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

[VeloF1]

Originally Posted by nars3000

Speaking purely of straight line performance, the Conti ECS is not able to keep things straight even from a 40-50 mph roll with about 580whp. My car has spun out just by going in a straight line in 3rd gear, and have nearly hugged the wall at Sonoma Raceway about four to five times.

It rained quite a bit in February and most of March in the Bay Area, and I had no traction issues with the S007a in heavy downpour. While true, the tire categories are not the same (Max Performance vs Extreme Performance), the S007a's price point is within the same range as the ECS, and often going for less.

It's hard for me to believe that the ECS is even remotely close to PS4S level, they were more like a tick below PSS, IMO. ECS definitely make for a great commuter tire, however.

I think we’re apples and oranges here given your horsepower. I’m still unclear on what suspension upgrades you may have used with the ECS?

On my stock motor using MP HAS springs, the ECS hook up very well on straight line applications. Plus, the handling was improved. I did have to play with psi a bit to get the most out of the fronts.

I’ve also done several track days stock F8Os with both MPSS and ECS— the ECS was clearly better. The Michelin’s heat cycled out in a negative way consistently. Outside temperature was about 75 to 80 degrees.

Regarding driving in the Bay Area— the traffic is so bad, you’re just as fast riding a bicycle ;p

[FriedPiston]

Originally Posted by VeloF1

I think we’re apples and oranges here given your horsepower. I’m still unclear on what suspension upgrades you may have used with the ECS?

On my stock motor using MP HAS springs, the ECS hook up very well on straight line applications. Plus, the handling was improved. I did have to play with psi a bit to get the most out of the fronts.

I’ve also done several track days stock F8Os with both MPSS and ECS— the ECS was clearly better. The Michelin’s heat cycled out in a negative way consistently. Outside temperature was about 75 to 80 degrees.

Regarding driving in the Bay Area— the traffic is so bad, you’re just as fast riding a bicycle ;p

Mainly stock ZCP suspension, CF trunk aero, and lightweight forged wheels. But like I said, anything more than 500whp and the Conti ECS won't be able to handle the power.

Hugging sweeper turns at constant high speeds with no sudden increase of power were no issue, but it's a different story when we're talking full power delivery.

Bay Area traffic is indeed bad, but the roads clear out after 8 PM, and any freeway other than 80, 101 and 880 is usually free flowing. I often find myself cruising at around 80mph whether it's wet or dry.

[VeloF1]

Originally Posted by shay2nak

I have these now. Maybe over 100 mi so far. Still greasy. I'll report back.

Test various psi. I found especially important for fronts.

[shay2nak]

Originally Posted by VeloF1

Test various psi. I found especially important for fronts.

I try it out. I think I have it set at 33psi all round. Maybe 32 front/ 33 back? Not sure.

what are yours set to?

[Everfly]

i went to continental tire training center and got a ride on the M3 driven by Johan and of course the ECS did great. after my Michelin go out I will get a set for sure

[VeloF1]

Originally Posted by shay2nak

I try it out. I think I have it set at 33psi all round. Maybe 32 front/ 33 back? Not sure.

what are yours set to?

I have 19" 265/285. For spirited street use, fronts at about 31psi; rears 32/33psi. I sometimes may drop even 1psi all around. Now, if really warm outside, I often drop even another psi all around. Just play with it. It can make a difference. I watch both the psi and tire temps on the display once up and running at temperature.

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by nars3000

It's hard for me to believe that the ECS is even remotely close to PS4S level, they were more like a tick below PSS, IMO. ECS definitely make for a great commuter tire, however.

I have cars with ECS, PSS and MPS4s right now. I completely agree with your statement.

The ECS is better in wet than the PSS but I find the PSS better in dry.

The MPS4s is clearly better, I have no questions about that

[VeloF1]

Originally Posted by nars3000

Mainly stock ZCP suspension, CF trunk aero, and lightweight forged wheels. But like I said, anything more than 500whp and the Conti ECS won't be able to handle the power.

Hugging sweeper turns at constant high speeds with no sudden increase of power were no issue, but it's a different story when we're talking full power delivery.

