Barum Bravuris 3HM. Decent Tires For Cheap.

**old guy** · 07-27-2018 04:47 PM

My 255/35/19 Pirelli P Zero’s on the A5 were pretty much shot so I started looking around for a decent A/S replacement. I assumed that I would end up with a set of Conti DWS’s. I have used them in the past and found them to be a very good A/S tire.

As I poked around I came across the Barum Bravuris 3HM. Clicky click® Apparently this tire is very popular in Europe. Barum is a subsidiary of Continental. I found numerous reviews of the 255/35/19 from S5 owners and they were all very happy with the tire. The specs on the tire are quite good. Temperature A, Traction A, 420 treadwear and a 96Y load/speed rating. 40,000 mile warranty.

As far as I can discern Barum's are only available in the States through Discount Tire Direct. The price is ridiculously cheap. I had four tires and chrome valve stems delivered to my door for $480. I paid $158 to the local VW dealership for mounting, Road Force balancing and a four wheel alignment. Total cost $638. To put that in a different perspective four DWS’s would have cost me $860. After mounting, balancing and alignment I would have spent a little over $1,000.

So are they any good?

I have put a little over 500 miles on them. Several hundred was on the Interstate. Some of it in a torrential downpour. Some of it on twisty backroads.
They are reasonably quiet on the interstate. No problems in heavy rain. Handling was better than I expected. The steering feels slightly heavier than it did with the P Zero’s. The sidewalls feel very stiff in a hard corner. No softness or wallowing at all.

The only complaint I have is the busy sidewall. There is a whole fricken book of information molded into the sidewall. Web sites, safety information, little cross hatch designs…. Fortunately it is only noticeable from a few feet away.

So far I am totally happy with the tires. Performance is on par tires I have purchased at twice the price. I will have to wait a few more months to see how they do in the snow. But then again, that’s why I kept the A4 ;-)

**bhvrdr** · 07-27-2018 06:35 PM

Thanks for the review. I wonder how these compare to something like a v12 evo2 or the indy 500. You have to post pics of the sidewalls now lol

Mike

**Spawne32** · 07-27-2018 06:40 PM

Czech tires apparently, long as they arent chinese. lol

**old guy** · 07-27-2018 06:54 PM

I'll take some pics in the morning and post them.

**A4x** · 07-27-2018 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by Spawne32

Czech tires apparently, long as they arent chinese. lol

My Continental DWS's were also made in Czech Republic. A lot of European auto parts are. It's not a bad place lol.

**old guy** · 07-28-2018 06:21 AM

Originally Posted by bhvrdr

Thanks for the review. I wonder how these compare to something like a v12 evo2 or the indy 500. You have to post pics of the sidewalls now lol

Mike

[IMG]

[/IMG]

**bhvrdr** · 07-28-2018 07:16 AM

Lol Lamborghini tires

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review...entador/design

**old guy** · 07-28-2018 07:36 AM

Sweet! I like the tires even more now! Good DNA.

**bhvrdr** · 07-28-2018 07:47 AM

Absolutely

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

**_magic_marco** · 07-29-2018 08:11 AM

Great find and info! My back tires always go out before the front and end up rotating and then buying 2 new tires. This will no longer be the case with these. Thanks!

**Depthcharge** · 07-30-2018 06:39 AM

Wow that's a great price for those tires.

**Walletclan** · 07-30-2018 06:47 AM

I was just looking at those last night. My buddy put a set on his BMW 528i.

I couldn't get myself to buy them, despite the price point. For me I debated between the Ventus V12 and the Falken FK450 A/S, which is basically the same thing as the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. I decided to go with the Falkens because of the mileage warranty and past experience with Falkens.

**A4x** · 07-30-2018 07:40 AM

Ventus V12 are a summer performance tire. Not sure why they're being compared here to all-season tires.

The Hankook Ventus S1 Noble is their all-season tire.

