Anyone had any experience with the Dunlop SP9000 tire? I owned a set of SP8000 and they were just OK-didn't like the wear.

Heard a lot of good things about Dunlop, heard a lot of bad.

What about wear, noise, wet & dry handling, etc. of the SP9000.

I have a set of Dunlop SP9000's on my 1992 MBZ 300E. I have them on 17 x 7.5 AMG Monoblock II's. I have had them for almost 2 years now and have only put 2000 miles or so on them. So far, for the price ($109.00 each), I couldn't be happier. They are very sticky on wet and dry. In fact, I have a hard time getting them to squeal on hard cornering. They have excellent wear, according to the wear rating of 280. That's unheard of in a max performance tire. They are somewhat noisy on rough pavement but that's the price I pay for having a low profile tire, 215/45-17. There are better performing tires out there but taking all factors in mind, price, performance, looks, treadwear, and German origin, I had to choose the SP9000's. I would highly recommend them!

Thanks for your comments. You must have another car which you drive every day? 2000 miles in 2 years? I'm sure those Dunlops look brand new. Say they do real well in rain? Any other comments about the tire would be helpful. I am wanting to upgrade from my factory Goodyear F1 GSDC 234 45 17s to 18" wheels/tires. Looking at the SP9000 as well as Bridgestone RE730 and Michelin Pilot Sport.

Hey John, thanks for your tire experiences. Surprised that the Dunlop SP9000 only lasted 12,000 miles. Did you run them on your C car? I assume you drove it pretty hard?

I also had the Dunlop SP 9000 on my Porshe 911. The tires were Excellent and were very sticky. However, their wear was horrible. I had to replace them after 13,000 miles and they were not abused. If you are able to spend this amount of money every 12,000-13,000 miles go for it! Just be aware that you will be purchasing tires often.

Interested in selling those stock tires of 235/45/17. I have someone who is upgrading their Nissan Maxima, and it looks like the same size he needs. If they have decent tread left, lemme know If you want them taken of your hands for a little $$$.

Thanks for the info. and the offer, however if I let the factory set go, it will be wheels & tires mounted.

I need to get more than 13,000-17,000 miles out of a set of tires. Maybe the SP9000 is not what I need. I really would prefer a more performance all-season, but in the 18" size I am very limited.

I have a set of 235/45zr17 Dunlop SP9000 underneath my 1990 300SL-24 and have driven them approx. 7000km last year (lots of #*ck#@! bad weather in Holland).
The tires are good but do not last as long as the 17" Pneumant's I normally have on my C250D.
The Dunlops are doing very well at high speed (250km/h) and do not make that horrible noise most tires make whilst braking after these kind of speeds.
The tires' contact with the road is good and the tires do not squeal in (ocassionally)high speed turns/bends.
The biggest disadvantage (besides the rapid wear of the tires) is that the tires get square after the car isn't used for several days (lets say 14 days). After the car is parked for a 2 weeks, the tires have a flat side and I find this highly irritating. The tire will round up again after a 100km, but this is something the car should not do.

We had 16" Dunlop SP9000 on a SLK230 as well and they only lasted 16000km!
Normally I have Pneumant 215/45ZR17" tires underneath my C250D and these tires last for 50-60000km (third set of tires already!), even though the car is lowered a lot.

Mickey, what do you mean with European Delivery...did you pick up your car at the factory, or...

greetingz,

Hey MBenz....thanks for the tire info. YES, I picked up my E430 Sport at the factory in Sindelfingen, Germany. Flew over last May and did the Black Forest Alps Rally package. Drove the car to France, around southern Germany, and into Austria. Dropped it off in Munich and had it shipped to the USA. Ordered it through my local dealer. It was the experience of a lifetime. Excellent hotels, food, put 500 miles on the car including mountain roads, autobahn, villages, etc.

By the way, nice C-class.

Mikey,

Sindelfingen is great!!! I have been there 4 times now (to pick up new cars) and have had the factory tour 4 times as well. The tour is every time a bit different; at each visit you get to see some phases of the manufacturers process and mercedes does change the halls (parts of the production process) you get to see.

I can imagine that you enjoyed your stay in Europe and the drive with your brand new car through Germany, France and Austria (especially that last country)!

