Bridgestone S-04 vs Michelin Super Sport

fizzerd · 08-22-2012, 09:27 AM

Bridgestone S-04 vs Michelin Super Sport

Got a 328i Sport E90 with 17in OEM rims. Which tires do you recommend?

Super sports are 245's instead of the OEM spec 255's that the car comes with and are more expensive.

S-04 are more prone to flatspotting and noisier as per the reviews.

What do you recommend? Gary, plz chime in.

fizzerd · 08-22-2012, 10:33 AM

How different would the drive be if I use 245-40-17 in the rear instead of 255-40-17 on OEM 161 rims?

ttribe · 08-22-2012, 10:41 AM

I put S-04s on my E60 M5 and loved them. They were a great tire. Never had a flatspotting problem at all and I never felt like they were noisy. Grip was outstanding.

asus389 · 08-22-2012, 09:45 PM

I put the potenza s04s on my e90 with 17 inch sport package wheels in stock sizes. I have been very happy with the grip. It's a huge upgrade over the RE050a RFTs I took off. They are reasonably quiet so far - I have about 5000 miles on them. They are much more compliant over rough roads than the RFT were, but are stiff enough to still corner well.

The only gripe I have is that I had to send back a couple of the tires in the front 225/45R17 size because we could not get them to balance correctly and not vibrate. So I am not sure if at the time I bought mine they had a problem with manufacturing in that size or what. I have since sorted the issue and am riding smooth, but it was rather annoying to sort out. The 255/40R17 rears had no issues and balanced out perfectly the first try.

I do notice some slight flat spotting when the car sits for a a few days (ie parked at the airport). I upped my pressure to +3 over stock and it's helped (also helped handing feel). Not a big deal really, it works itself out after a mile or so, but confusing and annoying at first. If you drive your car every day it's not likely to be an issue. My car often sits for a while...

driverman · 08-22-2012, 11:09 PM

I have the same questions as the OP.

I hate to put 245/40's on the back instead of 255/40's. So I'm reluctant to go with the Super Sports.

hubble bubble · 08-23-2012, 09:33 PM

I switched to Pilot Super Sport last spring and they are GREAT!!!

They have more dry grip, and way more wet grip, than the stock tires. Way more. Traction control light even comes on less often (Dinan stage 2 software). Ride is WAY more comfortable with non-run-flat too. End the treadware rating is higher.

Consumer reports (I know, not car enthusiasts, but still...) rated super sports 10% higher than the #2 tire(s).

As for rear size, it won't matter much, it is only 1/3 of an inch. Might get a little less understeer. Gary @ Tirerack once told me that many autocrossers run square setups (225 all around) so the car "rotates" around sharp corners better.

**ben@tirerack** · 08-25-2012, 08:32 AM

Gary is out of office, but I'll chime in on his behalf. Both are very good tires. The PSS has a bit more grip, and very responsive handling. The S04 has very stable, confidence-inspiring handling, so even though it is slightly behind in lap times on the track, it is very rewarding to drive. You will find people who like both.

If you are reluctant to change sizes, the S04 is an excellent choice.

Gary@TireRack · 08-27-2012, 08:58 AM

Here is a link to a test directly comparing the Michelin Pilot Super Sport to the Bridgestone S04 Pole Position :

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...&affiliate=AH8

N54_Fan · 08-27-2012, 10:37 PM

I have the PSS as my DD set and they are AWESOME. I have a set of Potenza RE-11 for the track which are even better in my opinion. The S-04 I think is a shade below the PSS.

My 0.02.

driverman · 10-06-2013, 06:05 AM

i have the S-04's and I love them. Great tires.

For those of us with 225/45/17 up front and 255/40/17 in back, the S-04's are a great solution. I like them much better than the Conti DW's.

asus389 · 10-06-2013, 04:10 PM

I have has the s04 on my car for 20k miles now. The rears will need replacing at the end of the season probably. The fronts will have 4/32 on them by that time. I'm guessing overall I will get 25k out of this set which is pretty reasonable for a performance tire with such high grip levels. I "rotated" my staggered setup side to side about every 5k and it has kept the wear more even and the noise pretty low.

