cringely

I’m getting close to needing new rear tires on my 2009 Carrera. Present set is Michelin Pilot Sport 235/35-ZR19 (87Y) N2 [front] and 305/30-ZR19 (102Y) N2 [rears]. The car is a daily driver (half freeway/half surface streets). I’m not an autocrosser so I don’t need sub-100 treadwear tires, nor do I travel at triple digit speeds. What I do want are tires that decent wear characteristics, aren’t noisy and don’t require me to take out a second mortgage (OK, I’m cheap). If I go to the Discount Tire website, the recommended tire size is 295/30-ZR19. No idea why the original owner put on 305/30-ZR19’s (car is under CPO).

From the Discount Tire website. I found the following:
Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position 295 /30 R19 100Y XL BSW $260 ea. Treadwear 280
Michelin Pilot Super Sport 295 /30 R19 100Y XL BSW $319 ea Treadwear 300 (30,000 mile guarantee)
Michelin Pilot Super Sport 295 /30 R19 100Y XL BSW GM $330 ea Treadwear 300 (30,000 mile guarantee)
Pirelli P Zero 295 /30 R19 100Y XL BSW N2 $348 ea Treadwear 220
Pirelli P Zero 295 /30 R19 100Y XL BSW AM $350 ea Treadwear 220
Pirelli P Zero 295 /30 R19 100Y XL BSW LA $383 ea Treadwear 220
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 295 /30 R19 100Y XL BSW N2 $480 ea Treadwear 220 (20,000 mile guarantee)

My local Discount Tire store recommended the Pirelli P Zero 295 /30 R19 100Y XL BSW N2 at $805 out the door for a pair (plus an additional $95 if I wanted the lifetime replacement guarantee). I know that many Rennlisters are adamant about keeping the same brand on all four corners, but the only Michelin N2 I found on the Discount Tire website was the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, which will end up costing me $300 more than the Pirelli’s

I’d appreciate the forum’s thoughts on the various options I’ve found. Also, does anybody know what the “GM”, “AM” or “LA” that follows the BSW (black side wall?) stands for (and for that matter the 87 and 102's before the Y)?

ADias

Adamant is the right word. Nothing but the same brand/type tire on all four corners and correct sizes. Anything else is a stupid gamble. In your case, I would install Michelin Pilot PS2 295/30R19 N2. 295 are the correct size for your car anyway.

Wasserkühlung

+1 on the Michelin PS2's.

anewman

I have had the S-04's for over a year of spirited daily driving. (2008 CS2). For the first 1000 miles they are a bit squirmy, but once they settle in They are wonderful. Super traction wet and dry - much more than the Bridgestone N1 -RE070(?), and much much quieter. I will definitely get these again or the PSS for my use.

kellen

S04 or the pilot super sports. Had both and recommend them. Super sports a little better but not much, also seem to be sold out.

I would not spend the money on PS2s.

ADias

The point is... he has PS2s in front and needs new rears and he only wants to replace the rears. Therefore, he should get PS2s for the rear as it it is a very bad idea to mismatch tires.

anewman

I agree. Keep with the same for all four!!!

Greg2010

How about buying 4 brand new S-04s instead for $850 (current price at Tirerack) versus paying $1050 for 2 PS2s...saving you $200...and then reselling the 2 front PS2s (assume $150 each or $300 total).

So at the end of the day, you will have only paid out $550 for 4 new tires!

kellen

Missed that.

How much tread is on the fronts? How old are they? If old and/or coming up on replacement, maybe just go to the S04s now as previously mentioned.

z3mcoupe

Yup, keep the same tires front and rear, otherwise you'll be dealing with different traction levels and it could upset the handling. I just put the PS2's on mine and I love them.

hollywood1053

This is also what I will do when I need tires.

3Series

I'm running S04. So far, I like them. They are also new tires so they're good. If you want to make your tires last longer, you should look into an alignment. Add some positive camber in the rear and change the toe a bit from the factory setting.

sullivas

Just installed Michelin PSS all around and love this tire. Responsive, great control,
less impact over bumps, sticky, low noise, intuitive excellent handing. However, I don't track the car, if I did I would have gone with the PS2's based on other Rennlisters' experiences/recommendations. I did like the PS2's and have no complaints, great tire as well..

MemeMagno

Bridgestone Potenza S-04: Good grip, good handling and are quiet. I have them installed in my GTS, with really good results.

stairmasterman911

I experienced the different brand front versus rear one time. Got the new rear tires installed (at the urging of my favorite shop - and to save a buck) and jumped in for a 250 mile jaunt down I-35 from Dallas to New Braunfels. Scariest trip of my life. Every lane change felt like the front and rear of the car were separate pieces -- very weird feeling. Could not wait to get back and get those rear tires swapped out. Fortunately the shop I bought them from was understanding and changed them out at no charge. Lesson learned.