Bridgestone RE040 185/55/R15/V Replacements

[stavros58]

Hi I need a bit of help I'm looking to replace my front tyres which are Bridgestone RE040 185/55/R15/V but am unable to find any Im currently running these front and back (Bridgestone RE040 215/45WR16) in fact have always used this tyre since the car was new. Now I can get the rear tyres but not the front and I understand you never run an MR2 with mixed tread so i'm a bit stuck. Does anyone have any suggestions or know where I can source some front tyres from (Bridgestone RE040 185/55/R15/V) Thanks

[tricky1138]

I've searched all over looking for these too and have been unable to find them anywhere.

I've bought a new set of rears as my fronts are ok, but may have to look elsewhere once these are done.

I know there is a replacement but I cant remember the number. Hopefully they would be compatible with RE040.

[cptspaulding]

I sense a long & predictable debate ensuing with campaigners on both sides.
The long & the short is you can't get those Bridgestones in a suitable front size any more.  
So pick a tyre you want to eventually have all round & get a pair for the front.  See how you go.
If it knackers your drive then get the rears done too.
Current popular opinion seems to be Yoko AD08R if you have deep pockets or Falken ZE914 if you're on more of a budget.
Other brands are available (but not many who do facelift sizes for both axles). [WINKING FACE]

[stavros58]

I've just looked at the Toyos they seem to be pretty poor in the wet, which is a concern especially in this country and I live up north lol price wise they are on a par with the Bridgestones.

[stavros58]

I understand you can fit different spec tyres on the rims how does this work? I always thought you had to replace tyres like for like width wise etc but I have no knowledge regarding tyre fitting other than basic stuff. What tyre size can you fit on the rims bearing in mind they are 15 front 16 rear size of course.

[chillired]

I had the same dilemma couple of days weeks ago. I now have Bridgestone Potenza RE040 at the back and the front I fitted Potenza S001. No problem run like a dream.   s:D s:D

[puma2]

iam trying to get get some rears for my 2, one company said they are no longer available.  s:( s:(  
then i found a few local company's who could get me the rears but not the front.
did not look at the front as mine are good, how ever it does look like they will no longer be available.
so my next full   set seams to me Yokohama ad08r  s:D s:D

[1979scotte]

I've just looked at the Toyos they seem to be pretty poor in the wet, which is a concern especially in this country and I live up north lol price wise they are on a par with the Bridgestones.

I have driven from one end of this country to the other. As far south as Exeter and as North as Stirling and there is nothing wrong with Toyo Proxies T1R. Maybe not the best on a track but have never let me or my 230 horses down.
Justt got back to London from Barrow funny enough i didnt die. Sorry for sounding a bit harsh  but the toyo bashing upsets me.
I am however moving to AD08R.
Wouldnt hesitate to try the falkens either.

[stavros58]

Sorry Scotte I have just gone back and looked at the ratings for wet and it would seem I have misread the ratings and the Toyo's are on a par with the Bridgestone if not better in the wet so my apologies!  Im more than happy to look at Toyo's or any make if they are good tyres and recommended by club members as i've only ever had the Bridgestones on. If you are putting 230 hp through the Toyo's they must be pretty good, what's the wear rate like im guessing you could probably add quite a few miles on for a standard MR2 ? (depending on driver style of course). Can you get either set of Toyo's you recommend for 15 and 16 rims because i'm struggling to find them atm.

[stavros58]

Chillired   I've just looked at the Bridgestone online catalogue and they aren't showing the SO1's at all but are showing the Bridgestone Potenza RE040 rears in that size which means they are still in production so its all as clear as mud. I think what ill do is ring Bridgstone or email them on Tuesday and ask them what the situation is and take it from there as its pointless getting the fronts matched if the rears are then going to be an issue or if the fronts will be an issue later. And I'm going to look at the Toyo's and Falkens in the meantime to see what they work out at cost wise and performance wise. I dont do track days although i'm sure I would enjoy it, mostly its bombing around country lanes in Lancashire and Yorkshire and travelling around Europe in summer. Incidentally do the SO1's have the same tread pattern as the  RE040's ?

[1979scotte]

Hi it wasn't  Toyo bashing just an observation that the tyre companies give them a low wet grip rating whereas the Bridgestones have always been very good in the wet but unfortunately no longer available. Wear wise the front tyres have lasted 27,000 miles as well which isn't bad. I'm more than happy to look at Toyo's or any make if they are good tyres and recommended by club members as i've only ever had the Bridgestones on. If you are putting 230 hp through the Toyo's they must be pretty good, what's the wear rate like I'm guessing you could probably add quite a few miles on for a standard MR2 ? (depending on driver style of course).

