BMW adding new factory tire to M3/M4 - Continental ContiSportContact 5P

[mkoesel]

If you want to be sure to get PSS you can always opt for the 18" wheels.

[TheGr8Swami]

I think it's a very smart move by BMW! Offering an alternative tire will prevent back orders which have plagued BMW in the past. I remember the nightmare of waiting for 18" Goodyear RSA's on my old 330xi, and 19" LS2 for my 550xi.

[RMNB]

Originally Posted by TheGr8Swami

I think it's a very smart move by BMW! Offering an alternative tire will prevent back orders which have plagued BMW in the past. I remember the nightmare of waiting for 18" Goodyear RSA's on my old 330xi, and 19" LS2 for my 550xi.

It is a good move by BMW at this point to further prevent any more type of bag log issues especially from all the nightmare build issues I have read about.

I was always a PSS guy but just don't know anythng on the Conti's. I imagine when I pull the trigger here soon my order I will find out soon enough.

[Pure]

These are 2 of the best brands of tires for BMW. Also are good Pirelli and Dunlop.

[williewonkerz]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

Yet the PSS beat the Conti in dry grip, noise, comfort and wear (not to mention the Michelins have, in my experience, much better manufacturing control -- i.e. dimensional, stiffness and mass uniformity).

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I suspect for *many*, dry conditions the largest (likely significant) consumer of your miles.

Stack on better confort and noise?!

I'm sticking with the Michelins until someone shows me more concrete difference.

[ORIGIN M.]

I've had one junk set of DW Conti's...

Never again !

Michelin for life !

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

My E92 came with the PS2 and I was very happy with them as they were clearly superior to the PS1. When the PSS got released, I switched to the PSS on my E92 in 255/275 size (because the 265 rears were not yet available). I could not be happier, I found that the PSS was a great street tire improving in all areas compared to the PS2.

Naturally, my F8X also came with the PSS. Interstingly, I find the PSS on my F8X less grippy then they were on my E92. Is it the F8X "specific development"? Is it maybe only perception? When they wear down (which will be quite soon ), I will switch to a 265/285 /35R19 non-///M specific setup. I am curious to see the difference.

I can tell you why the PSS feel " less grippy" at the rear Wheels...
Can u say.... " + 100 ft lbs " on an OEM tire only 10 mm wider?
Definitely agree with you on the move up to 265/285 when your OE tires are done.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

In the article you linked, both tires finished with a score of 99. Not sure why they put the conti on top. It should have been a tie .

Tie breaker goes to the lighter tire

I really wish Michelin made a 285/30-19 application of the PSS (not the ZP runflat version, either).

[rymiller73]

If you've have submitted your order is there any way for your CA to request the PSS?

[MMM3PWR]

Who cares what come on it , in 10k miles they will be toast either way...

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by aajami

Tie breaker goes to the lighter tire

I really wish Michelin made a 285/39-19 application of the PSS (not the ZP runlet version, either).

You mean /30 or /35 because the 285/35R19 exists. There is always the 295/30R18 option.

Going down to 285/30R19 in the rear would be too small of a rolling diameter IMO, unless you want it in the front...

I will be going to a 265/285 /35R19 PSS setup on the first occasion.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

You mean /30 or /35 because the 285/35R19 exists. There is always the 295/30R18 option.

Going down to 285/30R19 in the rear would be too small of a rolling diameter IMO, unless you want it in the front...

I will be going to a 265/285 /35R19 PSS setup on the first occasion.

Er, typo. 285/30-19.

The E92M GTS runs a 285/30, fwiw.

I'm currently running a 255/275-35R19 PSS combo right now, and I love everything about the tires except for the sidewall on the rear.

[VCP]

Yes, the PSS was dialed in by Bruno Spengler. It took quite a while for them to get the tire he was happy with.

Originally Posted by Wah

Wasn't there something about how Michelin developed this version of PSS specifically for the F8x? I'll look into it.

EDIT: See Michelin Press Release below... it was developed with BMW M GmbH for the M3 and tested with the M3 and M4.

