Michelin Pilot Super Sport

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a Max Performance Summer tire designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

Tire review data from 145 tire reviews averaging 86% over 1,355,902 miles driven, and 14 tests with an average result of 3rd.

Dry Grip 94%
Wet Grip 84%
Road Feedback 89%
Handling 86%
Wear 82%
Comfort 81%
Buy again 87%

First On MarketJuly 2010
Wheel Size18 - 23"
Width225 - 345mm
Profile25 - 45
Rolling ResistanceC - D
Wet GripA - C
Noise (dB)71 - 75
Winter RatingNot Winter Rated

The Pilot Super Sport is ranked 9th of 78 Summer Max Performance tires.

This tire replaced the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 and this tire has been replaced by the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.

Tests Included

14

Best Result

1st

Worst Result

6th

Average Result

3rd

Latest Tire Test Results

OE vs Aftermarket - Is the tire your vehicle came with always the best tire?
2nd of 3 tires
  • The BMW * marked PSS is a good all round tire which suits the M2 well. Excellent dry grip.
  • Higher levels of understeer in the dry and wet.
View Full Test >>
2017 Motor Mag UHP Tire Test
2nd of 9 tires
View Full Test >>
2016 EVO Summer Performance Tire Test
6th of 9 tires
  • The Michelin ruled the dry testing, both in outright performance and subjective steering feel, but it struggled in the wet running, one of the slowest on test. Excellent if you prioritise dry running and steering feel.
View Full Test >>

Questions and Answers for the Michelin Pilot Super Sport

2016-04-25 - I'm looking for a bit of advice on some tires for my Megane RS250. Currently I am running Michelin Pilot Super Sport 225/40 ZR18 92Y XL. The correct size tire for the car is 235. I've managed to find PSS's in 235/40 ZR18 95Y but not XL and have a DOT of 2012. With the 235 being a larger load rating (95Y), will the performance of the tire be the same as that of the 92Y XL? And were the PSS made in 2012 different to those made now?

The performance of the two tires will be very similar, the 235 might be a little stronger on the sidewall, but as it has a little more sidewall it will balance out. There's every chance the PSS will have gone through minor updates since 2012, and has now been discontinued in 235/40 R18. Michelin would recommend you try the Pilot Sport 4 instead.

2018-04-05 - Do you out think there is an appreciable improvement in noise if going from 19" Pirelli P Zero RSC (run-flat) to 18" Pilot Super Sport? (I'd like to consider the 18" PS4 or 19" PS4S, but they are not available in BMW star version. As I run a 1-series xDrive, I am cautious about fitting non-endorsed tires in case of warranty issues with the AWD transfer case / drivetrain.....)

Moving from any runflat tire to non-runflat will give a big improvement in noise and comfort levels. Regarding * marking and warranty, you do not need to worry about this, legally they can't refuse any work based on tires as long as you fit the OE size and load rating.

2018-08-07 - I have an E92 M3 that needs new rears (265/35/19). Does it matter if the tire is not * rated? The prices vary by up to £30 per tire depending on which of the following you get: 98Y, 98Y*, 98Y TPC, 98Y MO1, 98Y N0, 98Y MO.

I believe the * marked Pilot Super Sport was developed for the M2 not the M3, so it's not something I'd be concerned about having. My own E92 M3 tires are not star marked.

2018-08-28 - I have a BMW M135i which is currently fitted with run flats. When I come to change them my two options are the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 or the Michelin Pilot Super Sports. I have read a vast array of information on both and am still no closer to deciding which one. The PSS is the OEM tire for the car so I was inclined to choose those, however I have read multiple reviews saying they are very temperature dependent and not the best in the wet? The PS4 would does not appear not have this problem, however other people have complained that the turn in is quite vague on the PS4 and they feel very soft, something which it certainly isn't at the moment on the run flats. Having said that I believe either will be a major improvement over the run flats. Any advice you can give would be much appreciated.

You have the two tires qualities understood correctly, so the choice needs to be your choice between comfort and wet grip, or sport handling. As you say both tires will be a huge improvement.

2019-03-18 - I had understood that the Michelin pilot super sport was being phased out and replaced by the 4s. However I see that some new car models are being fitted with tbr super sports as standard when they could have chosen other rubber. Please can you advise. I have a C63 on 19” wheels. Love the super sports When they are warm but less keen in the wet.

