Suggestion for Tires???

[Flyer]

I want to put new tires on my '96 SL500 and am looking for suggestions. The previous, and first, owner had the 18" wheels put on before he took delivery. I believe the size is 275 40 Z 18. Any suggestions? I drive this only in the warm weather months and am looking for something new and exciting, but I want a good ride.

Thanks

[deanyel]

Are you talking 18 inch tires or are you willing to buy wheels? I would go back to the original wheels if they came with the car.

[speace]

If you were satisfied with the ride you may want to stay with the 18 inch wheels. I'm not one to recommend the 18's.

Mine had 18 inch Toyo Proxes when I acquired it and the ride was horribly rough and noisy. I opted for a virtually new set of take-offs from a 2003 SL500 about 2 years ago. These were 17 inch wheels and the OEM Michelin Pilot Sport 225/45 ZR17 tires were included. (NOT Pilot Sport A/S)
I needed special length lug bolts to apply these whels to my SL.

The ride was fine. I need to replace my 2 rear tires now and will likely stay with the P-Sports. It seems my right-rear has worn fastest! I guess it has something to so with my lead foot...

[bwheitman]

I am glad you mentioned your right rear wearing more than the others, Mine has been doing the same and likely due to me peeling out. I just got Michelin Pilot Sport A/S on my SL320 with 16" and the ride was improved dramatically. The tires are not as sticky but I am in hopes they last longer. I like the way the michelins ride, but handling capability has decreased. Thanks!

[speace]

Yes, my tire shop confirmed that the Right Rear takes the brunt on accelleration. I don't really get to peel out because I have the traction control. I also can't really tell which wheel is slipping because it stops slipping about as soon as it starts...

You mentioned that your handling has decreased with the Pilot Sport A/S. what were the original tires? I wonder if you have the new Sport A/S with the modified tread design? I understand that Michelin recently made a slight modificcaation to the tread because the A/S tires were causing Benzes to squirm in the road a bit... Mercedes even published a bulletin advising owners of the provlem with the A/S tires.

Yes, the A/S has a much better treadwear rating than the plain Pilot Sport. You should notice a disserence in the wear rate.

In getting quotes this week, I noticed that the "original" Pilot Sport tire is getting harder to find. I read a Michelin ad this morning in a magazine describing the Pilot Sport PS2 and now I'm wondering if they don't just plan to replace the PS with the PS2. I seemed to be an interesting tire. I might decide to go with that. I don't want, nor need, an "All Season" tire.