Sportback Michellin ps4s?

evil_scooby

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Surely 255 all round would give better grip ? What's the reason to drop down to 245 or 235 when moving to Michelin?

I get they look bigger. Ut is more not better if they fit.

The 245 tyre seems harder to get and more expensive for some reason vs 255

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Beebee-one

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Surely 255 all round would give better grip ? What's the reason to drop down to 245 or 235 when moving to Michelin?

I get they look bigger. Ut is more not better if they fit.

The 245 tyre seems harder to get and more expensive for some reason vs 255

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Yes the 255 does give better grip and a sharper turn in feel but in actual measurements they are a fair bit wider than the stock Pirelli's (see pics in earlier posts) and are a 30 profile tyre. I found that they seemed to 'wander' about a bit at speed as if caught by a crosswind. When fitted to the 8 or 8.5J alloys the sidewalls of the wider 255 Michelin's get put under more tension and take on a slightly bulged look. The pics below show the 255/30 Michelin versus the 235/35 Michelin. You can see the difference in the sidewall profile. I find the 235/35 tyre gives a better ride and does not wander at speed either. The 35 profile gives better pothole protection too.

The 255/30 Michelin on the 8.5J front alloy...... you can just make out the sidewall starting to be more rounded at the shoulder
IMG 0066


...and the 235/35 Michelin. The sidewall is under less tension and able to make the tyre work properly.
IMG 0309
 

infernox

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Ok I watched the videos now. Looks like I can't really go wrong with the 3 tyres I was looking at.

In terms of Assy 3 vs Assy 5, Assy 5's have better handling in the wet, better braking in the wet, more steering feel, better handing in the dry, are quieter and have a more comfortable ride. Assy 3's only have slightly better braking in the dry, so overall the Assy 5 is better and they were similar prices when I checked so I'd rather get Assy 5 than Assy 3.

Assy 5 vs F1 SuperSport, F1 Supersport has better handling in the dry, better handling in the wet and more steering feel. Assy 5's have better braking in the wet, better aquaplaning resistance and better ride comfort. So I think if you do more sporty driving then the F1 Supersport is better, but for more day to day driving the Assy 5 is better. Also interesting was they were using a Ford Focus RS wearing 235/35 R19 tyres in this video, so good comparison for us.

F1 SuperSport vs Pilot Sport 4S. PS4's have slightly better handling in the dry (but pretty much the same), better dry braking, are quieter, better wet braking, better aquaplaning resistance and at the end he said better ride comfort. F1 SuperSport had better handling in the wet but overall he said it was the best in terms of the data points overall. Side note, I thought I heard the Vredesteins were the best mid range tyres, its been confirmed here.

Don't think you can go wrong with the Assy 5's, F1 SuperSport or Pilot Sport 4S. Each have their benefits/cons over the other so depends on your driving style. I'm leaning more towards Assy 5's or PS4s because I think I'd appreciate the extra ride comfort.
 

jimojameso

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Glad you enjoyed the videos and found them useful. :)
 

infernox

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Glad you enjoyed the videos and found them useful. :)

They were very useful and the website is too, you can find the tyre on there and it has price comparison on it, some websites missing though but still good to see where to get it cheapest. This video was good too, showed the regular Pilot Sport 4 are not that far behind the Pilot Sport 4S.

 

infernox

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Just got the Assy 5's on today. Found a discount code so it only ended up costing £222 for the 2 tyres plus I get the £50 amazon voucher. So far they seem good but not driven it much, definitely feels better over bumps though. Sound is about the same, handling does seem better but could just be because they're new. The P zeros didn't look any worse than what the service guys showed in the videos 2 weeks ago so doesn't look like the issue got worse. The guys at the tyre shop said the tyres looked stretched out and it most likely is because they're 30 profile. I do think the 35 profile tyres look better on the car, fill out the arches more. They couldn't do the wheel alignment because the ramp was too steep and they said it would scrape the front splitter but it drives fine so far. Gave a lot of compliments about the car too, the start-up sounds great from the outside :icon thumright:
 

infernox

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Just got the Assy 5's on today. Found a discount code so it only ended up costing £222 for the 2 tyres plus I get the £50 amazon voucher. So far they seem good but not driven it much, definitely feels better over bumps though. Sound is about the same, handling does seem better but could just be because they're new. The P zeros didn't look any worse than what the service guys showed in the videos 2 weeks ago so doesn't look like the issue got worse. The guys at the tyre shop said the tyres looked stretched out and it most likely is because they're 30 profile. I do think the 35 profile tyres look better on the car, fill out the arches more. They couldn't do the wheel alignment because the ramp was too steep and they said it would scrape the front splitter but it drives fine so far. Gave a lot of compliments about the car too, the start-up sounds great from the outside :icon thumright:

