Michelin PILOT SPORT A/S 3 N-SPEC
 

I have an 2009 E70 4.8i M-Sport with the 20" staggered setup. I've been running the Bridgestone Dueler's with no complaints. I'm looking for a new all season tire that will perform well on the freeway, and handle occasional trips to Tahoe. I don't like the Contis DWS06, the sidewalls are too soft. The Michelin PILOT SPORT A/S 3 N-SPEC seem like my best bet.

I'm having trouble finding info on the N-Specs. Does anybody have experience with the PILOT SPORT A/S 3 N-SPEC.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?message=singleSize&tireMake=Michelin&tir eModel=Pilot+Sport+A%2FS+3+N-Spec&frontTire=74VR0PSAS3XLN0&rearTire=135VR0PSAS3 XLN0&autoMake=BMW&autoYear=2009&autoModel=X5+xDriv e48i&autoModClar=Sport+Package

I believe these are fairly new in the 275/315 configuration. I've been keeping an eye out as well for a review. Interesting comments on the Conti DWS06, I've had a couple sets on different vehicles (even 275/315) and I never found the sidewalls to be too soft. I need to buy a set of new tires within the next 3-4 weeks.

I am currently running a set of DWS06 on my X. The sidewalls a definitely soft on these. So much so that if these were inflated to the X's original recommended pressure, you couldn't keep it going in a straight line.

I found that inflating the tires to F/36 R/40 takes care of that softness. This is for a 2012 35i with 19" non-staggered wheels.

My experience with my other cars using Conti DWS series tires were also the same...soft sidewalls.

As far as the Michelin Pilot Sports, if you can afford them, get them. Pilot Sports have never disappointed me on any of the cars I ran them on.

Well it has come time to decide. Conti DWS06 or test out the new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3 N-Spec tires. TR currently has Conti for $1,040 and Michelin's for $1,224 (after rebate). I do love the Michelin brand, I use them on my E39 M5 (PSS and now A/S3) so I am leaning towards giving them a try.

Update:
I ended up buying the Pilot Sport A/S 3 N-SPECs in the 20" staggered setup (275/40R20 front & 315/35R20 rear). I noticed that Michelin is also offering the Pilot Sport 4 for the staggered setup. I was sorely tempted, but ultimately chose the all-season tires for my limited trips to Tahoe.

I have about 3 weeks on them now. On dry pavement they perform better than the Bridgestone Duelers. The tires drive straight and corner well. I drove them up my favorite winding roads and they stick better than the duelers. At 90 MPH, ever so slightly more noise than the Pilot Super Sports I have on my 550i, but this may be just the new tread wearing in.

I have not driven them in the wet or snow (California has been dry for the last 4 weeks). I'll report back once I see some snow.

I'll try to attach some photos

Nice looking tires. The sidewalls look better than the duellers do. I always thought the rears were too bulgy looking. Glad they drive well.

I have absolutely zero complaints about the Conti DSWs. I've had them on my X5 for quite a while now, and I have no complaints. I find no tendency for the car to wander; it's rock steady even at very high speeds.

One note on tire pressures; you really need to check the owner's manual and not rely on the pressures on the drivers door frame. There are quite a variety of recommended pressures, depending on load, speed, and the exact wheels you have; (as there were several wheel sizes offered on the E70.)

Why the "N Spec"??

In other michelin tires it was a minor tread change plus Porsche approval