Mixing MPSS (Front) and MPS4S (Rears)

[N1rve]

Hi,

My rear tires are about 4/32nds but my fronts are 7/32nds. Was thinking about replacing only the rears with MPS4S and keeping the fronts as MPSS. I have 8000 miles on the car. Tread pattern seems about the same so I don't think it should mess with the handling characteristics too much. I think it would be a waste to throw away the fronts since they're almost new. Thoughts?

[Jockey]

I know people have done it. They've posted about it here.

I'm pretty much in the same boat and thinking of just putting fresh rubber on the rear wheels.

[Suds]

Mixed tires are ok until there is a panic situation where you exceed grip.
That’s when you find out what the car is going to do.

More than likely this will be when the road is wet.

[gatorfast]

OP you will be absolutely fine. They are both in the same performance category, one is simply the updated version.

[BlownOne]

^+1
I am currently running ps4s on the rear and pss up front as they are essentially the same tire, ps4s is just an updated stickier version.

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by BlownOne

^+1
I am currently running ps4s on the rear and pss up front as they are essentially the same tire, ps4s is just an updated stickier version.

Do you still spin tires when you mash the gas? Or does it pick up and go?

[EricVR4]

I'm currently debating something similar. 3 days after I got the car, I got a nail in one of the rear tires and they were both at 5/32nds so instead of repairing it, I replaced both. I wanted the MPS4S but the only tires I could get the same day were MPSS so I went with those since the car is my daily driver.

My fronts will need replacing before the end of the year though and I'd rather have the MPS4S so I'm probably going to go with those up front. Part of me wants to order the MPS4S for all 4 but that would be throwing away the $800 I just spent replacing the rears last month.

[Alan l.]

Does anyone have pics of this mix of Michelin tires? I know they are very similar but there are differences in side wall design.

[EricVR4]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

Does anyone have pics of this mix of Michelin tires? I know they are very similar but there are differences in side wall design.

This is what has been stopping me from ordering a set of MPS4S.

I'll more than likely just go with the MPSS for the fronts too, just to keep everything uniform.

[Alan l.]

The only reason why i am debating switching to the PS4S up front is that for lower road noise and better ride quality which people have reported compared to PSS. Also I hate how the front PSS tires is so stretched that it scrubs my sidewalls even during normal driving. PS4s is just a tad wider even in the size which should eliminate that but having the tires not match aesthetically might annoy me. Hmm....

[EricVR4]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

The only reason why i am debating switching to the PS4S up front is that for lower road noise and better ride quality which people have reported compared to PSS. Also I hate how the front PSS tires is so stretched that it scrubs my sidewalls even during normal driving. PS4s is just a tad wider even in the size which should eliminate that but having the tires not match aesthetically might annoy me. Hmm....

Agreed with all of the above haha

[2015M4inCT]

I just did the opposite with PS4S in the front and PSS in the rears and not liking the PS4Ss at all. Soft, steering feel is twice is light. Sure they are quiet and compliant compared to my worn out front PSSs but the steering feel is awful to me... I may sell them and go back to PSS.

[EricVR4]

Originally Posted by 2015M4inCT

I just did the opposite with PS4S in the front and PSS in the rears and not liking the PS4Ss at all. Soft, steering feel is twice is light. Sure they are quiet and compliant compared to my worn out front PSSs but the steering feel is awful to me... I may sell them and go back to PSS.

Interesting, haven't heard reviews like this before. Everything I've read so far seems to be that MPS4S > MPSS. Maybe I'm not that disappointed I replaced the rears with MPSS after all then

[reprod]

I can back this up as well. Initial feel will tell you it is softer, especially on initial turn in. I believe this is specific to the BMW star spec PSS having a slightly stretched fit on the rim. After some time, you will acclimate to the difference in feel and appreciate the additional grip on the limit as well as the added comfort when cruising normally.

[BlownOne]

Originally Posted by N1rve

Do you still spin tires when you mash the gas? Or does it pick up and go?

Second gear will spin unless tires (and ground) are decently warm, but still moves out well with a little throttle modulation.

[JamesGames]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

The only reason why i am debating switching to the PS4S up front is that for lower road noise and better ride quality which people have reported compared to PSS. Also I hate how the front PSS tires is so stretched that it scrubs my sidewalls even during normal driving. PS4s is just a tad wider even in the size which should eliminate that but having the tires not match aesthetically might annoy me. Hmm....

Well the OE 265/30/20 Starspec PSS are thin and tapered as are the OE 285/30/20 Star spec PSS... for example a 245/35/20/ Cup 2 tire runs significantly wider than a 265/30/20 PSS star spec.

The PS4S non star spec as well as the PSS nonstar spec both run wider.