**keiffr** · 07-30-2018 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by A4x

Ventus V12 are a summer performance tire. Not sure why they're being compared here to all-season tires.

The Hankook Ventus S1 Noble is their all-season tire.

Yup, V12 are definitely not A/S tires. Speaking of All Season tires, a buddy of mine has had these tires made by Kenda on his S5 for almost a year and he's trying to convince me on buying a set since my Ventus V12's are at 5/32 tread. He states that they are comparable if not better to the Nitto Motivos and Hankook Ventus Nobles he's had on the car prior.

Here's the link: https://automotive.kendatire.com/en-.../vezda-uhp-as/

My buddy is an avid bicyclist and Kenda makes good bicycle tires but I'm not sure about their automotive tires.

**Walletclan** · 07-30-2018 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by A4x

Ventus V12 are a summer performance tire. Not sure why they're being compared here to all-season tires.

The Hankook Ventus S1 Noble is their all-season tire.

I wasn't trying to make a direct comparison. You're right...they are different. My point was I had narrowed my tire search to the Barums, Ventus V12s and Falkens FK450 A/S and settled on the Falken. The V12s are great also.

**bhvrdr** · 07-30-2018 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by A4x

Ventus V12 are a summer performance tire. Not sure why they're being compared here to all-season tires.

The Hankook Ventus S1 Noble is their all-season tire.

I didnt even realize the 3HM was an AS tire. Got it. My brain skips over that sometimes since we dont need those here in S FL ;)

Mike

**Nano909** · 07-30-2018 08:00 PM

Good find. But I think I'll stick to my tried and true Nitto Neogens.

**old guy** · 07-31-2018 02:54 AM

Originally Posted by Nano909

Good find. But I think I'll stick to my tried and true Nitto Neogens.

I don't think the Neogens come in a 255/35/19?

**old guy** · 07-31-2018 02:58 AM

Originally Posted by bhvrdr

I didnt even realize the 3HM was an AS tire. Got it. My brain skips over that sometimes since we dont need those here in S FL ;)

Mike

Mike, at this point I'm not so sure. Discount tire Direct seems to indicate that it is an A/S tire. I cannot find that anywhere on the tire itself and the Barum website indicates that it is a summer tire? Clicky click®

**Walletclan** · 07-31-2018 05:42 AM

From their website: "Overview

For an ultra-high-performance tire that wont break the bank, choose the Barum Bravuris 3 UHP tire. This tire, only available from Discount Tire or Discount Tire Direct, uses an asymmetric tread and closely spaced exterior blocks to deliver optimum steering response. It has an all-season tread pattern with four circumferential grooves to deliver good traction on wet and dry roads, and rides quietly because of a closed shoulder block design. These great features make the Barum Bravius 3 a good fit for your performance-oriented sedan or sporty compact."

However, the tread is more like an A/S than a summer tire.

**keiffr** · 07-31-2018 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by old guy

I don't think the Neogens come in a 255/35/19?

The NeoGens only come in 245/35/19 for our cars. I would buy them again but the 255’s have the perfect amount of tire

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

**Nano909** · 07-31-2018 09:28 AM

Originally Posted by old guy

I don't think the Neogens come in a 255/35/19?

I'm not sure but I was quite surprised they made them in 18's. Lol. Was used to buying them in 15's. Best bang for your buck all season tire.

**old guy** · 07-31-2018 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by Walletclan

From their website: "Overview

For an ultra-high-performance tire that wont break the bank, choose the Barum Bravuris 3 UHP tire. This tire, only available from Discount Tire or Discount Tire Direct, uses an asymmetric tread and closely spaced exterior blocks to deliver optimum steering response. It has an all-season tread pattern with four circumferential grooves to deliver good traction on wet and dry roads, and rides quietly because of a closed shoulder block design. These great features make the Barum Bravius 3 a good fit for your performance-oriented sedan or sporty compact."

