The Official Winter Tire thread ... all winter tire questions go here ...

[Luke@tirerack]

as another winter approaches here we go again ...

So, first off let's learn or relearn the facts about winter tires

There are basically three different types of winter tires so, we'll start there

#1.) Performance Winter

You want enhanced dry road handling from your winter tires and are willing to trade some snow and ice traction to get it.

Meeting severe snow service requirements and branded with the "Snowflake-on-the-Mountain" symbol, these low profile, H- or V-speed rated tires are designed to suit winter driving on European highways. They are available in many of the low profile sizes used as Original Equipment on sporty imported and domestic cars. Due to their unique designs these tires must be installed in sets of four.

#2.) Studless Ice and Snow

You want to maximize snow and ice traction from your winter tires without the inconvenience of using winter tire studs.

Meeting severe snow service requirements and branded with the "Snowflake-on-the-Mountain" symbol, these Q-speed rated tires feature the latest in tread compound technology to provide winter traction without the inconvenience of tire studs. They trade a little handling for excellent ice and snow traction. Due to their unique tread compounds these tires must be installed in sets of four.

#3.)Studdable Winter

You want the traditional security of studded winter tires for enhanced traction on ice.

Meeting severe snow service requirements and branded with the "Snowflake-on-the-Mountain" symbol, these non-, Q-, S-, or T-speed rated tires feature traditional snow tire tread compounds and studdable tread designs for good snow and ice traction. Due to their unique designs these tires must be used in sets of four. Use of studded tires is often prohibited or restricted. Check with local authorities to confirm legality.

With your new found winter tire knowledge we can now discuss winter tire recommendations.

The AMG and higher performance versions should really be shod with performance winter tires so, I strongly recommend the Blizzak product line if you live in an area with a large amount of snow and ice. If you geographic region does see snow and ice but to a lesser extent the Dunlop Winter Sport M3D and Winter Sport M3 are great choices as well.

I also recommend that all 4 tires be of the same size front and rear since a narrower tire will perform better in the snow than a wider version.

here are a few wheel and tire package options which I endorse that will work on different model Mercedes vehicles.

W203 C230 Sport Sedan
225/45R17 Bridgestone BLIZZAK LM25
17X8 MSW Type 14
$960.00 plus shipping
the wheel fits correctly, has a durable finish and is relatively easy to clean so, it would make a perfect winter wheel.


W219 CLS500
you could use the same MSW Type 14 wheels style with a 245/45-17 W240 Snow Sport from Pirelli for a package cost of $980.00 plus shipping

W220 S500 Sport Package
245/45R18 BS BLIZZAK LM25
18X8 Sport Edition ST3
$1372.00 plus shipping


tire pressure monitoring sensors are available if needed but, I will require a VIN number verification in order to insure the correct sensor is used.

These are just some suggestions and not the only options. Since, there is no "1 size fits all" solution or if you have a specific idea of what you would like and need a little help to find out what would work best just let me know with a post in this thread. I will check daily for questions.


if you prefer to shop online use this link


1 last note: If you choose to garage the Mercedes and have a second car or SUV I can help you outfit that as well.

[Bob C.]

Luke,

Many of us would love to purchase our Nokian winter tires from TireRack, as we do for our summer tires, but TireRack doesn't (yet) carry Nokians. Can you please see if TireRack can carry this brand?

[Luke@tirerack]

I will pass along your request to the proper people ...

[rmasteller]

Yes, I bought Nokian Hakka RSi for my E420 and loved them. I would like to buy them again, but they don't make the stock size from my C230 Sport Sedan (unless I buy narrower wheels for the rear). Since I already have an extra set of stock size wheels, I'll be buying the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D for my car, from Tire Rack.

But, in general, please push hard to get Tire Rack to carry Nokian tires.

[arvy]

Luke, how does the Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 compare with the Dunlop Wintersports you suggested? The vehicle would be a W210 E430. Thanks!

[chuni959]

you dont have any ws-50 old stocks kickin around do ya? Specifically
195 65 15
195 60 15
185 65 15
205 55 16

[Luke@tirerack]

Originally Posted by chuni959

you dont have any ws-50 old stocks kickin around do ya? Specifically
195 65 15
195 60 15
185 65 15
205 55 16

here's what I have left in the WS50

195/55QR15
205/70QR15
215/70QR15
205/50QR16
205/65QR16
225/55QR16
215/45QR17
215/50QR17
215/55QR17
225/50QR17
245/45QR17

[chuni959]

weak
thanks anyways

[Luke@tirerack]

sorry ....

[matthias08]

I <3 Nokian.
i have 2 on the front of my 240.
had a set on our V70R
we have our 2nd set on our deville
and first set on the suburban
they've been great.
on. um. i bent another wheel on our SLK.. do you guys still carry the Millie Miglia M113? I NEED ONE!!!!! PLEASE! HAHA my dad wants to kill me.
i bent 2 of our M112's and got him a new set of the M113's.. i hope those havn't disappeared too!