Continental ExtremeContact Sport. Tire Report. Gold Star. Pictures Added.

[2legit]

Hi, I have been following your post on the extreme contact sport tires. I currently own a 2017 m3 zcp (used to own a 2016 m3 non zcp) with the continental 5p tires. I am looking to upgrade during the summer to either the continental extreme contact sports or mp4s. I am very dissatisfied with the 5p. Feel and grip is very important to me. My 5p don't grip like I want. In fact the 5p is so poor I almost never use mdm mode. How would your rate the
"extreme contact sport" driving feel, grip taking a ramp and also from a stop taking a sharp right hand or left hand stop in dry conditions? Your feedback is well appreciated. Thanks.

[VeloF1]

Originally Posted by 2legit

Hi, I have been following your post on the extreme contact sport tires. I currently own a 2017 m3 zcp (used to own a 2016 m3 non zcp) with the continental 5p tires. I am looking to upgrade during the summer to either the continental extreme contact sports or mp4s. I am very dissatisfied with the 5p. Feel and grip is very important to me. My 5p don't grip like I want. In fact the 5p is so poor I almost never use mdm mode. How would your rate the
"extreme contact sport" driving feel, grip taking a ramp and also from a stop taking a sharp right hand or left hand stop in dry conditions? Your feedback is well appreciated. Thanks.

My experience with Continental tires generally prior to the release of the ECS have been similar to yours. The performance was just not there under all performance driving conditions. I think Conti knew this and put a lot of R&D into the new ECS that was released earlier this year.

I have over 20 years of experience with various similar sports cars/tires.

Personally, I have not used the ECS in a 20" version. Yet, I have done several track days with your car ('17 F80 zcp) on 19" ECS 265/285. For this category tire (high performance Summer performance tire; not a streetable track tire or extreme performance tire), they clearly performed better than MPSS tires. We tried to get our hands on the 4S for side by side comparisons; yet, did not. The later feedback on the 4S suggest some front end wash on OEM size tires. The key professional drivers also had similar comments and also noted that Michelin just don't stand up to abuse like the new ECS.

The ECS appearance are a little more "meaty" compared to the similar category Michelin tires. So, I recommend being careful about upsizing the width too much, assuming that you main concern is performance rather than appearance of a big tire on the rear.

Michelin tires get a lot of love here; and, they are a good choice. yet, the ECS will hold up slightly better if you use them in a track like setting; even heavy cycling on the road.

I am running 265/285 19" and they almost never break free under heavy acceleration. Of course, under the most extreme cornering they will break free; yet, I am driving car near it's limits. The only issue I found was under max breaking, the fronts would occasionally engage the ABS; again, this was under very, very heavy breaking and high speeds. I remedied mostly by reducing the tire PSI about 1.5 to 2.0 psi. So, stock I run they around 30-31 cold psi in the front. The performance is great and overall believe this tire is a great choice for our platform of car. I have no real complaints and will very likely buy them again save a newer tire being offered later.

Now, with winter in N. CA and some wet roads; they provide me greater confidence than the MPSS on wet roads and when using in temps slightly higher than freezing.

I hope this helps. Cheers.

[drroc]

Based on the thread, I got a set of Conti ExtremeContact sport in the 19'' size. My MPSS were completely worn out. I was very surprised that the car now rides much smoother and doesn't rattle as much. Traction seems to be good as well. In 10C weather, I was able to floor it in 2nd gear, and the tc light blipped only once.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by drroc

Based on the thread, I got a set of Conti ExtremeContact sport in the 19'' size. My MPSS were completely worn out. I was very surprised that the car now rides much smoother and doesn't rattle as much. Traction seems to be good as well. In 10C weather, I was able to floor it in 2nd gear, and the tc light blipped only once.

The ECS are indeed great tires but I suspect most of the improvement you feel has to do with swapping out completely worn tires for brand new ones. Nonetheless, their performance is on par with the MPSS and they offer more sizes too.

