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The overall scores below are calculated using our weighting system. Since the original publication may use a different scoring methodology that wasn't shared, these results may differ from their published rankings. You can adjust the weightings below to explore how different priorities affect the results.
Test Results Data
BEST
Good
Average
Below Average
Cells are colour-coded from green (best) to red (worst). The Total Score reflects the weighted sum of all categories. A ★ marks the best tyre in each test.
| # | Tyre | Total Score | Dry | Wet | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handling s | % | Handling s | % | |||
| 1 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S * | 99% | 70.63 ★ | 100% | 99.3 2 | 98.3% |
| 2 ▼1 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S | 99% | 72.47 2 | 97.5% | 97.63 ★ | 100% |
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Dry
100%
Wet
98%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Handling
70.63 s
★
Wet
Wet Handling
99.3 s
2
Dry
98%
Wet
100%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Handling
72.47 s
2
Wet
Wet Handling
97.63 s
★
Not every driver has the same priorities. Adjust the category weightings above to re-rank the tyres based on what matters most to your driving style.
Scores are colour-coded from red (weakest) through yellow to green (strongest) to help you quickly spot each tyre's strengths and weaknesses.
The original test ranking is shown in the # column. Arrows indicate how each tyre moves when your custom weighting is applied.
Hello,
Could you help choosing between 4s* and pirelli pz5 for f80 m3? Does 4s* still offers superior dry handling and feel or that tire is just old now and pz5 offers similar dry performance while having much better wet grip? I am doing track days one in a couple of months.
Thank you!
I'm about to pull the trigger on an M3 G80 xDrive that's less than a year old with less than 1000 miles, from a BMW main dealer, which is in near perfect condition (as you might expect). However, I've noticed the fronts are PS4S*, while the rears are PSS*.
The dealer is refusing to change the rears to PS4S* as the current PSS* are seemingly still BMW/Michelin approved for the model. Is this difference likely to problematic, and should I walk away, which is my current inclination?
Interesting question. I don't know the specifics of the G80 but I would be surprised if the PSS was homologated against that particular vehicle given Michelin and BMW spent a lot of money putting the PS4S on it. Perhaps it's another homologation like an M5, but if the rear size is unique to the G80 they might be correct.
Still, i'd want matching tyres, the PS4S should be a lot better in the wet than the PSS and you don't want less wet grip on the rear axle.
Clearly, in this application, those with certain priorities should get OE. Much does, however, depend on priority alignment of manufacturer & tyre buyer.
Say a manufacturer fitted tyres deigned to maximise fuel economy but one's own priorities favoured wet grip. Or: comfort versus responsiveness; or: longevity versus wet grip & so on.
Hi,
I've got a BMW 530i - front PS4S(245/40 ZR19) and rear PS4 S*(275/35 ZR19). Now I know they are different tires. :( Should I change the OE to Michelin PS4S? Or try to get used to it.
The rear tyre will be more dry optimised so I'd suggest keeping that in mind in wet and especially cold and wet conditions!
Ok, Thanks!!
"The BMW specification front tyre not 2, but FOUR compounds!"
Interestingly the 225/40 R18 PSS HN spec (Hyundai i30N) looks the same. I gathered why road dust was sticking to the rubber. It's not just outer edge harder compound on the rest of the tread, but another rib is obviously different.
Oo, got any pictures?
Hi,
Excellent article as always.
A question on a different OE. My weekend toy, a Porsche Boxster 987S, is running on N rated Michelin tyres at present (Pilot Sport Cup 2 front, Pilot Super Sport rear, - a bit too track focused for me but they were on the car when I bought it) which are near the end of their relatively short life.
If I stick to N rated tyres for their replacements am I missing out on new tyre developments? For example the N rated Goodyear tyre is an Eagle F1 Asymmetric but the non N version of that tyre is now in its sixth iteration, similarly the N rated Michelin road tyre is a PS2 whereas the 'normal' tyre is a PS5 or PS4S. Are the OE tyres frozen in time or do they evolve as well?
They are frozen, it's part of the OE agreement, so unless there's a new N version out (n2, n3 etc) then you're dealing with an old tyre
Hello,
I ask for your recommendation. I have a BMW M340i xDrive 2021. Using the car is mostly on the street, sometimes (twice a year) track day without drifting.
My decision is:
1. Michelin PS4S *
225 / 40x19 front
255 / 35x19 rear
2. Goodyear Eagle F1 asymmetric 6
255 / 35x19 front and rear
3.Michelin PS4S *
255 / 35x19 front and rear
Thank you so much and keep up the amazing work
I would probably stick with OE in this case, so option 1
Please, and only for the street without Track days?