There are existing OE fitments in place which take years to replace. All new OE fitments will be with the 4S.

2019-06-14 - Our 2008 46k XKR is currently fitted with Dunlop Sport 255/35 R20 on the front and 285/30 ZR20 on the rear. Just back from a 1.5k touring holiday when we found the road noise very intrusive over all road surfaces. Want to replace all four tires with something much quieter. Good fuel economy, and dry and wet grip also essential. Car is not used for track days. What would you suggest, please?

Falken FK510 or Pilot Sport 4S

2020-05-06 - could you please tell me,if the Michelin pilot supersport is a good choice of tire for my Mercedes sl 55amg ,could you advise me on the best tire for my car 285/35 18

The replacement for the SuperSport, the Pilot Sport 4S is the better tire.

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Size Price Range  
225/40 R18 $247.99 - $265.99 (5 Prices) Compare Prices >>
225/45 R18 $265.99 - $267.99 (2 Prices) Compare Prices >>
235/35 R19 $325.99 - $326.99 (2 Prices) Compare Prices >>
245/35 R18 $265.99 - $274.99 (2 Prices) Compare Prices >>
245/40 R18 $268.99 - $341.99 (4 Prices) Compare Prices >>
Available in 52 tire sizes - View all.

YouTube Review

Top 3 Michelin Pilot Super Sport Reviews

Given 50% while driving a Mercedes Benz C63 AMG (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 4,000 spirited miles
Had on a C63s Coupe and I find them to be absolutely horrible. Zero grip. Zero everything.
Helpful 91 - tire reviewed on October 2, 2022
Given 70% while driving a Nissan 370Z (275/35 R19 W) on a combination of roads for 9,500 spirited miles
Assuming this tire to be the pinnacle for grip, I am disappointed. The dealer placed the 'star rated' (BMW) tires on my 370z &there is little grip when cold and or mildly warm. When only properly hot do I start to get grip but that means a lot of wheel spin &sliding prior. Not ideal in public on the street. No issues normal driving or rain. Recently at CONSTANT throttle on a reasonable curving road the rear stepped out and was saved by the electronics. Unacceptable when I can drive that corner faster in a standard NA Ford Focus with no drama, in any other car either? Seems the Star rated is very different from the standard version, more a track tire &terrible on the street
Helpful 244 - tire reviewed on September 9, 2016
Given 64% while driving a Volkswagen Golf GTI 7.5 (225/40 R18) on mostly country roads for 20,000 average miles
I'm running the same HN-spec 225/40 R18 PSS as the guy who reviewed the PSS on May 24, 2018 on a similar car (MQB platform, but GTI Performance instead of a Cupra ST) and I have to agree with almost everything he said. This HN-spec PSS tailored to the Hyundai i30N seems a bit special in particular when compared to the 205/45 R17 BMW-spec PSS I'm running on my Mini Cooper (which I have zero complaints about). While dry grip and steering feel are good, perhaps very good and even road manners are excellent (albeit a tad stiff) it sadly isn't as good in the rain compared to the BMW-spec (star mark) PSS. Actually it's very poor in the wet in particular when cold. I'm happy I don't need to run it through the winter season, since I have a set of 225/45 R17 CC+ for the colder half of the year. The CC+ is much better in wet/cold conditions as I experience every year just before and after I swap the tires in October/November. Back then I should have gone for one of the BMW-spec PSS 225/40 R18 probably the 92Y (Mini Clubman JCW) or the 88Y (M135/140i). Rim protection is also poor on the HN-spec PSS. This is a very narrow tire looking small even on 7,5Jx18 stock wheels. My Mini Cooper's 205/45 PSS do look wide on stock 7,0Jx17 wheels. Anyhow, meanwhile the PS4S is finally available in Europe in 225/40 R18 and 235/40 R18. Or should I say it's "unavailable"? Sadly it's on backorder, I'm still waiting for 10 weeks now. I very much hope it'll be noticeably better in the wet and as good as the PSS in the dry.
Helpful 86 - tire reviewed on May 24, 2022
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Latest Michelin Pilot Super Sport Reviews

