Best Tyres for 19" Rims for better road noise & ride

[DorsetDC]

I love my R but the other half complains about the harsher ride and road noise compared to the previous GTI on 18" rims (and the benefit of DCC).  I currently have Kuhmo's fitted, which came with the car. Do you think a different make of tyre would change the comfort and noise level and if so, which tyre would you recommend?

[itavaltalainen]

Not too much in it. On 19s the tyres are almost like painted onto wheels....
Maybe try a slightly lower tyre pressure.

[fredgroves]

Most the 225/35/19's I can see are rated at 71 or 72db.

The only ones I can see less are:

GOODYEAR 225/35R19 88Y GOODYR F1 ASY2 XL  which are 69db (I doubt 69 vs 71/72 is much of a difference)

DUNLOP 225/35R19 88Y DNLP MAXX GT DSST XL* which are 66db

The latter is definitely a run-flat. I always thought RF's were more noisy.... they certainly will be less confortable ride!

[Gnasher]

I'm running 235/35 R19 Eagle F1 Assymetric 2's and whilst I can't compare them to anything else apart from the Continentals, they aren't overly noisy and definitely not intrusive, even on lowered suspension.

[monkeyhanger]

Kumhos came with the R? Was it used? Can't imagine Kumhos coming from the factory. With budget tyres like that i'd expect a harsher ride. The factory fitted Bridgestones were hard on mine but swapping out for Michelin PSS and the ride is a lot nicer. Above 10mph my R on 19s is just as comfy as my MK7 GTD was on 18s (Bridgestone). For me DCC on 19s was not required.

[Watts]

Perfectly happy with the ride quality and noise levels with my 19s, mine are Pirellis. Also don't have DCC.

[jv]

Latest Mini GP comes with these 'budget' items.

[Sootchucker]

Perfectly happy with the ride quality and noise levels with my 19s, mine are Pirellis. Also don't have DCC.

Same with me - totally happy with the Pirelli P-Zero's on the 19" Santiago's on the GTD. Only marginally more noisy (if at all) and harsher than the 18" Goodyear Asymmetrical units I had on before (with the DCC set at Normal), and miles ahead of the Bridgestone's the first GTD came with.

To be fair though, the "R" has a slightly lower profile (35 as opposed to 40 on the Santiago equipped GTD's and GTI's), so not sure if that makes a difference ?

[Raffe]

I have Michelin Pilot Super Sports on 19" wheels without DCC.

These were changed from the OEM 18" Cadiz with Bridgestone S001's and I swear the ride difference was negligible and definitely quieter.

[DorsetDC]

Thanks for the replies which are very useful. Yes my car was second hand and the Kumhos were fitted by the garage, I'm sure as a cheap alternative.  One of the reasons for changing is I very gently scuffed a curb recently at no more than 2mph and it took a big chunk of sidewall out.  Think I might go and try Pirellis or Michelins.