Potenza RE-11 differences with PSS

[gthal]

Finally got my OEM PSS down to a wear level that I don't feel guilty buying new tires. I decided to get Potenza RE-11 in a 255/35 and 285/35 size. I really like the RE-11 as a dual purpose street/HPDE tire and have had great luck with them.

I will post mounted pictures soon and my thoughts on ride difference when I can but I wanted to post this picture which shows the difference in tire width. This is the 275 PSS and the 285 RE-11. In theory, the RE-11 should be 10mm wider... in reality it is over an inch wider In person, it is a HUGE difference. It's almost like I invested in spacers without buying spacers

As comparison, the 255/35 RE-11 is the same width as my 275/35 OEM PSS!!!!

The OEM PSS are wimpy

I have been running 7.5mm spacers all around (yes, some will say way too conservative but I find it gives a tad better look without flying debris over the car) and I'll likely remove them because of these tires being so wide. No need for them!!

[tcpsoft]

That rear still looks great, consider giving it a proper send off via a little skidpad/drifting practice before replacing Also they may stand up a little more after mounting and inflating.

Just out of curiosity, why did you choose the RE-11 over the RE-71? I have some 18" RE-11s I bought last year I'll be mounting one of these days but have been looking at the 71 as my 19" replacement.

Looking forward to the mounted pics!

[gthal]

Originally Posted by tcpsoft

That rear still looks great, consider giving it a proper send off via a little skidpad/drifting practice before replacing Also they may stand up a little more after mounting and inflating.

Just out of curiosity, why did you choose the RE-11 over the RE-71? I have some 18" RE-11s I bought last year I'll be mounting one of these days but have been looking at the 71 as my 19" replacement.

Looking forward to the mounted pics!

There's absolutely still tread on the PSS... almost to the wear bars but still OK. I am keeping them for lease return and also really just wanted an excuse to put something else on.

I didn't go with the RE-71R because Tire Rack warned me that they are very harsh and loud (although there are some conflicting reports on this). The RE-11 was a much better option for a DD tire. Their advice was the RE-71R is one of the more hardcore street tires now from a livability perspective and would be for someone who wants grip at all cost For me, I wanted better grip than the PSS but needed something that was livable and my past experience with RE-11 suggests they are the best dual purpose tire. As a matter of fact, Tire Rack said to pick the AD-08R over the RE-71R if daily comfort is a concern and I know with certainty (having driven with both) that the RE-11 is a FAR more livable daily tire than the AD-08R.

I also like that the RE-11 is non-directional so I can rotate them side to side without dismounting them to balance out track day wear... the AD-08R and RE-71R are directional which is less easy to fix wear issues.


I may go with RE-71R in the future once others have more experience with it and it is a more known commodity for street use... at the track there is little doubt it is likely as good as you get today for a non-R compound street tire.

[tcpsoft]

Originally Posted by gthal

There's absolutely still tread on the PSS... almost to the wear bars but still OK. I am keeping them for lease return and also really just wanted an excuse to put something else on.

I didn't go with the RE-71R because Tire Rack warned me that they are very harsh and loud (although there are some conflicting reports on this). The RE-11 was a much better option for a DD tire. Their advice was the RE-71R is one of the more hardcore street tires now from a livability perspective and would be for someone who wants grip at all cost For me, I wanted better grip than the PSS but needed something that was livable and my past experience with RE-11 suggests they are the best dual purpose tire. As a matter of fact, Tire Rack said to pick the AD-08R over the RE-71R if daily comfort is a concern and I know with certainty (having driven with both) that the RE-11 is a FAR more livable daily tire than the AD-08R.

I also like that the RE-11 is non-directional so I can rotate them side to side without dismounting them to balance out track day wear... the AD-08R and RE-71R are directional which is less easy to fix wear issues.


I may go with RE-71R in the future once others have more experience with it and it is a more known commodity for street use... at the track there is little doubt it is likely as good as you get today for a non-R compound street tire.

Gotcha, good decision on saving for lease turn in and logic on the RE-11s. When I traded a Cayman for the M3 I had them swap the 200 mile old RE11s for the all-weathers it had before. Always good to have a spare set.

Nice to know the 11s are a little quieter and non-directional is a plus as I've already swapped sides on the PSSs to even out the track wear. I'm normally in that "grip at all cost" group, but there's give and take everywhere.

