Michelin PS4 - XL or not to XL

A

Adam D

Senior member
 Langdon Hills, Essex
My Z4M will be needing some new boots soon a combination of old rubber age, lower temperatures and wear down to 3/4-mm means the TC light is making many an appearance. Currently it has the OEM Contisport M3's which I gather are pretty poor compare to modern designs and compounds. I had originally planned to go for super sports but they appear to be running down old stock as the PS4S is now out, but not available in 18" wheel size (yet?).

Since continental don't seem to offer anything in 18" size in their recent models I've edged towards the Michelin PS4 tyre.

Does anyone have any advice or recommendations when using this tyre of the Z4M and as the rear is only available in XL loading should I match the front with the XL version too for balance. I assume this gives a stiffer sidewall and less comfy ride.

Many thanks :)

Adam.
 
Only go for XL if you drive it fully loaded and regularly at higher speeds (i.e. autobahn speeds).

The non-XL will give you a slightly less-firm ride as the sidewalls are not reinforced.
 
I have PS4 XL all round on my Z4M and also replaced conti M3s. They are more comfortable and grip much better and I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again.
 
I might be slightly off topic but I’m about to change rear tyres as the one currently on are both nearly bald and >6 yrs old: The TC light is hardly eve off :wink:

I have ContiSportContact 5p at the front and 3 at the rear, these are being replace and I chose the PSS (I got a really good deal on the 255/40 18. Will update on how they behave once I have then on and scrubbed them a bit.

I will likely replace / sell the Conti at the front as I’m a little OCD and don’t like running different tyres patterns and brands between front and rear....

A
 
Aren't the pilot sport 4 a direct replacement for the pilot super sports?

I've just bought a set of ps4 for my wife's C-Max, if they're anything like the reviews I'll get a set for the z4, not impressed with the Goodyear F1's on there at the minute
 
The ps4 is the equivalent to the Super Sport according to Michelin.

The PS4S is only made in 19+
 
Have a read of this article OP. It explains what reinforced tyres are and how they are constructed as well as the pros and cons. It a popular misconception that reinforced tyres have stiffer sidewalls along the lines of runflats, but this isn't the case.

https://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-article/reinforced-tyres-advantages-and-disadvantages
 
MACK said:
Have a read of this article OP. It explains what reinforced tyres are and how they are constructed as well as the pros and cons. It a popular misconception that reinforced tyres have stiffer sidewalls along the lines of runflats, but this isn't the case.

https://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-article/reinforced-tyres-advantages-and-disadvantages
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Cheers. Looks like I’ll go for for XL front and back as opposed to a mixture due to available sizes in the PS4 range.
 
Had the same concerns when I was looking to replace my M's tyres with MPSS - thought the XL tyres would be reinforced or heavier sidewalls but found out (and was told by tyre fitter/owner) that XL only denotes this is the heaviest weight version of a particular tyre not 'Xtra Load' version.
I was told it was important to have tyres that were within the load requirement of the tyre rather than concern over the tyre loading number itself. Ride comfort also said to be so small in difference on the road that it was unlikely to be felt. . . my MPSS have been excellent in all road conditions (and surprisingly good in cold weather as well)
 
g\
paulgs1000 said:
Had the same concerns when I was looking to replace my M's tyres / my MPSS have been excellent in all road conditions (and surprisingly good in cold weather as well)
'
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I know you have been a big advocate of GY F1s in the past Paul , what are your thoughts now against the Michelins ? Be interested to hear :thumbsup:
 
Steve84N said:
Nope, definitely the PS4S that is the replacement for Super Sport.
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How can it be a replacement if they don't make it in 18!?

