Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 10:29:58 -0800
From: "Rob Hatrak" <hatrak_at_ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: [E36M3] Michelin Pilot Sports

I upgraded from my Pilots at 235 40 17 to the new Pilot Sports at 245 40 17 at all four corners. I have put quite a few miles on my set, and I absolutely love them.

NOISE - the buggers are quite! They make much less noise than the old Pilots over bumps, road "nipples", and don't have as much road noise in general.

RIDE - They seem to actually soften the car a bit in this regard. Instead of a loud "cracking" noise when the car encounters a sharp jolt, these tires transmit more of a "whump" feel and noise.

HANDLING - Holy $#_at_&, Batman. These things stick like industrial 3M glue. Long sweeping corners that I used to drift on, are now driftless. I cannot believe how well these tires hold the road.

TURN IN - I am out to lunch here. I think my old Pilots had a little bit more turn in response than these do. I think it might be that the 245 tire is a touch taller than the 235, but that is merely a guess on my part. I don't mean to infer, however, that these tires lack in this area. They still perform like a dream.

WET HANDLING - See reference to Batman. With the old Pilots, the slogan "Shark Bitten" was an ugly thing in the rain. The last thing an M3 needed was Jim's extra power when in the rain. Now, however, I am no longer afraid to drive the car in the wet. The difference felt to me nearly as great as driving at the track with Pilots on the car, and then driving for the first time with R1s. This is surely an exaggeration, but not much of one in my opinion. Absolutely superb.

LOOKS - stunning. You will park your car with the wheels turned out just so you can see the tread when you walk up to it.

I think that covers most of my impressions! Your mileage may vary.

Rob Hatrak
Sin City Chapter
95 M3