Done around 10k on them and Tom checked at the weekend and reckoned they were down to just above 3mm at the rear. I will double check myself. Could be uneven wear is i had sub frame issues making rear alignment impossible until november. Fronts are still fine.

[cptspaulding]

the Toyo's are on a par with the Bridgestone if not better in the wet  

It's not about the grip on the Toyos, it's about when you feel that grip (calm please, scotte.   s:oops: :oops: s:oops:  ).

The Toyo T1Rs have soft sidewalls so when you corner they flex & while the tyres are gripping like buggery, you feel some sideways movement on the car before you feel the grip. Takes a bit of getting used to & I  couldn't. Sorry if that sounds like Toyo bashing Scotte, but I see it as a fair opinion from someone else with first hand experience of the T1R.

& there I'll leave it, never to mention the T word ever again unless directly asked.

[stavros58]

Hi I love debating it brings knowledge alive and makes learning so much more fun. However In my earlier question I asked that, people say they fit different size tyres onto the same rim therefore giving a wider range of available tyres but I have no knowledge of how that works and what sizes you can fit on my rims Obviously you have to fit 15R on the front and 16R on the rear as the air wont stay in otherwise obvious to all I would hope lol, but past that I'm clueless could someone please enlighten me Thanks

[1979scotte]

the Toyo's are on a par with the Bridgestone if not better in the wet  

It's not about the grip on the Toyos, it's about when you feel that grip (calm please, scotte.   s:oops: :oops: s:oops:  ).

The Toyo T1Rs have soft sidewalls so when you corner they flex & while the tyres are gripping like buggery, you feel some sideways movement on the car before you feel the grip. Takes a bit of getting used to & I  couldn't. Sorry if that sounds like Toyo bashing Scotte, but I see it as a fair opinion from someone else with first hand experience of the T1R.

& there I'll leave it, never to mention the T word ever again unless directly asked.

I disagree with none of the above it was the comment about wet grip that upset me.

[cptspaulding]

Hi I love debating it brings knowledge alive and makes learning so much more fun. However In my earlier question I asked that, people say they fit different size tyres onto the same rim therefore giving a wider range of available tyres but I have no knowledge of how that works and what sizes you can fit on my rims Obviously you have to fit 15R on the front and 16R on the rear as the air wont stay in otherwise obvious to all I would hope lol, but past that I'm clueless could someone please enlighten me Thanks

Have a look using the search tool. There has been a few threads on that discussion which will enlighten you further. One or two also have links to circumference calculators & the like to make sure you stay within limits for correct operation of the speedo.

[1979scotte]

Hi I love debating it brings knowledge alive and makes learning so much more fun. However In my earlier question I asked that, people say they fit different size tyres onto the same rim therefore giving a wider range of available tyres but I have no knowledge of how that works and what sizes you can fit on my rims Obviously you have to fit 15R on the front and 16R on the rear as the air wont stay in otherwise obvious to all I would hope lol, but past that I'm clueless could someone please enlighten me Thanks

Have a look using the search tool. There has been a few threads on that discussion which will enlighten you further. One or two also have links to circumference calculators & the like to make sure you stay within limits for correct operation of the speedo.

 m http://www.willtheyfit.com/ m

[chillired]

I got the Bridgestone S001from   m http://www.oponeo.co.uk m
The treads are not exactly the same but driveability still very good. Check it out.   s:) s:)

[Ardent]

Stavros
Does this help?

[stavros58]

Hi guys thanks for all your responses I've had a response back from my email to Toyo not yet one from Yokohama or Bridgestone. This came at 8:30 this morning so very impressed and reads as follows.

Good morning Steven, We can match the patterns in the sizes you need using the PXCF2, but unfortunately the speed ratings are 'H' & 'V', instead of 'V' & 'W'.
A possible alternative in the PXT1R pattern could be to use  
Front: 195/50R15 82V   Rear: 225/45R16 85W
But you would need to ensure that the wheels are wide enough to except these, and there is adequate clearance from bodywork and mechanical components.Please feel free to call me if you would like to discuss further.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this based upon their own experience or knowledge , reading this im thinking the second choice PXT1R sounds okay and I'm guessing there is plenty of room in the front wheel arch etc but I don't have a clue if the wheel fitment would be right. I've tried to get my head around the  info provided by Ardent but have no idea what the rim width would be on the Stock wheels, i'm probably being a bit thick. Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks.

