[daltonvaas]

Hi All

Like many of you, I have the Conti's and despise them

A lot of people got the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 for their cars (included or fitted)

I enquired locally here in the UK (no sign of the all season yet) but I was recommended the MP4S - SUV

No one seems to have these? (the suv version) what's the catch?

[Carmicro]

Not sure but I think SUV version more rigid, more stronger casing for suv weight. If they still the same performance as PS4 then worth a buy.

[evo-mike]

Originally Posted by Carmicro

Not sure but I think SUV version more rigid, more stronger casing for suv weight. If they still the same performance as PS4 then worth a buy.

One thing I did notice of the SUV version is treadwear is about 1/4 less at 220. 'Normal' PS4S treadwear is 300. Something to consider.

[daltonvaas]

Does all this mean that the ride is likely to be rougher of the SUV Pilot Sport?

I don't know if I should wait for the all season, get the S which is known to perform reliably in winter conditions or get the SUV version which is meant to be the best wearing

My current Conti's have gone down to 3mm in 6600 miles which is just hideous

[spta97]

Originally Posted by evo-mike

One thing I did notice of the SUV version is treadwear is about 1/4 less at 220. 'Normal' PS4S treadwear is 300. Something to consider.

I saw that too which would cause me to avoid them.

[Wills2]

Just buy the BMW * rated PS4S that's the tyre they have developed for the X3/4M.

[daltonvaas]

Originally Posted by Wills2

Just buy the BMW * rated PS4S that's the tyre they have developed for the X3/4M.

Didn't they also develop the Conti Contact Sport 6 for the BMW? Look how that turned out

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by daltonvaas

Didn't they also develop the Conti Contact Sport 6 for the BMW? Look how that turned out

I have the conti and have zero issues with it, as it's a great tyre and has beaten the PS4S in tests, but you don't like it, so maybe try the PS4S they also developed for the car, unless of course you know more about tyres than M and Michelin?

What is it you don't like about the CSC6?

[daltonvaas]

Originally Posted by Wills2

I have the conti and have zero issues with it, as it's a great tyre and has beaten the PS4S in tests, but you don't like it, so maybe try the PS4S they also developed for the car, unless of course you know more about tyres than M and Michelin?

What is it you don't like about the CSC6?

All I know is what I experience nothing more, nothing less. I didn't ever say I know more about tyres than M and Michelin. As a user. I can critique as much as I like.

1. Ridiculously high wear of the main tread (my local BMW garage made me aware of this)
2. Uneven wear of the tyre in general
3. Skidding/wheels jumping when turning from idle in wet conditions (trust me, I have a light foot) other have also complained of this
4. Jittery handling (I asked Bmw and a specialist to check the whole thing to make sure there was no other car issue other than the above points relating to the tyres to which I was told there was not and it was likely the tyres as other also point this out on the CSC6)

I understand that these are meant to be great tyres and some people like them but as you've seen on the forum i'm not the only one who had experienced issues with these. Like you said though, I need to make the change if I'm not satisfied and see if I feel any difference. Maybe I personally won't?

A number of people who didn't like the CSC6 switched to the MPS4 S and have had a better experience so I'm trying to gauge which one to get, the answer seems to be MP4S but since there are other variants I want to ensure I make the right choice as these tyres don't sell for peanuts

[Gritty]

Slightly off topic, but I have a set of Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV 245/50 105V on Black AUTEC double 5 spoke 19" wheels. OE BMW sensors. I think they were shipped from Germany? Brand new never used, I plan to list them in the classified section shortly. I'll price them to sell. 1K

Sold my X4 40M last week. Live just outside London(SW).

[daltonvaas]

Originally Posted by Gritty

Slightly off topic, but I have a set of Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV 245/50 105V on Black AUTEC double 5 spoke 19" wheels. OE BMW sensors. I think they were shipped from Germany? Brand new never used, I plan to list them in the classified section shortly. I'll price them to sell. 1K

Sold my X4 40M last week. Live just outside London(SW).

Wrong size, no one in this forum is going to have 19's in the UK as the MC comes with 21's at standard....

[AJA5900]

I ordered a set of mps4 all seasons; should be here Tuesday. I got 6.4 k out of the conti ones. Hope these do better.

The dealer thought my alignment was off because of the wear and it wasn't just crappy tires.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by daltonvaas

....
4. Jittery handling (I asked Bmw and a specialist to check the whole thing to make sure there was no other car issue other than the above points relating to the tyres to which I was told there was not and it was likely the tyres as other also point this out on the CSC6)
....

Question, what exactly do you mean by "jittery"?

I could describe my handling (with Continentials) as "twitchy". Meaning that the slightest change in wheel position cause the vehicle to go in that direction. This also means I have to do constant corrections to keep it strait due to imperfections in the road.

Could this be caused by the tires or is it just the steering?

[strohw]

Originally Posted by spta97

Question, what exactly do you mean by "jittery"?

I could describe my handling (with Continentials) as "twitchy". Meaning that the slightest change in wheel position cause the vehicle to go in that direction. This also means I have to do constant corrections to keep it strait due to imperfections in the road.

Could this be caused by the tires or is it just the steering?

That's the steering. If you car was tramlining then that would be different.

[daltonvaas]

Originally Posted by spta97

Question, what exactly do you mean by "jittery"?

