Tires make all the difference
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Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Socal
2005 C230 Kompressor Sedan
Tires make all the difference
Yesterday I just had my new tires installed, Michellin PS2s, oh wow.. they grip the floor like no other. Taking it to the canyons today going to see how it goes. Stunt Rd + Tuna Canyon 
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
for OEM 17's? I'll pass.
my GS-D3's cost me around that for 235/35/19 and 265/30/19
my PS2's on the M3 cost me around $1300 for 245/35/19 and 275/30/19.
in my opinion, the PS2's aren't worth the premium over the GS-D3's in a car that can't take full advantage of them and I'm not knocking the C230 b/c I have one.
and, if you're going from the stock conti's, the PS2's will be like heaven. the conti's SUCK!
my GS-D3's cost me around that for 235/35/19 and 265/30/19
my PS2's on the M3 cost me around $1300 for 245/35/19 and 275/30/19.
in my opinion, the PS2's aren't worth the premium over the GS-D3's in a car that can't take full advantage of them and I'm not knocking the C230 b/c I have one.
and, if you're going from the stock conti's, the PS2's will be like heaven. the conti's SUCK!
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Tirerack ranked the GS-D3s higher than the PS2s. I've had both, and can't really tell much of a difference, except maybe the GS-D3s are a little better in wet weather. I'd have to say that I agree about them not being worth the difference in $$.
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
I'd say that the GS-D3's are superior in wet weather. But in the dry, the PS2's edge them out in terms of cornering, grip and noise slightly.
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Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Check with Tirerack on prices before going to a local place for them. They tend to be cheaper, even when including that install prices will be slightly higher if you don't buy them from the tireshop that's going to do the install.
Also, check for any specials that Tirerack's running with Goodyear; when I got mine, I got a $50 giftcard as well.
Also, check for any specials that Tirerack's running with Goodyear; when I got mine, I got a $50 giftcard as well.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Tampa, FL
'14 CLA 45
Performance wise the GS-D3's are very good, but they start producing a lot of noise when they come somewhat close to the end of the 2/32 tread.
My rears have about 11k now and I expect another 3k lifetime and if I wouldnt know better I would say they're flats, considering the noise they're making.
I was given heads up by porsche about that problem and complaints from their customers. But I went with reviews which gave them thumbs up, but no one mentioned how loud they can get
First and last time for me buying thise GS-D3's
My rears have about 11k now and I expect another 3k lifetime and if I wouldnt know better I would say they're flats, considering the noise they're making.
I was given heads up by porsche about that problem and complaints from their customers. But I went with reviews which gave them thumbs up, but no one mentioned how loud they can get
First and last time for me buying thise GS-D3's
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
I've had the GS-D3 and drove the PS2 on a friend's car for a day. both are C32 with 19" and suspension at the time.
GS-D3 and PS2's on par in dry except the softer sidewall on the PS2 makes a quieter ride and more predictable over the limit. The GS-D3 bites down hard, but once you exceed the tire lateral limit it can be harder to pull it back. BUT 99% of the time you won't have any chance going over that limit. the GS-D3 is by far superior in any damp/wet condition. The GS-D3 also grips like no other from a dead stop.
depends on how you drive. GS-D3 rear last me 20k miles down to completely bald. I did swap them from side to side btw. I've only swapped them out for Hankook k104 because one of the front had a bubble.
but like Phil said, $1000 on a set of tires...no thx. not anymore. I much prefer decent performance at half the price and longer tread wear now.
tires do make a difference in handling, but you can also upgrade the suspension to make up the difference. in the long run tires are just a wear item. I'll probably be getting the Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport for next set of tires. 340 tread wear...LOL
GS-D3 and PS2's on par in dry except the softer sidewall on the PS2 makes a quieter ride and more predictable over the limit. The GS-D3 bites down hard, but once you exceed the tire lateral limit it can be harder to pull it back. BUT 99% of the time you won't have any chance going over that limit. the GS-D3 is by far superior in any damp/wet condition. The GS-D3 also grips like no other from a dead stop.
depends on how you drive. GS-D3 rear last me 20k miles down to completely bald. I did swap them from side to side btw. I've only swapped them out for Hankook k104 because one of the front had a bubble.
but like Phil said, $1000 on a set of tires...no thx. not anymore. I much prefer decent performance at half the price and longer tread wear now.
tires do make a difference in handling, but you can also upgrade the suspension to make up the difference. in the long run tires are just a wear item. I'll probably be getting the Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport for next set of tires. 340 tread wear...LOL
Last edited by FrankW; Mar 20, 2008 at 07:19 PM.
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From: Sacramento/San Gabriel/Riverside
01' C32o
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Sacramento/San Gabriel/Riverside
01' C32o
do the bridgestones have a curvier sidewall the the kumho ecstas? this rubbing is driving me nuts and i just might have to get some new rubber soon.
and how are the ventus' reviews?
