Tyres for Audi A8 4.2 Quattro problem with Dunlop

[paulcooper]

My Audi is fitted with Dunlop SP Sport 9000 245/45/R18 96Y tyres (x4). I was getting a vibration through the drivers seat. My Audi dealer and my tyres specialist state that the front tyres are shaped like a 50p piece???? They say this is due to a fault with the Dunlop tyres. Dunlop state that it is most probably due to the car/suspension etc etc. They state that I should have two new tyes fitted and then send the original tyres to Dunlop who will investigate the problem. That means I have to spend another £320 (did I mention that all 4 tyres have only used 1mm) on 2 new tyres despite the fact that they have only been on the car for 2 months. Has anyone else had this problem? Can I sort this out with Dunlop without having to spend another £320? Your help would be appreciated.
On top of that do you know anyone who can supply 2 new tyres at a good price?

[Dilligaf10]

Who supplied and fitted the tyres in the first place? Might be worth going back to them and telling them about the problem. (Maybe suggest that they are not of merchantable quality).

Try swapping the two rear tyres for the fronts to see if that makes a difference or even a set from another vehicle. If there is no difference it may not be the tyres after all.

[ukdennis]

Sorry don't know much about tyres on an A8 of your vintage/mileage. Could it be worn suspension on a 200k miler? My 2005 A8 also uses Dunlop SP Sport 9000 of a slightly wider size (255/45 R18 99Y) and I've found them to be great in all respects - this after 6 months of owning the car. Wear is barely noticeable and not of the unusual pattern you describe.

[paulcooper]

I wonder if any one could help me.
I have an Audi A8 4.2 Quattro Sport 1997/8.
It is fitted with almost new Dunlop SP Sport 9000s. I have only used 1mm of tread and am getting a vibration from the drivers seat. My Audi specialist and tyre specialist have stated that the tyres are shaped like a 50p piece. Dunlop have stated that I must buy ANOTHER 4 tyres, send the old ones to them and they will investigate the matter. Having already spent a considerable amount of money on 4 tyres (1mm ago) I do not see why I should buy another 4. It has been suggested that this is a common problem with Dunlops on Audis. Have you heard of anything like this before.
Also I have some paint bubbling on the A pillars. I do not understand this as the car is aluminium. Once again someone has suggested that Audi will cover me for this. Your thoughts? Just one last question. It has also been suggested that there are some better tyres for my car (i.e. 255s instead of 245s) Your thoughts once again please. My thanks in anticipation.

[nicktowe]

I use SP Sport 9000's on my A6 Le Mans which has 19 inch rims and on my Ginetta G33 whioch has 15 inch rims. The tyres on the A6 are the version rated as extra load.

In both cases I find the tyres are great, if a little noisy on a dry road. They wear much better than the Pirelli Pzero Rossos that the A6 had on orignally.

I don't get any vibration at all, so its not normal for the tyres to be shaped like a 50p piece.

I suspect you have the classic case of 2 parties each blaming the other. I would have the geometry of the suspension checked and get a written report if it is as spec, then you can send that along with the tyres to dunlop.

Under the sale of goods act the responsibility lies with the suppliers of the tyres to ensure that they are fit for purpose. Again if you want to persue the supplier then you will need the report on the geometry.

Did the supplier look at your old tyrees (when he fitted the new ones) and make any comments regarding unusual wear? If so did you take any action to have this remedied?

[CMJ]

Hi I too have an A8 2001 3.7 QS and for the record intend to replace the current Dunlop tyres with some more Dunlops. I am pretty particular when it somes to vibrations and have to say the A8 has none. Having been through this loop with tyre companys in the past I would say, go ahead and buy two new ones, if it cues your problems you know it is the tyres and in my experiacne the tyre company's issue more faulty batches of tyres than is well known. HOWEVER - if you have run them flat, run with not enough pressure, over heated the tyre, left flat in the garage etc etc THEY WILL KNOW and will bounce your claim for a refund. ONLY you know if you need to be cautious with the offer they have made Good Luck.:-)