Here is where it gets confusing. You quoted the Discount Tire Direct website. When I go directly to the Barum website I cannot find confirmation anywhere that it is listed as an A/S tire. All I can find is that the Bravuris 3HM is listed as a summer tire. Not that it really matters to me one way or another since my A4 is my winter car.

I can say this: I have been pushing these tires harder and harder to find the limits and so far I am scaring myself and not there yet. I am a lot more comfortable sliding sideways in my A4 since I have been driving it for 15 years. Still learning the limits of the A5 ;-)

**Walletclan** · 07-31-2018 05:07 PM

Right on! Keep us updated.

**keiffr** · 12-13-2018 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by old guy

Here is where it gets confusing. You quoted the Discount Tire Direct website. When I go directly to the Barum website I cannot find confirmation anywhere that it is listed as an A/S tire. All I can find is that the Bravuris 3HM is listed as a summer tire. Not that it really matters to me one way or another since my A4 is my winter car.

I can say this: I have been pushing these tires harder and harder to find the limits and so far I am scaring myself and not there yet. I am a lot more comfortable sliding sideways in my A4 since I have been driving it for 15 years. Still learning the limits of the A5 ;-)

Just checking in, I'm in the market for new A/S season tires as my Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 summer tires are at 4/32 treadwear and seeing some inner tire wear. How are the Barum Bravuris 3HM's holding up? Americas Tire has them for $64 per tire in 255/35/19.

**old guy** · 12-13-2018 10:13 AM

That price has to be a misprint!!!!!

So far I am very happy with the tires. However, I am still skeptical of them actually being a true A/S tire. Discount Tire states that it has an A/S tread. Go to the Barum website and it clearly states that it is a summer tire. I have only driven the tires in the wet and dry. I have not (and will not) drive the A5 in the snow or slush. That's why I kept the A4.

They do feel a bit harder in the cold and tend to flatspot when the temperature drops below freezing but it clears up in the first minute of driving. Not sure how much this helps in your decision.

**keiffr** · 12-13-2018 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by old guy

That price has to be a misprint!!!!!

So far I am very happy with the tires. However, I am still skeptical of them actually being a true A/S tire. Discount Tire states that it has an A/S tread. Go to the Barum website and it clearly states that it is a summer tire. I have only driven the tires in the wet and dry. I have not (and will not) drive the A5 in the snow or slush. That's why I kept the A4.

They do feel a bit harder in the cold and tend to flatspot when the temperature drops below freezing but it clears up in the first minute of driving. Not sure how much this helps in your decision.

Thanks for the feedback! I double checked with my local Americas Tire and the price is correct. I also did ask about the tire being a true A/S tire and the store stated that it meets the requirements of a A/S tire - whatever that means. I live in California and only intend to drive them in wet & dry. If I end up driving up to the snow, I'll drive my Land Rover.

Thanks again for the feedback, looks like I'll be pulling trigger on these.

**Spawne32** · 12-13-2018 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by old guy

That price has to be a misprint!!!!!

So far I am very happy with the tires. However, I am still skeptical of them actually being a true A/S tire. Discount Tire states that it has an A/S tread. Go to the Barum website and it clearly states that it is a summer tire. I have only driven the tires in the wet and dry. I have not (and will not) drive the A5 in the snow or slush. That's why I kept the A4.

They do feel a bit harder in the cold and tend to flatspot when the temperature drops below freezing but it clears up in the first minute of driving. Not sure how much this helps in your decision.

You realize they are listed as a summer tire on the barum bravuris website lol

https://www.barum-tyres.com/car/tyres/bravuris-3hm

**old guy** · 12-13-2018 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by Spawne32

You realize they are listed as a summer tire on the barum bravuris website lol

https://www.barum-tyres.com/car/tyres/bravuris-3hm

Read post #23.

**NathanGreatScott** · 12-14-2018 05:27 AM

Originally Posted by keiffr

Just checking in, I'm in the market for new A/S season tires as my Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 summer tires are at 4/32 treadwear and seeing some inner tire wear. How are the Barum Bravuris 3HM's holding up? Americas Tire has them for $64 per tire in 255/35/19.