Given 76% while driving a BMW 335i (255/35 R18) on a combination of roads for 30,000 easy going miles
I brought a second hand BMW 335i with new PSS * at all corners.
225/40 R18 & 255/35 R18
Dry handling is very good, good grip and even better once up to temperature.
Wet handling, is a no. Traction control kicks-in too often, understeer is never far either. And I nearly lost the rear once in a normal curve at normal speed, the ESP saved me.
Aquaplaning seams to arrive fast as well.
Wear is good, I'm not an aggressive driver. Front tires are still very fine. Rear have maybe 35% left after 40000km.
For the Noise, I have nothing to compare with. Same for comfort. But my winter tires are more comfy (Gislaved Eurofrost).
I'll choose something different next time as in Belgium we have quite some rainy days.
Helpful 14 - tire reviewed on August 27, 2024
Given 90% while driving a BMW 325i M Sport (235/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 31,000 spirited miles
Ran the PSS on my BMW 325i from 2014 to 2024 (!), they managed just above 50 000km/31 000 miles still having about 3mm of tread left driven on Swedish relatively rough asphalt. Some slight dry cracks appearing. Square setup on 8,5x19" and rotated them about 4 times. Ran about 2,8-3,2 Bars of pressure.

Great steering feel and (specially when worn down a bit), very good grip but a little high in road noise and bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. Didnt seem to aquaplan that easily, but wet grip was a little lacking (never felt dangerous). Suprisingly good below freezing (dry) ambient temp. Seemed to last forever! Pretty good rim protection as well.