I have really enjoyed these tires and can recommend them. They are a big improvement over the RE050A RFT tires that originally came with my car.

EgorGovorun · 10-06-2013, 06:58 PM

I love Bridgestone but after I try PSS it's the best tires I have so far

Gary@TireRack · 10-07-2013, 07:59 AM

Both are fantastic tires. What I've found is that the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a bit more responsive and a little more grip, but rides a bit more stiffly than the Bridgestone S04 Pole Position.

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

Auto Pilot · 10-07-2013, 02:48 PM

I can't speak for the Bridgestones, but I really like the PSS thus far, have not had them too long, about 5 days and counting. Not sure about the USA, but Michelin Canada guarantees tread life for squared set-ups for 50,000 km, 1/2 that for staggered. Not a huge deal, but shows the company really stands behind their claim of longevity for a peformance tire.

Crusader · 10-07-2013, 09:40 PM

I've found Tire Rack's tests and user reviews to be accurate. The Michelins seem to be the leaders, but the Bridgestones offer only slightly less performance at a significantly lower price. If you want the best performer, the choice is clear. If your budget influences your choice ???

Kenu8187 · 10-07-2013, 11:31 PM

I love the PSS and will use it again with no hesitation. Awesome handling, ride, feedback, responsiveness, noise, braking. Best DD tires I've ever used hands down. It also has great tread life for the performance it delivers too

CT335xi · 10-09-2013, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary@TireRack

Both are fantastic tires. What I've found is that the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a bit more responsive and a little more grip, but rides a bit more stiffly than the Bridgestone S04 Pole Position.

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

Gary I see you mentioned that the PSS's ride a little stiffer then the s04's but how would they compare to the stock 17" bridgestone rft's ? The reason I ask is because I have my xi lowered on tc kline suspension and will be looking for new rubber in the spring. At the moment I have the stock 17" on the stock rft's and also have a set of volk re30 wheels with pilot sport 2's. The ps2's are stiff but not as hard as the rft's , so my question is how would the PSS compare to the tires I currently have ?

Thanks John

Gary@TireRack · 10-10-2013, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CT335xi

Gary I see you mentioned that the PSS's ride a little stiffer then the s04's but how would they compare to the stock 17" bridgestone rft's ? The reason I ask is because I have my xi lowered on tc kline suspension and will be looking for new rubber in the spring. At the moment I have the stock 17" on the stock rft's and also have a set of volk re30 wheels with pilot sport 2's. The ps2's are stiff but not as hard as the rft's , so my question is how would the PSS compare to the tires I currently have ?

Thanks John

Unfortunately we have not compared these two tires in the same day/test so I am not sure how closely the ride between the two. My guess is that they would be pretty close to each other.

StealYourFace · 10-11-2013, 02:29 PM

I haven't had the Bridgestones, but I can tell you I went from PSS to Cont DWs (came with the rims, used too good of a deal to pass by). The DWs are great on the street, but on the track (if thats your thing) offer a bit less grip, especially when they heat up. If you don't track your car, why not give up a little grip for comfort and lower pricetag?

