Why different tires, Dunlop and Bridgestone?

LANDLORD · 08-26-2011, 11:25 PM

I just saw another X5 with the sport package, and sure enough, it was fitted with the Dunlop tires. Why does or how does BMW use the two different brands of tires, both Dunlop and Bridgestone? The Dunlop's are softer, and much more expensive to replace. They always seem to be on the X5 with the sport package. Yet, the X6M comes with the Bridgestone's.

I keep wondering why this is. Maybe it is just random, whatever they have on hand? There is definitely a cost difference, so why would they use both types of tires and not just one? Right now I am checking around for the Bridgestones and the rear's are on backorder as far as I can tell.

Does anyone have any more information about this?

E90Fleet · 08-27-2011, 02:58 AM

BMW, like most other manufacturers, have multiple supplier for things like tires, usually 2 or 3 per common size.
They determine which tires they like for a certain size and then choose the suppliers.
The one you get on your car depends on which were delivered that day to the factory.

On certain large sizes there is often only one supplier

The following are X6 Summer tires

19"
Bridgestone Dueler HP
Continental Sport Contact UHP

20"
Bridgestone Dueler HP
Dunlop SP SportMAXX

21""
Dunlop SP SportMAXX

As a Comparison, the E90 3 Series can have any of these on 17" from the factory ( not all makes may go to all countries due to availability there)

17"
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A I
Continental Sport Contact 2
Dunlop SP Sport 01
Pirelli PZero
Pirelli CintuRato

E90Fleet · 08-27-2011, 03:06 AM

Here our BMW dealers have some of the best prices on the tires. They get them directly from BMW.

Dont know if they can in the USA, but may be worth a try

I buy them from the dealer then have a specialist tire place fit them

LANDLORD · 08-28-2011, 03:20 AM

I just found good prices at Tirebuyer.com. They ship for free in the US to your local tire shop that you pick from a list they generate. The installation charges are all listed for all the shops in your area. You pay for that also during the purchase. Really a nice concept in tire shopping. I will probably order from there this week after checking with them regarding if they have them all in stock.

08-26-2011, 11:25 PM	#1
LANDLORD Turbo Engines are Fun 24 Rep 252 Posts Drives: 2010 X6M Monte Carlo Blue Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Los Angeles Coast iTrader: (0)	Why different tires, Dunlop and Bridgestone? I just saw another X5 with the sport package, and sure enough, it was fitted with the Dunlop tires. Why does or how does BMW use the two different brands of tires, both Dunlop and Bridgestone? The Dunlop's are softer, and much more expensive to replace. They always seem to be on the X5 with the sport package. Yet, the X6M comes with the Bridgestone's. I keep wondering why this is. Maybe it is just random, whatever they have on hand? There is definitely a cost difference, so why would they use both types of tires and not just one? Right now I am checking around for the Bridgestones and the rear's are on backorder as far as I can tell. Does anyone have any more information about this?
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08-27-2011, 02:58 AM	#2
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	BMW, like most other manufacturers, have multiple supplier for things like tires, usually 2 or 3 per common size. They determine which tires they like for a certain size and then choose the suppliers. The one you get on your car depends on which were delivered that day to the factory. On certain large sizes there is often only one supplier The following are X6 Summer tires 19" Bridgestone Dueler HP Continental Sport Contact UHP 20" Bridgestone Dueler HP Dunlop SP SportMAXX 21"" Dunlop SP SportMAXX As a Comparison, the E90 3 Series can have any of these on 17" from the factory ( not all makes may go to all countries due to availability there) 17" Bridgestone Potenza RE050A I Continental Sport Contact 2 Dunlop SP Sport 01 Pirelli PZero Pirelli CintuRato __________________ BMW if you are reading, I need a job, Please. Last edited by E90Fleet; 08-27-2011 at 03:04 AM..
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08-27-2011, 03:06 AM	#3
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1312 Rep 10,185 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Here our BMW dealers have some of the best prices on the tires. They get them directly from BMW. Dont know if they can in the USA, but may be worth a try I buy them from the dealer then have a specialist tire place fit them __________________ BMW if you are reading, I need a job, Please.
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08-28-2011, 03:20 AM	#4
LANDLORD Turbo Engines are Fun 24 Rep 252 Posts Drives: 2010 X6M Monte Carlo Blue Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Los Angeles Coast iTrader: (0)	I just found good prices at Tirebuyer.com. They ship for free in the US to your local tire shop that you pick from a list they generate. The installation charges are all listed for all the shops in your area. You pay for that also during the purchase. Really a nice concept in tire shopping. I will probably order from there this week after checking with them regarding if they have them all in stock.
	Appreciate 0 Quote