[cptspaulding]

Stock wheel sizes

& from http://www.willtheyfit.com/, they'll be fine

[stavros58]

Hi I've just received a reply from Yokohama which is as follows

Good afternoon Steven, Thank you for your enquiry.
Currently the only matching pattern manufactured by Yokohama is the Advan Neova AD08R.
The Advan Neova range is ultra-high performance and is classified as a road legal competition tyre.  
The Neova is suitable for normal driving conditions but has a strong bias towards hi speed cornering, braking and stability in dry conditions.
Neova AD08R also features:
Micro Silica - Ensures solid wet grip.
Orange Oil - Enhances adhesion to road surfaces.
Macromolecule blended polymer - Great rigidity and improved resistance to wear.
If you require any further information, please don't hesitate to contact me or refer to our  website .

Whilst they are the most expensive they are the only tyres I've found manufactured that meet all the specifications

Another tyre I have discovered so new they are not as yet on the manufacturers website are the Avon 7V7 tyres these are really low priced in comparison with the Yokohamas the only let down is that the rear tyres would be V rated not W no ides how good they are and there is no comparison reviews as they are so new. Wet grip is classed at A though so I guess they must be at least grippy in the rain.

[stavros58]

Thought the outcome of talking with Bridgestone might be of value to some members when looking at replacing tyres on the facelift MR2 they have responded as follows

Dear Sir
You asked us a question on 3/30/2016 at 5:36:03 PM. The answer is:
I have had a word with out technical department and as we no longer have matching front & rear tyres for this car, i'm afraid that you will probably have to look elsewhere.
We couldn't recommend that you fit EP150 on one axle & RE040 on the other.
We made the tyres for 10 years, but they were phased out.
I know this is probably not wanted to hear, but there's not really any other option unfortunately.
Kind regards, Bridgestone Customer service department




As you will read they have said they couldn't recommend that you fit EP150 on one axle & RE040 on the other which i'm sure most everyone would agree with, even though I'm sure some people do mix them.
So after having spoken with the tech department at Avon,  Falken and Yokohama who all make the right fitting tyres but V rated for the rear tyres not W rated as the current Bridgestone  I was advised to check with my Insurance company to make sure dropping a speed rating didn't void my Insurance although bearing In mind V rated tyres are still a lot faster rated than the MR2 will go. So I've done this and much to my surprise (LV Insurance) they said yes thats fine as long as you are not changing the size we don't need to know and V rated tyres are fine. So just to be on the safe side I've asked for a note to be put on my policy in the event of any issues in the future. So at the end of this I now have a greater option on tyre fitting than I previously thought I had. I would clarify that Yokohama are now the only company that make the W rated rear and V rated matching front tyres now but they are way more expensive than anything else and Toyo now only make H rated for the front and V rated for the back.  So thanks guys for all your help and advice all I have to do now is decide which tyres and my choice may have to take into account  that I will I'll need a new clutch in a couple of thousand miles max so finances may well factor in.

[Ardent]

Good post Stavros.
Exactly the same position as I found myself in. Though no Avon choice back then.
I have tried the Falkens and I was very happy with them indeed and will have them on the golf soon.
As you clearly have an eye for detail, the Falken fronts have a load rating of 86 vs 81 spec. That aside. Very good for the money.
Due to some funds coming my way. I have now changed to Yokos.
Yes they are more expensive, but they are superior.
Have driven both in appalling wet conditions. Both excellent.
Falkens in the dry, very good.
Yokos in the dry. Wow, OMG, F Me, awesome. (and I hate using awesome) as lost it's power due to over use. But you get my point.

[stavros58]

Hi Ardent thanks for the response and I think you are right about the tyres, I think I would prefer the Yoko's as well. The annoying thing is my rears have at least 5mm on them and my fronts won't go the distance seems like a waste of money but I really don't want to mix treads so the Falkens or Avons will probably be the choice as I have to buy 4. Im sure ill be more than happy with the Falkens as a few people have said they are good tyres despite being budget tyres. Ive a bit of time anyway before I buy, before they are on the 1.6 limit besides I may win the Lotto and just buy a Mclaren  instead but tbh I would still keep the MR2  so id still need those tyres  s:D s:D

[tricky1138]

Hi Ardent thanks for the response and I think you are right about the tyres, I think I would prefer the Yoko's as well. The annoying thing is my rears have at least 5mm on them and my fronts won't go the distance seems like a waste of money but I really don't want to mix treads so the Falkens or Avons will probably be the choice as I have to buy 4. I'm sure ill be more than happy with the Falkens as a few people have said they are good tyres despite being budget tyres. Ive a bit of time anyway before I buy, before they are on the 1.6 limit besides I may win the Lotto and just buy a Mclaren  instead but tbh I would still keep the MR2  so id still need those tyres  s:D s:D

I suggest that you sell the rears and get a full set of something else.

If I hadn't of just bought some new rears I would have been interested. Going to be annoying when my fronts need replacing before my new rears wear down!   s:( s:(  

Oh well I may have a pair of part worn rears for sale in a years time!