Pilot Super Sport question
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
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Pilot Super Sport question
I'm replacing my OEM run flats with the standard non-run flat Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and purchasing from Tire Rack. They sell two versions of the Pilot Super Sports: "MO Mercedes" and "Star BMW." Does anyone know what the difference is between them? Looks like the the section width and the tread is the same, however the Mercedes tires have a larger tread width. The prices are almost identical; the BMW's just a bit more. The Tire Rack guy said only Michelin really knows the difference. I'm thinking maybe they have different rubber compounds or something. Anyway, anyone know what's the difference and what is best for a Stingray. I'm going 255 front and 295 rear with the stock Z51 rims and looking for the wider of the two. Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,913
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From: Colo Spgs, CO
I'm replacing my OEM run flats with the standard non-run flat Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires and purchasing from Tire Rack. They sell two versions of the Pilot Super Sports: "MO Mercedes" and "Star BMW." Does anyone know what the difference is between them? Looks like the the section width and the tread is the same, however the Mercedes tires have a larger tread width. The prices are almost identical; the BMW's just a bit more. The Tire Rack guy said only Michelin really knows the difference. I'm thinking maybe they have different rubber compounds or something. Anyway, anyone know what's the difference and what is best for a Stingray. I'm going 255 front and 295 rear with the stock Z51 rims and looking for the wider of the two. Thanks.
Last edited by NortonCO; May 3, 2022 at 12:02 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,816
Likes: 616
From: Blacksburg Va
I talked to Tire Rack 5-6 weeks ago about this. He said no one knows except the car manufacturer and they are not telling. He said he has heard rumors that it may be differences like already mentioned, but he has also heard that it can be something as simple as different markings on the sidewall. Since no one knows, he recommends sticking with whatever is already on your car. Or, if it is like us putting tires on a car that is not one of the makes in the tire name, he tries to go w/ all one brand when buying 4. He also figures that if you are forced to go w/ a different tire because one is out of stock, it would probably take a tire development engineer at a test facility to feel a difference. He shipped me all 4 being BMW.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 488
From: NY
I ran across this situation when I purchased two sets of MPSS 295/35-19 tires on my c6 with 19x11" Cray wheels. The Tirerack tread width measurement does make a difference as the wider tread model looked better on my 11" wide wheels when I replaced the first set.
OP, since you are staying with the OEM 10" wide wheels, the only difference might be that the wider tire will look a little more "square shouldered" than the narrower tire.
OP, since you are staying with the OEM 10" wide wheels, the only difference might be that the wider tire will look a little more "square shouldered" than the narrower tire.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 522
From: Central Jersey
here is a link to a tire review which details the differences between standard Michelin 4S and the michelin 4S BMW star spec, designed specifically for the M3.
This info is almost never available and in many ways just further complicates the buyers decision. But the star spec looks very interesting for my C7
I had decided on getting a set of the michelin PS 4S this summer and now am wondering if the BMW star spec would work better on my '16 Z51.
Decision is now further complicated by rave reviews for the new for 2022 Continental Sport contact 7. Only available now in Europe in limited sizes but tested highest UUHP tire above the Contact sport 6 and the 4S. I can wait till end of summer for new tires, hoping the Contis will show up in the US by then and in correct sizes.
Decisions decisions.
This info is almost never available and in many ways just further complicates the buyers decision. But the star spec looks very interesting for my C7
I had decided on getting a set of the michelin PS 4S this summer and now am wondering if the BMW star spec would work better on my '16 Z51.
Decision is now further complicated by rave reviews for the new for 2022 Continental Sport contact 7. Only available now in Europe in limited sizes but tested highest UUHP tire above the Contact sport 6 and the 4S. I can wait till end of summer for new tires, hoping the Contis will show up in the US by then and in correct sizes.
Decisions decisions.
