Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Friday March 29, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
Click here to visit TireRack
Tire & Wheel Forum sponsored by The Tire Rack

Losing traction? Need new tires?
Click here to visit the NASIOC Upgrade Garage...
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC Technical > Tire & Wheel

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-07-2006, 10:15 PM   #1
Mike Wevrick
RIP 1/19/64 - 7/23/11
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 24654
Join Date: Sep 2002
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: saraseager.com
Vehicle:
1957 Taggart Comet
atlasshruggedpart1.com

Question Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D vs. Dunlop Winter Sport M3

What's the difference between these 2 tires? On tirerack.com they look almost the same, except the 3D has no reviews or survey results. Is it just a new version of the M3?

Also, any known problems/issues with either of these tires?
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Mike Wevrick is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 10-08-2006, 01:30 AM   #2
Back Road Runner
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 60082
Join Date: Apr 2004
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Minnesota
Vehicle:
2004 Forester STI
Silver

Default

It's their newest generation of their Wintersport line. One would think it would be better than the rest. My bro runs the M3s, very good winter tire, nice and grippy on snow and offers a nice and stiff sidewall to maintain a decent level of responsiveness.
Back Road Runner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2006, 08:29 AM   #3
Mike Wevrick
RIP 1/19/64 - 7/23/11
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 24654
Join Date: Sep 2002
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: saraseager.com
Vehicle:
1957 Taggart Comet
atlasshruggedpart1.com

Default

So the 3D is a replacement for the M3, and they probably just have both until the old stock of M3s runs out? Luke?
Mike Wevrick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-08-2006, 06:37 PM   #4
bsbg
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 14450
Join Date: Jan 2002
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: NH
Vehicle:
04 S4
88 BMW 325 iX

Default

I had this debate with myself for tires for my STI-replacing S4. After several emails with the Tire Rack, I decided to go with a 215/50-17 M3 rather than a 235/45-17 M3D. The reasoning was that the new tire has not yet proven itself to be better than the M3, and the narrower width would cancel out any slight improvement in traction tht there might be with the new design.

If they were available in the size I wanted, I probably would have tried the new one if the price were comparable.
bsbg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2006, 08:18 AM   #5
Luke@tirerack
Tire Rack Moderator
 
Member#: 1215
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: The Tire Rack
Vehicle:
800 -428-8355
ext. 4362

Default

the 3D's are the new version of Dunlop high performance winter tire and has a slightly different tread design than the M3's but, compound and general internal stucture is the same
Luke@tirerack is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2006, 09:43 AM   #6
PeregrineFalcon
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 89025
Join Date: Jun 2005
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Manchester, NH
Vehicle:
2005 WRX
Blue

Default

I was thinking about the M3 vs the M3D also, they look to be the same, however on the TireRack the price of the M3D's are $104each where the M3s are $111each.

I guess I'm not sure why the newer ones would be cheaper?

I will be using the stock 05 WRX Wheels with 205/55VR16 per recommendation of the tirerack of the M3D's unless someone can tell me the difference besides the tread pattern.

thx
PeregrineFalcon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-09-2006, 10:04 AM   #7
Mean
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 12116
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Northern VA
Vehicle:
2002 Impreza WRX
Sedona Red Pearl

Default

At least by looking at the pictures, the M3s look more snow aggressive with a more open tread while the 3Ds look a little more A/S in tread design, especially in the middle. By pure looks alone, I think the 3Ds will not quite cut through the slush as well.

I am in NOVA so I might save the $7 per tire and try the new 3Ds. It is mostly cleared roads around here and it never really snows more than a few inches at a time.

G
Mean is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2006, 12:50 PM   #8
PeregrineFalcon
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 89025
Join Date: Jun 2005
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Manchester, NH
Vehicle:
2005 WRX
Blue

Default

So I called Town Fair Tire and the guy claimed that the Dunlop M3s that I looked at http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....nSpeedRating=V

are the 'not as good versions'. I thought the VR versions of these tires meant they were rated for higher speeds? I am going to head there after work, what questions should I have in mind and what should I look out for.

