Dunlop M3 vs 3D

[gtogtogto]

I was about to buy the 3Ds but after searching I saw that they did not have any survey results (where it compares all the tires of the same caterogy on dry, wet, and snow handling, noiseness, treadlife, etc...). But they did have survey results on the M3s (the were ranked #1); however, the M3s do not come in my size (245/45/17).
Is there a reason why the 3Ds are not on the list, (newly built?)?
Could I fit M3s in 235/55/15? 245/40/17?

I guess the real question is:
Should I get the Dunlop M3 235/55/17, M3 245/40/17, or 3D 235/45/17?

[Greeny5005]

i have a set of M3s 245/45/17 are you sure your not confused? i would go stock size incase you slide or something in the snow you will have more cushion if something were to happen.

[gtogtogto]

See I kept reading the it is better to have thinner tires in the snow; therefore, being able to cut through it easier. I am on tirerack.com right now and they do not have 245/45/17 in the M3s only the 3Ds.

[71 gto]

3D is supposed to be the newer version of the M3's so at the very worst they should be just as good as the M3's.

i am planning on buying a pair of 3Ds soon.

[GTONick]

3D is supposed to be the newer version of the M3's so at the very worst they should be just as good as the M3's.

What he said. ^

I've actually already got the 3Ds on and I love 'em. We had a bit of snow around here early last week and some of the roads were pretty bad until the plows and salt trucks got out. I didn't have any extra weight in the back and I had less than 1/4 tank of gas and I didn't even realize this until later on. The tires stuck to the road and cut through the mess.

I don't think you'll go wrong with either one of those tires, but if you're only worried about size, I'd just get the 3Ds....actually that is what I did. I would have bought M3s, but they didn't have the size I wanted at tirerack, either (I think they're clearing out the M3s or they're just not stocking all the sizes anymore). I'm more than happy with my 3Ds.

[CSF]

I have an 05 with the 18" wheels so I bought a set of the 17" oem wheels off ebay. Then I bought the Dunlop 3D's, which as said are the "new and improved" replacement for the M3's. But I noticed the 3D's are a bit wider then the the same size M3's according to tirerack. So I bought the 235/45/17's - according to the tirerack web site these tires have an identical 9.4" width and nearly identical diameter and revolutions per mile as the OEM 18" Bridgestones that came on my car. The 245/45/17's had a 10" width, and since I've had no strut rub and good tire wear with my 18's I went with the 3D that matched up with my OEM 18's almost exactly.

Craig

[gtogtogto]

So I can fit Dunlop 3D's, 235/45VR17 on my stock 17" rims?

[VAGTO06]

I just installed 235/145/17 3Ds from Tire Rack, they accidentally sent me 235/55/17 and they would not fit. Do not buy any profile greater than 45 or you will have severe problems with the tire contacting the strut. As for the width, my car came with 235/40/18 so I played it safe and got 235s. The
3DS are about 90% of my low profile Bridgestones in terms of cornering, I have not tried them in the snow. BTW they are the new and improved version and as you said, the reviews on the predecessor were great.

[CSF]

So I can fit Dunlop 3D's, 235/45VR17 on my stock 17" rims?

Yes - the 235/45/17 3D on the stock 17x8 rim is exactly the same width (9.4") and only 1/10" different diameter than the stock Bridgestones on the stock 18x8" wheels. They are actually probably a safer fit then 3D 245 series which, are listed as having a 10" width at Tirerack if you are worried about strut rub.

[gtogtogto]

Thank you.