C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

New summer tires - anything better than PS2?

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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 01:58 PM
  #1  
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New summer tires - anything better than PS2?

First: yes, I did STFF. Didn't find what I needed.

I have a bulge on the sidewall on one tire, so it's time to replace them. I'm not really happy with the Kumhos - way too noisy - and a bulge at 20K freeway miles. I bought them trying to save money, but wish I had stayed with the Pilot Sports.

So, before I buy 4 more Pilot Sports PS2s, is there anything better? ( trying not to spend much more than 1000 per set ) Tire Rack rates both the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx and the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 as being a tiny bit better. Anybody tried either of them?
Or should I just go with PS2s? Thanks.
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 02:28 PM
  #2  
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IMO nothing better at this point in time.

The GSD3's may be a great tire -- but in the balance of talking to about a dozen people who have tried them, and in reading the numerous posts on various forums of people who have actually put them on concerning them, I think that the jury is still out on them -- and they are not definately better than the PS2's. I have been considering them since they came out -- and haven't been willing to mount a set yet....

Go with the PS2's - you will not be dissapointed...and you may be if you go with anything else.

And the PS2's are a huge improvement over the original PS's -- so there's a frame of reference for you.

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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 02:39 PM
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From what I've been told, best bang for the $$$ is the TOYO T1-R's, but I went with the Goodyears, cuz the TOYO's are supposedly back-ordered by 1 month and 1/2.
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 03:36 PM
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I just ordered a set of Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD07s; their dry grip was the best in a recent C&D article. Wet grip wasn't in the top echelon, but I was willing to make the trade-off. Reviews (if you take any stock in them) at Tirerack are great, though it's a new tire, and sizing may be an issue.

I had the PS2s on my car before this past winter. Really liked them; they're a safe pick. In sources I've read, the Eagles are a little bit better. If you're between the two, go with whatever is cheaper - my guess is that there really isn't a noticeable difference between the two, especially on the street.
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 04:08 PM
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Originally Posted by tommy
I just ordered a set of Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD07s; their dry grip was the best in a recent C&D article. Wet grip wasn't in the top echelon, but I was willing to make the trade-off. Reviews (if you take any stock in them) at Tirerack are great, though it's a new tire, and sizing may be an issue.

I had the PS2s on my car before this past winter. Really liked them; they're a safe pick. In sources I've read, the Eagles are a little bit better. If you're between the two, go with whatever is cheaper - my guess is that there really isn't a noticeable difference between the two, especially on the street.
Wow, tommy. Didn't realize the treadware rating on those Advan's are 180! That's really low.
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 05:06 PM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by drexappeal
Wow, tommy. Didn't realize the treadware rating on those Advan's are 180! That's really low.
They're lower, for her pleasure.

Actually, treadwear ratings are really only good for comparing within one brand, not between brands, as each company provides its own numbers.
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 05:33 PM
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Originally Posted by tommy
Actually, treadwear ratings are really only good for comparing within one brand, not between brands, as each company provides its own numbers.
Really? I figured that the treadware ratings were generated from a common system, but you may have a valid point on this one.

The PS 1's I've had on my car from the start have lasted me almost 25,000 and I know the treadware rating on them was pretty low (and didn't get near as many miles for a lot of people). That's also taking into consideration that I live in the hills and drive a lot of canyons on a daily basis.

Can't wait to see the new shoes!
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Robert Schrader
First: yes, I did STFF. Didn't find what I needed.

I have a bulge on the sidewall on one tire, so it's time to replace them. I'm not really happy with the Kumhos - way too noisy - and a bulge at 20K freeway miles. I bought them trying to save money, but wish I had stayed with the Pilot Sports.

So, before I buy 4 more Pilot Sports PS2s, is there anything better? ( trying not to spend much more than 1000 per set ) Tire Rack rates both the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx and the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 as being a tiny bit better. Anybody tried either of them?
Or should I just go with PS2s? Thanks.
Buy the Road Hazzard insurance if you decide to buy any brand of tires from Tirerack so if you have the same problem than they will replace it for free.
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 07:42 PM
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I had GY F1 and now PS2.

PS2 is much better is ridding terms.

F1 is better is water. It's is the best tire for rim protection; It has a strong sidewall and wide shoulders.

Best Regards.
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 09:31 PM
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PS2's are a better all around tire but they are pricey and get louder as they wear down. I don't think you'll find anyone would have anything bad to say Goodyear F1 GS-D3 though.
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 09:46 PM
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I used to have Brigestone Potenza SO-3, they are excellent tyres but they run fast. I am now using Toyo T1-S, and they have great tread life and is pretty good in the rain too.