.....So I started driving my car this morning to find that 1 of the new tyres was flat/low pressure. Really ****** me off at the time, went straight to the tyre shop and they had a look at it. They said the valve was faulty and put a new one on then tested it but there was no leaks now. I drove to work and back on the motorway and it does seem to be fixed. Some more thoughts on it, there is no difference in steering feel between assy 5's and the stock p zeros but the turn in does feel better on the assy 5's. Road noise is the same and the assy 5 is slightly more comfortable over bumps. Not had any traction issues so far.
 

Gazwould

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Having owned PFL and FL cars with the stock Pirelli's, the Michelin's MPS4S in my experience is in a different league. They grip better in dry and wet conditions, provide better feedback through the steering and last twice as long. Yes they are ever so slightly noisier than the Pirelli's but the plus points far outweigh this minor issue. I did have some traction issues when the tyres were new, but after scrubbing them in (which took ages) and increasing the tyre pressures I found they settled down.
At first the wider 255's up front made the turn in feel so much sharper and the car would change direction much better, but as I put more miles on them I started to notice the car would 'wander' about at speed as if it was tram lining. I spent time and money checking alignment and suspension and ended up swapping the 255/30 fronts for a 235/35 squared set up. This has made the car so much better and ride quality has improved too. The size of the 255 MPS4S is much wider than the Pirelli and does not sit on the 8.5J front alloy properly - it stretches the tyre side wall inward into a slightly curved shape which does not allow the side wall of the tyre to work properly. I showed some pictures of the fitment to the Michelin Tech Director who was at this year's Goodwood FOS and he said the same thing about the side wall.
The narrower 235 tyre fits ok and the 35 profile gives a bit more protection from pot holes too. I admit that I am tempted to try the 245/35's all round but they are a fair bit more expensive than the 235 size.

The 255 Michelin looks so much wider than the same size Pirelli.......
View attachment 191067

The difference in same tyre size between Michelin MPS4S and stock Pirelli PZero (right)
View attachment 191068

The 245/35 MPS4S on the REVO RV019 alloys look just right.
View attachment 191069


IS wider , have been saying this for years that tyre manufacturers don't keep to the stated sizes and that includes the profile .

They do this to manipulate mpg , comfort and grip .
 

8YARWY

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IS wider , have been saying this for years that tyre manufacturers don't keep to the stated sizes and that includes the profile .

They do this to manipulate mpg , comfort and grip .

Goodyear told me they can deviate by 20% on a tyre width.
 

Slowracer

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I measured the PZero 255 and mps4s 255 and they are in fact both exactly the same width, but!!!

The pirelli 255s are 255mm to the edge of rim protectors, so technically they are 255 mm wide, but that point is a long way from the actual tread. If you excluded the chunky protectors it would be more like 230-235mm

The mps4s are also 255mm wide front edge to edge but the tread is very close to the edge. So they’re a very square tire with a lot more tread and look a lot wider.

One of the reasons the p zero edge wears so quick is that the tyre is contacting on the road on the edge of the tread. So add a bit of dynamic camber in a corner and you are scrubbing the end of the tread.
 

infernox

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https://www.blackcircles.com/order/tyres/search?width=235&profile=35&rim=19

Are these the right ones ? 155 fitted plus
£580 for 4 fitted

Wasnt sure about bit at bottom that says XL like SUV

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They seem to be the right ones. I got mine for F1 autocentre. Its just under £140 fitted for 1 tyre so just under £560 for 4 fitted. Plus theres a discount code COMPA2015 that gets you a few quid more off and free alignment.

https://www.f1autocentres.co.uk/car...MICHELIN/Michelin-Pilot-Sport-4S-91Y-XL/12187

In terms of width, what slowracer said was right. They kept asking me if I was putting the 235's on the front or the back because there was 20mm difference. However when they lined both tyres up, the treads were the same width, just the P Zeros had the rim protectors sticking out. Didn't take a picture but they're working totally fine on my car.
 