Thanks for the compliment.

greetingz,

Mikey,
My friend has the RE730 and really likes it.
I am running 18" Sumitomo HTR ZII and I like it as well. It has great AA traction and is quiet. I've only had it for 4,000 miles so I cannot tell you about wear.

Hi guys...

I have a second set of Pirelli P-zeros on my car, and I'm not gonna go back to them, unless my paycheck gets any bigger. Although they are excellent on both dry and wet surfaces, they have a very short life. I've had 2 sets in one year, which sucks, but they are the best performing tires I've owned so far.

Chuck

Also, MBenz, how much ground clearance do u have on your car? From the pic, it looks pretty low. :)

Some Tips from Tyre Round-up
 

Some interesting tips to share......I am also looking around for 18-inch tyres for my W126 soon,but meanwhile,I am still delibertaing what is my priority:Dry/wet performance,noise and comfort level.The ratings "D/W/C" are out of 10.
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LEVEL A PLUS- STREET TYRES

Superlative performance from this group and will certainly satisfy the hard core enthusiast. No practical consid*erations like comfort, noise and tread wear. Just sheer perform*ance. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NOVICES, unless otherwise stated.

BRIDGESTONE RE 710. 60, HR. D7,W8,C5,

Tremendous performance in both dry and wet. Perhaps the best 60 series performance tyre available, certainly likes wet condi*tions. Performance figures reach levels of the 50 series tyres but as a 60 series tyre they are slightly more better riding than 50 series tyres and has gentle handling characteristics. Noisy but still recommended. Replacement due.

BRIDGESTONE POTENZA S-02, 50, ZR, D7, W8, C6

Following in the name of the S-01(Expedia), the S-02 is actually a Potenza range. The Pole Position monkier means it has a softer compound. Dry performance is very good in this top echelon though not stunning. But its wet performance is. The way this tyre stays planted and handles itself is nothing short of superb. The dry performance is mitigated by very good handling balance which allows progressive handling with an European character as opposed to Japanese hi-grip characteristics. The S-02s are moderately noisy but do a reasonable job cushioning the occupants. Recommended even for Novices.

FALKEN AZENIS, 50,45 VR. D8, W7, C5

Latest Falken looks extremely aggressive with a wild looking pattern. It promises performance and does not disappoint. As expected grip levels whether cornering or braking is superb. Steering is positive in corners but a tad light straight-ahead. On-limit handling is a characterized by massive grip and if power is kept on, the levels are certainly ear flattening but needs care as progression to oversteer is quick but predictable. Wet weather performance is excellent but aquaplaning resistance may be lower than GRB. Japanese style hi-grip but really great performance. A favorite. Recommended for petrol heads.

FALKEN FK-451, 50, ZR. D7.5, W7.5,C6

Yet another Falken joining the top ranks. This time it decides to chase the S-02 with more European characteristics. The pronounced V-pattern looks like the Goodyear F-1s. Falken uses a new Silica, really sticky and soft compound so the grip is really good and it even feels sticky to touch like a race-tyre. The numerous drainage channels drain water very well for very good aquaplaning resistance but it reduces the amount of tread left for dry grip. By using a sticky compound Falken pushes performance up. Comfort is decent and wet performance is confidence inspiring, putting it quite nearly on the top rung. An interesting S-02 challenger and represents Falken’s European push. Recommended even for Novices.

FALKEN GRB, RS TUNE II 50,45 VR, ZR. D8,W7,C5

Top notch performance. These tyres have been used to tremendous advantage in Showroom Standard racing where a race-like compound finds its way into the tread pattern of a street-going tyre. Falken is now using Silica filler particles to give it durability and improve wet performance. Superb steering, grip, handling with very good wet performance. Comfortable for a 45 series tyre. Noise is mildly improved. Pricing is reasonable. If you want balance and performance, this is it. Recommended.

MICHELIN PILOT SPORT, 45, 50 ZR D8,W7,C6

Back with a vengeance, Michelin is again in the race. The new Pilot Sport was developed to address the shortcomings of the previous SX. Aquaplaning resistance is improved with the V pattern and it has more progressive wet handling. Dry performance has been improved and yet it has also managed to keep its progressive handling as would be expected for a European tyre. Big grip but not sticky. The biggest improvement has come in comfort where the super stiff sidewall of the SX is replaced by a flexible one in the Pilot Sport. This also means higher inflation pressures are needed to get the most out of the new tyre. An excellent all rounder with no significant weakness. Recommended even for novices.