[VeloF1]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

The ECS are indeed great tires but I suspect most of the improvement you feel has to do with swapping out completely worn tires for brand new ones. Nonetheless, their performance is on par with the MPSS and they offer more sizes too.

Gatorfast - I was able to track and road test the ECS and MPSS tires (all with very good tread) within a week. The ECS performance was better and maintained better performance. Most of the other drivers including some drivers who get paid for a living concurred.

Sure, generally, a newer tire drives better than a worn out tire—yet, there is more here.

PS: with winter here, I’ve also got to spend some time on wet roads. Clearly better than the MPSS.

[2legit]

I got the continental extreme contact sport 255/275 over the mp4s due to this post. My previous tire was the conti 5p. Very happy with tire grip in a straight line and taking corners. Hard to break traction with new inspired confidence while driving. Just 200 miles in and will be happy if it maintains the same performance during the tire life. The tire has simply transformed the way I drive with my M3. Steering feel is slightly lighter which I prefer. Road noise has decreased slightly. Straight line aggressive acceleration performance on dry roads is very good. Breaking is the same as the conti 5p which is a good thing. The car can simply put the power down now. I have not yet tested lateral grip on wet roads as the tire is still broken in. Never driven the Michelins but I can't imagine it will provide a better tire grip than I have now with the contis. I have a suspicion that both tires are equal in performance and it comes down to the driver. The only down sides is that steering feel is no better or worse. I do not think it is the tires as the side wall feels as stiff as the conti 5p. Just think the F80 M3 has a bad electronic steering. I will recommend purchasing the conti extreme contact sports tires if you want a cheaper alternative to the mp4s with the same performance. Also I will recommend sticking with stock sizes to prevent tire roll during hard cornering. The tire performance is so good you don't need to go wider with the risk of decreased steering feel and increased tire roll on stock rims.

[VeloF1]

Originally Posted by 2legit

I got the continental extreme contact sport 255/275 over the mp4s due to this post. My previous tire was the conti 5p. Very happy with tire grip in a straight line and taking corners. Hard to break traction with new inspired confidence while driving. Just 200 miles in and will be happy if it maintains the same performance during the tire life. The tire has simply transformed the way I drive with my M3. Steering feel is slightly lighter which I prefer. Road noise has decreased slightly. Straight line aggressive acceleration performance on dry roads is very good. Breaking is the same as the conti 5p which is a good thing. The car can simply put the power down now. I have not yet tested lateral grip on wet roads as the tire is still broken in. Never driven the Michelins but I can't imagine it will provide a better tire grip than I have now with the contis. I have a suspicion that both tires are equal in performance and it comes down to the driver. The only down sides is that steering feel is no better or worse. I do not think it is the tires as the side wall feels as stiff as the conti 5p. Just think the F80 M3 has a bad electronic steering. I will recommend purchasing the conti extreme contact sports tires if you want a cheaper alternative to the mp4s with the same performance. Also I will recommend sticking with stock sizes to prevent tire roll during hard cornering. The tire performance is so good you don't need to go wider with the risk of decreased steering feel and increased tire roll on stock rims.

Nice review 2legit.

I’m a year into ownership and if anything they are working better after the break-in period.

Funny how much love Michelin gets here. Clearly, better marketers.

[mephiska]

I recently got the ECS for my 18" stock wheels and I love these tires. There really is no reason to get the MPSS anymore, especially for those of us who prefer the 18" wheels. Also, since the new Michelin 4S aren't available in our stock 18" wheel size it's really a no brainer, this is the go to stock tire replacement.

I've had them for around 3000+ miles now and have driven them in wet & dry weather. They ride great and have greatly improved traction, especially in the wet. They're cheaper than even the MPSS, and unlike the MPSS they are based on the newer tire compound that the manufacturers are using for improved wet handling. They wear well for me so far, they're quiet, smooth, grip great, and look good.

Note: I have not taken these on the track, I'm only comparing them to my road going experience with the stock MPSS. In every respect I've experienced with them these are the superior tire.