Count Drunkula

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Costco/Michelin deal back on again: 4/11 - 24/11

£100 off 4x 19"s
£50 off 2x 19"s

235/35/19 pilot sport 4S currently £152 , so £127 after deal applied

255/30/19 pilot sport 4S currently £167
 

Nickyc

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Ok, so what are the best sizes for Michelins if you have the staggered Pirelli set up ?
 

Nickyc

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Thanks, What size tyre would that be scooby? Has everyone that has changed to Michelins that have staggered wheels gone same size all round /
 

evil_scooby

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Thanks, What size tyre would that be scooby? Has everyone that has changed to Michelins that have staggered wheels gone same size all round /
People are doing a mix of 235 all round or 245. 245 seems dearer and less popular .
I'm torn just now between the two. 235 feels like the easy option

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mangobay

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I have the staggered set up and just followed the same sizing as were on the original pirellis when moving to the michelins. apart from some early traction issues (that were sorted with a software tweak at the Dealers) I have felt really happy with the set up since.

To be honest, I had one eye on the insurance position of changing tyre size away from manufacturers requirements and while I know this is daft (as it shouldnt make any difference and arguably the Michelins have changed the footprint upards) I dont want to give them any excuse to avoid any future pay out should that ever be relevant.
cheers
 

Count Drunkula

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Dropped into Costco today and ordered 2x 235/35/19 and 2x 255/30/19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S for fitting on Thursday.

Cost including fitting and balancing £540
 

Slowracer

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Dropped into Costco today and ordered 2x 235/35/19 and 2x 255/30/19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S for fitting on Thursday.

Cost including fitting and balancing £540

Going staggered with the Michelin’s is not recommended as they are not matched in rolling diameter like the Oem pirellis. You run the risk of upsetting the haldex and possibly damaging it.

A square set up is a better option in 245/35 or 235/35. Same size will avoid you traction control going crazy.
 

Tristan

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I've read quite a bit about Michellin ps4s on RS3's which vary from traction light issues to being way better than the stock P Zeros.
So, on the PFL with a square set up (235's all around), should I use 235/35/19 or 245/35/19 size all around?

If so, for those that use them, whats the road noise like compared to P Zero's and overall are they much better than P Zero's in both hot/dry and cold/wet weather?
I used Michellin Super Sports on a previous car and really liked them but heard the ps4s are even better.

Sorry for dragging topic up again but a search gave mixed opinions and don't want to waste my cash on the wrong tyres.
Hi. To keep it very brief I believe there are rs3 owners who use the TC for what it is and other who just don't use it at all. For those who have it in all the time or the majority of the time o believe it will still bring the light up as the TC is just too sensitive. I felt, like many on the forum have quoted, they are not the best for grip but as an all rounder for grip in winter and summer wet and dry they work the best for me. I drive almost every day and covered over 10k barely getting half way through the tread and I run a stage 2+ setup on it. I do not launch here there and everywhere only to test 0 to 60 on dragy and where it permits, 1/4 mile. I only have traction control on when I am on cruise control. The car has enough controls on it even without the system turned on it just hinders the drivers engagement/experience of driving the car. Ps4s all the way whatever setup you are running and if you daily it and occasionally drag it or track it. Only time for changes I'd say are slicks for drag strip or something like ar-1s or Toyo r888. As long as balancing and tracking are on point there is no reason why it isn't the best tyre for you
 

Count Drunkula

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Going staggered with the Michelin’s is not recommended as they are not matched in rolling diameter like the Oem pirellis. You run the risk of upsetting the haldex and possibly damaging it.

A square set up is a better option in 245/35 or 235/35. Same size will avoid you traction control going crazy.

I'm sure I have read previously for haldex systems a rolling radius difference of less than 3% difference is recommended.

The rolling radius difference between 235/35 & 255/30 is only 1.8% , I'd see the case if it was Michelin on front axle and pirelli on rear axle. And I'd rather not give my insurance company anything to use against me in the event of the worst happening by using tyre sizes not suggested by the manufacturer.

Worst case scenario I have to give the TC button a push on startup , I'll take the inconvenience of that over pathetic cold/wet weather traction
 

LaRocK

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Does anyone have a picture of the 245's Michelins on their car. I'm going to move from the marshmallow pirellis (had one go completely on me) and wanted to see how the Michelin 245's all round look on the car replacing the Pirelli staggered setup.
 