I was set on the 205/55VR16s, but don't want this guy to try and claim that the tires arent as good as something else.
PeregrineFalcon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2006, 05:49 PM   #9
bsbg
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 14450
Join Date: Jan 2002
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: NH
Vehicle:
04 S4
88 BMW 325 iX

Default

So, the guy at TF told you his cheaper competitor's identical product was not as good as the one he has? Sounds like a lame attempt to get you to buy his tires.

YEs, the V rated versions have a higher speed rating and perhaps a stiffer sidewall. I had H rated on my STi, no issues, and I just bought H rated for my S4, don't anticipate a problem there either.
bsbg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2006, 09:00 AM   #10
Mean
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 12116
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Northern VA
Vehicle:
2002 Impreza WRX
Sedona Red Pearl

Default

Consumer Reports just tested performance winter tires. They did not include the 3D but the M3s performed somewhat poorly, especially the V-rated ones which were at the bottom of the list. Based on everything I read, I am going with ContiWinterContact TS810 tires now. They were best for places with infrequent freezing as the snow performance was only average. That should fit the the bill for me.

G
Mean is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2006, 09:23 AM   #11
Mike Wevrick
RIP 1/19/64 - 7/23/11
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 24654
Join Date: Sep 2002
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: saraseager.com
Vehicle:
1957 Taggart Comet
atlasshruggedpart1.com

Default

^^That's odd consdering the M3s are top-rated on tirerack.com What was the basis for CR's low rating? (I tend to take CR with a grain of salt anyway. When they have done reviews of products I know a lot about--eg camping gear--they often fail to consider important factors like stitching quality.)
Mike Wevrick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2006, 12:39 PM   #12
wundej
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 80833
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Wilimington, DE
Vehicle:
2005 WRX STI
Crystal Gray Metallic

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Wevrick View Post
^^That's odd consdering the M3s are top-rated on tirerack.com What was the basis for CR's low rating? (I tend to take CR with a grain of salt anyway. When they have done reviews of products I know a lot about--eg camping gear--they often fail to consider important factors like stitching quality.)

I've noticed the same thing w/ CR. Don't believe everything you read. They often favor certain brands depending on what they are testing. Yes, it is probably a good baseline, but there have been many cases where they are way wrong on some products. I'd feel much safer going by people who know about the products and live with them every day(like these forums). Not that everything you read here is fact, but you can generally tell if a user knows his stuff or if he's not worth listening to.
wundej is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2006, 02:26 PM   #13
DirtyShadyVinny
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 126354
Join Date: Sep 2006
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Brooklyn Center, MN
Vehicle:
2005 WRX STI
Crystal Gray Metallic

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by wundej View Post
I've noticed the same thing w/ CR. Don't believe everything you read. They often favor certain brands depending on what they are testing. Yes, it is probably a good baseline, but there have been many cases where they are way wrong on some products. I'd feel much safer going by people who know about the products and live with them every day(like these forums). Not that everything you read here is fact, but you can generally tell if a user knows his stuff or if he's not worth listening to.
I would agree - don't believe everything you read. I ran the M3s last winter and they did great. Granted, I tend to adjust my driving in the winter a little bit - I'm not taking cloverleaf on-ramps at 45mph+, but they plowed thru relatively deep snow and slush very well. Gave me a lot of confidence as I was flying by white-knuckled drivers.

--DSV
DirtyShadyVinny is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2006, 02:51 PM   #14
Mean
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 12116
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Northern VA
Vehicle:
2002 Impreza WRX
Sedona Red Pearl

Default

The issue is at home but I do remember this:

Snow traction was determined by accelerating on 2-4 inches of packed snow.
Ice traction was stopping distance from 10 MPH with ABS disabled on ice, of course.

I think these are legitimate tests that should be objective. I'll post the other details when I get home.

G
Mean is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2006, 06:47 PM   #15
aikido
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 73554
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: New Paltz
Vehicle:
2006 WRX Wagon Stg 2
Black

Default

Please tell me the 3D's will perform well. I just bought a set of them on 15" wheels from Luke at TR

Seriously can't wait to try them out and give my own opinion, but that might be a while here in NY/Lower Hudson Valley area.............
aikido is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2006, 09:05 PM   #16
bsbg
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 14450
Join Date: Jan 2002
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: NH
Vehicle:
04 S4
88 BMW 325 iX

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by aikido View Post
Please tell me the 3D's will perform well. I just bought a set of them on 15" wheels from Luke at TR
I just bought my second set of M3's, that should make you feel better