Thanks for the detailed reply and let us know your thoughts on the RE-11 after a few spirited drives

[chillindrdude]

i will chime in with my RE71R experience if you guys don't mind. I will be commenting purely on it's use as a DD tire at the moment. VIR track weekend is coming up next weekend.

it was stated in another thread, but I also found that the RE71Rs to be a tad wider than the PSS of equal size marking. so my stock 255/275 combo with RE71R is more like 265/285.

i agree that it does ride a tad harsher than the PSS. but the difference is pretty small, almost splitting hairs. i would say maybe a 10% difference if you wanted a number.

as for noise, it is for sure louder. or should i say, "buzzy". on a smooth road surface, it's probably no more than the PSS. but who drives on public roads that are smooth? not me. small cracks, expansion joints, any surface irregularity, you can hear. if you drive primarily windows down (or in a 'vert), it will get somewhat annoying. windows up, it's far more attenuated, and just after a few days, i've tuned it out.

grip? yes please! downside is that small bits of gravel/rock in the road gets stuck to the tire and you hear them getting flung off for about 10-15 seconds if you drove through a small patch. barring that, the car hooks up far more immediately with the RE71Rs. getting alittle left foot heavy rarely turns on the DSC, even in 2nd. it may be the higher grip and stronger sidewalls, but turn in also feels sharper and more immediate.

wet surface performance. i have not driven through any massive downpours yet. but, saturated wet road surface, and just newly wetted road surface (when it's most slippery) were handled well by the RE71Rs. no noticeable difference, but I was exceptionally vigilant and ready to respond to squirmy-ness. no driving experience on driving through standing puddles really. Tire Rack did a tire and driving comparison between the RE11 and RE71R around a track in similar wet conditions i described, and the RE71R was the faster tireset. No drama with traction loss either.

My M3 is also my DD. it will see about 2-3 track days a year. i debated hard between the RE11, 71Rs, and staying with the stock PSS. since i do plan on getting another nicer set of 19" rims as my usual DD set. I am gonna mount my OEM PSS on those, and use the stock black 437M rims with RE71R as my track set.

[gthal]

Originally Posted by chillindrdude

i will chime in with my RE71R experience if you guys don't mind. I will be commenting purely on it's use as a DD tire at the moment. VIR track weekend is coming up next weekend.

it was stated in another thread, but I also found that the RE71Rs to be a tad wider than the PSS of equal size marking. so my stock 255/275 combo with RE71R is more like 265/285.

i agree that it does ride a tad harsher than the PSS. but the difference is pretty small, almost splitting hairs. i would say maybe a 10% difference if you wanted a number.

as for noise, it is for sure louder. or should i say, "buzzy". on a smooth road surface, it's probably no more than the PSS. but who drives on public roads that are smooth? not me. small cracks, expansion joints, any surface irregularity, you can hear. if you drive primarily windows down (or in a 'vert), it will get somewhat annoying. windows up, it's far more attenuated, and just after a few days, i've tuned it out.

grip? yes please! downside is that small bits of gravel/rock in the road gets stuck to the tire and you hear them getting flung off for about 10-15 seconds if you drove through a small patch. barring that, the car hooks up far more immediately with the RE71Rs. getting alittle left foot heavy rarely turns on the DSC, even in 2nd. it may be the higher grip and stronger sidewalls, but turn in also feels sharper and more immediate.

wet surface performance. i have not driven through any massive downpours yet. but, saturated wet road surface, and just newly wetted road surface (when it's most slippery) were handled well by the RE71Rs. no noticeable difference, but I was exceptionally vigilant and ready to respond to squirmy-ness. no driving experience on driving through standing puddles really. Tire Rack did a tire and driving comparison between the RE11 and RE71R around a track in similar wet conditions i described, and the RE71R was the faster tireset. No drama with traction loss either.

My M3 is also my DD. it will see about 2-3 track days a year. i debated hard between the RE11, 71Rs, and staying with the stock PSS. since i do plan on getting another nicer set of 19" rims as my usual DD set. I am gonna mount my OEM PSS on those, and use the stock black 437M rims with RE71R as my track set.

Thanks for posting this! No doubt the RE-71R is a better performance tire. It was the harshness and noise that kept me away for now. Appreciate you chiming in

[gtrsam]

I have the ad08r on my stock wheels and you're right they are loud as hell.

[Mario_Kart]

It would be nice if the RE11 comes in the stock sizes. The PSS in "star" BMW is known to be narrow and I think if we buy the non "star" spec tires, the fit will be perfect.

