I have been researching this tire for some time and need assistance prior to ordering. I have a 92' 400E and would like the assymetrical design but am concerned with the Load Index of 87V for the 215/50/15 tire. My car weighs approcxiamtely 3800 lbs. and my only other option is the symmetrical design 215/65/15. What is your recommendation? I am not going to change wheel size until I move to TX this fall.

Brian

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Brian
92 400E

I personally would not suggest a tire as short as the tire that you have mentioned but, in response to your concern about the load carrying ability of the 89V tire. It will easily carry over 5100 lbs. because the load capacity of 1 tire is 1279 lbs.
Hope this helps,
Luke@tirerack

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Luke Pavlick
Performance Specialist (ASE Certified Master Tech)
The Tire Rack
(click banner at top of the page
to visit Tire Rack)

Luke,

Thanks for the advice. However, I have been advised previously on mercedesshop to purchase a tire with the following specs; 215/60/15. What are the best options besides Michelin for all season performance that is V rated?

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Brian
92 400E


[This message has been edited by mcelroyb (edited 03-09-2000).]

Brian,
215/60/15 is a very close match to the stock 195/65/15's RR. (.7% taller) As for the other two sizes you mentioned:

215/50/15 has a RR of 23.465" which is 6.1% shorter RR

215/65/15 has a RR of 26.004" which is 4.1% taller RR (off the other direction)

Since the rule of thumb is staying within 3% +/- OEM rolling radius both the 215/50/15 215/65/15 are not good choices at all. On the other hand, 215/60/15 is well within the 3% rule.

If you are keeping your stock rims then 215/60/15 is a good choice. If you are doing a plus 1 then I'd recommend 16x7.5" rims with 225/50/16 tires. I ordered that setup from Tirerack for my 93 400E and could not of been happier. No problem with rubbing at stock ride height, but it was a more aggressive "look" than stock as the 225's filled out the wheel wells. If you are interested I have some digital pics I could send...

Hope this helps...Lee


[This message has been edited by Lee Scheeler (edited 03-09-2000).]

Please send any pics that you have Lee.

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Brian
92 400E

I agree with the others, your best bet in a 15" is the 215/60/15. I would recommend a V-rated or higher for handling, or H-rated for all-around perormance and all-season handling. The 16" combo with 225/50/16 would do a much better job in handling. For the 225/50/16, I actually think the best balance is the Dunlop SP Sport 5000 Asymmetrical for $97 is a real nice buy, considering its W-rated.


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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
93 190E 2.6 w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
2001 C-Class - Maybe

[This message has been edited by Chiragp (edited 03-13-2000).]

Here is our write up and pictures of the Sport 5000

Thanks, Luke

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/images/dunlop/du_s5000.jpg

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Luke Pavlick
Performance Specialist (ASE Certified Master Tech)
The Tire Rack
(click banner at top of the page
to visit Tire Rack)

I posted some pics of the tire above, if it helps any

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
93 190E 2.6 w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
2001 C-Class - Maybe