I had a set of new Kumho KH11 ECSTA (P195-65VR15) tires put on my 93 400e two weeks ago and the performance is incredible. Initially I wasn't too sure if it was gonna work but then I decided to go ahead with it and I think I saved my self about $400. The handling is perfect, runs as quiet as the Michelins I had before. Folks, believe me these tires are only $45 a piece from Tire rack and including mounting & balancing it cost me only $260. It also has a 4yr tread warranty. It could have cost me over $600 with the Michelin MXV4 Energy Plus.

smk_texas
93 400e
99 Mercury Villager Estate

I visited the Tirerack.com site and compared the tire you mention to my Michelin Pilot XGT and Kumho beats Michelin in every category and 1/2 the price!! I also read the 50+ customer ratings and all are in its favor. I guess I will try it next time I am due for tire change. By the way, what is the speed rating on this tire? 89H, 90 or 91 etc..? Let us know how it handles and wears in few months from now. Thanks for sharing your experience with this tire.

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Joe95E420

I'll need to replace the Pilots on my 300E in a month or 2 - and I had decided EXACTLY the same thing. Everyone loves those Kumho tires, and they aren't FRENCH.

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Bill Streep
San Antonio
'57 190SL (toy)
'08 S5500 (mine)
'09 CLK550 (wife's)
'06 SLK350 (daughter's)
'11 GLK350 (daughter's)
'03 CLK310 (spare)

The speed rating on the tires is 91V which i believe is 129mph -139mph. I am thinking if these tires are mounted on a 300e the performance is going to be much better because the 300e is much lighter than the 400e. Also , lately I've noticed these tires are being advertised in ESPN. Hopefully the prices don't go up.

smk_texas
93 400e
99 Mercury Villager Estate

In Oct 2003, I replaced the wore out Uniroyale Rain tyres (only sold in europe) on my recently imported euro model 600 W140, with these Kumho Tires KH11 ECSTA , 235/60/16, load range/speed: 100/W, traction: AA, temp: A, treadwear: 280.
They handle great, corner/break great, super quiet, look good, and cost $300 installed. Love'm

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Bill & Monika Mercer

"91" is the load index - a symbol that indicates the maximum load capacity of the tire, which is also placarded on the sidewall in plain english and metric units.

"V" is the speed rating - 149 MPH.

Together "91V" is called the service description.

Duke

smk, the kh11's that you just installed - do they have a soft sidewall like the Michelins? That's the one thing I liked about the Michelins is that they soaked up the bumps so all I felt was nice smooth pavement.

Any luck with the winter tires.Which brand and model recommended in this forum.
I used to have Michelin Arctic Alpin but Kumho are much cheaper,esp since the car is now not worth a lot of money.

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Tom 2010 C250 4-matic Sport (Canada)

I have heard nothing but good things about the Kuhmo KW-11 winter tire. I just took a set of Alpins off the C230, and NOTHING could be worse. They are terrible!

I have boiled it down to two options:

Nokian Hakka 2 (studded - I'm in Alberta, we're allowed) $707 installed & studded

Kumho KW-11 $466 installed and studded

Might go with the Kumho and save some money.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

I had always used Kumho tires in my previous Japanese cars. They were cheap and great.

BTW, KUMHO Tire is a South Korean company. Its original name
was Samyang Tire.

Eric

I just Instaled a set of Kumho Ecsta 215/55/15 on my 300 E last week, which ran me about $300, they seem to fill out the fender pretty nicely and the ride and handling is great.

Did you put these on standard OEM 6.5" wide rims? I been afraid to use this size tire on the narrow OEM rims.

In response to Dale's question, yes the sidewalls are as soft as the michelins and you just don't feel the bumps. Over the past weekend, I pushed the pedal to over 110 mph on a local hwy here in Texas and I couldn't feel a thing- absolutely no road noise or vibration.

smk_texas
93 400e
99 Mercury Villager Estate

Thanks for the reply smk, I'm considering buying a set for the original 8 hole wheels on my E320, even though several months ago I installed new 16" wheels with the conti-extreme tires. The conti's are an awesome tire and the wheels I bought look great, it's just that with no sidewall flex it really killed the ride of my car. I don't have lowering springs or HD shocks, just the soft factory ones that I love.

Luckily the new wheels and tires will fit perfectly on my wifes C230, with the sport suspension, which they are better suited for. Now it's time to get that nice cushy ride back that I miss so much!!! Hello KUMHO's!!!

Just put a set of Kumho Touring 732s on my W126.. I went with something a little larger.. 225/60-15. Tires are pretty quiet, and the ride is nice and smooth.. $44.00 each+ $10.00 shipping+$10.00 Mounting = $64.00 per tire..

225/60s look great on the 126. Time will tell if this was a wise choice..

Jay

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89 300SEL Money Pit

92 Blown Buick Ultra Pimpmobile 220K and adding 1K per week

88 Wagoneer Slightly modified (Not for soccer moms)

04 Kia Sedona with every option... NICE