Need tires: Michelin HX MXM4 or MXV4+ or Pilot Exalto A/S?

[Q451990]

I will be needing new tires for Q2 soon... Looks like the 255/50/16s in the XGTH4 that I'm using now are no longer available. I'm not entirely sure that I would buy that size again now anyway - due to the lateral "squirm" that I get on rutted pavement. Kind of disconcerting on I-20 at 70+MPH. Also I'm only interested in Michelins.

After doing some research I've narrowed it down to a few different tires, all in the 225/55/16 size:

Pilot HX MXM4Load Rating:99H or 94VPrice: $157.00 for 99H or $151 for 94V

Pilot Exalto A/SLoad Rating:95HPrice: $125.00

Energy MXV4+Load Rating 95HPrice: $132.00

_____________

I have used the MXV4+ in a 215/60/16 in the past and I was very happy with it. Quiet, good handling. But it's a pretty old design. Michelin's web site gives it a "8" wet traction, and "10" on quiet ride, which are my two most important factors.

The MXM4 looks interesting. Michelin's web site gives it a "10" for wet traction and "9" for quiet ride. I also like the 99H load rating. Good insurance...

The Exalto A/S is very appealing for the price. Michelin's site gives it a "7" for wet traction and a "7" for quiet ride. It's also rated "8" for handling, which is surprising since it's categorized as a "Sport" tire.

Looking at Michelin's site leads me to believe that the MXM4 is the best tire in terms of overall performance. My concern is that it gets horrible reviews on Tire Rack.

So here's my question... Has anyone here used one of these tires on their Q? What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

Heath

[maxnix]

255/50-16 is about as much pinched on a 7 inch wide rim as is safe.

I think if you went to at least an 8" rim, I bet a lot of that squirming would be eliminated.

Not relevant in 16 wheels, but the PS2 are really great, but they should be. They are actually good in the rain, while I feel all other Michelin are at least suspect. TR rates them a lot better than the PS. Wish I could offer more, but I would look at the Goodyear F1 that Szhosain likes, or even the Avons Tech M500, although they are not as good as Michelin.

Time to save for wheels.

[3Q Jay]

no V rated exhalto in that size?

i had the pilot MXV4's back in late 1999 when the then 'new' tread design came out. this was on a 95 max, not the Q. was very happy with them. also share your thoughts that the design is now very dated.member 'rob1' has the mxv4's stock 215/65/15's on his 94, i drove it briefly, you might ask him for 'put.

[mcrews]

I have the HX MXM4 on the 02Q45sport I bought in sept 2005 w 41k on the car. Don't know when they were put on. But I have 61k on the car today and they have been very good IMO. I would agree w/the ratings.They are about ready to replace in the next 3-5k. I'm starting to feel the slip (in the rain) (when I push it)right before the suspinsion takes over. Before this week I would rate them pretty high in rain.size is 245 45 18 so there is some difference.I really didnt think I would get 20k more out of them when I bought the car.thought Id have to replace at 50-55k.again, dont know when they were put on but they have always been quite.

Mark

[96Qowner]

Don't mean to jack the thread, but no one ever mentions Goodrich g-Force Sports.

Anyone used them yet? Nice and cheap, high load rating, fairly well reviewed ...

[Q45tech]

This gentleman knows NOTHING beats a MICHELIN on a Q.......cheap has nothing to do with it except when you have an accident and realize [at the funeral] you didn't care enough to use the highest quality products.

As to a selection remember the MXV4 were non directional so be prepared to deal with the feathering/edge noise that directional tires bring.

Now that Pilot H4 [in 235/60/15] are no longer made I have a similiar problem Thing I will grin and bear it and try the Exalto [215/65/15] at least on the rear.

BFG is owned by Michelin and used as their low cost, low tech, high noise brand........cheaper.

[szh]

After doing some research I've narrowed it down to a few different tires, all in the 225/55/16 size:

Pilot HX MXM4Load Rating:99H or 94VPrice: $157.00 for 99H or $151 for 94V

Pilot Exalto A/SLoad Rating:95HPrice: $125.00

Energy MXV4+Load Rating 95HPrice: $132.00

I have used the MXM4, albeit not on a Q. It is a bit over-rated and over-price, IMO. There are better tires out there. I have also used the MXV4 tire and was pretty dissatisfied with its performance and handling. Bottom line: both tires were quiet and reasonably long-lasting, but mediocre.

So, since you mentioned that you only want Michelin, the Pilot Sport A/S is a better tire than the ones you list above. A bit more pricey at $181 a whack though.

If you are willing to try other brands, the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 is a much better tire than any of the above Michelin models. And it is reasonably priced at $140 a tire for the 225/55-16 size.

It will not last as long as the Grand Touring tires you have picked, but it will be far stickier and better handling/braking in wet weather.

Finally, if you live/travel much in snow country, then you should also consider some cheap steel wheels with good snow tires - using all-seasons is not really a good enough alternative.

Z

[tkd_q45]

Why all the hype w/Michelins? I think they do make some good tires but they are over priced. MXV4s? Would be OK for 1/2 the price. Do research on Tireracks' website.

