E89 Michelin summer tyres

[B21]

So, unusally for me, I haven't trawled the internet to find the answers..

In the context of a 400bhp 35is with a Quaife LSD and 19 inch rims, probably 235/35 19 and 275/30 19..

For summer (in Scotland) use how do you split out the differences betweem the Michelin Pilot Super Sport, Pilot Sport 4 and Pilot Sport 4 S?

Its not track use, just some hooning and a lot of quality mid speed driving over the UK's finest roads (but not necessarily that smooth and at times 'moist')

 

[R.E92]

The super sport is an old tyre now, not sure they even sell it.

The comparison has been done quite well by tyrereviews on youube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMv64liOqIE&t

 

[sars]

In a nutshell, the Pilot 4S replaced the Supersport, though you can still buy the OEM variant of the Supersport, the Pilot Sport 4 has a slightly better ride comfort and noise than the 4S which I had on the SL400 and was very impressed with excellent grip, comfort and noise. From the research I did at the time, consensus was that the 4 was a better road tyre and the 4S was better if you were occasional tracking, though this was definitely not me I got a good deal on the 4S so went that way

 

[B21]

Thanks ...looking at availablity in 275/30 19 with my favourite manufacturers looks like its

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

Conti Sports Contact 6 (forgetting the Sports Contact 2)

Goodyear F1 Asym or Goodyear F1 Asym 2 (whatever the differences are?)

Those 275 wide tyres limit choice compared to say 255s..

 

[tiglon]

I've now done 5k miles with PS4S, 365/30 and 235/35. The grip is very impressive even in the wet and briefly in a bit of snowfall - I've never for a second felt like they were too track or summer focused. Probably stating the obvious, but compared to my previous e89 on Bridgestone RFs, the grip is shockingly good.

Worth noting that they have now done in total approx 7k miles, and the tread is at 6.4mm front and 5.4mm rear. Rears are therefore about halfway through their useful life.

 

[Marcoose]

I’ve only had the PS4S. The roads here are mostly twisties and hills, with chances of mountains. It hasn’t rained in months. I’m very happy with the PS4S. But you must camber the fronts, which I understand you cannot with stock parts, otherwise expect understeering.

 

[Argyll Andy]

Peter, I posted in another thread earlier today about something very similar to your question. As you’ve witnessed the grip on current tyres is great but wear not so great. I think I’ll replace with MPS4S’s

Zed Baron wrote: ↑Sat Oct 16, 2021 3:48 am
Just out of interest are the G29's fitted with runflats?

No, they’re not, normal Michelin pilot SuperSports iirc

Thanks Andy, thats interesting that BMW have steered away from them this time. I read that the M40i hadn't got them but wasn't sure about the rest of the range.

Rick, they all came with non run flats, a compressor and gunk kit. Sars asked about the tyres in another post and was surprised that they were Pilot SuperSports when they’d been superseded by MPS4S’s. When I need to replace I’m not sure which ones I will replace with. Pros and cons, PSP’s grip like mad in the dry, not so grippy in the wet/cold wear quite quickly PS4S’s not quite so grippy/sticky in the dry (but still good) but slightly better in the wet/cold and didn’t have them on long enough to assess wear as I sold the car not long after. All IMO of course

EDIT, Will has made comment above about the wear of the 4S’s I fitted. They’re probably wearing at about half the rate of mine

 

[B21]

Andy noted…

I’ve pulled the trigger on some 437Ms in satin black…

Given I’ve got around 4-5mm on the `Goodyear’s then I’ve got a bit of time to choose from anyone of 3 options…

I may have to succumb to internet popularity and try the Michelin P4S….

 

[304frp]

Can vouch for conti 6,I’ve pushed mine in the wet and they GRIPPED like crazy ( chilli compound) my nerve went before the tires, blew me away really how good they are. I use conti black chilli compound tires on road and Mtb push irons, and they are about the best in many and also my opinion.
The conti 6 impressed me no end

 

[Pondy]

I'm with you Pete on this one (I know, right?!), there are too many bloody choices and apart from the cost, in real world conditions, what are the differences? I used to buy Avons for my sporty cars in the 80s as they were a really soft compound so heated up quick, but lasted about 50 yards.
PS4Ss are brilliant tyres (in the dry at good temps). But historically, I've been a fan of Goodyears. Kumho make some good tyres, as do Hankook, as do Pirelli, as do Dunlop, as do pretty much everyone else. Minefield.

