I was wondering about that. I'm looking for a new pair of 275/35-19 for the rears, and through TireRack there are 3 entirely separate listings all for Pilot Super Sport.



They all have the same specs, except one is 1 pound lighter than the other two. What I don't understand is "tread width", which range from 9.5" to 10" to 10.2". What's up with that?

Also, the PSS all have a 10/32" tread depth, whereas the PS4 has a 9.5/32" tread depth. While a 1/64" difference is almost laughable to care, thought I'd mention it anyway.

[edit]

Regarding the issue of variation in tread "width" for identically sized tires... I'm running this by TireRack. My non-engineer question is this: would an identically sized tire having a 1/2" less wide tread width be less subject to wear on the edge when the wheel is aligned with camber out of spec? Conventional wisdom (LOL) says "Yes".

Seems this anomalous PSS, with the 1/2" smaller tread width, and 1 pound lighter overall weight, was manufactured specifically for BMW. That's interesting.

 

They aren't the same specs. One is BMW OEM, the other two are different load indexes, one is 96Y the other is 100Y.

 

Yes, I know that. Didn't think the load index was worth mentioning. Otherwise, the only diff is weight and tread width. And since weight is in whole numbers, I suspect the less-wide tread tire has enough less material to tip it down a notch.

 

I wonder if it has to do with variation in the inner/outer tread blocks and their method of measurements? It seems counter intuitive that the same tire has different widths for the same size, but they stress it's tread width, not overall width.

 

Tire Rack's answer to that question:

For a moment there I was thinking the BMW-spec'd PSS could introduce the option of longer tread life (allowing for camber wear) at the compromise of a 1/2" in the contact patch.

Another fine example how conventional wisdom is only convenient, and not necessarily wise.

 

Found this tread informative.

Has anyone found tires for our G-37 6MT that provide longer life even if they are not high performance?

 

all season..however if you have a 6-MT, you should have performance tires.
In terms of long lasting, I had excellent experience with the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S but again this is an all season tire.

 

Type-o, or freudian slip... when you say one thing, but mean your mother?

 

What do you think so far? How's the noise and compliance? As good as the PSS?

 

So far, they're still a little squirmy, but the sidewall seems to be marginally stiffer than the PSS. They feel solid, at least as good as PSS, but as I said, they're still squirmy, so I'll continue to let them outgas. I'm also going to be away from my car for the next couple weeks, but I'll be sure to update this thread when they settle.

Edit: I forgot to address your question: the noise seems to be pretty similar to the PSS, but a little more damped. But keep in mind that it's comparing a cording tire to a full tread tire, so that may account for much of the sound difference. The "sound quality" seems to be pretty similar though, so I wouldn't expect them to be all that different from the PSS when they get to the same amount of wear.

 

I think that's more Oedipal than Freudian, lol.

 

Discount Tire Direct is offering a $70 visa gift card with 4 Michelin tires.

That puts 245/40/19 and 275/35/19 at $960 delivered.....

 

That's decent price wise. I paid $1K and change for four 255's mounted and balanced at the local mom and pop shop. I'd check locally before buying from Tire Rack.

 

PSS were def the cheapest on Tire Rack. Not sure if there any more Michelin Visa card offers. I didn't get anything from Tire Rack but I got free roadside hazard which is a must for these tires that love to attract road debris.

 

Tire Rack was $1026 shipped.

This is my 3rd set of PSS. Tire Rack has been the most expensive each time.