Rez

I recently ordered some Bridgestone Potenza S04 Pole Position tires for my 08 535i with Sports package through Costco. The tires came in, but Costco is saying that these cannot be installed as the tires have reverse load indices where the front tires have a higher load index (97Y) than the rear tires (95Y). BMW recommends that the front tires have a load index of 93Y and the rears of 95Y. Costco is saying since the front tires have an increased load index than OEM, the rears also have to be of increased load index. I checked the Bridgestone website, and these tires are recommended for my car with the Sports package. In fact all Bridgestone tires recommended for this vehicle have a higher load index on the fron tires than the rears.

Can someone please shed some light on this? I am totally confused.

SUMO

I hope i unstand you right.
There is no problem when you have a higher LoadIndey then you need,
when you look that a few things are ok.

These are:
- the load index must be at least the legal size or higher but not a light truck size.
- at one Axle it must be the same loadIndex, Speed Index, profile depth and profile type

it gives more things to look but in your case these are important.

Grüsse Thomas

Theo

Since you make the distinction between front and rear tires I assume they've got a different width (245/275?) which would dictate having the higher load index on the front.
The higher load index on the fronts implies that they've got stiffer sidewalls to increase load bearing capacity, compared to the rears.
The difference is not huge but is compounded by BMW requiring a higher load index on the rear.
So basically your setup will have a much stiffer front vs the common rear setup (95Y). I can imagine this will be noticeable in how the car handles, probably like putting 19" on the front and 17"'s in the rear or similar.

My advice, go get a second opinion from a knowledgeable dealer or specialist, they'll know whether it will noticeably alter your handling characteristics or will be negligible...

Good luck!

Rez

The issue is that with these tires the front axle will have a higher load index (97Y/ 97W) than the rear axle (95Y/ 95W). BMW states that the rear tires (95Y) should have a higher load index than the fronts (97Y). So it will be in reverse of BMW's specs. Hence, Costco will not sell them.

Checking Bridgestone's website, The Potenza RE970 AS and Potenza RE760 also have the same issue. These are the only other recommended non run flats other than the Potenza S04's.

Might have to just dump Bridgestone...

KAF

In the real world, I seriously doubt you would notice any issues, provided all tyres meet minimum load index required.

Gilgorm

There may be no problem with your choice but I am basing that assumption on info from www.tirerack.com which shows a number of choices with the load ratings you are referring to. The OEM combos do have ratings as you stated but the optional choices are also as you stated. Very confusing. Perhaps a visit to the dealer's tire department is in order.

Rez

That's the one thing I was hoping to avoid. Especially since the "Stealer" quoted $2570 for a set of tires!!!

JWMich

Regardless, my experience with Costco is that they play strictly by the book. If you don't want tires that are directly on manufacturer spec (no plus one, no load rating variation, etc.) they will not put them on. Just the way they are, and it appears they don't make exceptions - I'm sure the reason involves lawyers.

I like Costco and spend a lot there - we have a big family and three teenage boys to feed nowadays. But I've moved on for tires, since I like to do what I want and sometimes that's off spec. Tire Rack and a good local installer has been the answer for me.

MRV99

The front tires will have a higher load because you have an engine sitting on top of the front tires and when you try to maneuver a 5K+ car the load will be different on the front compared to the back. Go to a real tire shop and you won't have to listen to this.... I bet he will add Lifetime Nitrogen filled option for $10. hahahaha

Rez

Now I have to go with Michelin tires since they match BMW's load matrix. So a new dilemma has risen....Summer tires or All Seasons? To be precise, Pilot Super Sport or Pilot Sport A/S Plus? Just can't afford the pricey Pilot Sport PS2's.