Replaced by PS5 on 2024 on same wheels, same dimension for better comfort and looks (lol).
Helpful 20 - tire reviewed on May 28, 2024
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Given 87% while driving a BMW 530i M sport (245/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 15,000 spirited miles
I had these tires before replacing them with michelin ps4s. Honestly, I liked the PSS better. It's barely noticeable but it's there. I felt like the PSS was just more direct, more responsive, I don't know exactly how to describe it. The ps4s is an amazing tire too, dont get me wrong. However, just like all michelin tires I've owned over the years, by the sixth year, the PSS had developed cracks even though the car was parked indoor in a garage. I had the PSS for a little over 9 years, and once I dismounted them, I noticed the inside was almost completely torn. Still better than my ps4, which suffered from the same fate after only 6 years, but it's pretty scary. Michelin claimed their tires can last 10 years, but I never got to the 10th year, especially if the car is driven daily. I still had lots of tread left on my PSS, so I guess in terms of wear it was pretty good. Much, much better than my old PS2, which was almost completely bald after only 4 years. Overall, the PSS is an excellent tire.
Helpful 33 - tire reviewed on February 24, 2024
Given 87% while driving a MINI Cooper (205/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 15,000 average miles
Hello, I'm running 205/45 R17 88Y BMW-spec (star mark) PSS on my 2012 Mini Cooper R56 LCI. Contrary to my HN-spec PSS I run on my GTI this BMW-spec PSS performs great under almost all conditions, even in the rain and below +10 to 15°C (where the HN suffers). Actually it feels very much like what I'd expect from a PS4. This spec PSS has been tailored to the 2012 R56 GP as a more wet weather-friendly alternative to the Kumho V70 semislicks. The PSS has been a no-cost factory option for the GP at that time. As the PSS is well known for market-leading braking performance I'd expect the Mini to attain shorter braking distances than it did in contemporary reviews with the tires factory fitted at that time. This PSS is quite wide and thus provides good rim protection for a stock 7.0Jx17 wheel, actually these tires do look wide on stock 7,0Jx17 wheels (perhaps because the GP wheel is 7.5" wide). However they don't feel as stiff as the runflats our Mini came with from factory, so ride comfort is clearly superior (actually ride comfort was unbearable with runflats which was the reason to ditch the runflats prematurely). On the other hand high-speed cornering (>100 km/h) stability just isn't as good as with Conti SC3 runflats, however that's what you'd expect from a less stiff tire. It's also stunningly quiet and wear is good too. After roughly 25.000 km/15.000 mls they lost about 25 percent of their tread depth and that includes some spirited driving and elevated Autobahn speeds. Anyhow, I'd still recommend this tire for any R50-R59 and F55-F57 Mini running 17" wheels and as an alternative to Michelin's PS4 and PS5, Goodyears Eage F1 Asymmetric 5/6, Pirelli P Zero PZ4 and similar as this PSS seems to be the only non-runflat tire actually specifically designed for Minis in this 205/45 R17 size. Lastly, one hint: Don't follow the exaggerated tire pressure recommendations Mini suggested from 2011 on, driven by BMW's attempt to reduce rolling resistance and enhance fuel economy. As vehicle weight, performance and suspension geometry remained the same, stay with BMW/Mini's recommendation up to 2010, so 2,2 bar/32 PSI is just fine in case of a R56 Mini One or Cooper. It rides better and it grips better. This is in line with Continental's and Michelin's recommendations.
Helpful 82 - tire reviewed on May 24, 2022
Given 83% while driving a BMW M135i X Drive (245/35 R18) on mostly country roads for 22,000 spirited miles
These tires are great if its warm and dry, but there is very little grip if its cold and/or wet. I would not recommend them for use in Scandinavia but they would be great for use in southern europe. I have traction issue at full throttle even with 4WD (430PS 650NM) if the tire is below 15 degree celsius. I have no traction issue with my winters Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 at any temperature even in the wet.
Helpful 85 - tire reviewed on March 31, 2022
Given 76% while driving a BMW M2 Competition (245/35 R19) on mostly country roads for 6,000 average miles
Great tire I would only not buy it as the PS4S is rated better and is newer technology
Helpful 85 - tire reviewed on February 2, 2022
Given 74% while driving a BMW M140i (245/35 R18) on mostly country roads for 21,000 spirited miles
Had these star rated Supersports on my used M140i bought at 12k, milage now sits at 21k. Dry grip. Good once warmed up, they grip the road well. However anything under say 15c you notice the grip level falling away. Wet. Not the best easy to spin the rears even in 4th gear traction will cut in. Feedback. They are progressive and do let you know what's going on in the dry, wet and cold not so much. Wear. Great milage, I expect the rear's to last 23K even with my somewhat heavy right foot, fronts 30k. By again? No I just don't think they are suited to UK climate. Will probably try PS4 next a little softer but with better wet performance.
Helpful 85 - tire reviewed on October 21, 2021
Given 90% while driving a BMW M3 (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 1,500 average miles
OEM on my M3 CS, replaced them after 2000 km with Cup 2 tires. Very good in wet, not so good on the track, where they are prone to overheating and the resulting understeer. But they get good MPG, very comfortable and if you don't plan on doing track days with your sports car, choose them over the Cup 2 or 4S. They might not have those high limits, but they have enough and they approach them with ease and plenty of feedback where the point of no return is. Also, nice road feed back.
Helpful 81 - tire reviewed on October 14, 2021
Given 84% while driving a BMW M3 (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 6,000 spirited miles
just great.
Helpful 88 - tire reviewed on January 21, 2021
Given 87% while driving a Porsche Cayman (265/35 R19 W) on mostly country roads for 3,000 spirited miles
These are the tires thaty were fitted when I have bought my 2009 Cayman, so they were just about half worn. I was very, very surprised by their exceptional handling and grip. Comfort is good, considering the low sidewall and road feedback is very good. The wear seems quite high, expecially considering that the car is quite light (1300kg) and not a lot of power (265hp). Overall, I think these are the best road tires that I ever had, but considering their price, I would not buy them, as there are very similar performing tires for a third less (Hankook S1 evo 2).
Helpful 78 - tire reviewed on December 11, 2020
Given 93% while driving a MINI R56 Factory John Cooper Works (205/45 R17 W) on mostly country roads for 15,000 spirited miles
Overall the best tire I've ever had fitted to a car. Use to have a set of PS4's which are the new version of the PSS but the PSS is far better than at wearing and in wet conditions then the PS4's. Shame that they do not make this tire again as I now only need 2 tires (front) and they will have to be PS4's not PSS
Helpful 84 - tire reviewed on September 18, 2020
Given 74% while driving a Opel Astra H OPC (245/40 R19) on mostly motorways for 60,000 spirited miles
Michelin Pilot Super Sport, below 3mm tread depth left My point is to agree with Michelin about no need to rush to change tires with the tread depth of 3mm and less. I have not noticed any dramatic changes in wet grip when caught by a torrential downpour on the highway (repeatedly). Dropping the speed to 80-90 km/hour is always enough, no metter how heavy it rains. As the rain exhausts its energy, I go up to 120-130 km/hour. After the rain stops but the highway is still wet you can go back to your 150 km/h. My wife and me are recreational drivers, sometimes having to cover 600 km a day. Safety is a concern for us. The car is Astra OPC (VXR). Cheers, YK
Helpful 86 - tire reviewed on August 5, 2020