Pirelli P-Zero v Michelin p4s

[BetterCallJimmy]

Hi,

I recently acquired a G30 B5, which came with the Alpina Homologated Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Having driven it around now for a few thousands miles I am surprised by the wet grip properties (or comparable lack thereof). Granted this is the heaviest of the cars I owned so far. I came into this car having recently owned and M2C and still have a E46 B3s. They all came with various Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and now all have/had P4s rubber, which I found more grippy. Though perhaps less progressive(?).

Does anyone have any advice, recommendation or insight as to what P4s feel like on a G30 B5?

B

[Grumpyjohn1957]

I'm running my G31 touring on PZ4 Alps alternated with Sottozero 2 over 65k. Never had a problem with the PZ4 wet or dry including the odd track day. They are scarily adhesive yet give plenty of warning before letting go. Obv's in the wet, like any tyre, not as good but still up there with the best imo.
However grip does reduce markedly as the tyres wear down. My theory on this is that the compound gets harder nearer the bottom. 8mm to 4mm seems to have a higher wear rate than the last 3mm. In fact once at 3mm they seem to last forever.
The B5 is very sensitive to pressures, I find for me only and a tank of fuel 3.0 bar cold is optimal. The wear patterns bear this out so worth a play around.
Heard a lot of good things about Pilots but never tried to them as I was told for insurance reasons the tyres must be homologated to the car. I know of one B5 owner who made the switch and I believe he's very happy. Perhaps he'll pick up the thread and give some informed commentary.

[Fast3000]

A really interesting debate. Alpina homologated or going alternative

My F30 (320D Sport) Runs Pirelli P7 cinturato p7 RFT
The B3S runs Michelin PS4 tyres.

Granted the Alpina is a different car when it was new, (e.g. higher end when new) but the ride quality is miles ahead of the F30.
Also the B3S is almost 20 years old, convertible and generally older metal!
I think the ride 'harshness' in comparison is the suspension and runflats pirellis of the F30. My plans are to switch the f30 tyres to non rft and Michelins...So hope the ride improves!

[BetterCallJimmy]

Thank you to both of your answers.

Grumpy, what you say is very interesting regarding the hardness of the compound down at 3mm. I will check thread depth and see what's what, my rears will have to be replaced soon in any event. So it might be worth getting all 4 of them done.

Fast300, I would drop the runflats in a heartbeat. While I have no experience with the Pirelli P7s, I generally am not a fan of runflats. Quite apart from my dislike of runflats, I note that the PS4s are pretty much the best Michelin tyre you can get, might be a bit unfair comparing them to the P7s.

[Grumpyjohn1957]

Came across this, worth a watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWVs8mXcvZw
Screen shot of results below.

[Metrics]

I know of one B5 owner who made the switch and I believe he's very happy. Perhaps he'll pick up the thread and give some informed commentary.

Me!
Very happy - different league of wet/cold weather performance. Minimal impact on ride quality. Excellent longevity.
Switch to Mich PS4S highly recommended.

[JohnW]

I’d read that the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 was not the UHP tyre, it replaces the Pilot Sport 4 but not the Pilot Sport 4S which is still the current Michelin UHP tyre.

I’m not surprised by the review that the PS5 has the slightly poorer performance, They should have been running the PS4S or wait until a PS5S.

I can’t comment on Pirelli’s as I’ve not run them since my E36 days but the difference between the PS2 and PS4S back to back fitted on the same B3 was absolutely night and day.

[Aggie]

I've been running P Zero's on mine now for a few years and really liked them. I've recently been trying to source new ones for the rear and experienced difficulty. In the end i e mailed Pirelli UK and they have told me that the P Zero has been discontinued . I'm now looking at Michelin PS5's. I've been quoted £385 for 2x 255/35/18 which I was surprised at. I expect a lot more. Is anyone running the PS5's? If so, what are you thoughts or should I look at the 4S if they are still available?

[Charles]

I've been running P Zero's on mine now for a few years and really liked them. I've recently been trying to source new ones for the rear and experienced difficulty. In the end i e mailed Pirelli UK and they have told me that the P Zero has been discontinued . I'm now looking at Michelin PS5's. I've been quoted £385 for 2x 255/35/18 which I was surprised at. I expect a lot more. Is anyone running the PS5's? If so, what are you thoughts or should I look at the 4S if they are still available?

That's not a bad price for the Michelins, but I have yet to try them so cannot comment on how they go. I need a new set of summer rears when I switch over from the current winters in a month's time. I only fit Michelin and the PS4 appears to be NLA, so that leaves the PS5 as my only option, as I believe the PS4S is not available in 18" fitment (only 19" and above).

[JohnW]

It’s almost the opposite for me Charles, last time I looked:

PS5 is available in (F) 245/35 19” but not in (R) 265/35 19”.

I don’t think PS4 was ever available in 19” with a 35 profile?

PS4S is available in both sizes, perhaps as they are the same sizes for the E92 M3?

Seems like Michelin have re-assessed the demand overall for tyre sizes and mucked it up a bit.

[Aggie]

What tyres are being fitted at the factory?

[hap]

I’ve got ps5 on my B3s evolution of the 4 and better in each category plus availability was a big factor plus the tyre wall logo is really good

[hap]

To add the rears were circa 385 July 22
Done 5k & rears are just over 5mm
Fronts done few weeks ago pic of front

[Aggie]

Just had a set of PS5's on the rear. £396 all in. I'll see how they feel compared to the P-Zero's.