08-22-2012, 09:27 AM	#1
fizzerd Captain 37 Rep 714 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (11)	Bridgestone S-04 vs Michelin Super Sport Bridgestone S-04 vs Michelin Super Sport Got a 328i Sport E90 with 17in OEM rims. Which tires do you recommend? Super sports are 245's instead of the OEM spec 255's that the car comes with and are more expensive. S-04 are more prone to flatspotting and noisier as per the reviews. What do you recommend? Gary, plz chime in.
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08-22-2012, 10:41 AM	#3
ttribe First Lieutenant 16 Rep 370 Posts Drives: '09 E93 335i Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0)	I put S-04s on my E60 M5 and loved them. They were a great tire. Never had a flatspotting problem at all and I never felt like they were noisy. Grip was outstanding. __________________ 2012+ 09 E93 335i - Space Gray, N54, Sport, Premium, Comfort, Logic7, Nav Mods - Reflectors, LUX, Pedals, M3 Spoiler, Black Grilles, Macht Schnell, Aero, ESS, StopTech 2011-12 07 E60 M5 - Indy Red
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08-22-2012, 09:45 PM	#4
asus389 Captain 68 Rep 639 Posts Drives: 11 E90 328i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00]	I put the potenza s04s on my e90 with 17 inch sport package wheels in stock sizes. I have been very happy with the grip. It's a huge upgrade over the RE050a RFTs I took off. They are reasonably quiet so far - I have about 5000 miles on them. They are much more compliant over rough roads than the RFT were, but are stiff enough to still corner well. The only gripe I have is that I had to send back a couple of the tires in the front 225/45R17 size because we could not get them to balance correctly and not vibrate. So I am not sure if at the time I bought mine they had a problem with manufacturing in that size or what. I have since sorted the issue and am riding smooth, but it was rather annoying to sort out. The 255/40R17 rears had no issues and balanced out perfectly the first try. I do notice some slight flat spotting when the car sits for a a few days (ie parked at the airport). I upped my pressure to +3 over stock and it's helped (also helped handing feel). Not a big deal really, it works itself out after a mile or so, but confusing and annoying at first. If you drive your car every day it's not likely to be an issue. My car often sits for a while...
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08-22-2012, 11:09 PM	#5
driverman Captain 38 Rep 715 Posts Drives: 2008 328i 6MT - SOLD Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: El Dorado Hills, CA iTrader: (0)	I have the same questions as the OP. I hate to put 245/40's on the back instead of 255/40's. So I'm reluctant to go with the Super Sports.
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08-23-2012, 09:33 PM	#6
hubble bubble Captain 17 Rep 680 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada iTrader: (0)	I switched to Pilot Super Sport last spring and they are GREAT!!! They have more dry grip, and way more wet grip, than the stock tires. Way more. Traction control light even comes on less often (Dinan stage 2 software). Ride is WAY more comfortable with non-run-flat too. End the treadware rating is higher. Consumer reports (I know, not car enthusiasts, but still...) rated super sports 10% higher than the #2 tire(s). As for rear size, it won't matter much, it is only 1/3 of an inch. Might get a little less understeer. Gary @ Tirerack once told me that many autocrossers run square setups (225 all around) so the car "rotates" around sharp corners better.
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08-22-2012, 10:33 AM	#2
fizzerd Captain 37 Rep 714 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (11)	How different would the drive be if I use 245-40-17 in the rear instead of 255-40-17 on OEM 161 rims?
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08-25-2012, 08:32 AM	#7
ben@tirerack M3Post Supporting Vendor 87 Rep 964 Posts Drives: 740i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Bend, IN iTrader: (0)	Gary is out of office, but I'll chime in on his behalf. Both are very good tires. The PSS has a bit more grip, and very responsive handling. The S04 has very stable, confidence-inspiring handling, so even though it is slightly behind in lap times on the track, it is very rewarding to drive. You will find people who like both. If you are reluctant to change sizes, the S04 is an excellent choice. __________________ _______________________________________________ I have accepted a new position at Tire Rack and am no longer in the sales department. gary@tirerack.com is available to assist with M3 questions.
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08-27-2012, 08:58 AM	#8
Gary@TireRack Moderator 369 Rep 4,745 Posts Drives: Formerly 1995 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Bend, IN, Tire Rack HQ iTrader: (2)	Here is a link to a test directly comparing the Michelin Pilot Super Sport to the Bridgestone S04 Pole Position : http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...&affiliate=AH8 __________________ Gary. Tire and Wheel Forum Moderator. Tire Rack Sales Rep Gary@Tirerack.com http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&url=index.jsp Please refer to 'Gary/E90 Post' as your previous contact when you order online to help support this forum.
