General G-Max AS03 vs. Kumho Ecsta 4X

overkill1125 · 03-20-2012, 03:24 PM

I'm looking for new tires but not sure which would set to get.

Recently bought the VMR V718's
18x8.5 et35 18x9.5 et33

Tire size:
235/40/18
265/35/18

Will be using these tires for daily drive.
Any rim protection on these tires?
Narrow tires? Will any of these tires be stretched?

I also noticed that the Ecsta 4X are heavier and has a higher load. Does that mean it can handle minor potholes better?

Any comments is greatly appreciated!

Gary@TireRack · 03-21-2012, 08:45 AM

I can't speak for stretch or rim protection (can't imagine they would be much different in that regard), but we do have a full test of the two tires compared here :

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...&affiliate=AH8

They are very close to each other with the Kumho 4X having slight advantages over the General in dry grip and some other areas, but the General having slightly better wet traction. Hard to go wrong with either tire.

mookie45 · 03-21-2012, 01:36 PM

I've driven on the General G-Max AS03 for 10,000+ miles now, and I have no complaints. They are my daily driver and handle great in dry and wet conditions. The treads look cool and the treads still look brand new!

dtea604 · 03-22-2012, 04:04 AM

what tire size are you using ? 18 or 19 ?

overkill1125 · 03-22-2012, 07:37 AM

I am currently on stock 17 but will be upgrading to 18.

dtea604 · 03-22-2012, 02:16 PM

hmmm hard to say then, im currently running stock 17 sports right now to, well if this even helps at all but, 18's cleary better ride and performance, 19s more visual but not to sure how ride qaulity is. as for tire wise id probably choose the g-max over escatas.

Brian@bavarianx · 03-22-2012, 03:12 PM

Our customers love both brands. They are both affordable and are great for daily driving.

overkill1125 · 03-22-2012, 06:03 PM

Should I keep the same recommended PSI as my current stock 17" with RFT with the new 18" tires?

General GMax AS03 or Kumho Ecsta 4X basically deciding between
Directional vs. Asymmetrical tires since they are so similar to each other.

Is it that much more beneficial to be able to rotate tires from left to right the asymmetrical (Kumho 4X) compared to the stuck directional tires (GMAX AS03)?

Will that alone increase the treadwear and/or have a more balance treadwear on the tires?

Or maybe I am totally offside and it does nothing significant to rotate tires from left to right.

Let me know.
Thanks!!!

03-20-2012, 03:24 PM	#1
overkill1125 Major 130 Rep 1,029 Posts Drives: 2019 440xi Gran Coupe Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Montreal, Canada iTrader: (4) Garage List 2019 440xi Gran Coupe [0.00]	General G-Max AS03 vs. Kumho Ecsta 4X I'm looking for new tires but not sure which would set to get. Recently bought the VMR V718's 18x8.5 et35 18x9.5 et33 Tire size: 235/40/18 265/35/18 Will be using these tires for daily drive. Any rim protection on these tires? Narrow tires? Will any of these tires be stretched? I also noticed that the Ecsta 4X are heavier and has a higher load. Does that mean it can handle minor potholes better? Any comments is greatly appreciated!
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03-21-2012, 08:45 AM	#2
Gary@TireRack Moderator 369 Rep 4,745 Posts Drives: Formerly 1995 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Bend, IN, Tire Rack HQ iTrader: (2)	I can't speak for stretch or rim protection (can't imagine they would be much different in that regard), but we do have a full test of the two tires compared here : http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...&affiliate=AH8 They are very close to each other with the Kumho 4X having slight advantages over the General in dry grip and some other areas, but the General having slightly better wet traction. Hard to go wrong with either tire. __________________ Gary. Tire and Wheel Forum Moderator. Tire Rack Sales Rep Gary@Tirerack.com http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&url=index.jsp Please refer to 'Gary/E90 Post' as your previous contact when you order online to help support this forum.
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03-21-2012, 01:36 PM	#3
mookie45 Major 770 Rep 1,270 Posts Drives: 2017 AW 340i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Brickell iTrader: (4)	I've driven on the General G-Max AS03 for 10,000+ miles now, and I have no complaints. They are my daily driver and handle great in dry and wet conditions. The treads look cool and the treads still look brand new!
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03-22-2012, 04:04 AM	#4
dtea604 Lieutenant 28 Rep 544 Posts Drives: 06 E90 325i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	what tire size are you using ? 18 or 19 ?
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03-22-2012, 07:37 AM	#5
overkill1125 Major 130 Rep 1,029 Posts Drives: 2019 440xi Gran Coupe Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Montreal, Canada iTrader: (4) Garage List 2019 440xi Gran Coupe [0.00]	I am currently on stock 17 but will be upgrading to 18.
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03-22-2012, 02:16 PM	#6
dtea604 Lieutenant 28 Rep 544 Posts Drives: 06 E90 325i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	hmmm hard to say then, im currently running stock 17 sports right now to, well if this even helps at all but, 18's cleary better ride and performance, 19s more visual but not to sure how ride qaulity is. as for tire wise id probably choose the g-max over escatas.
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03-22-2012, 03:12 PM	#7
Brian@bavarianx Banned 175 Rep 2,268 Posts Drives: E36 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Brea, CA iTrader: (8)	Our customers love both brands. They are both affordable and are great for daily driving.
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03-22-2012, 06:03 PM	#8
overkill1125 Major 130 Rep 1,029 Posts Drives: 2019 440xi Gran Coupe Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Montreal, Canada iTrader: (4) Garage List 2019 440xi Gran Coupe [0.00]	Should I keep the same recommended PSI as my current stock 17" with RFT with the new 18" tires? General GMax AS03 or Kumho Ecsta 4X basically deciding between Directional vs. Asymmetrical tires since they are so similar to each other. Is it that much more beneficial to be able to rotate tires from left to right the asymmetrical (Kumho 4X) compared to the stuck directional tires (GMAX AS03)? Will that alone increase the treadwear and/or have a more balance treadwear on the tires? Or maybe I am totally offside and it does nothing significant to rotate tires from left to right. Let me know. Thanks!!!
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