A star* for the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport, which is fitted as original
equipment on the new BMW M3 and M4.
For its two new models – the M3 and M4 – BMW has maintained its very exacting
performance standards and as a result is fitting them with the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport
tire.
The Pilot Super Sport ensures that the M3 and M4 are able to offer the drivers of these cars
the precise steering response and sporty handling characteristics that they demand, both on
road and on track.
For the tires that equip its vehicles, BMW is constantly seeking the right combination of
sporty performance, exceptional grip and the ability to be used every day, which implies a
certain level of driving comfort and long-lasting tires. MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport ensures a
comfortable ride and superior precision in extreme driving conditions.
Since 1986, when the first generation of the BMW M3 was released, Michelin has been the
German carmaker strategic tire partner and has equipped all M series vehicles.
To ensure that the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport delivers in all of these areas of performance
for the BMW M3 – and even plays a key role in the car’s sporty driving – engineers from
Michelin and BMW M GmbH worked together to develop the tire. This certification is another
illustration of the long-standing tradition of successful partnership between the tire maker and
the car manufacturer, which have always shared the same passion for superior automobile
performance.
For Michelin, the challenge was to meet the specifications set by BMW M GmbH, while
maintaining the fundamentals that make Michelin tires unique, especially in terms of
production quality and longevity. The proof that this challenge was successfully overcome is
reflected in the fact that the Michelin Pilot Super Sport functions like a top-of-the-line racing
tire while offering greater total mileage and enhanced safety for drivers and passengers
alike.
Sizes :
255/40 ZR18 (95Y) TL Pilot Super Sport *
275/40 ZR18 (99Y) TL Pilot Super Sport *
255/35 ZR19 (92Y) TL Pilot Super Sport *
275/35 ZR19 (100Y)XLTL Pilot Super Sport *
*The star is a special marking displayed on Michelin tires to indicate that they were specifically designed for BMW
vehicles.

Michelin and BMW M: Key Figures
Strategic partners since 1986 for the BMW M3
100% of BMW M3/M4 fitted with the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport in 2014.
60% BMW M5 equipped exclusively with the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport.
60% BMW M6 equipped exclusively with the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport.
5. The number of tracks on which the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport was tested on the BMW
M3 and BMW M4. The tracks were Michelin's Ladoux circuit, BMW's Miramas test center,
the Nürburgring circuit in Germany, the Charade circuit in France and BMW’s Aschheim
Testcenter in Germany.
9 is the number of test sessions conducted jointly by the car maker and the tire
manufacturer.
3884, is the number of prototypes tires developed in 19 months for these vehicles.
Technical features of the MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport
The MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport’s leading-edge technology combines a aramid reinforced belt, a Bi-
Compound tread band and the Variable Contact Patch 2.0.
- The aramid belt is a high-density fiber primarily used in aeronautics whose key feature is its
high traction resistance. Strong and light at the same time, aramid is five times more
resistant than steel at equivalent weight. Thanks to its variable tension, the belt tightens the
tread more than the shoulders so that centrifugal force is more effectively overcome and
pressure is more evenly distributed.
- Developed for racing tires, Bi-Compound technology uses different rubber compounds on
the left and right sides of the tread. On the outside, an elastomer ensures exceptional
endurance in tight cornering, while on the inside, a different elastomer combines with a
special tread design to enable the tire, on wet pavement, to break through the water’s
surface and adhere to even the slightest irregularities in the road.
- The innovative feature of the Variable Contact Patch 2.0 is that it changes shape depending
on actual driving conditions, thereby guaranteeing complete control of the vehicle. In this
way, even as the patch’s shape changes when cornering, the amount of rubber in contact
with the road remains the same.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by aajami

Er, typo. 285/30-19.

The E92M GTS runs a 285/30, fwiw.

I'm currently running a 255/275-35R19 PSS combo right now, and I love everything about the tires except for the sidewall on the rear.

Yes, I know about the GTS. I see in you sig that you are running an E92, is the 285/30 for your E92 (if so wrong forum ) ? On the E92, running 255/275 /35R19 was already a slight but negligible increase in rolling diameter (I was also running that combo). I agree that going to 265/285 /35R19 would be a little much on the E92, hence the need for a 285/30R19. Do consider that running a GTS setup of 255/35 / 285/30R19 on a standard E9X could screw up the calibration of the DSC/ABS.

Since the F8X already has 255/275 /35R19 as a stock size, I figure that going slightly wider and larger to a 265/285 setup will be perfectly fine on the F8X .

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by Racer20

Agreed on all counts.

Thanks for the kind words.

