Serious advice for 2011 M3 owners - change your Continental Contisport 3 tires

LarThaL · 07-03-2012, 03:44 PM

For those of you who purchased a 2011 model with the Continental Contisport 3 tires, I have some very serious advice:

CHANGE YOUR TIRES !!!!!

Even if you are staying stock or near stock. You have no idea how much the performance of your car is being compromised by these tires. What was BMW thinking when they selected these?!?! Honestly....they should offer to replace them for free!!! I am assuming they just had no idea how bad these were. After a week on my Michelin PSS in stock sizes, I can tell you that my car is really transformed. Steering response is a little sharper. Grip is just so much better. Rear feels completely planted now. Previously, I always felt the rear end was going to come loose even with modestly aggressive driving. So much more confidence inspiring.

gblansten · 07-03-2012, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarThaL

For those of you who purchased a 2011 model with the Continental Contisport 3 tires, I have some very serious advice:

CHANGE YOUR TIRES !!!!!

Even if you are staying stock or near stock. You have no idea how much the performance of your car is being compromised by these tires. What BMW was thinking when they selected these?!?! Honestly....they should offer to replace them for free!!! I am assuming they just had no idea how bad these were. After a week on my Michelin PSS in stock sizes, I can tell you that my car is really transformed. Steering response is a little sharper. Grip is just so much better. Rear feels completely planted now. Previously, I always felt the rear end was going to come loose even with modestly aggressive driving. So much more confidence inspiring.

My 2011 came with the PSS tires. l was thinking about the Conti 3s since I am so tired of the high performance handling.

tibra1 · 07-03-2012, 03:55 PM

We know

..THANKS

chmura · 07-03-2012, 03:56 PM

My 2011 M3 came with Conti's and it seems to handle very well. But than again I have nothing to compare too.

Which tire is better?

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 or Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

03BeastCharmer · 07-03-2012, 04:08 PM

Pilot Super Sport is the upgrade from PS2's, and is a better tire. I've done a Michelin challenge event in M3's, and the PSS have much better grip than the PS2's around a small autocross course.

chmura · 07-03-2012, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 03BeastCharmer

Pilot Super Sport is the upgrade from PS2's, and is a better tire. I've done a Michelin challenge event in M3's, and the PSS have much better grip than the PS2's around a small autocross course.

Interesting, PS2's seem to be $450 more for the set than the PSS's. I would think it would be the other way around if it is indeed an upgrade.

03BeastCharmer · 07-03-2012, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chmura

Interesting, PS2's seem to be $450 more for the set than the PSS's. I would think it would be the other way around if it is indeed an upgrade.

I know. Don't know why anyone would buy PS2. Even on their tire selector, the PSS scores higher than the PS2.

http://www.michelinman.com/tire-sele.../M3/Base/tires

LarThaL · 07-03-2012, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chmura

My 2011 M3 came with Conti's and it seems to handle very well. But than again I have nothing to compare too.

Which tire is better?

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 or Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

What aspect of "handling" are you referring to? Yes, the steering response is fine. The overall composure of the chassis is fine. I am really talking about grip when you make sudden moves with the car like sudden hard punches on the throttle, especially on turns. Also much improved, is the feeling of grip as you accelerate through a turn. Less fish-tailing and wheelspin when the DSC is off. You can still slide the car when you want, but it is far more controlled and predictable.

LarThaL · 07-03-2012, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chmura

Interesting, PS2's seem to be $450 more for the set than the PSS's. I would think it would be the other way around if it is indeed an upgrade.

The reason PS2's cost more has to do with the fact that many enthusiasts are already using PS2's and as such there is a high demand for them in a replacement capacity. It is still a great tire, but the PSS is better. Given time, the price on the PSS will go up.

BMWNTHZST · 07-03-2012, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chmura

My 2011 M3 came with Conti's and it seems to handle very well. But than again I have nothing to compare too.

Which tire is better?

Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 or Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

PSS is the newer tire for Michelin and in my opinion a better tire then PS2. They are real sticky!

Mr. ///M3 RD · 07-03-2012, 04:36 PM

I guess they did this since the difference is ranging from $350- to almost $500- for a set. Also they know that some of us will change them if we are going to track.

