[Alan l.]

Hey guys,

So i recently picked up new Michelin PSS for my car. The tires are as follows

Michelin PSS
245/35/20 and 285/30/20 (this is for a F10 X-Drive)

For the 245/35/20 size they are only available as a "OE Ferrari" tire which the only difference to me is that the starting tread dept is 9/32 new instead of 10/32 of a "normal" PSS tire. It seems to be a tad lighter weight which is why Michelin did this for its Ferrari spec tire. No choice here, i need 245/35 and wanted PSS so this was the only option for me since Michelin doesn't make a normal spec version of this size.

Now my question...

The rear tires however does come in a "OE Ferrari" spec and a "normal" spec tire in the 285/30/20 size for the PSS. The difference is:

Ferrari spec version starting tread is 7/32 @ 24.54lbs per tire
Normal spec version starting tread is 10/32 @ 27.16lbs per tire

Difference of about -30% tread life and -2.62lbs per corner

So i am essentially starting out with 30% less tread life by going with the Ferrari spec tire but saving 2.62lbs per corner in un-sprung weight with all other things being identical spec wise.

Now I did not know this when i ordered my tires from Tire Rack since i was told by my rep that "Ferrari spec" isn't any different from the normal ones so i didn't investigate any further. I paid more for this tire ($58 more) over the normal spec one and it would probrably wash out if returned it and had TR send me the normal spec one since i have to pay for return shipping for two tires plus shipping on the replacement tires.

Given that i don't normally put anywhere close to enough miles to finish a set of tires before i either change wheels or change cars........should i just keep the lighter weight PSS with less tread depth or basically even swap them for the heavier normal spec tire with more tread depth??

Sorry for the long post in the M3 section but i figure you guys really know your tires and value the potential weight savings from a lighter weight tire.

Alan