Bay Area traffic is indeed bad, but the roads clear out after 8 PM, and any freeway other than 80, 101 and 880 is usually free flowing. I often find myself cruising at around 80mph whether it's wet or dry.

Interesting. What car/model has which tire?

Any track days comparing the MPSS/4S/ECS?

Thanks in advance.

[shay2nak]

Originally Posted by VeloF1

I have 19" 265/285. For spirited street use, fronts at about 31psi; rears 32/33psi. I sometimes may drop even 1psi all around. Now, if really warm outside, I often drop even another psi all around. Just play with it. It can make a difference. I watch both the psi and tire temps on the display once up and running at temperature.

Thanks, I will check it out. i don't drive enough. lol 1400 miles in 16 months. I'm also on 19s. 265/305.

[ntg44]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I have cars with ECS, PSS and MPS4s right now. I completely agree with your statement.

The ECS is better in wet than the PSS but I find the PSS better in dry.

The MPS4s is clearly better, I have no questions about that

My stock PSS 18s couldn’t even hook in 70 degree temps on my stock car.

I cant speak for PS4S, but the contis hooked right up when I got them installed in February. Even in high 20 degree temps, flooring it in first and second had no tc intervention. I absolutely couldn’t believe it. It almost made me angry at how garbage the PSS were afterwards, it’s like I was only getting half the engine’s potential before then.

No idea if it has anything to do with it being the 18 inch tire but I’ll never go back to pss. It’s not even close.

[Jojipoji]

Installed ecs today and I have more dry traction than my old mpss. It’s was 45 degrees here today and it hooked way better than my mpss in the cold.

[gatorfast]

What's everyone seeing in terms of tire wear with the ECS? I'm on my second set of rears now with about 10k miles on them and they will need replacing pretty soon. My first set only lasted around 12k miles. They have a much higher treadwear rating than the mpss but so far I am not seeing any difference in longevity.

[Kevin M]

Just got these installed. I finally have grip in colder weather.

My rear sidewalls appear to be discolored, and I'm not happy about that. Looks different than the fronts. Going to reach out to tire rack.

[VeloF1]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

What's everyone seeing in terms of tire wear with the ECS? I'm on my second set of rears now with about 10k miles on them and they will need replacing pretty soon. My first set only lasted around 12k miles. They have a much higher treadwear rating than the mpss but so far I am not seeing any difference in longevity.

12k mikes on ECS IS not terrible depending on driving style. On Michelin MPSS, I’d get about 9k miles—no track days.

[Prossx]

Originally Posted by VeloF1

12k mikes on ECS IS not terrible depending on driving style. On Michelin MPSS, I’d get about 9k miles—no track days.

My MPSS rears are hitting 9k and will need replaced as well. I'd be happy with another 3k miles for a cheaper tire with better traction, so thinking I'll pull the trigger on the ECS this round. Thanks for all the info.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by Prossx

My MPSS rears are hitting 9k and will need replaced as well. I'd be happy with another 3k miles for a cheaper tire with better traction, so thinking I'll pull the trigger on the ECS this round. Thanks for all the info.

I know this is a thread about the ECS tire and I don't want to take it off topic but though I would add my $0.02 since after all this is an enthusiast forum and maybe someone will benefit from this , but take a look at the Bridgestone Potenza's S007A.
I was going to go with the ECS but after some research it seams the sidewall flexes a lot under hard cornering, same with the Michelins. If you want to keep your steering feel and turn in response crisp a soft sidewall will ruin that. I kept running Michelins on my M235i and M3 and always ended up chewing up the shoulders fairly quickly and this was without any track days. I did a test drive on the new PS4S and while its a great street performance tire they are not cheap and when pushed hard you can feel the sidewall flex quite a bit and you loose that great turn in response plus you chew up the shoulders pretty quickly and you end up having to run higher PSI in the tires to compensate which makes the ride really firm. I have not personally tested the ECS but from review videos and tire racks videos you can see just how much the sidewall flexes with the ECS.