Damn! I'm only seeing them online for $117+. Americas Tire is DiscountTireDirect.com, right?

**keiffr** · 12-14-2018 06:29 AM

Yes, America’s Tire and Discount Tire is one in the same. I looked on their website and the tires went up to $81 per tire now. Still a good price, but as the posts say above - the Barum is not a true A/S tire. America’s Tire has the Falken Pro G4 A/S for $99 per tire, these are same tire as the Sumitomo HTR A/S PO2 that retails for $160-$170 per tire. I might check these out as they are a true A/S tireIMG_0516.jpg IMG_0515.jpg

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

**LINDW4LL** · 12-14-2018 06:37 AM

Any reason you're desiring an all-season? Assuming (based on location and above post) that you won't be seeing any snow/ice, or sub-freezing temps on a regular basis, I'd think a summer tire would be preferable anyway.

**keiffr** · 12-14-2018 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by LINDW4LL

Any reason you're desiring an all-season? Assuming (based on location and above post) that you won't be seeing any snow/ice, or sub-freezing temps on a regular basis, I'd think a summer tire would be preferable anyway.

I’m mainly looking for higher treadwear and to lessen the road noise and comfort since I’m on coilovers.

I’m willing to sacrifice performance for quiet ride. My Hankook summers are at 4/32 tread depth and road noise is getting worse.

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

**NathanGreatScott** · 12-14-2018 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by keiffr

Yes, America’s Tire and Discount Tire is one in the same. I looked on their website and the tires went up to $81 per tire now. Still a good price, but as the posts say above - the Barum is not a true A/S tire. America’s Tire has the Falken Pro G4 A/S for $99 per tire, these are same tire as the Sumitomo HTR A/S PO2 that retails for $160-$170 per tire. I might check these out as they are a true A/S tireIMG_0516.jpg IMG_0515.jpg

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Okay, what the hell? I wonder if it has anything to do with the store you have selected....

What store do you have selected? I’m on the east coast so don’t have a local shop. Would have to have them shipped. I need tires, and even at $117, that's cheap. But if I can save $40-50 on each, I wanna do that! Hahaha

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**keiffr** · 12-14-2018 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by NathanGreatScott

Okay, what the hell? I wonder if it has anything to do with the store you have selected....

What store do you have selected? I’m on the east coast so don’t have a local shop. Would have to have them shipped. I need tires, and even at $117, that's cheap. But if I can save $40-50 on each, I wanna do that! Hahaha

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oh wow! That's a huge price difference! It's probably because you dont have a local shop. I'm using the zip code 94547 in Northern California.

**vdubjetta02** · 12-14-2018 08:52 AM

Sumitomo Tires are incredible tires for the price (especially for summer tires, they are very sticky and couldn't get the rear end of my porsche out for the first couple thousands miles on them) .... I bought and entire set for my Porsche 285's and 245's for $560.... and that was for a Porsche. Typical B8 sizes should be even cheaper.

**NathanGreatScott** · 12-14-2018 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by keiffr

Oh wow! That's a huge price difference! It's probably because you dont have a local shop. I'm using the zip code 94547 in Northern California.

I think I found the discrepancy...You were on Americastire.com and I was on Discounttiredirect.com....

When I put your zipcode in at discount direct, I got the same results I was before. But when I put it in AmericasTire, I get the pricing you see. However, there's no shipping, so that must be why the rates are so much better. Oh well. Thanks for your help!

**keiffr** · 12-14-2018 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by NathanGreatScott

I think I found the discrepancy...You were on Americastire.com and I was on Discounttiredirect.com....

When I put your zipcode in at discount direct, I got the same results I was before. But when I put it in AmericasTire, I get the pricing you see. However, there's no shipping, so that must be why the rates are so much better. Oh well. Thanks for your help!

Ah makes sense. Good luck!

I'm going to pull the trigger on the Falken Pro G4 tires next week.