Here's what they look like. They're meaty, I love the look.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by mephiska

I recently got the ECS for my 18" stock wheels and I love these tires. There really is no reason to get the MPSS anymore, especially for those of us who prefer the 18" wheels. Also, since the new Michelin 4S aren't available in our stock 18" wheel size it's really a no brainer, this is the go to stock tire replacement.

I've had them for around 3000+ miles now and have driven them in wet & dry weather. They ride great and have greatly improved traction, especially in the wet. They're cheaper than even the MPSS, and unlike the MPSS they are based on the newer tire compound that the manufacturers are using for improved wet handling. They wear well for me so far, they're quiet, smooth, grip great, and look good.

Note: I have not taken these on the track, I'm only comparing them to my road going experience with the stock MPSS. In every respect I've experienced with them these are the superior tire.

Here's what they look like. They're meaty, I love the look.

Are you running oem 255/40 and 275/40 sizes?

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Are you running oem 255/40 and 275/40 sizes?

275/40ZR18 is what is written on the rear tire sidewall .

[mephiska]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Are you running oem 255/40 and 275/40 sizes?

Yes OEM size. Bought from tire rack.

[spoolin]

I currently own an F80, but prior to my E90 ZCP being totaled (plowed into by someone not paying attention), I purchased ECS after riding on PSS for their life and Continental DW for one cycle. I like to say that the ECS had the handling characteristics and sidewall stiffness of the PSS, while retaining the comfort, low-noise, and wet performance of the DW. Coming in at a decent amount lower for a set of 4, the ECS is a great buy. Plus, they came in 285 where there Michelins did not (at the time).

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

275/40ZR18 is what is written on the rear tire sidewall .

I tried zooming in on the pic using my phone but couldn't make anything out.

[mephiska]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

I tried zooming in on the pic using my phone but couldn't make anything out.

Don't feel bad. I looked and I'm not sure which pic he read it from either.

[spuntyb]

Anyone running these on the 20" 666 wheels?

[x.shell]

Originally Posted by mephiska

Don't feel bad. I looked and I'm not sure which pic he read it from either.

You can make out the 275/40 on the top two pictures.

[tropicatango]

just bought them 265-35-19 front and 285-35-19 rear to replace my oem michelin pilot super sport, can't wait to try them

EDIT: I just drove 300 km on these tires and i absolutely love them, they have very good grip, to me they perform better than the michelin pss, maybe it's because i went to 265/285..... in the rain they inspire confidence

My old pss were down to 4/32 front and rear had 7/32.......

I love my current setup better than the pss, I'm very happy with the tires abd i recommand them for sure

[corbs09]

Can someone confirm that these are indeed the correct tires? Or at least the tires referenced in this thread?

https://www.onlinetires.com/products...00-p52719.html

The "All-season" is throwing me off. Thanks!

[VeloF1]

Originally Posted by corbs09

Can someone confirm that these are indeed the correct tires? Or at least the tires referenced in this thread?

https://www.onlinetires.com/products...00-p52719.html

The "All-season" is throwing me off. Thanks!

Those are them. Yet I’d buy from someone that knows tires better. TireRack is $3 more per tire. Many local tire shops match tire rack prices...

[corbs09]

Originally Posted by VeloF1

Those are them. Yet I’d buy from someone that knows tires better. TireRack is $3 more per tire. Many local tire shops match tire rack prices...

Yeah, I usually go to onlinetires to get a price and bring it in for a price match at discount.

I went to order these today and was made aware that the front 265/35 size is on national back order for 3-4 weeks. Just FYI to anyone looking to order.

[TheLegend]

Thinking about getting these at 265/35r19 and 295/35r19 on my oem 19s. Why is everyone going with the 285 on the rear?

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by TheLegend

Thinking about getting these at 265/35r19 and 295/35r19 on my oem 19s. Why is everyone going with the 285 on the rear?

The 285 is made for a 10" wide wheel which the oem rear is while the 295 is made for a 10.5" wheel (it can fit a 10" wheel however that is the bare minimum). Also, the tread width is 10.3" for both the 285/35 and 295/35 so you arent really gaining anything by going with the 295.