I for one am happy with mine and as a rule will change to Michelin once I need new tires.

you can compare the three sets on TireRack for those of you not familiar I have some screen shots here.

Money2536 · 07-03-2012, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarThaL

For those of you who purchased a 2011 model with the Continental Contisport 3 tires, I have some very serious advice:

CHANGE YOUR TIRES !!!!!

Even if you are staying stock or near stock. You have no idea how much the performance of your car is being compromised by these tires. What was BMW thinking when they selected these?!?! Honestly....they should offer to replace them for free!!! I am assuming they just had no idea how bad these were. After a week on my Michelin PSS in stock sizes, I can tell you that my car is really transformed. Steering response is a little sharper. Grip is just so much better. Rear feels completely planted now. Previously, I always felt the rear end was going to come loose even with modestly aggressive driving. So much more confidence inspiring.

You ended up with stock sizes? I saw your post and would have thought you would have ended up with 255/275.

LarThaL · 07-03-2012, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3RD

I guess they did this since the difference is ranging from $350- to almost $500- for a set. Also they know that some of us will change them if we are going to track.

I for one am happy with mine and as a rule will change to Michelin once I need new tires.

you can compare the three sets on TireRack for those of you not familiar I have some screen shots here.

The Michelin PSS in stock sizes are priced at $286/$319.

LarThaL · 07-03-2012, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Money2536

You ended up with stock sizes? I saw your post and would have thought you would have ended up with 255/275.

Here are the reasons I didn't:

1. Slightly heavier tires
2. I like the steering feel/responsiveness with 245's on the front
3. 255 PSS would mean I would have to ditch my spacers to prevent rubbing and I really like the filled out look that the spacers give me.
4. Not sure that there is a big increase in contact patch on the ZCP width wheels.

Did think about doing 275's in the rear. Would have gone with 285/30 if it was available, but PSS don't come in that size. In any case, I am happy with the PSS in stock size.

CBS · 07-03-2012, 06:13 PM

OP: I couldn't agree with you more! I drove 190 miles on my Conti's (Quick Euro Delivery) and had the Dealership replace them when the M3 arrived stateside.

Now, I need to change my PS2's (Street tires) and I can't wait to buy the PSS's. Thanks for your post!

Chris

KIS · 07-03-2012, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblansten

My 2011 came with the PSS tires. l was thinking about the Conti 3s since I am so tired of the high performance handling.

When did they start using PSS as OEM?

amirz1000 · 07-03-2012, 07:12 PM

My car came with PS2's. I recently replaces the rears with Bridgestone Potenza S04's and am very happy. They are a great option as well and slightly cheaper. In my situation I had no choice. Needed tires ASAP and the shop I was at wasn't able to get the PSS's for a few days. I have no regrets though.

amirz1000 · 07-03-2012, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIS

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblansten

My 2011 came with the PSS tires. l was thinking about the Conti 3s since I am so tired of the high performance handling.

When did they start using PSS as OEM?

They aren't. He must be referring to PS2's

gblansten · 07-03-2012, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amirz1000

They aren't. He must be referring to PS2's

Yes, PS2.

LarThaL · 07-03-2012, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amirz1000

They aren't. He must be referring to PS2's

PSS is OEM on the M6....FWIW.

LarThaL · 07-03-2012, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amirz1000

My car came with PS2's. I recently replaces the rears with Bridgestone Potenza S04's and am very happy. They are a great option as well and slightly cheaper. In my situation I had no choice. Needed tires ASAP and the shop I was at wasn't able to get the PSS's for a few days. I have no regrets though.

Bridgestone's grip very well, but they are just so heavy. Less of an issue in the rear, but on the front, the added weight kills your ride.

amirz1000 · 07-03-2012, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Quote:

Originally Posted by amirz1000

They aren't. He must be referring to PS2's

PSS is OEM on the M6....FWIW.

I'm sure they will be OEM on F8X M's as well. It's a great tire. PS2's are 10 years old I believe. Great tire just outdated.

