I just recently had these tires put on my 2004 V8 Touareg so I thought I would write a review to answer some of the questions I had before I got them (and of course to post some pics 
).
I ordered the BFGs online from Discount Tire for install at my local store (Discount Tire on 28th & Glenwood in Boulder). Total cost was $1113.12, which came down a bit once I explained I wanted to keep the current tires. The tires were available for install within a couple of days. I made sure to specify in the 'Notes' field on the order form that I was aware these tires were not the VW-recommended size.
I wanted the 265 size because this size allowed for the Severe Snow rating that I was looking for. The set of Toyos that came on the car (secondhand) got me stuck up in Fairplay in December and I needed to have a Dodge pickup pull me out.
The install took less than an hour. Mike Martinez was my CSR and although he was skeptical, he realized I knew what I was doing and was willing to go ahead. When I picked the car up he advised me that they had to put the air suspension on X-tra mode to clear the tires and he thought I would have to run in that mode full time to prevent rubbing.
However, I was pretty confident in the fit of the tires and the first thing I did was to drop down to loading level and turn the wheels lock to lock in the park lot while driving around at ~5 mph. No rubbing.
Since then I have put about 1,000 miles on the tires and I am very happy with them. Here are some of the questions I had before getting the tires and the answers I've found so far:
What is the road noise like with the BFGs?
As I said, I had Toyo Proxes on the 'Reg before, and they were ultra-quiet. While the BFGs are louder, the noise is not noticeable, the engine (and in my car, the stereo) is 10x as loud as the tires. On the highway you can hear them, but the sound deadening in the Touareg really prevents it from being instrusive. I don't even notice it now.
How will this change the cornering ability?
I had gotten used to the sports-sedan-like ability of the Touareg running the Toyos. Hard corners now feel decidedly more "squirmy" with the larger tread blocks. I would liken the cornering to any other SUV I've driven with offroad tires. Was definitely spoiled by the Toyos in this regard.
I have also noticed that hitting the throttle in hard (90 degree) turns tends to cause the diffs to make a lot of noise as they correct for the loss of traction. The clicking concerned me at first.
How do the BFGs affect gas mileage?
Difference in mileage has been small at the worst. I would estimate perhaps -1 MPG in city driving and imperceptible difference in highway.
How much difference do the BFGs make in snow?
After getting the tires I ran the Touareg out to Wolf Creek for a weekend trip. Although we didn't get caught in a legendary snowstorm, I did get to test the tires on some snow-packed and icy dirt/gravel roads and felt completely confident. Since then I 've also run the tires on some minor offroad trails and traction was the last of my worries.
I also recently hit some black ice on my way back from Vail and found that the tires held long enough for one set to make it back to blacktop, my passengers didn't notice the slide.
Do the tires change the look of the Touareg?
Definitely. I have gotten compliments on the tires from owners and non-owners alike. The BFGs definitely eradicate the mini-van appearance and make the 'Reg look as capable as it is. Pics below so you can judge for yourself, although the effect is much better in person.
In closing, I would recommend the BFGs for anyone who uses their 'Reg at least half the time for offroad or severe-weather conditions. The BFGs are not ideal for city-roads (but certainly capable) but I have summer vehicles I use for commuting.
Before Pics:
![Image]()
With Racks:
![Image]()
With the BFGs:
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
If you have any questions feel free to ask away!
).I ordered the BFGs online from Discount Tire for install at my local store (Discount Tire on 28th & Glenwood in Boulder). Total cost was $1113.12, which came down a bit once I explained I wanted to keep the current tires. The tires were available for install within a couple of days. I made sure to specify in the 'Notes' field on the order form that I was aware these tires were not the VW-recommended size.
I wanted the 265 size because this size allowed for the Severe Snow rating that I was looking for. The set of Toyos that came on the car (secondhand) got me stuck up in Fairplay in December and I needed to have a Dodge pickup pull me out.
The install took less than an hour. Mike Martinez was my CSR and although he was skeptical, he realized I knew what I was doing and was willing to go ahead. When I picked the car up he advised me that they had to put the air suspension on X-tra mode to clear the tires and he thought I would have to run in that mode full time to prevent rubbing.
However, I was pretty confident in the fit of the tires and the first thing I did was to drop down to loading level and turn the wheels lock to lock in the park lot while driving around at ~5 mph. No rubbing.
Since then I have put about 1,000 miles on the tires and I am very happy with them. Here are some of the questions I had before getting the tires and the answers I've found so far:
What is the road noise like with the BFGs?
As I said, I had Toyo Proxes on the 'Reg before, and they were ultra-quiet. While the BFGs are louder, the noise is not noticeable, the engine (and in my car, the stereo) is 10x as loud as the tires. On the highway you can hear them, but the sound deadening in the Touareg really prevents it from being instrusive. I don't even notice it now.
How will this change the cornering ability?
I had gotten used to the sports-sedan-like ability of the Touareg running the Toyos. Hard corners now feel decidedly more "squirmy" with the larger tread blocks. I would liken the cornering to any other SUV I've driven with offroad tires. Was definitely spoiled by the Toyos in this regard.
I have also noticed that hitting the throttle in hard (90 degree) turns tends to cause the diffs to make a lot of noise as they correct for the loss of traction. The clicking concerned me at first.
How do the BFGs affect gas mileage?
Difference in mileage has been small at the worst. I would estimate perhaps -1 MPG in city driving and imperceptible difference in highway.
How much difference do the BFGs make in snow?
After getting the tires I ran the Touareg out to Wolf Creek for a weekend trip. Although we didn't get caught in a legendary snowstorm, I did get to test the tires on some snow-packed and icy dirt/gravel roads and felt completely confident. Since then I 've also run the tires on some minor offroad trails and traction was the last of my worries.
I also recently hit some black ice on my way back from Vail and found that the tires held long enough for one set to make it back to blacktop, my passengers didn't notice the slide.
Do the tires change the look of the Touareg?
Definitely. I have gotten compliments on the tires from owners and non-owners alike. The BFGs definitely eradicate the mini-van appearance and make the 'Reg look as capable as it is. Pics below so you can judge for yourself, although the effect is much better in person.
In closing, I would recommend the BFGs for anyone who uses their 'Reg at least half the time for offroad or severe-weather conditions. The BFGs are not ideal for city-roads (but certainly capable) but I have summer vehicles I use for commuting.
Before Pics:
With Racks:
With the BFGs:
If you have any questions feel free to ask away!
