X5M Tyre Advice - Mixed Tyres Fitted

[CarbonV12V]

Just a bit of advice from any tyre experts.

Had all 4 corners replaced last week on my company chariot. Usually replaced with Michelin Pilot Super Sports but for some reason this time the tyre company replaced the front with the same Super Sports but fitted Michelin Pilot Cup 2 to the rears. Besides the obvious design/style there is an obvious visual difference between the front and rear tyres - the Cups seem have no rim protection and a softer side wall?

Now I only have the car for a few more months of the lease but that may involve some continental drive at speed and in some poor weather.

I just want some assurance that it is acceptable to have different tyres on the front and rear axles with a 4x4. I understood the Cup 2 to be more of a track day tyre so maybe not ideal for Winter driving or should I just accept the challenge of trying to wear them out before the car goes back in a few months?

Drives fine but not really given the tyres anything to do at the moment.

Any professional opinions?

[rassi]

Not a professional opinion but if it were my car, I would never accept mixed tyres and Cup 2 are totally inappropriate for an X5M. Track tyre and very different to the Pilot SS. Also, BMW used to be very strict about their “*” marking especially for 4wd due to difference in rolling diametre, that screws up the centre differential.

Their mistake, get them changed FOC

[Smuler]

rassi said:

Not a professional opinion but if it were my car, I would never accept mixed tyres and Cup 2 are totally inappropriate for an X5M. Track tyre and very different to the Pilot SS. Also, BMW used to be very strict about their “*” marking especially for 4wd due to difference in rolling diametre, that screws up the centre differential.

Their mistake, get them changed FOC

I agree. BMW still are fussy on * marking. Michelin , I asked, agree. They suggested checking with insurance if not following this advice.
My tyre people say the same about * marking on AWD.
I thought , whilst not illegal, BMW also urge 4 of the exact same tires and that’s in manual.

I’d get them changed. Probably they didn’t have the Supersports in the rear size.

[theboss]

The Cup 2’s have really different characteristics and the last thing you’d want is these ignorantly thrown on the back axle of any car you’re intending to drive at speed in poor conditions - it’s a hazardous setup. They can’t have been cheap though so hoping somebody at the tyre shop might end up learning a lesson.

[hertfordshire1]

Michelin themselves would not recommend the Cup 2 for these cars.

The MPSS is the only tyres they suggest is fitted.

I have seen contis on the fronts - but never Cup 2's (especially on the rear) - I doubt if they would even have the correct load ratings needed for the X5M.

Mine ran MPSS.

Get em changed would be my advice.

Cheers

[CarbonV12V]

Thanks all for the advice and comments. I have referred the issue back to Hitachi who have recognised the problem and handed over to their Technical team (who have so far done nothing!). My local BMW Service Manager has also confirmed that they do not approve the combination and it could cause damage to the transfer box system. Also tonight - left the gym around 9pm and gave some beans - no grip!

The Cups on the rear are actually Extra Load (108Y Extra Load) and have a higher weight rating that the Super Sports on the front but the combination just looks odd too.

Suspect they will get changed eventually!

[JMBMWM5]

Remove the Cup2's they are not designed for that car. Be warned an accident could just round the corner.

[CarbonV12V]

Thanks for all comment - now all sorted and booked in for replacement next week.

Evidently local subcontract company fitted them as the correct Super Sports were on a 6 day delivery schedule and they promise replacements fitted in 3 days! Expensive mistake as would have gladly waited if someone had just communicated a little!

There is probably a cheap set of very lightly used Cup 2 tyres going if anyone wants an intro!