205 vs 215 vs 225-15s for 1991 S Class? Dunlops or Michelins? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stephenson · #1 05-05-2002, 12:59 AM

My 1991 S350 SDL is in need of new tires.

Read through various strings and have settled on either Dunlop SP A2s or Michelin Energy MXV4 Pluses.

My question is whether I should consider going up a size to 215/60 or 225/55 15s ... would appreciate any advice.

The price difference is determinate between Mich and Dunlops ... the Michs jut seem a bit overpriced ...

I would probably buy from Tire Rack, but really like the convenience of getting tires fixed locally ... seems like I have about two nail or screw induced flats annually.

Thanks for any advice.

Chiragp · #2 05-05-2002, 03:21 AM

If I'm not mistaken, your car should come with 205/65/15s stock. I would go 225/60/15, and you increase the width, without changing your height, its almost an exact match. Goto http://www.paspeedo.com and add your stock size, then see the benefits in width, and the 0 effect on speedo error.

Dunlop SP Sport A2s are deff a good tire, and if you want more performance, the Yoko AVS dB. My 2 choices, the Michelins are overpriced compared to the A2s, and the AVS dB have only the SP Sport 5000s to compare to them, but the face that the AVS dB are so smooth and quiet and still do everything the SP 5000 would, leaves the AVS dB the clear winner of them 2.

For a big vehicle like that, it more of a tourer, so deff think SP A2s will be your best bet.

#3 05-06-2002, 07:42 AM

I have never seen a Dunlop tire with radial mold marks. The best tires I've used have the mold marks radially. This is the sign of a mold arrangement that comes apart radially, rather than a mold arrangement that comes together like a clam shell. The radial molds, pioneered by Michelin allow the belts to be set into the tire more uniformly.

This results in a tire that has much less imbalance AND more uniform road force. The only other brand tire that I have yet to see with radial mold marks are Continentals. If you look at the pictures in the Tire Rack listings, you can even see the mold marks.

For this reason, Michelins are a much better value even for more money. They are ROUND and have uniform road force (no stiff spots.)

You get what you pay for. You can buy oats at either end of the horse. The oats at the front of the horse cost more than the oats at the back of the horse.

BTW. Chirag said that 205/65's are what your car calls for. That is not a common size. If you do not need an H rated tire, there is a real bargain on Tire Rack for this size. There is a 205/65/15 Continental T rated (118 MPH) tire that they are closing out for $44 each. This is a seriously cheap price for a quality tire.

I have had extremely good service from Continentals. They are round, well balanced with minimal road force variation because of their construction as I describe above.

If you want a stickier tire for handling purposes, then these won't be a good choice. But if you want a great tire for cruising rather than road racing, they will serve you well. You won't have any trouble getting a flat fixed regardless of where you buy the tire.

Best of luck, hope this helps,

#4 05-06-2002, 03:53 PM

Your car came with factory fitted 195/65/15s....
this is important in your 'upsizing' calculations...

farrukh

#5 05-08-2002, 12:22 PM

the michelins are very good man i had them i was on vacatiopn but my tired was open i think he hitted my suspension sop he was broken but when i was riding he didnt lose air when i was stopped i heard smoething zo i took my tires off and i saw a ****ing hole in my tire so it r really good tires i prefer michelin

Chiragp · #6 05-08-2002, 01:11 PM

about the tire size, some w126 cars came with 195/70/14s, or 205/65/15s if I'm not mistaken, make sure you know whats on your car first.

#7 05-08-2002, 02:29 PM

205s were not fitted on 1986-1991 US 126 bodies. I am fairly sure of this. My 1990/91 S-Class brochure confirms this.
Earlier models came with 14" rims.
farrukh

Chiragp · #8 05-08-2002, 02:43 PM

According to Tirerack and Michelin Tire Guide, 86+ w126 had 205/65/15s, and prior had 195/70/14s. Even going to mbusa's webpage and looking at the 15-year model history, you can see that 1988+ had 205/65/15s (only shows 88 and on) on the 300SE for w126 US models.

300SE @ mbusa's webpage

Wanted to calirfy this before giving a recomendation for the tire sizes.

Charlie.

Robert W. Roe · #9 05-11-2002, 08:58 AM

I'm running Michelin Pilot XGT H4's that ran $89 from Tire Rack. They stick like glue, and in several thousand miles they have hardly ever spun, and maybe hydroplaned once in heavy rain at 60-65 mph. Awesome tires.

I believe that the V8 126's of the early 80's came with a 205-70R14H as standard, and I thought that some later 126's had 215-65R15's. 195-70R14 and 205-65R15 were the standard size for the "cheaper" W126's, and the bigger sizes were on the V8 models, with a half-inch wider wheel and a higher speed rating (H vs S?). I'm not 100% sure of all this, but this is what I remember reading. My 1984 MBZ spec sheet is currently buried under about 150 car mags in my bathroom right now.

DSinger · #10 05-11-2002, 08:34 PM

I'd get the Pilot Primacy's in stock size. It will feel awesome. Trust me, I've done it to two of my cars already (97 E420 and 88 260E).