View Poll Results: What PSI do you keep your C230 sedtires at relative to the door sill recommendations?
2+ psi under
0
0%
2 psi under
2
5.13%
exactly at recommendation
16
41.03%
2 psi over
5
12.82%
4 psi over
13
33.33%
6 psi over
2
5.13%
6+ psi over
1
2.56%
Voters: 39. You may not vote on this poll
TIRE PRESSURE thread - All you want to know
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Turkiye
Waiting for W204 Facelift
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Go by what the car company suggests. Tons of research has gone to what is the optimal for the best handling
The number on the sidewall is the maximum that the tire will allow but is not the optimal for your car. Because all cars are different weights the pressure has to be adjusted accordingly. Imagine if our car was 1000lb lighter our pressures would be much lower for the same size of tire.
Higher pressure does not equal better handling. F1 cars have a pressure around 8 to 14psi.
By adjusting pressures you can dial in more understeer or more oversteer
Running at very high pressures will have a much harsher ride.
The number on the sidewall is the maximum that the tire will allow but is not the optimal for your car. Because all cars are different weights the pressure has to be adjusted accordingly. Imagine if our car was 1000lb lighter our pressures would be much lower for the same size of tire.
Higher pressure does not equal better handling. F1 cars have a pressure around 8 to 14psi.
By adjusting pressures you can dial in more understeer or more oversteer
Running at very high pressures will have a much harsher ride.
Plus, since I'm not on OEM tires anymore, adjustments needed to be made.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
Likes: 9
From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
remember guys - the door recommendations are generic for all C-class cars, even the ones that come with 15"/16" wheels and tires. I also agree that running slightly higher pressures are better for the sport sedans.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 11
From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
I understand why MB recommends a pressure that is much lower than the max and also understand that it is probably better for handling, however, if a person is looking to sustain say 19 tires that are very expensive...having a lower tire pressure may not be the best choice. Yes, you'll get better handling, but is it worth having to buy new tires more often?
Plus, since I'm not on OEM tires anymore, adjustments needed to be made.
Plus, since I'm not on OEM tires anymore, adjustments needed to be made.
You could always do the chalk method of determining the correct pressure, and old racer trick
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
It seems MB is altogether undecided on their suggested tire pressures.
Trust you have 225/45/17 & 245/40/17s.
My door jamb sticker recommends 32/35 and 36/39, contingent, of course, upon the vehicle's load.
The fuel door sticker insists upon 29/35 and 35/42. However, the pressures must be adjusted (higher) for "continuous driving above 130 MPH..." Wish I could pull off those maneuvers more frequently!
The operator's manual states that ..."pressures listed for light loads are minimum values offering high driving comfort. Increased inflation pressures for heavy loads produce favorable handling characteristics with lighter loads and are perfectly permissible. The ride of the vehicle, however, will be somewhat harder..."
I concur with many on this forum that you should start with the higher pressures, and adjust them accordingly to suit your driving style.
Welcome to MBWorld!
Trust you have 225/45/17 & 245/40/17s.
My door jamb sticker recommends 32/35 and 36/39, contingent, of course, upon the vehicle's load.
The fuel door sticker insists upon 29/35 and 35/42. However, the pressures must be adjusted (higher) for "continuous driving above 130 MPH..." Wish I could pull off those maneuvers more frequently!
The operator's manual states that ..."pressures listed for light loads are minimum values offering high driving comfort. Increased inflation pressures for heavy loads produce favorable handling characteristics with lighter loads and are perfectly permissible. The ride of the vehicle, however, will be somewhat harder..."
I concur with many on this forum that you should start with the higher pressures, and adjust them accordingly to suit your driving style.
Welcome to MBWorld!
Last edited by splinter; Feb 16, 2007 at 10:53 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 761
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
2005 C55, 1988 260E, 2000 Chevrolet Silverado
The pressure listed on the side of the tire is the MAXIMUM for that tire. It is usually much more than the running pressure. If you over inflate your tires, they will wear faster in the center. If you neglect your tires, and allow them to run under inflated the edges will wear faster. Properly inflated tires will run cooler, with greater gas mileage. There are exceptions to the placard values, and they are explained in the manual.
A digital pressure gauge is not more accurate. A calibrated gauge is more accurate. Most digital gauges cannot compensate for altitude pressure variations. A $ 30 Flaig gauge is perfect for the glove box. They are German made, read in Lb/sq-in and Bar, and are available from our sponsor Performance Products. I have used this gauge for ages, and they remain accurate for decades. With the price of a set of tires around $ 1,000. one of these is very cost effective.
http://www.performanceproducts.com/p...aig+Tire+Gauge
You can increase the life of your tires and rims by not filling them with air. Nitrogen is in tires of aircraft, race cars, and Costco shoppers. Look for the green valve caps, those tires are filled with inert Nitrogen.