[gthal]

Originally Posted by gtrsam

I have the ad08r on my stock wheels and you're right they are loud as hell.

Exactly why I love the RE-11... a slight step behind the AD-08R/RE-71R in performance but quiet and comfortable. It's a great dual purpose tire.

I believe Bridgestone is discontinuing it unfortunately with the release of the RE-71R. Originally, I was told it isn't being discontinued but Tire Rack now tells me it will be phased out. That sucks, IMO, as it really still has a place in the line up for someone who wants a very livable extreme performance tire. The RE-71R for those who want the absolute best grip and the RE-11 for those who are willing to sacrifice a little grip for comfort (but still be better than the PSS and other max performance summer tires).

[Padfan9]

I loved my MPSS and when I got my new wheels they were still on back order and I spent so much on wheels I made the mistake of cheaping out on tires bad call I know they are extremely important.

I am going to sell my hankooks or wear them down to the point where I won't feel guilty as gthal said

My top 3 choices are:

1. MPSS
2. Bridgestone RE11
3. AD08R

I want either 275/30/19 and 295/30/19 or 265/35/19 and 305/30/19 like I have right now with the V12s.

What do you guys think? I don't think the RE11 even comes in either of the sizes I want but I know the Ad08R and MPSS does. Any thoughts?

[RJVIII]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

I loved my MPSS and when I got my new wheels they were still on back order and I spent so much on wheels I made the mistake of cheaping out on tires bad call I know they are extremely important.

I am going to sell my hankooks or wear them down to the point where I won't feel guilty as gthal said

My top 3 choices are:

1. MPSS
2. Bridgestone RE11
3. AD08R

I want either 275/30/19 and 295/30/19 or 265/35/19 and 305/30/19 like I have right now with the V12s.

What do you guys think? I don't think the RE11 even comes in either of the sizes I want but I know the Ad08R and MPSS does. Any thoughts?

RE11

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by RJVIII

RE11

They don't have those sizes though right?

[RJVIII]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

They don't have those sizes though right?

I have 265/35/19 305/30/19 on my car right now

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by RJVIII

I have 265/35/19 305/30/19 on my car right now

In Bridgestone re11? How are they?

[Thurman Murch]

Can anyone chime in on the difference between BMW star spec, Porsche Nx and the rest of the VAG tire specs from a tread compound perspective? BMW spec tires seem to be a little skinnier and a little harder. Is this for warranty/NHTSA purposes?

I have MPSS and the fronts hold tight but the backs break loose like no other. Even backing up the tires leave a trail. TC light blinks all the time. It makes me think the PS2 and Sport Cups are stickier but the MPSS lasts longer.

I haven't ran a yoko in a while but b-stones don't last very long and are a sally for nails.

[CSanto]

Originally Posted by gtrsam

I have the ad08r on my stock wheels and you're right they are loud as hell.

I ran these on my E92 I didnt think they were loud. Maybe my car was too loud for me to notice lol.

[8600RPM]

OP are you runinhabited these on stick 19 inch wheels and sispension? Will they work with no spacers?

[RJVIII]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

In Bridgestone re11? How are they?

I really like them. I don't think they are terribly loud and they stick like an ex girlfriend

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by RJVIII

I really like them. I don't think they are terribly loud and they stick like an ex girlfriend

Thanks! So if I had a chance to get either mpss or re11 right now in the size I want for about the same cost, you would say re11 is for sure the better tire?

[gthal]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

Thanks! So if I had a chance to get either mpss or re11 right now in the size I want for about the same cost, you would say re11 is for sure the better tire?

Depends...

RE11 - better grip, better heat resistance at the track, stiffer sidewall and better responsiveness

PSS - better comfort, noise, lower weight

No perfect tire, just different compromises and goals. For me, RE-11 are the best compromise (hence why I bought them ). If I never tracked, PSS would be the better choice IMO.

[mikex25]

This really shows how small the BMW PSS run. On tirerack when I compared a 295 PSS to a 305 RE11 the thread width of the PSS is still wider

[RJVIII]

Originally Posted by gthal

Depends...

RE11 - better grip, better heat resistance at the track, stiffer sidewall and better responsiveness

PSS - better comfort, noise, lower weight

No perfect tire, just different compromises and goals. For me, RE-11 are the best compromise (hence why I bought them ). If I never tracked, PSS would be the better choice IMO.

Agreed. Different tires for different purposes.