Sideways if fun but......

[AC79xxx]

My e30 m3 was sold a couple of weeks a go but was replaced last night by an e46 m3

I've only driven the car about 200 miles and on several occasions I've had the back end well out of shape without even trying to provoke it. I've also lost count of the times the traction button has blinked at me so I'm going no where near the sport or DSC buttons until it's a lot drier out there.

The car is running on Michelin pilot sports and whilst they're not new there's still a reasonable amount of tread on them. I've never driven a car with these on and I've got to say I'm not impressed. Has anyone else had traction problems in greasy conditions with these tyres?

I'm beginning to feel I should have kept my sport evo....

[XM5ER]

Congrats. You went for the stupidly cheap M3 (your words), nice one.

Dont forget, you are now playing with an extra 100bhp plus lots of extra low down torque plus, fat tyres dont grip much in the wet.

[ascender]

Stick a set of P Zero Rossos on it. The E46 has a much better chassis than any of its predecessors, so you'll be impressed with decent tyres.

Unless of course you just can't drive very well

-Mike

[john_p]

I don't think the Michelins are that bad, I think you're using too much right foot

[derin100]

I had Michelin Pilot Sports on my E30 M3 (recently replaced with Bridgestone Potenza S03's). I agree, I didn't think they were that good in the wet either especially as the got a bit long in the tooth.

I toy with the idea of seliing my E30 M3 sometimes but can't decide what I'd replace it with? (And I know I'd probably regret it!) Front runners at present are E46 M3 or E39 M5.How are you finding the E46 otherwise?...

www.bmwclassics.co.uk/m3/bmwc_m3_021.html

[ScoobyZoom]

odd.... they only get out of shape with the dsc on if the rear tyres are scrap. Michelins are usually good though. check the blighters out.

[Zod]

If the temperature is below 7 degrees C, then the tyres will struggle for grip. If therefore in an E46 M3 you plant your right foot a little early coming our of a corner on a slightly greasy road with an ambient temperature of 3 degrees , you will, as I did yesterday morning, have some fun with the rear end of the car. My tyres are only about half-way through their life.

[AC79xxx]

derin100 said:

I toy with the idea of seliing my E30 M3 sometimes but can't decide what I'd replace it with? (And I know I'd probably regret it!) Front runners at present are E46 M3 or E39 M5.How are you finding the E46 otherwise?...

Well the sport is only being looked after by someone else on a temporary basis, so...

That's the same problem I faced, I was after an M coupe but couldn't find the spec I wanted and was offered the e46 for below trade so the decision was made for me.

After a dryish weekend I've managed to keep the car shiny side up but I still think a set of new boots is the only way forward..

[AC79xxx]

ScoobyZoom said:

odd.... they only get out of shape with the dsc on if the rear tyres are scrap. Michelins are usually good though. check the blighters out.

SZ - will do.

PS - do you know anyone who does a decent refurb on the 19" alloys?

[Don]

Can I just second checking your tyres out. I have Michelin Pilot Sports on my BoxS - which are significantly better than the Pirelli P-Zeros I had on my last BoXS. In fact I found the excellent in the wet...as Der/GregE240/domster can attest to going around Silverstone in positively horrendous conditions.

Now if you *want* to slide about - try the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup road-legal track day tyres. The PCGB guys reckon that in the wet you tippy-tippy-toe around - oh - but in the dry .

Don't think I'll be getting those for road use myself...

Anyway - check 'em out. Your experience does not sound right...unless something else is the problem (possibly your right foot, of course...).

[ChrisW.]

Autocar did a tyre test in which the Michellin Pilot Sport was great in the dry, but weak in standing water.
Is the Michellin Pilot Sport 2 any better ?
I have a set on my CSL and they seem to be working well --- but only done 3400 miles since November.
' Took the "Cups" off to save them for a better day ...
I'll try to hunt out the article.