The Michelin website also recommends the ps4 over the ss. :poke:
 
mr wilks said:
g\
paulgs1000 said:
Had the same concerns when I was looking to replace my M's tyres / my MPSS have been excellent in all road conditions (and surprisingly good in cold weather as well)
'
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I know you have been a big advocate of GY F1s in the past Paul , what are your thoughts now against the Michelins ? Be interested to hear :thumbsup:
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The M is such a different drive Andy - I feel the chassis and suspension have a bigger impact on the road driving such that it's difficult to compare - for me, importantly, both tyres have given excellent confidence. I can say that the MPSS are impressive and haven't let me down - surprised me - even in the cold and wet they are impressive (thought they were a summer tyre). However - if I'd been able to get the matched set of F1s they'd have been fitted - really liked them you're right - and for the money they never let me down either. There is some confidence to be had at 155mph on the autobahn though when you've got a new set of MPSS fitted - recognised by many, as the best and really it's more a question of reputation for me as I feel they won't let me down and can be pushed - but I always felt that with the F1s. Be interesting to see if the extra £150 is merited in extra mileage? Problem now is that the F1 Assymetric 2s have been replaced, as have the MPSS by newer versions - will have to build up experience of a new tyre in the future . . .

Having said all that; I've followed one particular well seasoned Z4 member a few years ago on a Skye road trip and also around Wales. Once or twice he and I were paired up on sections and had cracking runs pushing his pre and my post face-lift E85s. Very much enjoyed our runs (and I know he did as well) the significant thing was, when I checked with him - he had cheap branded mixed tyres on his Zed! I was really impressed, amazed even and had to smile and shake my head - sometimes we can get a little too concerned about branding and performance :lol:
 
bradz said:
Steve84N said:
Nope, definitely the PS4S that is the replacement for Super Sport.
Click to expand...

How can it be a replacement if they don't make it in 18!?

The Michelin website also recommends the ps4 over the ss. :poke:
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There was a lot of confusion at the time it was released and clearly there still is.

Michelin (wrongly) surmised that they only needed Super Sport levels of performance on 19" plus wheels. To be fair most performance cars are now sold on at least 19s and yes it's a shame but that's how it is.

The website recommends PS4 instead of Super Sport for 18" as it's the best they've got in that size... The PS4 is supposedly better than the SS in most conditions but the SS in ethos has its replacement in the PS4S which moves the game on.

Here's an education:

https://blog.caranddriver.com/michelin-launches-new-king-of-all-tires-the-pilot-sport-4-s/
http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/Michelin-Pilot-Sport-4-S-VS-Michelin-Pilot-Super-Sport.htm
http://www.bmwblog.com/2016/09/29/michelin-announces-pilot-super-sport-successor-paris-motor-show/
http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...chelin-pilot-sport-4-s-engineering-explained/

Screenshot_20171231-032107.jpg

Now go poke yourself... :poke:
 
bradz said:
Steve84N said:
Nope, definitely the PS4S that is the replacement for Super Sport.
Click to expand...

How can it be a replacement if they don't make it in 18!?

The Michelin website also recommends the ps4 over the ss. :poke:
Click to expand...

They are going to make the 4s in 18 apparently, just not yet... The PS4 is not a replacement for the SS tyre the PS4S is as steve says.
 
Interesting. The reason I said that was because it's what I was told by a Michelin rep at autosport last year.

I'll be back in a few weeks to bring it back up.

They also said ps4s wouldn't be made in 18" as there wasn't enough demand.
 
bradz said:
They also said ps4s wouldn't be made in 18" as there wasn't enough demand.
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They said the same about MPSS when they launched that in 2010, 2 years later they released them in 18".
It wouldn't surprise me that they will follow the same path this time around, though that said there are indeed less performance cars these days running 18". I guess we'll find out soon enough.
 
TomK said:
bradz said:
They also said ps4s wouldn't be made in 18" as there wasn't enough demand.
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They said the same about MPSS when they launched that in 2010, 2 years later they released them in 18".
It wouldn't surprise me that they will follow the same path this time around, though that said there are indeed less performance cars these days running 18". I guess we'll find out soon enough.
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https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Pilot+Sport+4S&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=44YR8PS4SXL&tab=Sizes

Available in the US in 18" now, though only 1 size at the moment.
 
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