Nico
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Old Mar 28, 2006 | 10:03 PM
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Originally Posted by drexappeal
Really? I figured that the treadware ratings were generated from a common system, but you may have a valid point on this one.

The PS 1's I've had on my car from the start have lasted me almost 25,000 and I know the treadware rating on them was pretty low (and didn't get near as many miles for a lot of people). That's also taking into consideration that I live in the hills and drive a lot of canyons on a daily basis.

Can't wait to see the new shoes!
You must drive pretty conservatively. My original Pilots were shot at 16K miles, the rears should have been retired even earlier.
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Old Mar 29, 2006 | 12:21 AM
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Originally Posted by Outland
You must drive pretty conservatively. My original Pilots were shot at 16K miles, the rears should have been retired even earlier.
Not at first. Only after I got my speeding ticket. That's the only reason the tires lasted me so long...LOL.
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Old Mar 29, 2006 | 12:36 AM
  #14  
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I got GSD3s and am very happy with them.
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Old Mar 29, 2006 | 12:51 AM
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i'm going with the Goodyear's Eagle F1 tire next...Frank used to have it on his C32... i like how the edges are round.
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Old Mar 29, 2006 | 02:08 AM
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I still have the GS-D3 Eagle F1 on my car. By far the best tire I've used or driven. Quiet, strong sidewalls, and awesome traction both dry and wet.

Drove AndyC32's car on PS2 and SSR GT3 in 19". Don't really like how the PS2 attracts to the groves cut on the freeway and the sidewalls are a little too soft even tho the grip is pretty good (it doesn't feel much different in grip versus the GS-D3).

Drove another friend's C240 with cupkit on Brabus MONO VI with Toyo T1-S. Simply cannot stand the noise made by those pointy blocks on the shoulder of the tread. The grip is not nearly as good as the PS2 or the GS-D3. The tread life doesn't seem to be very good either.

Drove C_Brabus's BBS RA 18" on Toyo T1-R. A lot quieter than the T1-S, but in the corners it shows that those new tread design doesn't respond very well as the sidewall's a lot softer than the T1-S it replaced.

Wet traction there's no doubt the GS-D3 is superior bar none.

IMHO, if you don't mind replacing the tire with $1200-1400 every 16-18k miles PS2 is a pretty good choice. If you want something cheap the Toyo's are pretty good bang for the buck $700-800, but they also doesn't last very long. The only upside for Toyo is that they have slander sidewalls which makes'em a favorite for people who "slam" their car. Something in the middle would be the Eagle F1 GS-D3 which is one of the top three in dry traction (varies in fractions) and #1 in Wet. The tread life for GS-D3 rated at 280 which is more than PS2's 220 is also a good thing meaning that you won't have to replace'em that fast. Depending on where you get'em GS-D3 are around $850-1000. And the larger size GS-D3s are made in Germany, not in the US like most would expect.

Have not even bother to try AVS Sport or the S-03 because I know they cost a grip and tread life is very short.

Last edited by FrankW; Mar 29, 2006 at 02:14 AM.
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Old Mar 29, 2006 | 02:26 AM
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Good Year GS-D3 on HRE 841R. They have really really strong side wall, great grip both wet and dry. Way better than my stock 55 tires.
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Old Mar 29, 2006 | 02:45 AM
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You are right; the sidewall in the PS2 is like butter; TOO MUCH SOFT.

Best Regards.
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Old Mar 29, 2006 | 06:39 AM
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What About BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2's ???

I have spent hours on Tirerack.com I decided that
BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2
looked like the best tire for me.

Has anyone used those tires on a C230??
What has been your experience??

Rich in Peoria
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Old Mar 29, 2006 | 09:36 AM
  #20  
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just got them put on (17") about a week ago. The size i got was with the NT tread. much better than the orginal contisports that came oem. one hassle was 2 installers wouldn't put them on since it is a 90 load rated tire and the car calls for a 91 load rating. paid $130/tire shipped from costco but they wouldn't install. $20 to install at STS tire.
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Old Mar 29, 2006 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by FrankW
...And the larger size GS-D3s are made in Germany, not in the US like most would expect...
Wow, didn't know that, Frank. Thanks for the 411 on that
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Old Mar 29, 2006 | 04:08 PM
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Try the Bridgstone RE050A, they come with some of the new C cars, I have them and I like.

ADAC in germany considerer thr RE050A the best sport tyre
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