Across reviews, the Michelin Primacy 3 is most often described as a safe, comfortable touring tire with strong dry grip and generally confidence-inspiring wet traction, especially for commuting and motorway use. Many drivers report low noise (when new) and good stability, with several high-scoring reviews highlighting impressive longevity and efficiency. However, a meaningful minority report faster-than-expected wear (especially on heavier/torquier cars), some wet/aquaplaning weakness in standing water or as tread gets low, and a softer/vaguer steering feel; price is also a common complaint.
What owners mention most counted across 158 reviews
Very good grip, direction, braking and low noise levels. Pathetic treadwear considering mature careful gentle economical driving. Low rolling resistance claimed but this is pointless if the tire wears out at 10000 miles. Poor use of nature's resources and environment.
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I switched from Toyo Proxes R32 to Michelin Primacy 3. The Michelin feels slightly softer with a bit less precise steering but with improved comfort. The noise is very similar - very low. It is too soon to comment on wear. Even though the Michelin has C grade fuel consumption on EU label vs F grade for Toyo, I can see no fuel consumption improvement. The rim protector on sidewall is much smaller then it was on Toyo.
Overall I like the Primacy 3 very much. It is great for long distance travelling as it is silent and comfy with very good dry and wet grip.
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I had several E39s over the years and the only tire coming close to or being equal to the Michelin Primacy 3 ST - yes ST as new development made for Pacific region by Michelin - is the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 as 17" model. They are unbelievable re noise level, grip like a high performance tire but cost less. Impressive around bends in the wet even when accelerating hard. Transformed the car completely and as I have driven Michelin Pilot Sport 3 on same E39 type before I can say they are the same but the Primacy are cheaper. Cannot comment on wear at all though.
Very soft tire and good grip on dry and wet condition. So far very big diferent on better way between michelin HP and michelin primacy 3.Primacy its much more comfort tire then HP
76%
Member
Citroën
225/55 R16 H
12,000 miles
Mostly Country Roads
Easy Going
I don't drive fast but have had no problems with wet and dry grip. It only slips pulling away on hills. The car generally gives little feedback from the road so I can't really comment on the feedback. The loudest noise in the car (apart from the radio) is the tires so they could be quieter but they are not obtrusive.
The problem I have is the mileage. 12,000 miles is just not enough, making them very expensive.
I am very happy with them. Better then the Advan dB 215/50/17 I took off, very quiet on the motorway, better wet/ dry handling and better comfort. I can't comment on longevity as I've only covered around 4k miles, but so far so good! Sure I will be buying again and recommend them to my friend. Thumbs up to Michelin.
I'm not sure if I am reviewing the same tires as some others given the comments re wearing. I have for years used Goodyear Efficient Grip tires and found these to be pretty good. I changed to Primacy 3's last time for a bit of a change. I do around 40,000 miles per annum - 90% motorway driving. I've had 28,000 miles of the front two - which now need changed. The rears, which were fitted at the same time still have about 2.5mm tread left to the legal.... so a few more miles yet. I've been very happy with these overall and think the wear has been great...
fitted to 2011 vauxhall insignia 2.o cdti sri. original continental sport 3 changed at 22k rear and 29k front - obviously been rotated at some point but therefore averaging about 25k. have now worn 2mm of front and back (they come with 7mm) and estimating getting 22k out of the front and 43k from rear so averaging about 30k. Think this is a fairly good wear rate for a very good all-round tire.
Car is a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, 50% motorways and 50% local country roads. The original equipment Michelins were changed at 20677 miles and 4 x Prestivo XL fitted (£320) which lasted until 32535 (11858). The Primacy 3 tread wear 240 were then fitted and at 44200 need change- 11665 miles only. These premium priced tires have been a waste of money and I will not buy them again for this car.
I managed 6000 miles on the back with these tires, compared with 13000 miles from a pair of Goodyear eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 on the front. At 1p a mile for each tire I'd expect a better ride.