I could describe my handling (with Continentials) as "twitchy". Meaning that the slightest change in wheel position cause the vehicle to go in that direction. This also means I have to do constant corrections to keep it strait due to imperfections in the road.

Could this be caused by the tires or is it just the steering?

That is in fact exactly what I'm trying to convey with the word Jittery, constant corrections, BMW claim this is a wheel things but logic dictates that it's farmer likely to be a result of the car itself

[daltonvaas]

Originally Posted by strohw

That's the steering. If you car was tramlining then that would be different.

I seem to suffer from Tramlining too?

[spta97]

Originally Posted by strohw

That's the steering. If you car was tramlining then that would be different.

Originally Posted by daltonvaas

That is in fact exactly what I'm trying to convey with the word Jittery, constant corrections, BMW claim this is a wheel things but logic dictates that it's farmer likely to be a result of the car itself

Thanks - not that I'm bashing the vehicle but this aspect is annoying to me.

Also, due to the heavy steering, I often am forced to have two hands on the wheel if the road has curves in it.

Was wondering if the tires were the case as daltonvaas indicated that's what BMW said. However, I agree it is most likely due to the design of the vehicle.

It's something I'm getting used to but I've never experienced this in another vehicle and it is refreshing when I'm driving my other truck and don't have to worry about it.

I'm fine with it when in Sport+ (I have my steering set to the max responsiveness when I am) but would prefer to have more play when in comfort mode.

[daltonvaas]

Originally Posted by spta97

Thanks - not that I'm bashing the vehicle but this aspect is annoying to me.

Also, due to the heavy steering, I often am forced to have two hands on the wheel if the road has curves in it.

Was wondering if the tires were the case as daltonvaas indicated that's what BMW said. However, I agree it is most likely due to the design of the vehicle.

It's something I'm getting used to but I've never experienced this in another vehicle and it is refreshing when I'm driving my other truck and don't have to worry about it.

I'm fine with it when in Sport+ (I have my steering set to the max responsiveness when I am) but would prefer to have more play when in comfort mode.

I agree, not really pleased with the way this handles but it does seem better in summer over winter (I'm assuming better grip on road due to heat in the tyres)

[Max Well]

Whilst not living in the UK and understanding availability there, I can share our year's experience with both the Conti and Michelin tires. Not a fan of online abbreviations, but this one seems applicable - YMMV.

I have about 11K miles with the PS4S on my X3MC. My wife has about 9K on her X3MC with CS issued from the factory. Much of her mileage has been during my presence in vehicle as we travel on trips, trying to balance the mileage of both.

Early on in their wear I would suggest I wasn't able to discern much difference, and I believe I have shared such in previous threads. But in the past month or so she has been mentioning the drives into work seem noisier and not as smooth, and I have sensed the same. As I have noticed about a mm more wear in her tires and am considering replacement tires, I researched both. Treadwear on the Conti is 240, PS4S is 300. Not an issue in my mind, but traction is A on the Conti vs AA on the PS4S. I realize that test is performed by each company under their own directions, but that is what lead us to order the PS4S as replacements.

They shall be installed within a few days.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by daltonvaas

I agree, not really pleased with the way this handles but it does seem better in summer over winter (I'm assuming better grip on road due to heat in the tyres)

If you have summer tires (which is what it comes with OEM), they really should not be used below 40 degrees (F); my Contis start misbehaving at below 50 degrees.

Moreover, the shock/strut oil and rubber compound will get thicker and harder.

Winter tires are good in the colder temps.

[Young04]

Originally Posted by spta97

Thanks - not that I'm bashing the vehicle but this aspect is annoying to me.

Also, due to the heavy steering, I often am forced to have two hands on the wheel if the road has curves in it.

Was wondering if the tires were the case as daltonvaas indicated that's what BMW said. However, I agree it is most likely due to the design of the vehicle.

It's something I'm getting used to but I've never experienced this in another vehicle and it is refreshing when I'm driving my other truck and don't have to worry about it.

I'm fine with it when in Sport+ (I have my steering set to the max responsiveness when I am) but would prefer to have more play when in comfort mode.

I do believe that this is in the design of the vehicle. My Michelin AS4s feel the same as my stock Contis did in this regard and I haven't heard anyone say that any other tire helps.

On a personal note, both of the vehicles I drive (X3MC and JL Wrangler Rubicon) both suffer from wander on the highway. In the X3's instance, it's because the steering is too tight - not enough play as you say - making it darty. In the Wrangler, however, the vehicle wanders because the steering is too loose - the thing has a 3 to 4 inch dead spot. Makes jumping between vehicles tricky.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by Young04

I do believe that this is in the design of the vehicle. My Michelin AS4s feel the same as my stock Contis did in this regard and I haven't heard anyone say that any other tire helps.

On a personal note, both of the vehicles I drive (X3MC and JL Wrangler Rubicon) both suffer from wander on the highway. In the X3's instance, it's because the steering is too tight - not enough play as you say - making it darty. In the Wrangler, however, the vehicle wanders because the steering is too loose - the thing has a 3 to 4 inch dead spot. Makes jumping between vehicles tricky.

It's too bad. Since everything seems to be fly-by-wire, I don't see a valid reason why they can't correct it.