Nankang NS2 rated
70% while driving a BMW 323i
Driving on
a combination of roads for 500
spirited miles
Review of these Nankang Ns2's on my buddy's E46
215/35R19 85Y XL on a 8.5J rim, nice stretch, load rating plenty for a E46.
First of, I recommended these tyres for him because he wanted a cheap, aggressive threaded tyre, with a rotation thread pattern.
There isn't much to choose in 215/35R19. Hankook and Kumho too expensive, dont want unknown brands, so Nankang was about the only way to go.
We specifically chose the NS2'S over the NS20'S because of better looks and similar reviews.
Btw, if you find the Nankang NS2 Ultra Sports, those are the same as when you order regular NS2'S. Both have NS2 Ultra Sport written on the sidewall.
Speaking of the sidewall, it's a very boring one, nothing special.
Now, we only have these on the car for a few weeks now, and we really needed to break-in the tyres, driving carefully for the first 50 to 100 miles.
First things that stand out, the noise, of boy they are noisy! But they give a lot of feedback!
They are really stiff as well, mind you the sidewall is nearly nonexistent and his cold pressure is like 2.7 Bar and warmed up 3.0 Bar.
Comparing to his old tyres, Hankook Ventus Evo 3's in 225/40R19 (93Y) XL (way to big for a lowered E46, he grabbed the tyre size of a E46 M3), the Nankangs have a little less grip, and dont give you as much confidence to push harder.
Haven't tested in (heavy) rain yet, but we are expecting significant reduced grip, but that's to be forgiven.
I wouldn't recommend these for the average driver, but for a project car and for the driver that can handle the noise, grip and probably wear, I would recommend them!