I decided to go with the Bridgestone's based on some feedback that I got from nars3000 and am really satisfied with them. since they were a bit cheaper (plus tire rack has a $70 rebate until May 6th) and I am impressed with the grip and lack of sidewall flex which keeps turn in crisp and you can run 30-32 psi no problem with them, I did upsize to 305 (19x11 wheels) in the rear but now there is no wheels spin in 2nd at all and hooks up from first gear (6mt) really well with very minimal spin if it ever does break free.

On my stock PSS my buddies Tesla 3 Performance used to always pull ahead from a roll even from 30mph because I could not get any traction. But now theres traction everywhere and the M3 pulls away from the Tesla nicely even from 30mph

Only downsides I notice is that the sidewalls are pretty stiff and over rough roads it can be a firm ride, but the stock PSS were not really noticably much better. I am also lowered on swift springs. But driving my car back to back on rough roads with a friends stock m4 on PSS both are about as harsh on the same roads but the grip has significantly improved.
Wet traction has been very good as well, we had a few days with quite some down pours and they have been solid even at higher speeds.

I think the S007A is a highly underrated tire which deserves some attention from folks who want to take their M to the next level but don't want to step up to something like the RE-71R or Cup2's.

[AndyLu]

Been reading through. I'm going to assume my car can run 265/285 with 19 inch oem wheels and oem height, without any issues right? Want to double check before I buy tires

[shay2nak]

I don’t think I’ve noticed the sidewalls being soft on the ECS.

Not to mention the S007a and PS4 are about $90+ more than the ECS for each 305/30-19!

[FriedPiston]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

I think the S007A is a highly underrated tire which deserves some attention from folks who want to take their M to the next level but don't want to step up to something like the RE-71R or Cup2's.

Very well said! This review alone deserves its own thread. S007a is an underrated tire, and I hope it continues to be priced reasonably well for the next time I need to pick up another set.

Originally Posted by shay2nak

Not to mention the S007a and PS4 are about $90+ more than the ECS for each 305/30-19!

TireRack is/was the exclusive distributor of S007a tires in North America. Just did a quick price check, and S007a remains to be less expensive than Conti ECS.

[shay2nak]

Originally Posted by nars3000

Very well said! This review alone deserves its own thread. S007a is an underrated tire, and I hope it continues to be priced reasonably well for the next time I need to pick up another set.



TireRack is/was the exclusive distributor of S007a tires in North America. Just did a quick price check, and S007a remains to be less expensive than Conti ECS.

What the hell? I checked Tire Rack, too. It was listed at ~$370. lol

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by nars3000

Very well said! This review alone deserves its own thread. S007a is an underrated tire, and I hope it continues to be priced reasonably well for the next time I need to pick up another set.

TireRack is/was the exclusive distributor of S007a tires in North America. Just did a quick price check, and S007a remains to be less expensive than Conti ECS.

The tread wear rating is considerably worse than the ECS if longevity is important to you.

[FriedPiston]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

The tread wear rating is considerably worse than the ECS if longevity is important to you.

If you're mainly interested in a commuter/comfort type of tire, then the Conti ECS' UTQG rating will undoubtedly win on paper. They do an excellent job going from point A to B, which matches the driver profile for a good majority of this platform. However, the verdict is still out on the S007a's longevity, as not many have reached the 20k mile mark with them yet.

But like many technical specifications written on paper, true performance evaluations can only be extrapolated based on real world testing. For instance, my front set of 275/35/19 Conti ECS tires showed signs of wear (scrubbing) at a higher rate than the rest of the tread after 10k miles...

So with that said, treadwear rating goes out the window when you're after maximum street/track performance without having to resort to R compound. In fact, I blame the Conti ECS' 340 treadwear rating for its inferior performance capabilities compared to the S007a.

For reference, the better gripping and more expensive Continental tire, ContiSportContact 5P, also have a treadwear rating of 240, which is low for a Max Performance Summer tire category. The PS4S have a 300 treadwear rating similar to the PSS, but everyone knows by now that longevity isn't the PS4S' number one attribute.