tires - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Dave Bunker · #1 10-02-2002, 01:07 AM

After researching many different types of tires for my 420sel, I have decided to to go with 215/60V15 MN X6TV B Michelins. I have priced Yokahamas and Bridgestones. All the while wanting to put Michelins on but didn't want to spend the money. It turns out Sears is having a huge "SUPER SATURDAY" tire sale this Saturday and I can get each tire for about 15% off $148.99. My question is......Should I let Sears automotive do an alignment on the 420? Has anyone had any dealings with Sears in that capicity? I know for a fact they have schooled techs using the prefered alignment rack everyone talks about using for MBs. Can't remember the name of it......Anyway let me know....

Mike Richards · #2 10-02-2002, 01:27 AM

Dave - there's a tire forum here as well as general tech forum - lots of ideas there.

G-Benz · #3 10-02-2002, 11:33 AM

I wouldn't trust Sears to change a fuse!!

My Dad recently contacted me to complain about a shimmy problem after recently getting new tires fitted on his Lexus at Sears.

I told him to find a reputable tire store and have them dynamically balance all four rims. He followed my advice and the shimmy was gone.

If these guys at Sears can't get the tires balanced right, would you trust them to not "drop the ball" on the alignment???

Ben300SD · #4 10-02-2002, 03:48 PM

NO NO NO!!!!! Buy the tires, get the good price, and RUN!

#5 10-02-2002, 05:01 PM

Some Michelin tires are made in the US with aluminum clam shell molds. I think they are generally in US tire sizes but make sure these tires you get from Sears come from Europe where they are made with steel segmented molds the way radials are supposed to be made.

Have you checked the Tire Rack to compare prices? After you get a price with shipping from the closest Tire Rack warehouse, add about $45 for mounting and balancing to come up with a total price.

I just bought V-rated Pirelli P-6000's in 195/65-15's and the total price including mounting and balancing was $368.

400E · #6 10-02-2002, 07:31 PM

I'd agree that I would have someone else do the alignment. This is ONE place where the dealer might just be the best place. MB alignments involve some unique steps that most shops won't know about, like using a special bar to put lateral pressure on the front wheels, etc.

If you get the tires from Sears, I would recommend you get them balanced at a shop which uses the "official" MB 2-piece wheel weights. The cheaper, conventional 1-piece wheel weights WILL come off and leave you with unbalanced tires after a period of time (sometimes a very short period of time)...

Piotr · #7 10-02-2002, 09:39 PM

Before anything, call Tire Rack for advice. I run cheap Yok's on my 201 and get a better ride than I did with recomended Mich Energy. Check with Luke

#8 10-02-2002, 09:46 PM

I second tire rack..Stay away from Pirelli's on a benz! I v'e heard some bad stories on these after about 12-15k. I recommend mich only for a heavy car like mine..Anything else buckles under pressure.

#9 10-02-2002, 10:29 PM

There is absolutely no worry about using H or V rated Pirellis on any high performance car. I've used Pirellis for more than 20 years as well as Continentals and Michelins.

I've had Pirellis from Italy, Germany and Great Britain. I've had P6's, P600's and P6000's. I've had Pirelli Winter 190's. I've never had a failure of any type with them.

I used to use Pirellis on my BMW's but switched to Continentals on my 300E. I recently went back to Pirellis because they seemed to have better turn-in response.

The P6000's might not last as long as the Conti CV-90's but not by much.

All things considered, the Pirellis are less money than either Michelin or Continental.

Dave Bunker · #10 10-04-2002, 12:14 AM

I have investigated Sears Michelins. They could not tell me if they were made in US or Europe. The sales person thinks USA. This falls into the category of tires not worthy of being on a MB. As far as alignment, I have found out, as most of you all have replied, only certain MB shops should attemp the alignment or balancing. Most of this is common sense for MB owners. We all need to try to save money, but not at the expense of inferior products and or maintenance. The Tire Rack offers good tire prices, however after shipping, mounting and balancing you probably can find a comparable price in your area. By the way, I think Price Club's tires are of the same caliper as Sears, being made in the USA. Thank all of you for you feedback, it was very helpful. You probably saved me from a $800 mistake.

william rogers · #11 10-04-2002, 12:56 AM

I put a set of 205 65 15's yokohama avid turing on my 86 500 SE the size that's recomended in the owner's manual, they are 80,000 mile tires $288 out the door at America's tire. I like them much better than the 205 70 14's Michlien Rain Forse tires on my SD ,they are noisey are wearing fast and hard to keep in balance.I learning not to put next size up tires on my MB's as my 81 SD called for 195's I think that size would have been better, I guess the old hot rod days are hard to shake........
William Rogers.....

Dave Bunker · #12 10-04-2002, 11:48 PM

William, As you know the factory calls for 205/65/15 on the 420sel. I would like a little wider tire, but not higher. Like the 215/65/15. Do you think I will not be happy with this or should I go with what the factory says should be mounted???

CJ · #13 10-05-2002, 02:43 AM

I would direct these questions to the tire section. If all factors are equivalent (size, temp rating, tread wear rating, etc) you should be ok. Tires will not buckle under excess weight unless inflated improperly or not used for the right vehicle.

william rogers · #14 10-05-2002, 03:26 AM

yea there is a tire section, Iam not an engineer but think that that the suppension geometry of these fine cars is beyond tinkering with, if you feel how firm they are sprung and how well they ride and handle I would guess that tire width is carefully figured in to this formula.......
William Rogers........