OK, we all know that Michelin makes some impressive tires for Mercedes, but which one should I go for?? I am a pretty aggressive driver yet, I am not ready to spend big buck to get some 18"/19" AMG wheels....so, stock size wheel is what I got for now....

Here's what I have in mind, tire size is 235/60 on 16"x7.5 stock 8-hole rims.

Bridgestone Turanza Z Revo(ZR)
Michelin Pilot HX MXM(ZR)
Michelin Pilot XGT H4(HR)
Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus(VR)
Pirelli P6000(ZR)

Any other tire size combo with the same rims?? I will get the tires during summer time, and need some time to think it over...any comments are welcome...

Andy Kuo

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<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://akry.homestead.com
http://akry.homestead.com/files/mercedes_benz_2.gif

Hi Andy, maybe u could consider Toyo tires. I heard that they are cheaper and offers great performance. I think Michael is using them and is pretty happy about them.

Happy motoring,
ET

Definitely go with Pilot HX MXM. Perfect fit for that car.

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1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 (W210)
Michelin Pilot Sport 225/55YR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz C280 (W202)
Michelin Pilot SX-GT 205/60VR15

1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E (W124)
Michelin Pilot SX-GT 205/60VR15

The MXV4 in any of its iterations are the best for touring. If you push hard you'll get a bunch of outside shoulder wear.

The HX MXM is the BEST ride/handling compromise I've driven. Downsides is that it costs and wears like a performance tire. Still, high zoot grip with touring ride is a damn tall order and it delivers.

Skip the XGT H4, its really not a good fit for a car like yours. You will be much better off with the XGT Z/V4. Though the name is similar, the V/Z's are a much better tire in my experience.

Skip the P6K's at all costs. I can't think of anyone who has ever said anything nice about those tires. They have very very few positive qualities.

For a budget tire you might want to try the Dunlop SP5000. I've heard lots of good things about it. The Bridgestone RE930 seems to have great bang for buck while still having a respectable wear rating and wet traction.

If you've got to deal with snow on these tires the MXV4 and XGT V/Z4 are the only ones that will do okay in the snow. The MXM and RE930 will not do well in the white stuff. The SP5000's should at first, though their "siping" will disappear as tire wears so the snow traction will taper. Let me know what your specific priorities are (cost, dry performance, wet performance, snow, ride/noise, etc) and I can better recommend something. I would also assume by your previous post that we are keeping the stock rims?

Let me know...Lee

Thnx for all the replies.

Lee,

Currently, I have Energy Saving tires on the car, and YES they wears out faster on the outside(though I have tire balanced/rotate, and alignment doen at Dealers every 25000-30000KM). So, is it that because of my aggressive driving??

The car will never touch snow(it has never been in snow). I want performance yet still want ride comfort. But I am willing to give up a bit comfort for performance(balanced for both wet and dry). I would say 3/10 for comfort, rest for performance. What's your suggestion, Lee??

P.S. Yes, I will keep and use stock rims for now.... :(

Thnx in advance
Andy Kuo

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://akry.homestead.com
http://akry.homestead.com/files/mercedes_benz_2.gif

[This message has been edited by akry (edited 05-24-2000).]

If memory serves, you should have the OEM size of 235/60/16 on your car. That being the case the best "plus 0" (going wider but staying on stock rims) is 255/55/16. Unfortunately that size sucks as far as tire selection. (unless you want to go with the truck based Pirelli Scorpion Zero which is the PZero Asm for trucks)

That being pretty much out of the question for a W140 the next closest size for stock rims would be 245/55/16. In that size you have the Michelin Pilot HX MXM which is the best ride+handling tire out there. Others can ride a little bit better, a few others can handle a small amount better, but nothing else combines them as well. Downside is they cost and wear like a performance tire. ($238 at Tirerack) Since the only other tire in that size is the notoriously crappy P6000 for $210 it doesn't seem like that bad a deal all the sudden. The only negative to that size is it is 1.8% shorter. Though not a big problem as 3% is considered the amount of variance tolerable in a benz it is still a bit shorter. (think shorter gearing...) At 100kmh your speedo will be reading 1.8 kmh fast so in reality its no big deal.

The "flip side" is 245/60/16. This option is 1.7% taller than stock. I would NOT recommend going with this option as its usually a bad idea to go wider and taller at the same time. However, its a moot point as there are no tires I know of in that oddball size.

To get a more hardcore performance tire you would need to go to 17" or 18" (or more!) sizing. If I had to pick one tire to be available for your car it would be the Pilot HX MXM so you are lucky there. As far as outside shoulder wear...next time you get your car aligned ask that toe-in be kept to min-spec and ask them to please dial in as much negative camber as stock adjustment will allow. That will help both handling and front tire outer shoulder wear.

Hope this helps...Lee

Lee,

Thnx alot for the info. Looks like I will choose between MXV4 Plus and Pilot HX MXM. And I think I will stick with original, 235/60-16 setting 'til I get some 18" wheels.

Thnx again...and I will definitely keep that alignment trick in mind and have Mercedes do it as you said....

thnx again,

Best Regards,
Andy Kuo

------------------
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://akry.homestead.com
http://akry.homestead.com/files/mercedes_benz_2.gif

PLEASE go with the Pilot HX MXM. The Energy MXV4 Plus (or Minus as I refer to them ;-) ) plain suck. They are great if you drive cars like a woman (no offense to any women here). Unless the car is a grocery chaser, spend the money and get the good tires. You may find the 18s unnecessary after having the HX's...

Daniel

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1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 (W210)
1997 Mercedes-Benz C280 (W202)
1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E (W124)

Michelin Pilot HX MXM would be a great choice. I would not be willing to give up performance to go through the snow if you don't go through the snow. The MXV4 does just that.
Thanks, Luke

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/images...m_pilot_hx.jpg

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Luke Pavlick
Performance Specialist (ASE Certified Master Tech)
Please, call me to place orders (800-428-8355 ext. 362)
or mention my name for on-line orders
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to visit Tire Rack web site)