Michelin PSS for e89

[Peejay]

Apologies if this is in the wrong section but I am after e89 feedback in particular.

I'm interested in swapping the RFTs to Michelin PSS on my 19 inch wheels. I see they seem to get good reviews especially from e85/e86 owners. I'm wondering if any e89 owners have done this and what are their thoughts? More specifically how has it changed? Turn in? Grip? Ride quality? My car has M sport suspension so if anyone has the PSS with the same set up I would be very interested to hear.

I have only ever fitted RFTs to this car so it is hard for me to judge but I do like the apparent immediate turn in feeling they give so I'm weary of ruining the cars sharpness - even though going over pot holes can be a jarring experience sometimes!

In case of emergencies are you guys using a compressor and tyre sealant kit or relying on good breakdown cover?

Thanks,

 

[Peejay]

FYI I'm referring to the stock RFTs - Bridgestone RE050A. I believe these are the 3rd generation fitted to the e89 which is why I'm interested in e89 owners who can compare.

 

[Maniac]

I've done this and they're an improvement in every way. Do a search on them because I've a thread on my thoughts somewhere.

 

[Peejay]

Thanks I have located somewhere for a hunter alignment too as mentioned in one of your posts. What pressures are you running on the PSS?

 

[Maniac]

I tried running about 5psi lower than stock all round but this led to a little edge wear (I have a digital meter and I measured .5mm difference at the outer edges. So I've upped this to 2psi under stock which is still way more comfortable than RFTs and is wearing more evenly.

 

[grizzly]

I have 19 inch Michelin PSS on the e89 and am running 42psi front and 46psi rear. I am thinking about lowering it but find it gives good response. Not sure of the actual recommended for PSS. The sidewalls are much softer than RFTs so initial turn in response will be less touchy BUT at highway speed and above they are perfect in this respect.

Less rattles in cabin and much less tyre noise.

The tires are also lighter than stock RFTs thus reducing unsprung weight which is always a good thing.

 

[Maniac]

That's quite a high PSI but then in higher temps in AUS you'll probably get a more compliant ride anyhow. Mine are 32 front and 40 rear which gives a good balance between wear and comfort. (stock is 34/42psi - 2,4/2,9 bar). So far I've noted a little wear on the shoulders at the front so I've increased PSI from 30 to 32 and I'll keep an eye on it, if its still wearing I'll take it up bit by bit until things even out. I'm working on .5mm wear patterns presently and monitoring them so I can give feedback here for others that might want to change to these. Having spoken with the Michelin race guy that works with BMW CCGB here in the UK he's suggested this pattern of testing for me with comfort vs wear being of primary concern to me. Others may have performance as their primary concern so pressures would be increased for that but I want to be getting even wear but towards the comfort end as that was the point of getting rid of the RFTS, to improve comfort. Which they are doing marvellously.

 

[Peejay]

I had them fitted yesterday........ and wow! The car feels far more sure on the road rather than bouncing/crashing over pot holes. Turn in still feels quick and the grip is great. On a regular piece of road where I normally encounter a number of pot holes I waited and waited and waited but no harsh bang came, it feels like a different (better) car. I decided to start with stock pressures for comparison but I think I will keep them as they are, they seem great. Can't wait for some nice weather. I'm chuffed I changed!

 

[Maniac]

Good man.

 

[jamiez]

They are some high psi values !!

 

[Christianm]

Had these on the e89 and now M3 amazing tyre, even bigger jump on Z4 as you loose the run flats.

 

[MSH]

I recently switched from the stock rft to Goodyear Eagle F1 assimetric 2's. The improvement is more than noticeable.
I've got more grip on the turn in and the back feels much more planted when I accelerate out of bends. I'm sure the Michelin PSS will do the same but I would happily recommend the Goodyears as a slightly cheaper very effective alternative.

 

[Quadracer]

I have 235 35 19 PSS on front and 265 30 19 on rear which are a fantastic set up. The run flats are far too hard.

 

[Hizza]

I'm shortly to replace my RFT's so have been thinking about non-RFT's. From what I understand the only real benefit of RFT's is that after a puncture you can drive circa 50 miles at circa 50mph - and then have to replace the tyre. I guess there would also be advantages in a high-speed blow out situation as the tyre walls would remain stable. The downsides are higher cost and harsher ride (though nothing like my E86 coupe). This wasn't much comfort last year when I thought I'd had a puncture in north Norfolk on a bank holiday weekend (in fact the tyre warning light came on but I checked pressures and all was ok, so just re-set everything and all's been ok since).

I think I read that statistically you should have a puncture roughly every 90k miles. The ones I've had over the last few years have usually involved nails or screws and have then been safely plugged by tyre fitters.

My questions are - what back up is there if you get a flat on a non-RFT - is the BMW emergency kit (as used in the Z4M) any good for plugging/reinflating?; is there a cheaper recommended alternative to the BMW kit; and has anyone on the forum ever had a flat on a non-RFT, been stuck in the middle of nowhere and regretted their decision?

 

[flybobbie]

I have 17inch Goodyears asym. non RFT's. Had one tyre wrecked by pothole, 3 inch slash in side wall, had no option but to drive home with flat about 9 miles.
By the time i was home the tread was off the rim but the rim survived intact.
At the time i just accepted if i wreck the wheel, so be it.

In my life averge mileage 12k, usually about two punctures per year, but just about everyone a screw and could continue journeys with the aid of a pump, which i always carry.