Question about tyres

[sjm18]

I'm test driving an E46 M3 convertible tomorrow. Have just had a look at the car and noticed that on two of the tryes (nsf and other osr) there are what I can best describe as tears on the wall of the tyre - I'm guessing they've been kerbed. The wheels are good, but of course may have been re-furbed. Each tear is about an inch or two long - they look more superficial than anything, and lift up like little flaps of rubber. My question is this: is this the sort of thing that warrants replacing the tyre, or would it be fine? Like I said, it's on the outside of the wall, about half an inch above where the tyre meets the rim.

Any other things I should look for while test driving? Any quirks of these cars I ought to be aware of? It's manual by the way, not SMG, and it's a 2004 model.

Many thanks in advance.

[belleair302]

Replace the tyres. They are all that is keeping you in touch with the road and in control of steering, braking and saving your life.

[sjm18]

Had a feeling that may be the case.

[ih8thisname]

Yep, I would get them replaced.

A good set of rubber makes a hell of a difference anyway!