Snow Tires

[Neal]

What snow (or all season?) tires do you recommend on an '86 300E? Are the Swedish Gislaved (sp?) a good choice? (I put those on my Volvo and it made a 180 degree difference). Thanks.

[Michael]

I've done 3 winters on Dunlop Graspiks (195/65-15 on a '88 300TE) and they've been fabulous! I did quite a bit of research & solicited a lot of opinions before I bought them. However, I've been given several strong endorsements of the Toyo Observe, which I plan to put on my 500E this winter. I understand both are excellent choices. Watch out for Blizzaks, because the good winter-optimized rubber only lasts for 1/2 the tread depth. Great tires, but you might burn them up in only 1 season.

Sorry, no experience with the Gislaveds.

Best of luck, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

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[Bob I]

I have used Bridgestone Blizzaks for at least 5 years on our 1983 300D. The traction on snow and ice is excellent, but the tires handle poorly, especially on dry highways. I think this could be due to weaker sidewalls on these tires. After about 2 winters, the traction is noticeably decreased.

I have also used the Dunlop Graspic on a Toyota Avalon. The traction was not quite as good as the Blizzak, but the handling was slightly better.

Last winter I wanted a tire with better handling for my 1998 E320 and was going to order a Pirelli Winter 210. When I called the Tire Rack they told me about the new Michelin Artci-Alpin. I bought this tire and have been well pleased. The snow and ice traction is not quite as good as the Blizzak, but the handling on dry roads and interstate speeds is very good.

Visit the Tire Rack website or call them. They can provide all kinds of info on snow tires and they actually know what they are talking about. Be sure to put snow tires on all 4 wheels also.

Just remember to use another set of rims, keep your new rims for the summer. The salt after years will eventually wear out the bead and they will leak.

Or, you can go with the original rims for the winter tires and go with a new set of Plus 1 size rims for your summer only tires. By the time I buy a used car, the original rims have seen a few MN winters and they already show signs of corrosion and wear.

The Artic Alpin or the newer Blizzaks MZ-02s are fine winter tires. Many folks swear by Nokians for ulitmate deep snow performance, but they don't compare to the others with respect to dry and ice handling (unless you can go w/Eco studs!). Good luck.