[tkd_q45]

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/...=GTAS

Should say that I have HX MXM4s in 245/45/18 and they are VERY marginal. Personally I think that Michelin runs a racket in that they are OEM on many cars and most people are not informed enough to make and educated choice and simply tell installers to "put on what came w/the car."

[DuDro]

I have the Pilot MXM4 tires on my 2003 F50...

They are CRAP!!! I repeat, they are CRAPPITY-CRAP-CRAP-CRAP!!!

I am still in disbelief that Infiniti would install these tires as OEM on a $64K premium-luxury-sports-sedan. The only good quality is that they are quiet.

Aside from that they are dangerous in wet weather. It doesn't take much for these tires to loose traction when driving around in wet weather. I'm not talking about aggressive driving either, just normal everyday stuff.

I have ordered a set of the Pilot Sport A/S for my car. I can't wait to get them installed. I've heard nothing but good things about the Pilot Sport A/S on large, luxury sedans like the Q.

I hope this helps....

[maxnix]

Why all the hype w/Michelins? I think they do make some good tires but they are over priced. MXV4s? Would be OK for 1/2 the price. Do research on Tireracks' website.

...

Should say that I have HX MXM4s in 245/45/18 and they are VERY marginal. Personally I think that Michelin runs a racket in that they are OEM on many cars and most people are not informed enough to make and educated choice and simply tell installers to "put on what came w/the car."

Michelin without a doubt has the highest quality control in the industry, and is a leader in innovation in construction and materials. Michelin produced the original tire for the Q45, and when it became unavailable, the switch to Dunlop and other provider's stock tires were fraught with recalls and TSB.

The TireRack tests have to be adjusted as they use a much lighter 330i to test. Right now, the Goodyear F1 GS and Pilot Sport 2 are at the top of the list for performance tires. Unless one purchases the top tire from a large top tier manufacturer, one is compromising the tires performance for cost. And frankly, only Pirelli and Bridgestone are the other top tier manufacturers. Dunlop has been behind for quite a while, and Toyo has yet to be proven to last on a heavy car like the G50. All the others are owned by Tier 1 companies or unproven upstarts way behind in tire technology.

[Q45tech]

The 90-96 Q is a different animal. It has what I believe is the most aggressive static camber and caster of any 4000 pound 4 door car ever made.

The camber gain curves are brutal!

The 97-2005 Q/Cima are weak sisters when it comes to tire stress.

Unless you have gone thru 12-15 sets of tires on your Q you may not be attuned to its idiosyncracies.

[Q451990]

Are any of the current Michelins bi-directional? I am leaning toward the Exalto A/S, but not being able to cross-rotate doesn't make me happy. I guess I'll have to budget a on the rim flip at about 15 to 20K miles in service and live with it if nothing else is available.

Heath
Modified by Q451990 at 6:42 PM 7/21/2006

[Q45tech]

Haven't dealt with a Michelin directional since 1996 [V4] tried 5 other brands always ended up giving the directional tires to relatives usually around 8,000 miles.

I'm in same boat gotta try the Exaltos or finally put the 16" wheels on, that have been sitting for 3 years 4- 16 x8 [300zxtt].

[Q451990]

I'm in same boat gotta try the Exaltos or finally put the 16" wheels on, that have been sitting for 3 years 4- 16 x8 [300zxtt].

What tire would you pick for your 16" wheels?

Heath

[qship96]

I have 10,600 miles on 225/60/15 V rated Exaltos so far,and they are wearing very evenly without any dismounts/flipping-just front to back rotation. Have used xgt in both V and H ratings for the last 100,000+ miles,and the Exaltos are better in every aspect.

[tkd_q45]

I don't doubt that Michelins are of high quality build. It's just that the HX MXM4 and MXV4s (both of which I've driven on) are to expensive for what they deliver.

The Tirerack results I've posted are SURVEY results from those who bought the tires and then reported back - check out the "would you buy again" column on the Michelin tires on that chart. If you want even more detail, click on the links to those tires and read peoples comments.

Michelin does make some fine tires such as the Pilot Sport PS2

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/...pe=MP

or Pilot Sport A+S

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/...UHPAS

That said, they are spendy!

[Q451990]

The survey results on the MXM's are scary... the Exaltos seem to inspire good review though. I'm definately leaning in that direction...

Heath

[maxnix]

Michelin does make some fine tires such as the Pilot Sport PS2

Quite frankly, in Michelin, there are the PS2 in all their assymetrical directional glory, then there is everything else. They all roll, but none come up to the top tire standard.

It is the same for every Tire 1 tire manufacturer, there is their top tire with all the latest technology, the rest are rollers for the everyday commuter crowd.

With regard toexpense, how mcuh is it worth in time, insurance coverage, safety, wet performance not to hit that car in front of you because you paid $1000 more to stop 12 feet sooner? In my book, it is priceless. Remember, the original G50 tires were strong sticky Michelin that wore out by 12K miles when new.