Tires for 1998 C230

[rbauman]

Hi Luke, I've used your site and have narrowed my search to Yokohama's AVID db or Firestone Firehawk LH. My questions are what are the experiences with these two tires and is the rating for the Firehawk LH for snow accurate? Thanx in Advance, Roger

[JCE]

Roger:

we just put 16" sport rims and Yoko dB tires on our 98 C230 (click the C230 line on my signature for pic). They completely transformed the car over the stock goodyears which only had 24000 mile on them. The car rides more comfortably, corners A LOT better ( ), got a whole bunch more quiet, and the steering feedback is great. All this despite changing from a 15" touring tire to a 16" high performance all season, which in theory should have made things worse! I am so impressed I will consider trying them on my 300E when the Pilot XGT VR tires wear out - a lot more expensive, more noise, and it feels like les comfort with the Michelins, and handling seems about the same.

I understand those firestones are a pretty good tire as well. Look at the tire rack customer comments on both these tires as well for a lot of insight - they may even have track tests on each of them on comparable cars.

[Chiragp]

Quick Question I had was are they on the stock 15" or 16" Sport wheels?

for 15", use 205/60/15
for 16", use 225/50/16 (unless you are looking at a touring tire, then use 205/55/16.)

[rbauman]

My C230 is a stocker (15"). I'll be ordering tires next week. The snow capability for the Firehawk LH 205/60/15 is the issue. Other than internet tirerack info is there any help out there? Roger

[rbauman]

Hey John, I live in Boise, Idaho and the snow fall here normally melts on the same day as it snows! Therefore, I occasionally drive to work ( about 5 miles) in light snow and by afternoon the snow is gone. If it's a long snow or very cold I drive my wifes' Subaru Outback with Blizzaks (they are great). Roger

[Chiragp]

Now if you are going with a 205/60/15, what type of driving style do you have. Are you looking for an All-season tire that performs extremely well at cost of treadlife, or an all-season tire that wears well at the cost of performance.

Here are my suggestions:

I usually try and stick with a tire that has a good mileage warranty, if not then a good tread life, while not loosing their performance characteristics. To me, that shows the manufactuer tried making a superior tire all the way around.

My new favorite for the value, that took over the Firestone Firehawks SH30 are the Dunlop SP Sport A2. They have a 50,000 mile warranty just like the Firehawk SH30 did, a 420 AA A rating, instead of the Firehawk SH30's 460 A A. Now the "AA" rating is the highest you can get for wet traction, and the treadwear is ated in the 400s which means they will last. H-rated and performance minded, while the SH30s were more on the touring side. This is the bang for the buck. Since it is new, I would ask Luke more about what they think and if any testing has been done on these.


Dunlop SP Sport A2 $60 @ TireRack


The Firestone Firehawk LH that you mentioned are standard touring tires. They are more focused on long wear and quiet ride. Since the Dunlops are in the High-Performance All-Season category, you know they can handle better in those situations, and since they re H-rated All-Season, you would be surprised to see how well they work on MBs and how quiet and smooth a ride they can be as well.

If you want a nicer Performing tire, then I would Suggest the Bridgestone Potenza RE950 or Dunlop SP Sport 5000. However, I believe the SP SPort A2 are one of the best new tires and very balanced in its characteristics. Its something I would put on my car for my father since he is just touring for the most part, but in emergency situations you know it can handle as well. And If I ever wanted to drive it, I know the handling factor is still there, without sacrificing All-season capabilities.

Take Care, Good Luck.

[Luke@tirerack]

I like the SPORT 5000'S and would strongly recommend them


Luke

[rbauman]

Thanx to all, I just ordered the Dunlop SP 5000 on Lukes' recommendation. The tire had a lot users comments that included snow handling as part of the comment. Roger

[rbauman]

Saturday, my tire guy mounted and balanced the SP 5000's on the C230. It actually tracks in a straight line, the wind noise is louder than the tire noise and turns are solid. I will try light snow tomorrow in the mountains north of Boise. Thanks again to Luke, John, Charlie and John! Roger

[rbauman]

Hi Luke, John, Charlie, and John. Wow it's almost like a bible story! I've just driven in two snow falls. The sp5000s' are OK, meaning the car handles better than most of the cars around me in traffic ( even the SUV's) So, I feel comfortable. The tires don't handle the snow as well as the Blizzaks, but they aren't suppose to. Thanx for your comments. Roger