[rassi]

You mean sideways like this?

http://members.chello.nl/adevo/andreupload.WMV

[cotty]

rassi said:

You mean sideways like this? http://members.chello.nl/adevo/andreupload.WMV

OMG that is what I call sideways

[AC79xxx]

Don said:

Can I just second checking your tyres out. I have Michelin Pilot Sports on my BoxS - which are significantly better than the Pirelli P-Zeros I had on my last BoXS. In fact I found the excellent in the wet...as Der/GregE240/domster can attest to going around Silverstone in positively horrendous conditions. Now if you *want* to slide about - try the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup road-legal track day tyres. The PCGB guys reckon that in the wet you tippy-tippy-toe around - oh - but in the dry . Don't think I'll be getting those for road use myself... Anyway - check 'em out. Your experience does not sound right...unless something else is the problem (possibly your right foot, of course...).

I've checked the pressures and they were slightly low. With the correct pressures I've still got the DSC light blinking away...

Went out in my mates e46 m3 which has got virtually new continentals and even though it's not as bad as mine on michelins, the ar$e is still loose.

If anyone here is running dunlops on their e46 could they let me know their opinion.

[john_p]

The Continentals are slightly softer than the Michelins, obviously they don't last as long but the weaker sidewalls probably help the handling out.

I'm going to get a set of Goodyear GSD3's or P-Zero Neros, both tyres do very well in handling tests, and are much better in the wet than either the Michelin PS1 or Continental SportCompact M3s (OEM fitment).

[161BMW]

I bet OP wishes he didn't sell his M3 Sport Evolution now.

[Veesix75]

I have the same issue, same tyres. Plenty of tread left but having taken a good look at them they have gone 'hard'. Slightly damp road and I can't accelerate hard in second gear. Never mind first. On another forum a lot of part worn mpss get offered for sale, too many in my worthless opinion, suspect they get track day use and sold on. Mine were fitted when I got the car, I suspect as part worn.

P zero or Conti will replace them.

[anonymous-user]

Veesix75 said:

I have the same issue, same tyres. Plenty of tread left but having taken a good look at them they have gone 'hard'. Slightly damp road and I can't accelerate hard in second gear. Never mind first. On another forum a lot of part worn mpss get offered for sale, too many in my worthless opinion, suspect they get track day use and sold on. Mine were fitted when I got the car, I suspect as part worn.

P zero or Conti will replace them.

Same tyres? They won’t be much use after 14 years, no wonder you have issues.

[mikeyscott]

PSS defo drop off from what I’ve experienced on my 135i, however let’s not forget driving to the conditions.

I’ll go PS4 or CSC5 next time as on 18s

[SebringMan]

I guess I sound like the opposite of my response to F80 Mxs now . The cold weather now would make any RWD car tricky mind you.

Mine however is fine. The only time it was iffy was on very worn FK453s. When things got colder in October I'd occasionally get my DSC light coming on when leaving junctions in a hurry but the car felt planted on the move. Mine's on PS4S up front and PS4s on the rear.

Which Pilot Sports are they? They made all sorts over the years, including

-Pilot Sport
-Pilot Sport SX
-Pilot Sport 2
-Pilot Sport 3
-Pilot Super Sport
-Pilot Sport 4
-Pilot Sport 4 S

Here is a mini history of them:

http://classic.michelin.com/en/Classic-Tyre-range

If they are the first two I'd say remove them ASAP! Yes, I've bought cars with 10+ year old Pilot Sports on, either from low mileage or being part worn spare tyres ; the handling was 'interesting' we'll say. I still remember driving back from Edinburgh a 106 GTi on Pilot SXs from spare tyres that the previous bloke paid £40 a corner for; madness! In snowy and then wet conditions I do wonder how on Earth I made it back to the 'shire! Going to 2 brand new Toyo CF1s transformed the car and that's saying something ; at least it was then safe!

If they are any of the latter check the date stamps as well as the tyre wear. Anything over 6 years old I'd be looking to replace.

If that checks out and it's iffy over white lines I'd be looking at bushings. On mine changing the subframe bushings made a massive difference. It went from tramlining and being nervous over white lines to being completely planted.

Edited by SebringMan on Monday 18th December 09:26