07-03-2012, 03:44 PM	#1
LarThaL Colonel 343 Rep 2,940 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: West Springfield, MA iTrader: (0)	Serious advice for 2011 M3 owners - change your Continental Contisport 3 tires For those of you who purchased a 2011 model with the Continental Contisport 3 tires, I have some very serious advice: CHANGE YOUR TIRES !!!!! Even if you are staying stock or near stock. You have no idea how much the performance of your car is being compromised by these tires. What was BMW thinking when they selected these?!?! Honestly....they should offer to replace them for free!!! I am assuming they just had no idea how bad these were. After a week on my Michelin PSS in stock sizes, I can tell you that my car is really transformed. Steering response is a little sharper. Grip is just so much better. Rear feels completely planted now. Previously, I always felt the rear end was going to come loose even with modestly aggressive driving. So much more confidence inspiring. __________________ **Audi S6 Audi S3 * Porsche Cayman GTS* --Former BMW M3 owner** Last edited by LarThaL; 07-03-2012 at 04:16 PM..
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07-03-2012, 03:55 PM	#3
tibra1 Banned 132 Rep 6,773 Posts Drives: 2011 ZCP M3 - 2007 335i crashd Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (4)	We know ..THANKS
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07-03-2012, 03:56 PM	#4
chmura Colonel 1569 Rep 2,509 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Competition Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Orange County, California iTrader: (1)	My 2011 M3 came with Conti's and it seems to handle very well. But than again I have nothing to compare too. Which tire is better? Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 or Michelin Pilot Super Sport. __________________ 2019 M2 Competition- October 2, 2018 ED 2011 BMW M3 Sedan Alpine White Picked up via ED 9/27/2011 & Redelivered 11/23/2011 SOLD
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07-03-2012, 04:08 PM	#5
03BeastCharmer Lieutenant Colonel 295 Rep 1,666 Posts Drives: '13 M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Houston iTrader: (3)	Pilot Super Sport is the upgrade from PS2's, and is a better tire. I've done a Michelin challenge event in M3's, and the PSS have much better grip than the PS2's around a small autocross course. __________________ Current: '13 E92 M3 Euro Delivery Gone: E86 M Coupe; E30 M3, E39 M5, E36 M3
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07-03-2012, 04:36 PM	#11
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 631 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	I guess they did this since the difference is ranging from $350- to almost $500- for a set. Also they know that some of us will change them if we are going to track. I for one am happy with mine and as a rule will change to Michelin once I need new tires. you can compare the three sets on TireRack for those of you not familiar I have some screen shots here. Attached Images __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found
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07-03-2012, 06:13 PM	#15
CBS Major 89 Rep 1,253 Posts Drives: F10535, E90M3, E30M3, E28M5 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Alpina B6 GC [0.00] 2014 535xi M Sport [0.00] 2014 X3 3.5 M Sport [0.00] 2011 M3 E90 [9.74] 2007 Z4 M Coupe [7.00] 1990 M3 [9.50] 1988 M5 [10.00]	OP: I couldn't agree with you more! I drove 190 miles on my Conti's (Quick Euro Delivery) and had the Dealership replace them when the M3 arrived stateside. Now, I need to change my PS2's (Street tires) and I can't wait to buy the PSS's. Thanks for your post! Chris __________________ ESS VT-1 550 \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Fall Line Half Cage \| RaceTech 4009W \| 6 pt Harness \| Lifeline Zero 360 Fire Suppression \| Rear Seat Delete \| Motion Control DA Dampers w/remote reservoirs \| 900/650 Hyperco Springs \| RD Sport Sway Bars \| Brembo 380 BBK \| GC Camber Plates \| Hoosier R7 \| Eisenmann Sport \| Stack Gauges \| Painted Challenge Front Lip \| Painted ZCP Rear Spoiler \| Xpel Ultimate Film \| LuxAngelEyes
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07-03-2012, 07:12 PM	#17
amirz1000 Private First Class 2 Rep 191 Posts Drives: E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: May 2011 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA iTrader: (0)	My car came with PS2's. I recently replaces the rears with Bridgestone Potenza S04's and am very happy. They are a great option as well and slightly cheaper. In my situation I had no choice. Needed tires ASAP and the shop I was at wasn't able to get the PSS's for a few days. I have no regrets though.
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