying that the KDW2s were loud at all.

          When it came to getting getting tires for my t-stars, I got lucky in finding a brand new set of 225/45/16 in KDW2s. Ive been running them now for about 800 miles and seem quiter than the 15"s iirc but man they have plenty of stick.

          I personally like the tread pattern. The sidewalls are close to bare with little writing on them. Thats a plus for me.

          With either size, I have never had a problem with the rain, I just drive normal and alls good.

          Prolly the only con which is prolly gonna be on most summer performance tires is that they need to warmed up to remove the flatspots. But once warm, its on!

          Im not gonna rate since I have experience with the others.

          COTM

          Comment

          • 2002maniac
            R3V Elite
            • Feb 2005
            • 4260

            #6
            Living in a rainy climate i'd have to go with the bfgs. I have them on my e34 540i and they are excellent in the rain for a ultra high performance tire. Nice stiff sidewall and good compound.

            Comment

            • RainierHooker
              R3VLimited
              • Jul 2009
              • 2026

              #7
              Well, I probably should've put in my original post that the size I need is 225/45-16. As such, the selection is pretty slim. Unfortunatly it may come dow to what's available and in stock since I'm on kind of a short time line. I really want to get the new wheels on the car when I'm home on leave in less than a month.

              Looks like the BFG's are getting good press here, elsewhere I'm seeing lots of Toyo love although since the R1R model specifically is fairly new, there's just not much to go on...

              1984 Hennarot 325e - 1990 Brillantrot M3 - 1938 Buick Special Business Coupe

              Comment

              • IronJoe
                R3VLimited
                • Oct 2010
                • 2275

                #8
                I'm in the same spot as you, selection in this size is not great.


                I'm going with the KDWs, ordering them later this month. You're welcome to check them out when you get here if that helps make your decision.


                EDIT: I don't know what your goals are with your M3 (track/street/shows), but mine will get driven and isn't a garage queen. As you're well aware, we get a good amount of precipitation and wet traction is key in my decision making as I'll be driving this as much as possible throughout the year.
                '89 Schwarz E30 M3 Cabriolet Build

                Comment

                • nando
                  Moderator
                  • Nov 2003
                  • 34827

                  #9
                  the KDW2s are pretty much perfect for the PNW. I had no complains on the the track, especially in the wet, but they of course won't grip like an R-comp.
                  Build thread

                  Bimmerlabs

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