Ouch. We don't have potholes that damaging here.

 

Did you get the standard PSS's or the runflat ZP's? Also, make sure your tire pressure is the correct pressure for the car, not the max tire pressure listed on the tire.

 

I'm considering this size tire as well.. Do you think your ride quality got worse when switching to the wider set up you have now.. versus the stock size? I think the extra height especially would soften up the ride a bit but also fill up the wheel arches. Any pics? Thanks in advance for the help..

 

Changed from BS Potenzas to Conti DWS06, newest tire from Conti, going to 245/285 on DB9 with Sport Pack (MY 07). Definite improvement, more flex in sidewall, slightly softer ride, but still very firm compared to the Jag XKR. You trade off comfort for looks and a slightly better handling due to weight distribution.

 

I'm considering the Continental as well as my car is not a track car and in my old age I'm more interested in a "comfortable" ride then maximum grip. We've all seen mixed reports about the "floaty" nature of the Conti's but I've been attributing those opinions to guys looking for absolute, all out performance. I've always had good luck with the PSS and my car is currently riding on them (stock size) but my new rear wheels are 10" wide and I'd like to get a "meatier" look so maybe 295/35 and 255/40 set up will be perfect? I'd love to see a photo of a DB9 set up on this size.

 

I wouldn't go past 245/285 on size given the suspension setup wheel arch and most importantly steering wheel feel, especially with lower inflation for better comfort. The new Conti is much improved (Made in Germany!), with better structural integrity and flex, and offers great all-weather balance. BS and PSS are good track tires, but offer little balance for every day driving, and longer lasting!

 

Funny this thread should resurface now. I was thinking about revisiting my Bridgestones on this forum just this morning.

As the OP I invested quite a bit of time and curiosity into determining whether Aston Martin knew better than us about the OEM tires they use on the DB9. And the facts and discussions that followed from everyone - except AML - has taught me a lot about tires.

I put new OEM Bridgestones on my newly-bought 2007 DB9 in August 2015, and I've done 2,200 miles on them so far. They rode well enough. And the verdict?

I can't tell any difference in the ride from then to now.

They don't appear to have got any harder, as was predicted by several owners here.

In fact, they seem just the same to me.

I've probably unconsciously adapted to the tire's ride. Maybe it has gotten harder, but because I drive every day I can't feel the gradual difference. Perhaps if I stopped driving for a week or two and tried again it would feel different.

However I enjoy the car too much to ever leave it alone for that length of time!

I think the main reason for a lot of the discussion here is the difference between the ride between on USA and European roads. And I think the difference is more marked on an early DB9 like mine, rather than a later model or a Vantage.

 

Just realized that my only option if I wanted to use the 295/255 sizes is the PSS which would be OK (except for $). The Continentals aren't available in 295.

My car isn't a sport pack car and I'm using OEM springs and dampers so now with these 10" wheels you don't think the bigger sizes would be OK? I feel like there is so much wheel opening to fill up.

 

Later model DB9s, starting with the MY'11 (in US), have 3-stage dampers, and they do make a difference in comfort mode.

 

Steering feels heavy during parking maneuvers with 245/285, and mine are always at recommended inflation 36/38psi, so not much room for lower inflation driving.

 

My steering feels heavy now with the 275/235's.. Incredibly heavy. So does the clutch.. I guess I've grown used to it over the years but when I move into my 996 Turbo I get a quick reminder how freaking heavy the Aston's steering is.

I'm surprised I can't find a photo of a DB9 shoed up with PSS 295/255's. :/

I'm looking on eBay for some half used up takeoffs that I can mount up on some old OEM 19's I have laying around just to mock up on my car to see if I at least like the look of the bigger tires.

 

Early DB9s had artificially heavy steering to make Bez happy. Journalists complained about it and it was changed in later models (don't know exactly when, but my 2006 was VERY heavy while my 2007 is WAY better).

A better way to fill out your wheel wells; go up one aspect ratio front and rear, but keep the widths the same, or a 245 in front/285 in rear if needed to get the tires you want. On my DBS, I went from 245/295 to 235/285 and plus 1 on the AR. Looks better and rides better.

 

Here you go!! Had them fitted yesterday with PSS.

 

Wow! DBS wheels as well.. What size tires? Those are 20s.

 

Thanks for chiming in.. I wonder what was changed to help with the steering in the later cars. It looks like the power steering pump is the same part number but maybe the rack is different on the newer cars?

I tried your suggestion regarding the tire size and there's just no availability in those awkward sizes I'd need to go that direction.

I'm thinking about 295/35/19 and 245/40. That would make the rear about a half inch taller than the front but I don't think that would effect anything and not even be noticeable. Obviously the wheel opening "issue" is on the rear.. So I don't really need a taller tire up front. Thought? I've got to get something ordered up. I'd have to go with the PSS with this set up as the Continentals aren't available in 295. :/