Last edited by bsbg; 10-17-2006 at 09:44 PM.
bsbg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2006, 09:15 PM   #17
aikido
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 73554
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: New Paltz
Vehicle:
2006 WRX Wagon Stg 2
Black

Default

Excellent. That's what I like to hear
aikido is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2006, 11:33 PM   #18
ripvw
NASIOC Supporter
 
Member#: 27790
Join Date: Oct 2002
Chapter/Region: E. Canada
Default

another test of 205/55x16 H-rated tires for your consideration by the German Auto Club:

http://www.adac.de/Tests/Reifentests...rcePageID=8979

cut to the chase:

best in the dry: Conti TS810, Michelin PA2
best in the wet: Bridgestone LM25, Dunlop M3 DSST, Nokian WR
best on snow: TS810
best on ice: TS810, LM25

rated 3 stars: TS810, LM25, PA2, Pirelli W210 Sottozero
rated 2 stars: M3, M3 DSST
rated 1 star: Nokian WR

based on this test I'd buy the TS810's also, so maybe Consumer Reports testing wasn't so bad after all.
ripvw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2006, 07:51 AM   #19
krzyss
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 8365
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Massachusetts
Vehicle:
2019 Mazda MX-5 RF
Machine Grey

Default

Hankook W 300 Icebear got 2 stars. Not bad.

Krzys
krzyss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2006, 07:59 PM   #20
Mike Wevrick
RIP 1/19/64 - 7/23/11
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 24654
Join Date: Sep 2002
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: saraseager.com
Vehicle:
1957 Taggart Comet
atlasshruggedpart1.com

Default

hmmm ... no survey results on tirerack for the TS810s (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....rContact+TS810) so maybe that's why they don't show up in the comparative rankings. Not enough data maybe?
Mike Wevrick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2006, 07:17 PM   #21
Sobelizard109
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 10302
Join Date: Sep 2001
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: CT
Vehicle:
2005 GT WAGON
SILVER

Default

Any reviews or opinons on Dunlop Graspic DS-2's?
Sobelizard109 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-23-2006, 09:09 AM   #22
Mean
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 12116
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Northern VA
Vehicle:
2002 Impreza WRX
Sedona Red Pearl

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sobelizard109 View Post
Any reviews or opinons on Dunlop Graspic DS-2's?
Hey, no hijacking! Seriously, check the Tire Rack tests. It looks to be behind in technology but is quite cheap. IMHO, all winter tires are better than the best A/S tire in the snow.

G
Mean is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2006, 09:46 PM   #23
palmerx141
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 58312
Join Date: Mar 2004
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Westchester NY & Saudi Arabia
Vehicle:
WRB Bugeye SQC 217
272whp/283wtq

Default

I just bought the 3D in 17". The M3 had great ratings. Tires get better, not worse. The 3D is replacing the M3. It should be a lot better in slush.
palmerx141 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2006, 10:11 AM   #24
Mean
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 12116
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Northern VA
Vehicle:
2002 Impreza WRX
Sedona Red Pearl

Default

The only places the M3s lacked in the CR test was dry and ice braking. Other than that, they were comparable with other performance winter tires. I would think the 3Ds will be better. I may still jump on the Conti wagon though.

G
Mean is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2006, 10:55 AM   #25
titsataki
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 4402
Join Date: Feb 2001
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: USA
Default

I am looking for winter tires as well but i do not see a correct size for an STi for the Conti's
titsataki is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
FS: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D 235/45/17 winter tires pinkertonpunk Wheels/Tires 3 01-07-2010 04:47 PM
FS: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D 235/45/17 winter tires pinkertonpunk MWSOC Private Classifieds 1 01-07-2010 04:46 PM
FS: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D mounted on Sport Edition A7 wheels w/ TPMS Sensors pinkertonpunk MWSOC Private Classifieds 8 01-07-2010 04:45 PM
FS: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D mounted on Sport Edition A7 wheels w/ TPMS Sensors pinkertonpunk Wheels/Tires 1 12-26-2009 08:51 PM
Dunlop Winter Sport 3D vs. Bridgestone Blizzak LM25 jl_9k Tire & Wheel 4 05-19-2009 12:38 PM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:34 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.