Ja5on

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On previous cars I've had I'd say the Goodyear Assy's and the MPSS have been the best tyres. Granted I used them both on very different cars ( EVO ix & GTR ), but both cars were used on road and track.

MPSS definitely had a funny reaction after the first time they were used on track. Could have been the pressures I was using, but on the second track day I was very weary the car didn't feel as planted.

Toyo Proxes T1-R horrible tyre
 

Slowracer

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8AAEDF20 BEA2 45AE A743 993A8BDEDE0C
Does anyone have a picture of the 245's Michelins on their car. I'm going to move from the marshmallow pirellis (had one go completely on me) and wanted to see how the Michelin 245's all round look on the car replacing the Pirelli staggered setup.



I have 255/30 on stock 8.5” rims, this may give you some idea.



45A5B88F 63DD 4443 80DF 12676FDD4BC4
 

savo

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Does anyone have a picture of the 245's Michelins on their car. I'm going to move from the marshmallow pirellis (had one go completely on me) and wanted to see how the Michelin 245's all round look on the car replacing the Pirelli staggered setup.
I’m running 245 all round but on revo alloys 19 8.5 perfect fit and no rubbing
 

Audidi

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Michelin Pilot sport are a fantastic tyre.
I wouldn’t use any other tyre and I’ve tried all the other top brands.
 

Tom_L

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Hi guys - For those running MPS 4S's - I'm going to change my OEM P-Zeros (255F,235R) for a set of 4S's. I'm going for 245/35/R19/91Y

I've just called up my local tire place to order a set of 4, and they've asked me if that is the "DT1" (other option being "MI")

Edit: Googling points to DT1 being a newer tread pattern?

Does anyone know if "DT1" is correct for the RS3 or for those running 4S's, what do you have on your car / sidewall?

Many thanks in advance!!
 

Slowracer

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I had a look at mine and there is no reference to DT1 OR MI anywhere on the tyre. They just have the size, speed rating, wear rating 300, extra load, some other numbers.

I'm in Australia but I dont think there was any specific ps4s for Audi.

Mine are 255/30 btw.
 

Tom_L

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I just had 4 235 PS4S's fitted last week and now i've covered a few miles the level of grip is phenomenal. They make the P Zero feel like a budget tyre.
Happy to hear, I'll report back with my 245 experience too

@Slowracer Thanks for checking that mate, will see what happens when my tires come!
 

LaRocK

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Had the 235 MPS4's for around a month and agree great grip but what a droning racket came off them. Maybe I got a bad batch from black circles but the road noise was awful. Never thought I'd hear myself say this but have gone back to the Pirellis and enjoying my car again.
 

Terminator x

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Had the 235 MPS4's for around a month and agree great grip but what a droning racket came off them. Maybe I got a bad batch from black circles but the road noise was awful. Never thought I'd hear myself say this but have gone back to the Pirellis and enjoying my car again.
The P Zero's have foam inside them for sound deadening.

TX.

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Tartaris

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I had a look at mine and there is no reference to DT1 OR MI anywhere on the tyre. They just have the size, speed rating, wear rating 300, extra load, some other numbers.

I'm in Australia but I dont think there was any specific ps4s for Audi.

Mine are 255/30 btw.
How do you find the lower profile sidewall on general drive comfort? I'm thinking about going 20" wheels and I'll need to go from a 255/35/19 to a 255/30/20 if I want to minimise speedo error.
 

wuta3

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I'm sure I have read previously for haldex systems a rolling radius difference of less than 3% difference is recommended.

The rolling radius difference between 235/35 & 255/30 is only 1.8% , I'd see the case if it was Michelin on front axle and pirelli on rear axle. And I'd rather not give my insurance company anything to use against me in the event of the worst happening by using tyre sizes not suggested by the manufacturer.

Worst case scenario I have to give the TC button a push on startup , I'll take the inconvenience of that over pathetic cold/wet weather traction

How did you get on with this? Good to see some numbers to go with the argument, and I too, don't want insurance issues.
Who'd have thought tyres on a factory car would be so complicated!

Also the number I think is 4% (conservative) for difference (https://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?9369209-Tolerance-for-different-tire)
 
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