a2jon

My ContiProContacts have 33k miles and are in need of replacement (also winter is here in Michigan and the tread depth isn't enough to keep traction on snowy days: 6/32 - front; 4/32 on rear = slippery when driving in snow).


I'm running 245/40 R18 size on a 2011 E350-4Matic Sport and am looking to replace the existing tires with the same Conti's or possibly upgrade to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 or Pirelli P Zero. The prices on the ContiProContacts are slightly more expensive than the Michelins too.

Any thoughts on staying with the OEM Conti tires as replacements or switching to Michelins? Are the Conti's a better tire for more money than the Michelin Pilot Sport or Pirelli?


I love the ride of the E350 now and there is virtually no road noise and the handling is great. I'm concerned about switching tires and the unknowns of handling and road noise.

Thoughts?


Thanks in advance

J.Raymond

Well ...

From this, it would appear that you have answered your own question.

J.

Sportstick

The ContiProContacts are generally considered to be mediocre tires, especially in OE compound formulation, which is different than the same-branded tire in the aftermarket. If you find them satisfactory, you will be delighted by another tire they make which is far superior....Conti Extreme Contact DWS, which is a direct competitor to the Michelin Pilot Sport AS3 you mentioned. The Pirelli PZero is a summer-only tire, so perhaps you mean the Pirelli PZero Nero All Season, which is in the category with the Michelin and Conti DWS. It's OK, but not as good as either of those.

I've had the DWS and now have the AS3 on our E350 4MATIC now, and they are excellent, but are showing faster wear than I would have expected for the rear tires (non-staggered). The DWS wore more evenly. However, in terms of comfort, quiet, ride, handling, either are great choices. Keep in mind, you are considering the Ultra High Performance All Season category. If even more quietness and smoothness are the goal, with some trade-off on handling/steering response quickness, there are tires in the Grand Touring All Season category you could consider. Browse Tire Rack's surveys and road tests.

noka

That will be my next set after the OEM Conti's wear out, having owned a set before.

Arrie

Have you ever thought about having a separate set of winter tires? I think Michigan qualifies for that.

Sportstick

+1. You are absolutely correct and both of my cars are on Blizzak WS tires all winter here in Michigan. But, if someone has the predisposition to try and get by on so-called "all season" tires, it's very hard to persuade them otherwise.

homeofstone

look at the conti DWS

BenzV12

As a Michelin user I am very satisfied with them

Firestopper0383

Pirelli PZero Nero "All Season" tires were standard OEM in 2010(staggered setup) when I purchased my car. They are great tires under 20k miles. After that they become noisy as they wear. They still have good traction and a comfortable ride if you don't mind some road noise. Also, Pirelli reduces the warranty on the rear tires from 40k to 20k because of the staggered setup and not being able to rotate.
I'm looking at Michelins or maybe Goodyear's.

75gasgas

I just replaced the Conti Extreme DWS With the Conti Pure Contact on my 2011 E550 4matic. After about 4,000 miles I'm very satisfied with the all weather performance. I was out yesterday in 4"-6" of snow and was having NO problems. Not quite as good as my WRX and a full set of snow tires but, close, damn close. The Conti-pure is quieter too however, the DWS were 2/3 gone at the time of the switch. Also, I can't push it as hard and fast in the corners but, someone here recently said it best..."Why drive fast when you can just enjoy the ride" after all these are not in the UHP category.

Alex.currie44

Clearly you are running a softer tire for performance reasons but for winter they are not going to perform with 60% of the tread left and with just 33000 miles on them they are wearing faster than an average tire.
Let's establish one thing up front about tires.
Running All Seasons aka as 3 seasons by tire pros is a mugs game. Buy some after market rims for $125 each that meet recommended wheel size and buy winter tires as recommended and you won't go wrong. Remember winters are just not about tread pattern but rubber compound as well.
I drove in Ontario for 46 yr so I am familiar with winter driving.
My E350 4Matic wagon W212 2011 MY came with 18" 3 seasons and the recommended winter is a 17" (check your manual).
The car rides better on the 17" winters. I am currently running Michelen X-Ice in the recommended size and they are fine. Do not go wider than recommended. Cuts down the psi on the tire patch as it is bigger on the winder tire.
I have run Pirelli on my previous cars with good results as well which included a W211 and 2 W124s

Everman31

My vote goes for the conti DWS...great long wearing tire with nice compromise between ride comfort and and sporty handing

Alex.currie44

Is the DWS an asymmetric Z rate tire?

Everman31

Not sure on the specs, but you can find lots of info on the tire here:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....emeContact+DWS

BeachBunny

Can anyone comment on the Conti DWS vs. something like the Michelin A/S or Michelin MXM4? I've used the latter on many cars and found them to be a substantial improvement over factory tires, BUT haven't played with a 'Benz in years.

Alex.currie44

I have run both of the Michelins but not the Conti.
The DWS is as I read it an asymetric tread pattern so no cross over rotation and it is as I recall a Z rated tire.

rediesel

My 2012 E550 4M came with DWS when I bought it CPO. I was happy to see a fresh set of DWS tires. I purchased a set for my Moms A8 and my wife's 335 a few years ago. The DWS is a good All-season ultra high performace tire. The Michelin PilotSport/AS3 competes in the same catgory. The Michelin is firmer and performs better on dry, whereas the DWS is better in snow and has a softer ride. I think the DWS lasts longer too.

I ran summer and winter wheels on my RWD E320, but think even with AS my E550 4M will perform better. If not I'll be getting some General Altimax-ARTIC in 17" those are awesome winter tires.

rediesel

DWS is a Y-rated UHP AS, but you can definately rotate them they are not directional. I could rotate side to side on my staggard 335, and a square setup could "X" rotate.
Michelin PS AS3 is also Y rated UHP AS.

Sean1234

Cont DWS for sure, best bang for your buck. michelin are a better tire but you will pay. Depends what your looking for. I have the OEM's on mine still but in the spring will be switching