Michelin Pilot Super Sport - 245/35ZR18
 

So I'm looking into the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires in 245/35ZR18, yet there appears to be 2 different versions of the tire in that size...
Upon looking at Michelin's website, I found the following data; and the differences seem to be minute: (section width, diameter, tread, and weight)
Also, Tire Rack is selling part #12800 for $235 per tire vs. $242 per tire for part #01088.
Another tidbit of info I found on Tire Rack's website is that they list #12800 as having a tread width of 9", whereas #01088 has a tread width of 9.2".
Oddly enough, Tire Rack lists both tires as having the same section width of 9.8", which is not true according to Michelin's specs.
Michelin's specs sheet shows #12800 has a wider section width than #01088 by 0.1", however they don't list any data on tread width.
Is one of the tires really supposed to have a wider tread but narrower section width than the other?
Anyways, all things considered, which one do you guys think is preferable?
I'd appreciate any input/thoughts/advice on this matter. :thanks:

The key is the OE code: BM. Tire manufacturers will build a brand or even model specific run of a tire on request. Assuming you can pay or have a big enough run they will build to suit. Such tires carry an OEM code on the sidewall for some car makers. N is Porsche code, for example. I don't know for sure which manufacturer is BM but I can guess.

From the figures reported my guess is the BM model has very slightly thinner sidewalls: lighter and bulges more (section width is the sidewall bulge which is why it is specified on a certain rim width, tread width is a different measurement) . I do note a slightly shallower tread depth which saves some weight, although driving for six months would shave off the same tread depth.

Unless you have the model for which the marked tire is designed there is little point in buying it. Note you pay extra for the limited run tire.

Thanks for the reply.

Well according to Michelin's website, OE Code: BM = BMW (go figure lol)

Anyways, if it is indeed true that the BM model has a thinner sidewall, wouldn't that mean there'll be more lateral flex?

I see your point regarding the tread depth and weight, which makes me feel like getting the BM model would be like buying a 6 month used regular model for a $7 premium lol. I mean $7 extra per tire is pretty much negligible, but it would only be worth it if it outperforms the regular model. Although the performance difference would probably be just as negligible as the price difference, I'd still want to know which tire is superior. Ya know, because racecar.

Let's say we ignore the difference in overall diameter (and thus effective gearing/torque), tread depth, and weight due to the fact that the regular model would eventually reach those specs w/ ~6 months of use. Would the BM model's extra 0.2" of tread width provide a noticeable gain in grip? And if there is extra grip to be had w/ the BM model, would it be worth the possibility of potentially greater sidewall flex?

I know I must sound pretty anal right now, but I'm still torn on which of these tires to get. I've even contemplated getting 2 of each for the front/rear (BM model for the front; regular model for the rear). More lateral grip on front vs rear would induce more over-steer, right? Correct me if I'm wrong on any of these points.

And for the record, I'm looking at Enkei's RS05RR to go with the Michelin PSS.
Color: Matte Dark Gunmetallic
Front: 18x9.0 / 5x100 / Offset +40 (Face F)
Rear: 18x9.5 / 5x100 / Offset +43 (Face M) <-- this one is more concave
These would be for street use of course, not track.

Bro, get a grip of the situation right now. It doesn't matter. Get whichever one you feel more and that's it. The difference is stupidly negligible. Both will perform awesome.

BTW, I bought the non-BM ones same exact specs and got them for $240 installed. Awesome deal on a local tire shop.

To further Sportsguy's straight talk and add something that is pretty f***ing obvious, look at what you just ended you long anal talk about, "These would be for street use of course, not track."

you're asking if one is going to give you MINUTELY more grip and you're just DD'ing with them. Furthermore, you are going to be stretching the rear tires anyway so the "extra .2" doesn't even exist in the rear :sigh:

lol aite, I'm just gonna go for the non-BM ones too then. Perhaps I'll look around locally as well, thx. I was honestly just really bored at that hour of the night :P

edit: err morning I guess

The $245 one is French production, the other one is US production.

Tread depth doesn't give you grip except in the rain. In the dry you want no tread depth which is illegal for street use. The less tread depth you have the better the dry grip for tires of the same age and number of heat cycles. That's why you shave new tires if you're serious about dry grip. That's also the main thing you pay for with Michelin Sport Cup tires, for example. You pay extra for less tread depth.

Finally, on these cars with likely lower than average annual mileage your tires will need replacing long before they wear out. Five years is the most you can expect from an ultra high performance tire before heat cycling and ozone kill the compound. Buying ultra high performance tires for good tread wear rates is like using extra strength condoms.... Why would anyone do that? Ya gonna reuse them? You don't want to discuss the other reason.

More flex in the sidewall should give higher cornering grip as less energy is wasted developing slip angle and the tire will absorb road irregularities better.

French production will be a better tire unless Michelin builds this model in its B F Goodrich plant.