Pirelli lm1 vs lm2

[mikecronis]

I talked to Pirelli and Lucid Service as I need a front 21" Pz4 and noticed only the LM2 are available.
I asked Pirelli about the differences between the LM1 and LM2 and they said they didn't know (?!!) Their website gives no additional information under "Compare".
They're both: UTQG 280/AAA (Treadwear + Temp) HL 245/35 R21 99Y

Service said there "might be additional rubber". I did further searching on tire weight and they seem to be the same at 24 pounds. They seem to believe the tread pattern is the same.

LM2 sounds like a tire improvement of some sort, though a mystery even to Pirelli it seems as I grumble to myself.

Has anyone switched-out 1 tire?

 

[mikecronis]

The reason I'm switching one out is that I was running the winter 19" set and never looked at the 21" set I had, assuming they were all Pirelli. They were not. One was a brand "Sailun" with a slightly different load rating of 96Y. 1111 Hp makes me cringe at the Chinesium of it, so I'm switching it out because of raw fear. I switched my winter set out today and found out.
I had purchased my Dream 2nd hand. Guess I have a 2nd hand dream. ;p

 

[segbrk]

You're right, LM2 is an improvement and replaces LM1. Supposedly LM2 is more durable / less likely to have the bubble issues reported early on here? Otherwise as far as I know it doesn't change the specs at all.

 

[mikecronis]

Probably some compound improvements on the sidewall. Pirelli "didn't know" when I called which made me think up some salty comments kept to myself.
I believe weight, UTQG, tread-pattern, etc. should be identical-ish otherwise. (Engineer licking thumb and holding it out, squinting one eye, "Close enough" as a mathematician groans).

Oh, as a heads-up, Service did actually have carpet floor mats in-stock and that it's a problem with their website that they're not showing. I'm having some ceramics sent with the tire.

 

[SaratogaLefty]

I just replaced my entire set of LM1 21" Pirelli PZero tires for the LM2. Initially my America's Tire store tried to give me LM1 tires for the fronts but I insisted I wanted the LM2 and eventually they were able to get them from TireRack (both owned by same company, including Discount Tire as well). It is my understanding as mentioned above the LM2 is supposed to be superior for the previous tire bubble issues and also I believe they are a little quieter. The odds are your 21" tires are pretty old since I don't think Pirelli has made the LM1 versions for over two years or more.

 

[Genghis]

I just got 2 tires replaced at America's Tire in LA, and they had to order LM2 as LM1's were no longer available for ordering through their system. They informed me only a handful were in inventory at different physical stores if I specifically wanted LM1 to be shipped from a store. I politely declined and both my fronts have LM2 while my rears have LM1.

 

[borski]

I just got 2 tires replaced at America's Tire in LA, and they had to order LM2 as LM1's were no longer available for ordering through their system. They informed me only a handful were in inventory at different physical stores if I specifically wanted LM1 to be shipped from a store. I politely declined and both my fronts have LM2 while my rears have LM1.

LM2s are superior in “some way” and LM1s are discontinued and sold only while stock last. Mixing them is fine.