w210 - need new tires, again - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

apb · #1 01-13-2003, 06:03 PM

so far I have had Michelin MXV4 (215/55/16), Toyo T1-S (235/50/16) and Michelin XGT-H (225/50/16). I can't seem to get much more than 20k out of a set.

I think I want to go to 235/50/16 again, they look best on the car. I am thinking Pirelli P6000 Sport Veloce since they have a mileage guarranty.
Any thoughts from anyone else. I am scared of the Dunlop SP 5000 since they are only rated at 280 for treadwear.

BTW the XGT's wore nicely and much more evenly than the Toyos.

I don't plan on getting different wheels.

Chiragp · #2 01-13-2003, 06:47 PM

Well I would ask if your E420 ever goes above 130mph. IF it doesnt, then you can try the Dunlop SP Sport A2s in H-rated High Performance All-season tires. They have a 50k mile warranty. Buy them from NTB or something and as long as you rotate and maintain, you will get your warranty. I have them price match Tirerack's prices including the S&H cost. You can get them in stock 215/55/16s or a little wider in 225/55/16s

Dunlop SP Sport A2

Play with this site and the tire size to tell the difference in tire sizes you can change to:
http://paspeedo.com/calculator.htm

aTOMic · #3 01-14-2003, 09:56 AM

I was going to say about the exact same thing as Chiragp; I got the 215s for $98 from NTB (Sorry Tire Rack I cannot find a good installer here). I had the 225/50s and I think the 215s are MUCH better in the rain and they do NOT look any narrower! I am VERY pleased with the SP-A2s.

I did not rotate and got less than 30k on the rear. I had MB nashville align this car twice in the last 50k and it eats rear tires anyway. I am currently looking for a good alignment shop. I had SP5000s on my Passat (I know it's much lighter) and have 50k and still have 3/4ths tread left. The MB ate a set in about 25k.
-Tom

apb · #4 01-14-2003, 10:09 AM

part of it may be my heavy foot, but I seem to be lucky to get 20k on a set of tires (perfectly aligned and rotated every 5k).

I was thinking about the pirellis, and now the a2s, since they both have a 40-50k mileage warranty. It seems that I could at least get 1/2 credit on the new set that way (if they also only last 20k). the Dunlop 5000 do not have mileage warranty.

So, what the vote: Pirelli 6000 Sport Veloce 235/50/16 (I like the look) or
Dunlop A2 in 225/55/16.

Chiragp · #5 01-14-2003, 07:10 PM

I hated the P6000 SV. Nothing but a grand tourer. More like a Standard Tourer. It did nothing well. I would have to say the A2s. If you want more grip, then Plus Size the wheels to 17s, and go 235/45/17 or 245/45/17. I have the 2000 E430 Sport Wheels and can guarantee they are strong.

HTN-E430 · #6 01-15-2003, 05:31 PM

My wife 2000 E430 will need new tires in about 2 months, I decided to try Sumitomo HTR+ after reading reviews for that tire in TireRack. Sumitomo HTR+ size 226-50-WR16 is available for $88 from TireRack and UTQG rating is 360 AA A.
GoodYear was OE tire for 00 E430 and it was noisy and last only 14K miles, the replacement was Toyo Proxy FZ4 was not so noise but the traction is not good either.

apb · #7 01-16-2003, 09:57 AM

What about the Bridgestone Potenza RE950?

apb · #8 01-22-2003, 11:59 PM

All right, did my homework - I will go with Dunlop A2
What size? 225/50/16 or 215/55/16? (the 225 has pretty large diam 25" for a 225 tire)

aTOMic · #9 01-23-2003, 11:05 AM

Go with the 215/55/16s. See my earlier post. Other reasons:

-there is only 1cm of difference in the width, the 215-55s look as wide as the 225s (I know I had them on the car at the same time).

-MB carefully designs these things; you can bet that if the 50 series was better the car would come with them.

-The dealer will blame everything on the "incorrect" tire size.

-the 215s are better in the rain. No doubt about it.

-Maybe it is placebo effect but the 215s seem noticeably quieter.

-slightly better gas mileage from less rolling resistance.

The SPA2s are quite good on snow and ice! I love these tires!

-tom

apb · #10 01-23-2003, 11:09 AM

thanks

apb · #11 12-03-2003, 05:54 PM

Well, time for new tires -- again.
These lasted about 17kmi. The Dunlops will be prorated for the 50000 miles warranty.
I am thinking about trying Yokohama Avid H4 or YK420.
I am also seriously considering the Kumho Ecsta hp4 716.
Again, I like tires with mileage warranties so that I do not have to pay as much for the new set.
Kumho are very well reviewed and I care more about the prestige of my wallet than that of my tires. What are your thoughts.
I could go back to Dunlop, they have been good.

blueeagle289 · #12 12-03-2003, 06:53 PM

I have found the Firestone Firehawks to be the best tires for high speed driving and wear. I have them on my 95 Corvette and they are fabulous tires, notwithstanding the problems with other Firestones that are well known. If your Mercedes will utilize the Firehawks, I recommend that you try them. I also have a Mercedes ML320; the best tires for them are the Generals, which go 50K plus or much more in some cases. The Pirelli's for the ML are NG in terms of wear.

Luke@tirerack · #13 12-09-2003, 04:24 PM

the Firestones mentioned arwe the Firehawk SZ50 EP's

tire search linky

Cannoli · #14 12-09-2003, 04:38 PM

I just rotated my Firehawks for the second time ... I have approximately 8,000 miles and they are wearing GREAT!

I'm a VERY AGGRESSIVE driver. Though I haven't tracked the 500E yet, I do go on coordinated runs (usually with other 500s or Ferraris).

The tires are very quiet, and still hold the 4000 pound Q-car on the road. ASR comes on only when I really force it.

Would I buy another set ... maybe. I'm a shoe-whore, so I just might try the S-03s next ... maybe.

blackmercedes · #15 12-09-2003, 04:51 PM

We had Bridgestone RE950's on our W210 1998 E300 in 215/55-16 and LOVED them. Nearly as quiet as the outgoing MXV4's with MUCH better wet performance, better dry performance, and they had a really nice ride as well.

They were about $40 a tire cheaper than the Michelins and a better tire overall.

I had a chance to drive the E300 pretty hard one day with some fairly extended running near the 210km/h speed limiter and the RE950's handled very well at speed, no surprises at all.

Not sure about in the US, but in Canada the RE950's have an 80,000 kilometer treadwear warranty.