Interesting findings reg. Michelin PS2 tires after spirited driving

[paris]

So yesterday I went for a spirited mountain ride, took very sharp U-turns downhill with 60+ km/h, basically at the point just before tires loosing traction. Tire pressures are 33 PSI front and 35 PSI rear (checked right before the ride), sport suspension with eibach pro-kit springs and 225/45/18 front 255/35/18 rear tires. Tires are brand new with approximately 3000 miles, december 2007 production.

This morning I noticed this (no I did not hit a curb): :shock:
http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/performance/michelin_ps2/images/DSCF6236.jpg

http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/performance/michelin_ps2/images/DSCF6237.jpg

http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/performance/michelin_ps2/images/DSCF6238.jpg

http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/performance/michelin_ps2/images/DSCF6239.jpg

http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/performance/michelin_ps2/images/DSCF6240.jpg

http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/performance/michelin_ps2/images/DSCF6241.jpg

http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/performance/michelin_ps2/images/DSCF6242.jpg

http://www.argyrides.eu/bmw/performance/michelin_ps2/images/DSCF6243.jpg

As you can see, half of the sidewall seems to have touched the road, is this normal or should I be worried? Car seemed to handle very well but then again, I don't know since I've never driven a brand new E46. :x

The rears have the same pattern but not to that extent.

[Griff]

tyre pressure sound a bit low.

[XKaLiBaR]

tyre pressure it fine. You must of took that corner quick :)

when you take a corner quickly, your alloy almost touches the ground. So hence, the side of the tyre gets dirty.

[paris]

I thought it was the recommended one.. what's your tire pressure?

[paris]

Didn't see the reply cause I was typing mine..

So it's normal (under spirited driving that is)

[schnitzer28]

hmm..actually with 60+ km/h i dont think it should have happened.
i think tyre pressure is slightly low.mine are 38psi rear and 35psi in the front.
Next time you go for some spirited mountain driving, give me a call :)
its been a while since i tested my car's handling.

[mysticm3]

remember how heavy the e46 is and with downhill driving there are lots of stop and breaking and turning, 60mph might not seem very fast on a straight but try doing that in a narror downhill road and it will feel like you are doing 100+ :D

I wouldnt worry too much and just check the sticker by your driver door shut for the correct air pressure.

on another note an advice to all cars with lowered suspension do check your alignment on a regular basis to prevent uneven wear on tyres and other linkage parts.

safe driving

[schnitzer28]

remember how heavy the e46 is and with downhill driving there are lots of stop and breaking and turning, 60mph might not seem very fast on a straight but try doing that in a narror downhill road and it will feel like you are doing 100+ :D

I wouldnt worry too much and just check the sticker by your driver door shut for the correct air pressure.

on another note an advice to all cars with lowered suspension do check your alignment on a regular basis to prevent uneven wear on tyres and other linkage parts.

safe driving

i agree 60mph is a fair bit on the twisties.but paris was talking about 60km/h (approx. 37mph).
dont think its something serious to worry about though.

[paris]

i agree 60mph is a fair bit on the twisties.but paris was talking about 60km/h (approx. 37mph).
dont think its something serious to worry about though.

That was on the moniatis corners, 60km/h is a lot for going downhill there, specially with all the trees left/right and not so wide road. Car would slide if I pushed it more.

[peter antoniou]

paris 60 km for that road as you said a lot. The michelin though is a soft tyre. So after taking those bends hard for their cornering tyrewalls were tending to ( διπλωθούν ) Just to keep the traction. You might didn't have this a with a harder tyre.
P.S : sorry for the greek word guys , my english are not so good.

[schnitzer28]

That was on the moniatis corners, 60km/h is a lot for going downhill there, specially with all the trees left/right and not so wide road. Car would slide if I pushed it more.

yep actually 60km/h on that road is quite scary...especially with that extra power you got under your right foot with the ESS S/C.

it makes sense what peter said actually.
i wouldnt worry about it too much if i were you.

[paris]

Good! Thanks for the rerponses!

[Nickleback]

Cant see from the pics but are yours the XL (Extra Load version ) or not.
If they are the old style ones (no longer made) then I believe the tyre walls are softer & flex more than the newer more rigid ones, if that makes sense !
Even the newer ones can go that colour, (especially @ a track day) I ran mine 2/3 PSI harder which helped ;)

[paris]

They are the Extra Load.

[alexsh1]

Actually, this is a good thread! I met a german owner of a new E92 M3 at the ring who damaged 4 alloys by running on a low pressure at the ring.

However, overinflating tyres is dangerous as the pressure is going up as the tyres warm up.

Any optimal pressure for a track days for E46 with 19" running 235/35/19 tyres around?