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 472
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From: San Diego, CA
'14 A6 3.0 TFSI
I had PS2's on my 03 C230 and I wasn't very happy with them - all four tires separated around 20k. I installed ContiSport3's on my 05 C230 and I'm very happy with them. They have plenty of grip and they're excellent in wet weather.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 295
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From: OC, CA
2005 Obsidian Black C230 Komp Sports Sedan, 2006 Iridium Silver ML350 SUV
i might be getting the Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport.
its only 169.00 each.
for my rear
245/35 18...
you cant beat that.
my old set of PS2 runs 304 each and they barely last 1 yr....
ive changed my driving style a lot now.
so i think the cheap tires will do the job just fine.
ill let you guys know my opinion once i got em on!
its only 169.00 each.
for my rear
245/35 18...
you cant beat that.
my old set of PS2 runs 304 each and they barely last 1 yr....
ive changed my driving style a lot now.
so i think the cheap tires will do the job just fine.
ill let you guys know my opinion once i got em on!
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
If you liked the feel of the PS2's, but want longer wear (and a little less in ultimate stick), then try a set of the PE2's.
I've got 10k on this set so far, and they are all still around 8-9/32's (rotated them 2 wks ago). They are very smooth, quiet, and they handle fine for spirited driving. No, they're not track tires, but I can see easily getting 25-30k out of them.
I've got 10k on this set so far, and they are all still around 8-9/32's (rotated them 2 wks ago). They are very smooth, quiet, and they handle fine for spirited driving. No, they're not track tires, but I can see easily getting 25-30k out of them.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,268
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
My car came with PS2's but the stock suspension sooo couldn't take advantage of them.
The wheels I have now came with PS2's with about 1/2 the treadlife left.
I found them to be excellent tires. But when it came time to buy something new, wow, the are damn expensive.
The only tire on tirerack that beat the PS2 in the reviews in it's category, was the Bridgestone RE050r Pole Positions.
I have (had) a set of these. They stuck like glue, and rode nice, but the rears went (and not just on the edges or something) in about 13K miles!
And they were very noisey at the end. The fronts still are OK for now
The RE760 is a harder compound, I think it's considered to be
an all weather tire. I considered those to replace the rear, but they're too new with no reviews, and I didn't care to be on the bleeding edge.
At the last minute I discovered the new Sumitomo HTR ZIII which was tested against these top of the line tires by tirerack and the tirerack people were very surprised to say the least.
I never would've considered Sumi's in the past, but these seem to be doing real well. I've still got the RE-050's on the front and they seem well matched.
Once i had the Fuzion's and the backs wore out, and I got Generals...
wow, the handling was messed with that combo.
So far so good on the Sumi's for like 100-110 a tire! And a 300 treadwear rating, but we all know how useful that index is.
The wheels I have now came with PS2's with about 1/2 the treadlife left.
I found them to be excellent tires. But when it came time to buy something new, wow, the are damn expensive.
The only tire on tirerack that beat the PS2 in the reviews in it's category, was the Bridgestone RE050r Pole Positions.
I have (had) a set of these. They stuck like glue, and rode nice, but the rears went (and not just on the edges or something) in about 13K miles!
And they were very noisey at the end. The fronts still are OK for now
The RE760 is a harder compound, I think it's considered to be
an all weather tire. I considered those to replace the rear, but they're too new with no reviews, and I didn't care to be on the bleeding edge.
At the last minute I discovered the new Sumitomo HTR ZIII which was tested against these top of the line tires by tirerack and the tirerack people were very surprised to say the least.
I never would've considered Sumi's in the past, but these seem to be doing real well. I've still got the RE-050's on the front and they seem well matched.
Once i had the Fuzion's and the backs wore out, and I got Generals...
wow, the handling was messed with that combo.
So far so good on the Sumi's for like 100-110 a tire! And a 300 treadwear rating, but we all know how useful that index is.
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
'02 C320 Wagon
At the last minute I discovered the new Sumitomo HTR ZIII which was tested against these top of the line tires by tirerack and the tirerack people were very surprised to say the least.
I never would've considered Sumi's in the past, but these seem to be doing real well. I've still got the RE-050's on the front and they seem well matched.
Once i had the Fuzion's and the backs wore out, and I got Generals...
wow, the handling was messed with that combo.
So far so good on the Sumi's for like 100-110 a tire! And a 300 treadwear rating, but we all know how useful that index is.
I have a staggered set of HTR ZIII's (225/245 17's), and so far I think they're great. I've only got ~1,500 miles on them though, so who knows what they'll be like at 15,000 miles....they're a bit thumpy on rough roads, but I need shocks so it's not a fair evaluation. I love how they stick though - my local on/off ramps get a workout everyday...
For a sub-$100 tire, they seem like a great value.Interestingly, my winter Dunlop Graspics say "Made by Sumitomo Rubber Co." on the sidewall in small letters...