Or do you recommend any other tires and other dimensions?
Thanks.
The same
Fantastic article and video!!
I've been in analysis paralysis choosing tires for my 2016 m235i coupe for a month now and need some help. (God I hate that they reused m235i for the new "Gran Coupe") I'm thinking of moving to 235/40 on some sweet BimmerWorld 18x8.5" TA5R wheels and see that there's both a standard and a Ford OE DT1 version of the PS4S. I think the DT1 was OE on the Ford Focus ST.
The only differences in specs on the DT1 version I've found are 0.5/32" shallower and 0.3" narrower tread as well as a HUGE 1.9 lbs weight savings. By my calculations, the narrower tread width would account for only about 1/3 lb weight savings so it leaves my wondering where the rest of the weight savings came from. That relatively large weight savings is fairly attractive, more for handling feel and comfort that raw lap times, but I'm worried that Ford/Michelin may have optimized the DT1 for something that I care less about.
You replied to someone somewhere else saying that you don't know what the difference in the DT1 version is (can't find that right now). I've tried calling both Tire Rack and Michelin and couldn't get any more information. How can I get in touch with someone helpful at Michelin? Could you ask Pierre Chapu or send me his contact info? Thanks!
Michelin UK have a customer service technical contact email somewhere on their website (or maybe just a normal contact address / form), there's a technical guy called Brian who deals with these emails and will certainly have all the answers as he''s a tyre genius, I'd try that route initially. Let me know how you get on!
are all the ps4s bmw tyres the same regardless of size? you mention the front tyre has 4 compounds is that different to the rear tyre?
Do you think there would be much difference in the wet braking distances between the OE and normal PS4S?
It seems the BMW version of the ps4s might be a good option for non bmw cars for people who want better steering response but dont want to run cup2 tyres
This specification of tyre is only made in the G80 sizes, and as they are fairly specific and staggered wheels it's unlikely they'll be able to fit other vehicles.
The Michelin website lists 255/35r19 and 275/35r19 and several other sizes as star (bmw) tyres, does Michelin develop different tyres for each size bmw
They are probably PSS for the F80
I have a 2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe with Michelin Pilot Super Sports and have been through 2 sets already in the last 7 years. Would you recommend Pirelli for a change ? How do they compare ? I do not do track days, just normal everyday driving
Hey! I'm not sure anyone has ever tested the Pirelli OE vs BMW OE, in theory there shouldn't be much in it.
In this case as your car is 2014 and the PSS has been replaced, I'd suggest seeing if anyone has moved over to an aftermarket PS4S and felt it was an upgrade, as it could be the case now!
Best reviews and tyre information on the Internet!
Do you know what characteristics Audi put into OE tyres? I have an Audi A3 and the rears are Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport but now the fronts are due and I can only get the F1 Supersport in the AO version due to current availability.
I cannot find anywhere that explains what the difference is and I avoided AO on the back as Audi are known for being a bit safe and steady, rather than prioritising handling like BMW do. Is there as much of a difference in AO tyres as you found in this test?
Thanks and keep up the good work.
I don't, sorry, I guess it depends on vehicle too, I'm sure Audi RS are all for handling and grip. I do know Audi require pretty good mileage from their OE tyres so they should wear well.
Thanks for replying. I've gone with the AO tyre anyway. It would be nice if all tyre manufacturers published the level of detail you gave in this comparison test so we can make an informed choice.
I think it´s impossible to get details without a test. The car-dealer is instructed to say that the OE-tyre is optimal for this car and with an other tyre the car will have a worse behavior in handling and noise.
Does it apply only to BMW M tires size or to all PS4S available with * specification? Thanks
This test applies to the G80 M3/M4 fitment, but other * marked tyres will have gone through a similar process
Thank you !
Considering that the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 is already a great track day tyre, I wonder how its OEM versions are! As far as I know, they are being sold OEM for BMW, Mercedes and Porsche in, at least, 245/35 R19 and 265/35 R19 sizes, and for Porsche, Ferrari and Jaguar on 245/35 R20 and 265/35 R20 with considerably different EU labels. So, different compounds (or compound cocktails) and belting for different auto makers... Interesting!
I just wonder, how far apart is this Michelin Pilot Sport 4S* from the Pilot Sport Cup 2 or Cup 2 Connect?!
Good news, I have a video coming on 4S* vs Cup 2 Connect * :)
The gap is certainly smaller than 4S vs Cup 2
Great news, then! Can't wait!