A digital pressure gauge is not more accurate. A calibrated gauge is more accurate. Most digital gauges cannot compensate for altitude pressure variations. A $ 30 Flaig gauge is perfect for the glove box. They are German made, read in Lb/sq-in and Bar, and are available from our sponsor Performance Products. I have used this gauge for ages, and they remain accurate for decades. With the price of a set of tires around $ 1,000. one of these is very cost effective.
http://www.performanceproducts.com/p...aig+Tire+Gauge
You can increase the life of your tires and rims by not filling them with air. Nitrogen is in tires of aircraft, race cars, and Costco shoppers. Look for the green valve caps, those tires are filled with inert Nitrogen.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 491
Likes: 1
From: Redding, California
AMG GTS
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 202
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From: Huntington Beach, California
2002 C230 Coupe
This is an autocrosser's trick. You use chalk or white shoe polish on the shoulder of your tires. Then drive as aggressively as you normally would. If you are rolling over too far into the sidewall, the chalk or white shoe polish will have worn off and you will know to add more tire pressure to help reduce sidewall deflection.
On my C230 Coupe, it's recommended to run 28 psi front, 32 psi rear. Since I feel that there's already too much understeer stock, I ran 32 psi all around. But since installing John Goodlad's C32 sway bars, I've increased the tire pressure to 35 psi all around.
Bob
On my C230 Coupe, it's recommended to run 28 psi front, 32 psi rear. Since I feel that there's already too much understeer stock, I ran 32 psi all around. But since installing John Goodlad's C32 sway bars, I've increased the tire pressure to 35 psi all around.
Bob
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 491
Likes: 1
From: Redding, California
AMG GTS
This is an autocrosser's trick. You use chalk or white shoe polish on the shoulder of your tires. Then drive as aggressively as you normally would. If you are rolling over too far into the sidewall, the chalk or white shoe polish will have worn off and you will know to add more tire pressure to help reduce sidewall deflection.
On my C230 Coupe, it's recommended to run 28 psi front, 32 psi rear. Since I feel that there's already too much understeer stock, I ran 32 psi all around. But since installing John Goodlad's C32 sway bars, I've increased the tire pressure to 35 psi all around.
Bob
On my C230 Coupe, it's recommended to run 28 psi front, 32 psi rear. Since I feel that there's already too much understeer stock, I ran 32 psi all around. But since installing John Goodlad's C32 sway bars, I've increased the tire pressure to 35 psi all around.
Bob
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: San Jose, Bay Area
2002 C230 coupe , NOt THE AVATAR!!
i guess i might do a 35/35 all around, but i want thread life to last, 19inch tires are lot of money, but i still need safety, any idea?? last week i put almost 40psi on my front tire and when i make a right turn into freeway my car spin out w/o the ESP warning triangle light on. it was a heavy rainstorm day it scare the ***** out of me....
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 197
Likes: 27
From: Tejas
2016 C450 AMG, 2005 C230 Kompressor
I have stock wheels with Hankook tires (C230 SS) but noticed the front wheels a little buldging at the bottom when parked. I believe I'm running 36.5 front 38.5 back. I've read a lot of people running much lower (32F, 34-36R) and I'm thinking how is that possible if I'm feeling flat in the front at 36? Should I up the ante to 38F, 40R? I drive approximately 60-80 miles a day 90% highway and I'm in Texas so it'll definitely start getting hotter (100+F) here shortly. Thanks!
Last edited by jevsays; May 31, 2013 at 09:35 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
The 32/36 pressure (which I run) is cold. Potentially, you're reading yours when hot (not that it's probably ever that cold there)?
Also, I know that my fronts always look like they're flatter than they really are, especially if the wheels are turned.
Also, I know that my fronts always look like they're flatter than they really are, especially if the wheels are turned.
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 197
Likes: 27
From: Tejas
2016 C450 AMG, 2005 C230 Kompressor
Yes, I actually do always check after they've been ran for a good 15-20 mins. I just feel iffy with the tire appearance looking sagging (or underflated while sitting).
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Tx, USA
2002 c240
I have 225/45/17's all around and have 34 in the back, 29 in the front. The only time I've ever had a problem was gunning it out of a median turn while raining and the car just rotated away from the street 90 degrees.
Handling seems great...no accidental drifting(lol) no screeching sounds when turning... front tires look very slightly underinflated when just sitting there though.
Nearly all miles are "city" even though im going like 55...and always in Houston.
Handling seems great...no accidental drifting(lol) no screeching sounds when turning... front tires look very slightly underinflated when just sitting there though.
Nearly all miles are "city" even though im going like 55...and always in Houston.
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