 

[B21]

Can vouch for conti 6,I’ve pushed mine in the wet and they GRIPPED like crazy ( chilli compound) my nerve went before the tires, blew me away really how good they are. I use conti black chilli compound tires on road and Mtb push irons, and they are about the best in many and also my opinion.
The conti 6 impressed me no end

I’m a long Conti fan…my only concern with the Sports Contact 6 is it doesn’t seem to have been updated for over 5 years…

Not seen a recent shoot out between the P4S and Sports Contact 6….especially on a chassis like the E89

For sure they will all exceed my capabilities

 

[B21]

I'm with you Pete on this one (I know, right?!), there are too many bloody choices and apart from the cost, in real world conditions, what are the differences? I used to buy Avons for my sporty cars in the 80s as they were a really soft compound so heated up quick, but lasted about 50 yards.
PS4Ss are brilliant tyres (in the dry at good temps). But historically, I've been a fan of Goodyears. Kumho make some good tyres, as do Hankook, as do Pirelli, as do Dunlop, as do pretty much everyone else. Minefield.

I think an issue many pass by is the chassis and it’s marriage to the tyres….

Lots of reviews are based on pokey Golfs and front wheel drive Fords..

I like to see reviews based on similar platforms to the E89…

We all have our favourites…can’t quite bring myself to use the ‘foreign’ brands..I know the tyres are made everywhere…

Because there is so much choice I just focus on Conti, Goodyear, Dunlop and if I must Michelin…

Anyway plenty of tme yet and maybe a good deal …

 

[304frp]

More food for thought -
https://www.continental.com/en/press/press-releases/20210908-new-sportcontact-7/

 

[B21]

More food for thought -
https://www.continental.com/en/press/press-releases/20210908-new-sportcontact-7/

Ooohhhh..nice

May have to return to the shrine

 

[304frp]

My 6s have the black chilli compound, and I kid you not, have exceeded my expectations!!. 7s are my next tires for sure .

 

[flybobbie]

I wonder if tyres are built for reviewers (in this internet age). Do any reviewers look at tyres that have 10k miles on them.
I suspect the first 3mm or so of tread does the useful stuff but under that it's the harder support compound that gives longer life but poorer driveability or noise. My cars is starting to feel like it's on rft.

I'm just about to replace all 4 with Goodyear Asy. 5.
I liked the 2's, but had to fit 3's to rear which became quite noisy with wear, never noticed with 2's.
I hope the 5's haven't got less soft rubber that wears off quick to give a longer life hard tyre. Just living off it's previous hype.

If a tyre is good and popular why keep changing it.

 

[B21]

I wonder if tyres are built for reviewers (in this internet age). Do any reviewers look at tyres that have 10k miles on them.
I suspect the first 3mm or so of tread does the useful stuff but under that it's the harder support compound that gives longer life but poorer driveability or noise. My cars is starting to feel like it's on rft.

I'm just about to replace all 4 with Goodyear Asy. 5.
I liked the 2's, but had to fit 3's to rear which became quite noisy with wear, never noticed with 2's.
I hope the 5's haven't got less soft rubber that wears off quick to give a longer life hard tyre. Just living off it's previous hype.

If a tyre is good and popular why keep changing it.

Couple of points if I may…

I found on the Asym 5 the first couple of hundred miles ‘disappointing’…after that they seem to bed in and I would say they are on a par with the Conti Sport 5, maybe not quite as confident in very wet conditions but good still..

That very same internet / normal publications are quick to poo poo poor performance tyres..many people buy the top one not the second one..

So technological innovation aided by marketing is king..

You’ve been spoilt running a plane with an 80 year old engine…

 

[flybobbie]

I wonder if way down a list like Toyo would be a better tyre for everyday use, had them on RX7 and MGTF and never thought twice about them in use regards say steering feel..

(80 year old design engine got me home a few times!)

 

[B21]

I wonder if way down a list like Toyo would be a better tyre for everyday use, had them on RX7 and MGTF and never thought twice about them in use regards say steering feel..

(80 year old design engine got me home a few times!)

I’m sure for most people most of the time the Toyo would be fine…just not my bag..each to their own…

Sometimes flying with one engine only over water it’s good to have a fully debugged design..

 

[tiglon]

I wonder if way down a list like Toyo would be a better tyre for everyday use, had them on RX7 and MGTF and never thought twice about them in use regards say steering feel..

(80 year old design engine got me home a few times!)

I've had Toyo's a few times on an MR2 Roadster and they were very good. That's a car that relies 100% on decent tyres so there's nowhere to hide, but of course there is very little power to trouble grip. I've had great experiences with Yokohama's too and they rarely seem to get mentioned.

Tyres like Michelin PS4S are "ultra high performance" (or is it "ultra ultra"?), which is a category that no Z4 really falls into. You don't need them on a 35is let alone a 23i but, if it's worth overdoing it on any one part of a car, it would be tyres.