Originally Posted by consolidated

I put Conti DWs on our Tesla specifically for it's better wet+dry performance. So far they've been great, the Supersports extra .0x lateral G's just isn't as important as wet stick for that car. Very quiet ride full tread.

Also love the Conti GP4000 SII 25c tires on my road bikes, nice roll, and plush.

Agreed. Glad to hear you're also enjoying your DWs. For daily driving purposes, the DWs provide exactly what I want - excellent grip in adverse weather conditions, outstanding grip on dry pavement, little to no road noise, and a suppler, more compliant ride.

I'm only concerned with stiffer sidewalls and shedding tenths of seconds off lap times when it comes to my dedicated track tires.

Originally Posted by Dave2011M3

This..the 5Ps are quite a bit stiffer in response than the Mich PSS. I just switched to Mich PSS from my 5Ps and the Mich feel more soft.

Dave

The 5Ps are truly a legitimate alternative to the PSS. They are one of Continental's best high-performance tire options.

Originally Posted by Maz335i

I'm sure the 5P's are great. The reviews look good so far.

Plus, I'm sure u can talk to ur dealer and have them swap out the tires once the car arrives. So if u don't want the Contis, just tell them to switch it for PSS either from another M3 that arrived or whatever.

I'm sure this can be taken care of. If not, just burn them as fast as u can and replace them with PSS.

Good to see you around Maz. Congrats on the new ride!

[Hobbe74]

Originally Posted by solstice

I doubt any changes are made to suspension, steering Tuning etc. to optimally fit the Contis. I strongly suspect it will be the same old story where no one who cares will replace the Contis with another set of Contis. Once they are done PSSs will come on. We'll see.

They rather tune the tyre to the suspension than vice versa.
Most users wouldn't notice the difference between the PSS and 5P tire, unless you are skilled at tire evaluation and understanding of the structure of the tire framework, pattern and rubber compound.
The perceived difference is more noticeable depending on temperature/humidity where you live than differences between the tires when you are at this level.
When replacing, the placebo effect is a big factor, and the difference is much greater between new and worn tires than between PSS and 5P.
OEM approved tires is extremely well evaluated and tested especially when fitted to a car like the M3/M4, since they, perhaps most clearly of all parts, gives the driver/hopefully returning customer, the perceived sense of the car's character.

[BEMR]

Conties suck worst tire on the planet, sorry.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Since the F8X already has 255/275 /35R19 as a stock size, I figure that going slightly wider and larger to a 265/285 setup will be perfectly fine on the F8X .

Sometimes I forget where I am

[Imola.ZHP]

I've been running PSS's on my ZHP for over 3 years now (on 19" VMR V710's), I wouldn't have any other tire on that car, they have saved my bacon countless times. I was already a Michelin tire "snob" before, I'm not sure if the Pilot Sports that were on my OEM 18" wheels were what was delivered with the car or not (bought CPO with 32,500 miles on it), but I fell in love with them and the car at the same time. I had an Acura RSX-S several years before and when I switched to a different brand tire, the whole car just didn't "feel" the same. So I wasn't going to have that happen again with my ZHP.

Sucks to hear that they are switching, but if you can afford a new M3/M4, just burn off the Conti's and pick up some PSS's.

[Appeltje]

Originally Posted by gthal

That sucks for anyone getting the Conti's. Michelin's aren't great at the track but they are the best high performance street tire, when everything is considered, out there.

Just wondering if you ever driven the super sports on track??? Best tires money can buy when driving HPDS and for street...

[gthal]

Originally Posted by Appeltje

Just wondering if you ever driven the super sports on track??? Best tires money can buy when driving HPDS and for street...

Yes... on several different cars. I find they get greasy quickly and fall off very fast. Not a bad street/track tire but for intermediate HPDE participants, it gets too greasy with heat and needs a stiffer sidewall for a car as heavy as the M3/4, IMO. It also doesn't wear very well without a lot of camber... easy to chuck the outer half. I would say the same thing about most street tires

Having said that, if I could only have one tire for the street and track, it is hard to beat the PSS. Another good combo tire is the RE-11. Not quite as comfortable on the street (but close) but better at the track. Depends on priorities but for someone who mainly drives on the street with maybe 2 or 3 HPDE days, the PSS is a great option.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

If you want to be sure to get PSS you can always opt for the 18" wheels.

Good to know