Why is 235/50/16 such a rare size? Are there any plans to offer the Pilot Sport in this size? Thanks.

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1997 Mercedes-Benz E420
Michelin Pilot XGT Z4
P225/55ZR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz C280
Michelin Pilot SX-GT
205/60VR15

1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E
Michelin Pilot HX MXV3-A
195/65HR15

Just not a popular size....no Pilot Sports
but the Pilot HX MXM is available in that size

Thanks, Luke

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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)

That is what I will probably get for the E420 soon I think.

Had a set of 235/50/16 Pilot HX MXM's on my 500E. They are truly the only tire I've seen that does deliver on the sportscar handling with touring noise/ride. They do cost and wear like sportscar tires through. Though the newer Max Performance tires may be getting close or bettering them in some ways, they are still the best option in that size far and away.

Hope this helps....Lee

The Pilot HX MXM is the MOST underrated tire of all time. It is the MOST expensive tire Michelin makes, and for good reason. It is still, in my opinion, as good if not better than the Pilot Sport in OVERALL scores. It is my favorite tire of all tire.

Tire Rack's classification isn't really accurate either. It is not "just" a touring tire. They should make a new category like Ultimate Performace Touring, or something that is more just for this tire.

I've also noticed that everyone in the world wants to talk me out of this tire, and into the Sport. Grin.

Daniel

I was just thinking when you switch to 235/50/16, you will be paying $229 each per tire. For 4 of them, it would cots you about $920.

For that much you can get 235/45/17 like the Dunlop SP Sport 5000 (in Luke's opnion the best Ultra High Performance Tire) for $116 each. That would cost about $460 for 4 and the rest of the difference (another $460) could go toward the wheels.

As for the wheels, I know that AAA rims sells the 17x8 ET37 off the 98-99 E430 Sports for $250 each. If you buy 4 all together, you get $10 off each wheel.



with



So 17 wheels would cost you $960.
4 235/45/17 would cost you $460
4 235/50/16 would cost you $920.
920-460=460. $460 could almost pay for 2 wheels by itself. That is a deal tooooooo sweet to pass off.

For a search of the wheels, go to http://www.aaarims.com and look under overstock sale. select "all years" & "Mercedes" and submit the search. The wheel is the last one on the list.

Just a thought.

P.S. For the "Michelin" Man the Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 are $179, Pilot SX GT $185, and Pilot Sports $241.

Good Luck.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

[This message has been edited by Chiragp (edited 04-23-2000).]

But you know the only tire I'd ever get in that combo is the Pilot Sport. Grin.

So, overall, you are talking about $1,000 extra. I'm just gonna stick with 16" through the Pilot HX and see if I am satisfied or not. Then, we will talk about a 17" upgrade. Also, I don't think an 8" rim will fit. They use 7.5" stock. The E430 has 8" but it has roller fenders I think.

I thought the the E430 Sport also had the fenders rolled, but when I looked in the August 97 Mercedes-Benz ans AMG light-alloy wheel guide, they hace it listed fitting all E-calss cars.

I know you are a Michelin Man, but I thought I would through it at you anyways. The E420 would looks real sweet wearing those 5-spokes but I guess I can't change your mind about the Michelin tires huh,



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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

The only other tires I'd ever buy are the Continental ContiSport Cx90 (because they are really cheap) and the Pirelli P6000. These are the only two other tires that I like.

Dunlops wear out really quick. My friend has a '00 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro Sport with Dunlop SP8000E (205/55ZR16 94W). The tires are nearly destroyed after 8,000 miles.


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1997 Mercedes-Benz E420
(W210)
Michelin Pilot XGT Z4
P225/55ZR16
soon to be
Michelin Pilot HX MXM
235/50WR16

1997 Mercedes-Benz C280
(W202)
Michelin Pilot SX-GT
205/60VR15

1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E
(W124)
Michelin Pilot HX MXV3-A
195/65HR15

We had the 8000 on our Audi quattro, and they were basically OE tire because they offered good traction and and were quite. Same with the SP 4000, I hated them as well.

My father use to do alot of driving, and he usually made the purchase on tires, I really wasn't that involved till recently. But we have gone through alot of tires, and now that TireRack is on the web, with their detailed profiles on all the tires, It has really been helpfl on finding the right one. The 8000 were replace by the 9000, and alot of MB owners use them because they are quiet, wear well (UTOG 280) and offer excelent wet handling along with dry handling. They also have an aggressive look to them. That is why MB choose them for the ML55 (also because Dunlop made the 9000 in that size) and they really amke a difference. I use the SP Sport 5000 and have used the Michelin XGT V4. I already surpassed the mileage I recieved on the Michelins (Have 6/10ths left and have put close to 18k miles on them) That is half life, so I am expecting 35k miles on the Dunlops. I replaced the Michelins at 20k miles.

miles: Tires:

0-18k OEM Continental Sport CV90 in 185/65/V15.

18k-40k Michelin MXV4 in 195/60/V15

40k-60k Michelin XGT V4 in 205/55/V15

60k-72k Pirelli P6000 Sport Veloce in 205/55/V15

72k-90k Dunlop SP SPort 5000 front in 205/55/W15, Michelin Pilot XGT H4 in 205/60/H15

I have kept the Dunlop up front to balance out my cars understeering characteristics. The only reason I have the Michelin on there again is becuase I wanted to try them and NTB had a 30-day free trial. I thought they were nice, and decided to keep them becuase these H-rated tires will atleast give me more then 40k miles.

I agree the Michelin were generally quieter, but I really don't mind a little noise anyways becuase I am the kinda guy that likes to drive with the windows open and feel the wind flow by. I just want tires that handle and wear decently.

On our 92 Toyota Previa minivan, we have more the 85k miles on Michelin X-one Plus in 215/65/T15 and the still have 4/10 tread left. They were definitely worth the price, and I would stick with these tires for that kind of purpose. But at High Performance, they is to many other options not to look at for me.

Lets just say I am the one that follows no rules. I go with what looks good.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

Why does the Dunlop SP Sport 5000 in size 235/50/16 cost so much more than the other sizes.