G21 B3 Pirelli ALP Tyres

[Metrics]

I'm planning on switching from P Zero ALP to MPS4S, if this doesn't cause drivetrain issues. I've been v disappointed with the P Zero performance.

Agree with this one on the performance and I have just done the switch to MPS so will see how they get on.

Look forward to hearing your views big blue

[Metrics]

I made the change to 4x mps4s on Friday.

Initial impressions are very positive. A slight ‘brittleness’ in the ride has gone and the car feels much more resolved and keyed into the road. I’ve found myself moving away from ‘comfort’ much more often, even in town.

I’m on 19s, but I can still feel a discernible improvement.

Good to hear, look forward to your thoughts as they bed in and you do more miles on them

[Alpinab5]

Some advice pls. I have just discovered that my 2021 alpina B5 tourer bought second hand from a BMW dealer has a mix of Pzero and Goodyear on front axel and Pzero alp and Pzero non alp on the rear axle (5mm tread). Is this OK or should I swap all 4 for Pzero alp as planning a European road trip?

[Grumpyjohn1957]

Personally I'd change the lot for PZ4 Alp mark on such a new car. That mix definitely won't enhance its ride and handling!

[ScooBeeFive]

Some advice pls. I have just discovered that my 2021 alpina B5 tourer bought second hand from a BMW dealer has a mix of Pzero and Goodyear on front axel and Pzero alp and Pzero non alp on the rear axle (5mm tread). Is this OK or should I swap all 4 for Pzero alp as planning a European road trip?

I can't believe a main dealer supplied such a new and expensive car with a mix of tyres like that. As John states, it will 100% affect the way it handles as every tyre reacts differently to load and inputs, plus will have different grip levels.

On a previous car, I wanted to change from Goodyears all round to Michelins. I swapped the rears first as the fronts still had plenty of life in them. However, it ruined the dynamics of the car. The front and rear were just out of sync on turn in etc.

[Alpinab5]

Thx for the quick responses. I agree and have changed all 4 tyres and fitter has just advised that one wheel had been welded to cover some damage - not visible when tyre off - not leaking but there is a crack in the welding. I am going to have a tough conversation with dealer who advised on purchase the following "I can also confirm below that the car have nothing done to it only 1 x alloy smart". Frustrating

[ScooBeeFive]

Thx for the quick responses. I agree and have changed all 4 tyres and fitter has just advised that one wheel had been welded to cover some damage - not visible when tyre off - not leaking but there is a crack in the welding. I am going to have a tough conversation with dealer who advised on purchase the following "I can also confirm below that the car have nothing done to it only 1 x alloy smart". Frustrating

Good move changing the tyres - not the cheapest option but you'll definitely get the most from your car now. And such a poor show from the main dealer, although nothing surprises me with them.

Good luck with getting a new wheel out of them - I'd be wanting a contribution to the tyres too.

[Metrics]

Thx for the quick responses. I agree and have changed all 4 tyres and fitter has just advised that one wheel had been welded to cover some damage - not visible when tyre off - not leaking but there is a crack in the welding. I am going to have a tough conversation with dealer who advised on purchase the following "I can also confirm below that the car have nothing done to it only 1 x alloy smart". Frustrating

You should raise the tyres with the BMW dealer too. If it was supplied with mismatched tyres, that's not to BMW approved used standard.
Hopefully this was a recent purchase, so you can still raise this?

[andy-integrale]

I'm planning on switching from P Zero ALP to MPS4S, if this doesn't cause drivetrain issues. I've been v disappointed with the P Zero performance.

Agree with this one on the performance and I have just done the switch to MPS so will see how they get on.

Look forward to hearing your views big blue

Any updates on the Michelins? Just noticed a pothole-induced bulge on one of my sidewalls so I need to do something.

[big blue]

Hi Andy,

This was my order in March 2023 from Camskill. We are about three months in and everything is good. Admittedly it has been very dry in the UK with no real challenging weather on a weekly basis but all is very good for me in the highly torqued D3S. Michelins are doing fine and order details are below for 20inch classics.

QTY ITEM PRICE
============================================================================
2 2653020YMICHR94+XL:PLSP4S:3610[2] Michelin Tyres / Car / £ 518.10
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S PS4S - 265/30 R20 (94Y) XL TL Fuel
Eff.: D Wet Grip: A NoiseClass: B Noise: 71dB
2 2553020YMICHR92+XL:PLSP4S:1198[2] Michelin Tyres / Car / £ 481.20
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S PS4S - 255/30 R20 (92Y) XL TL Fuel
Eff.: D Wet Grip: A NoiseClass: B Noise: 71dB
============================================================================
CARRIAGE £ 23.00
ORDER TOTAL £ 1022.30
============================================================================

[andy-integrale]

Good to hear, thank you.

[big blue]

The one thing I would like to compare is miles carried out. I will only know this to compare in the future, but as a benchmark the Pirelli tyres lasted around 12,000/13,000 miles. It will be interesting to see what the Michelins achieve over time on these all wheel drive Alpina vehicles.

Any other experiences with other tyre makes also welcome.

[andy-integrale]

Have you noticed any difference in ride or noise? Do you think they have more or less rim protection? I have had a nightmare with local potholes and have had my two front wheels (20" Classics) straightened. But I also have a couple of sidewall bulges, so they need changing asap, and I am guessing the 4-wheel alignment will have been knocked out too. Otherwise, I will have done 12000 miles on the current set and probably would not have changed until Autumn. KwikFit (I know) have a 15% offer off 4 Michelins at the moment, so all four are £977 Fitted.

Description
2 x Michelin Pilot Sport 4S at £274.50
Tyre Size 255/30Y20
EU Tyre Label Info - Vehicle Type C1, Fuel Efficiency D, Wet Grip A, Noise Rating B-71dB £549.00
2 x Michelin Pilot Sport 4S at £256.50
Tyre Size 265/30Y20
EU Tyre Label Info - Vehicle Type C1, Fuel Efficiency D, Wet Grip A, Noise Rating B-71dB £513.00
4 x Wheel Balancing at £9.00 £36.00
4 x Standard Valve or TPMS Valve Stem/Service Kit at £6.50 £26.00
4 x Environmental Tyre Disposal at £3.00 £12.00
1 x Wheel Alignment Check FREE
Sub Total £1,136.00
Discount £159.32
Total £976.68

[Metrics]

I'd echo what big blue has said, the Michelins on my car (G31 B5) feel good, but we've not much rain of late to feel the difference there. I found the Pirellis poor in the wet.
They're quiet and comfortable, maybe a very slightly firmer ride, but this is with them pumped up to Alpina recommended tyre pressures. My guess is the sidewalls are a bit firmer. When pressing on the handling is sharp and there's plenty of grip in the dry.
On my wheels I'd say there's slightly less rim protection than the Pirellis. However if the sidewalls are that bit firmer, potholes should be less of a problem.
I paid £950 fitted for the set on my B5 (different sizes to a B3) including the £100 cashback offer Michelin were giving a couple of months ago.

[andy-integrale]

That's excellent info; thank you. Although I was hoping to hear they're a quieter, better ride, have better rim protection and are entirely pot hole proof!