PIRELLI P-ZERO 50, ZR. D8,W7,C6,

This is still a personal favourite even if its replacement is imminent. Performance is top-drawer stuff. The complete tyre as it is decently quiet and rides rather well. OE specification for several supercars. Very possibly the light*est performance tyre, size for size. Superb grip is available in the dry and wet. Steering feel is quite simply the best, giving a very positive, progressive feel. Near race-tyre performance but so comfortable. Pirelli really pulled out all the stops for this P-Zero. No compromises, unfortunately that goes for the price too. Expensive but currently one of the best. Recommended. Due for replacement in early 2000.

LEVEL A * STREET TYRES

The next best attainable performance with practical considerations like cost and comfort. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NOVICES unless otherwise stated.

DUNLOP FM 901, 50,VR. D8,W6,C6

Replacing the Formula W1, RSV, the Dunlop FM 901 performs better than the SP 9000 in the dry because of the extra tread it has in comparison. Handling characteristics are similar but stands up to hard treatment better. Grip is very good but not very sticky . Wet handling is good but aquaplaning resistance is slightly less then the SP9000. Needs high inflation pressures to perform. The compound used being similar to the SP9000. Curiously the FM 901 suited the Torsen differential of the test car and produced interesting results. A borderline A Plus contender.

DUNLOP SP-9000. 50, ZR. D7,W6,C7

Dunlop has decided to make a comfortable sports performance tyre. The SP9000 does not set higher performance levels than the outgoing SP8000 but it is the best in low noise in this class and maybe better than many so-called comfort tyres. The tyre has balanced handling and decent grip even in wet conditions. Does not raise eyebrows though. But once fitted, the low noise is a revelation but leaves you wishing for a bit more grip. Want low noise? This is the best. Recommended for novices.

GOODYEAR EAGLE F-1, 50 VR. D7,W7.5, C5

Goodyear’s top range tyre has not the grippiest of compounds but its handling balance is very good. Drifting is done so progressively and predictably. This is the key to its success. Steering has a soft feel but becomes positive when engaging a corner. Noise levels had a raised broad spectrum noise which fortunately precludes a beat frequency. Wet performance is near excellent mainly because the confident balance is still there, with excellent aquaplaning resistance. An easy to like tyre and fairly comfortable. The sort of tyre even novices can start with. Recommended.

Anymore feedback out there on the Dunlop SP9000 in 18" size? I really appreciate all the comments. Still torn between Dunlop SP9000 and Bridgestone RE730. Am I missing any other brand for my 2000 E430? Remember I am undating from 17" to 235 40 18"

THANKS!

We fitted SP9000 tyres all round on our 97 SLK230 and were extremely pleased with the results. The car is very rarely driven hard. Our priorities were wet weather handling/grip/safety, comfort and noise. These tyres were arkedly superior to the SP2000E tyres which were fitted at the factory. I am unable to comment on wear, as we sold the car about 5k later. There was no significant deterioration in that period, however.

That car was replaced with a 00 SLK230. This car came from the factory with Continental SportContact tyres on the same staggered 16" rims (the stock set up). We also have a 00 Porsche 996 C4 with tiptronic transmission; this car came from the factory with Continental SportContact tyres. In the UK this is often a default choice on high performance cars.

There is a comment earlier in this thread that a 911 driver had to replace his SP9000 tyres after only 12k miles. This is exceptionally good wear in my experience! Our Porsche has covered 15k miles and is on its third set of rear tyres! The SportContacts are down to 2.5mm after about 7k miles, so 12k miles is very good indeed. This rate of wear is peculiar to the car, of course: the SLK has done 13k miles without drama and I expect the original tyres will last until 20k.

It is quite difficult to find objective tyre tests. I have always regarded the SP9000 as the best tyre, so long as your demands are not extreme and focussed on dry grip or track use. I will be interested to hear about experience with Continental's brand new SportContact 2 tyre.

I have just purchased a used C200 saloon which has been fitted with cheap tyres all round. Changing them for something better is a priority for me. Again, MB provided SportContact tyres from the factory; this tyre and the SP9000 will top my list, although I would consider something like a Pirelli P6000 as my car is not at all high performance. My priorities are wet safety, noise, and lastly handling/grip.

You will get much more wear out of a SP9000 tyre than the Bridgestone S0-02, especially the pole position, which has an even softer compound.