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08-27-2012, 10:37 PM	#9
N54_Fan Lieutenant 34 Rep 502 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: May 2008 Location: Parts unknown iTrader: (0)	I have the PSS as my DD set and they are AWESOME. I have a set of Potenza RE-11 for the track which are even better in my opinion. The S-04 I think is a shade below the PSS. My 0.02.
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10-06-2013, 06:05 AM	#10
driverman Captain 38 Rep 715 Posts Drives: 2008 328i 6MT - SOLD Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: El Dorado Hills, CA iTrader: (0)	i have the S-04's and I love them. Great tires. For those of us with 225/45/17 up front and 255/40/17 in back, the S-04's are a great solution. I like them much better than the Conti DW's.
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10-06-2013, 04:10 PM	#11
asus389 Captain 68 Rep 639 Posts Drives: 11 E90 328i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00]	I have has the s04 on my car for 20k miles now. The rears will need replacing at the end of the season probably. The fronts will have 4/32 on them by that time. I'm guessing overall I will get 25k out of this set which is pretty reasonable for a performance tire with such high grip levels. I "rotated" my staggered setup side to side about every 5k and it has kept the wear more even and the noise pretty low. I have really enjoyed these tires and can recommend them. They are a big improvement over the RE050A RFT tires that originally came with my car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-06-2013, 06:58 PM	#12
EgorGovorun Private 5 Rep 72 Posts Drives: E91 LCI M 330d 314PS 616Nm Join Date: May 2013 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	I love Bridgestone but after I try PSS it's the best tires I have so far
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10-07-2013, 07:59 AM	#13
Gary@TireRack Moderator 369 Rep 4,745 Posts Drives: Formerly 1995 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Bend, IN, Tire Rack HQ iTrader: (2)	Both are fantastic tires. What I've found is that the Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a bit more responsive and a little more grip, but rides a bit more stiffly than the Bridgestone S04 Pole Position. Tires http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&...ires/index.jsp __________________ Gary. Tire and Wheel Forum Moderator. Tire Rack Sales Rep Gary@Tirerack.com http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=AH8&url=index.jsp Please refer to 'Gary/E90 Post' as your previous contact when you order online to help support this forum.
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10-07-2013, 02:48 PM	#14
Auto Pilot First Lieutenant 10 Rep 303 Posts Drives: 2011 SG CR 335xi e92, M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: GTA, Ontario iTrader: (0)	I can't speak for the Bridgestones, but I really like the PSS thus far, have not had them too long, about 5 days and counting. Not sure about the USA, but Michelin Canada guarantees tread life for squared set-ups for 50,000 km, 1/2 that for staggered. Not a huge deal, but shows the company really stands behind their claim of longevity for a peformance tire. __________________ Black Grill, M3 Lip Spoiler (body colour), Black OEM M359 Wheels, Michelin Super Sport
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10-07-2013, 09:40 PM	#15
Crusader Private First Class 15 Rep 157 Posts Drives: E92 M-sport Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Southeast iTrader: (0)	I've found Tire Rack's tests and user reviews to be accurate. The Michelins seem to be the leaders, but the Bridgestones offer only slightly less performance at a significantly lower price. If you want the best performer, the choice is clear. If your budget influences your choice ???
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10-07-2013, 11:31 PM	#16
Kenu8187 Private 9 Rep 93 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	I love the PSS and will use it again with no hesitation. Awesome handling, ride, feedback, responsiveness, noise, braking. Best DD tires I've ever used hands down. It also has great tread life for the performance it delivers too
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10-11-2013, 02:29 PM	#19
StealYourFace Lieutenant Colonel 261 Rep 1,794 Posts Drives: F30 328i M 6mt, E36 M3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Shakedown Street, Buffalo NY iTrader: (1)	I haven't had the Bridgestones, but I can tell you I went from PSS to Cont DWs (came with the rims, used too good of a deal to pass by). The DWs are great on the street, but on the track (if thats your thing) offer a bit less grip, especially when they heat up. If you don't track your car, why not give up a little grip for comfort and lower pricetag? __________________
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