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[DoctoRx]

Michelin PSS vs Potenza S-04 vs Continental ExtremeContact DW

I know the question's been asked tons of times (generally in favor of the Michelin PSS). I know PSS is the best in terms of performance and handling, but I won't be adding any additional performance parts (aside from maybe CP and Cobb) for the time being. I was hoping someone could shed some light on which of these setups will offer the softest ride, as the GF tends to complain on ride quality now that the car is lowered on coilovers. For reference, now that summer is ending, I'll be swapping from 18" Blizzak WS80s which is my current winter tire. Current prices are within about $125 of each other so cost won't be an issue so much as trying to find something to please my GF's spine.

[Gary@TireRack]

Originally Posted by DoctoRx

Michelin PSS vs Potenza S-04 vs Continental ExtremeContact DW

I know the question's been asked tons of times (generally in favor of the Michelin PSS). I know PSS is the best in terms of performance and handling, but I won't be adding any additional performance parts (aside from maybe CP and Cobb) for the time being. I was hoping someone could shed some light on which of these setups will offer the softest ride, as the GF tends to complain on ride quality now that the car is lowered on coilovers. For reference, now that summer is ending, I'll be swapping from 18" Blizzak WS80s which is my current winter tire. Current prices are within about $125 of each other so cost won't be an issue so much as trying to find something to please my GF's spine.

The most soft riding of the three would be the Continental DW, followed by the Bridgestone S04 Pole Position. The Pilot Super Sport would be the stiffest of the three.

Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...ires/index.jsp

[DoctoRx]

Got it. Thanks! I'm between going with the Continental DW for softness or biting the bullet and going PSS for handling. Theres a shop locally offering 235/40/18 and 265/35/18 set of PSS for cheap. About $300 for fronts and $350 rears. After stud conversion and install I'll be looking at about $850 out the door.

[Rick328]

I went with the Conti DW last month. Ride and grip was great but could not stand the sloppy handling and turn-in. My installer accepted to take them back and I purchased Michelin PSS instead. Just wow! BMW sharp handling was back. Best decision ever (and extra money worth spending).

[Tom Droze]

Originally Posted by Rick328

I went with the Conti DW last month. Ride and grip was great but could not stand the sloppy handling and turn-in. My installer accepted to take them back and I purchased Michelin PSS instead. Just wow! BMW sharp handling was back. Best decision ever (and extra money worth spending).

Agreed!

[mbanks21]

Last I checked tirerack.com had S04 on sale

[driverman]

I've had all three and I agree with the previous posts, which are consistent with Tirerack's and Car and Driver's tests of max perf summer tires.

PSS > S-04 > DW

The DW's made my car feel like a Buick when they were new.
The S-04's are a great overall tire.
The PSS's are the best but they ride a bit rougher.

[DoctoRx]

Wound up with the DW's bc they had a sale locally for pretty cheap. Definitely ride pretty soft - which I'm okay with for now (car won't be seeing any track time for likely another year). I may switch them out next season.

[BeastMode335i]

I know many people track our cars, which is why the PSS seem like great ideal tires.. But for those of us who just goto school, work, and church, I assume the other tires for half the price are just as sufficient..?

[Gary@TireRack]

If you're referring to the Continental Extreme Contact DW, yes, this is a very good choice for a summer performance tire for a non track driven vehicle.