View Poll Results: What Tires are the best?
Goodyear
21
5.92%
Toyo
28
7.89%
Michelin
140
39.44%
Continental
43
12.11%
Falken
25
7.04%
Pirelli
43
12.11%
Other
55
15.49%
Voters: 355. You may not vote on this poll
W203/CL203/S203 TIRE Discussion Thread - Every question on TIRES
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 95
Likes: 1
From: The Land of self-moderated Anarchy
Black on Black stock ' 03 C32
BTW, I did get some used Conti's about a month ago.
They were $85 for a pair of 245/40/17's (rear) with about 5/32nds of tread (half life), no patches, no sidewall scuffs.
I've been riding them for a month with no problems whatsoever; they balanced easily, and ride smooth at all times.
I had UHP's on the rear before, and I was not happy. See earlier post here:I was, and still am very happy with the PS2's I put up front, but just couldn't afford them for the rear at the time, so I took a chance on these used ones. Except for the fact that they are SC2's, with the inherent road noise that is easily noticeable compared to both the PS2's and UHP's, it worked out ok. Just make sure you do a thorough inspection of what your are buying.
I guess what I am trying to provide is an option to those who wish to use an expensive tire, but for one reason or another, can't afford them right now.
I know some will say used tires are out of the question, and I probably wouldn't put them up front, but it is going to get me through to the spring when I'll probably match my front PS2's with a new pair in the rear.
...or maybe another good used pair.
They were $85 for a pair of 245/40/17's (rear) with about 5/32nds of tread (half life), no patches, no sidewall scuffs.
I've been riding them for a month with no problems whatsoever; they balanced easily, and ride smooth at all times.
I had UHP's on the rear before, and I was not happy. See earlier post here:I was, and still am very happy with the PS2's I put up front, but just couldn't afford them for the rear at the time, so I took a chance on these used ones. Except for the fact that they are SC2's, with the inherent road noise that is easily noticeable compared to both the PS2's and UHP's, it worked out ok. Just make sure you do a thorough inspection of what your are buying.
I guess what I am trying to provide is an option to those who wish to use an expensive tire, but for one reason or another, can't afford them right now.
I know some will say used tires are out of the question, and I probably wouldn't put them up front, but it is going to get me through to the spring when I'll probably match my front PS2's with a new pair in the rear.
...or maybe another good used pair.
Last edited by t1n0; Dec 25, 2008 at 02:31 AM.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Yes - I can't live with the Conti SC2 or 3 noise - but if they get you out of a tight spot fine. They are not a bad tyre - it's just the damn noise.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,482
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From: Portugal
'13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d // '24 E53 AMG
No one here with the new Pirelli "P-zero"?
I had the "old" Pirelli P-zero Rosso and also had Michelin PS2, and now I have the new P-zero... its way far the best tire I had till today!
I had the "old" Pirelli P-zero Rosso and also had Michelin PS2, and now I have the new P-zero... its way far the best tire I had till today!
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,697
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From: DC/VA
CL203
anyone with 2007 sport rims who have upgraded tires from stock michelins? (the ones that are wider in the back... i hate that i can't rotate tires)
my treads are gone and i want something that outperforms stock and is still all weather. (am i asking too much out of a tire?)
thanks!
my treads are gone and i want something that outperforms stock and is still all weather. (am i asking too much out of a tire?)
thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
2004 C230K SS
I just wanted to share my experience with one of the "ultra high performance" summer tire. I ran the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Specs over the summer because I didn't want to go to r-compounds and another set of wheels at the time. The Direzza's are a PHENOMENAL tire and I would recommend them to anyone that needs a very sticky street tire that can hold it's own with some of the other "proven" sticky street tires (reo1r's for example). The tires have a fairly stiff sidewall so they aren't the smoothest riding but if you want a street tire that grips like hell, this is the one for you and you probably don't care. I put 10k miles on them and 15-20 autocrosses before i wore them out. They tended to like very high pressure to keep the sidewall from rolling over a bit (45+psi). I was faster than some of the guys on r-compounds and I took fastest time of the day on street tires (indexed) a couple of times throughout the season. If i had to say something negative about these tires it would be trying to find the "sweet spot" for tire pressure. It usually took 1 run on warm days until they were warmed up to a temp that was consistent, 2 on cooler days.
On the street, they were noisier than most conventional all-seasons (expected) but i wouldn't consider them annoying at all. The grip is unlike any other street tire that i have ran. Braking is improved drastically over the all season tires (i was running P-Zero Neros before these) and it was a HUGE difference. I ended up paying about $140 for each tire (average because i have staggered)
On the street, they were noisier than most conventional all-seasons (expected) but i wouldn't consider them annoying at all. The grip is unlike any other street tire that i have ran. Braking is improved drastically over the all season tires (i was running P-Zero Neros before these) and it was a HUGE difference. I ended up paying about $140 for each tire (average because i have staggered)
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
How are the P Zero's for noise? what mileage have you done on them? how quite are they with mileage on them?
I started badly with Conti SC2's as OE - noisy from day one and noisier as they wore - SC3 same. Threw off Conti's at 15,000Km
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 4
From: Portugal
'13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d // '24 E53 AMG
I'm a Michelin fan but the new P Zero gets great reports from actual users. I'm very sensitive to tyre noise on the W203 - It has a suspension set up that is noise sensitive. The only tyres I know that are quiet to my liking are Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2s, New PS2s with the Exalto non directional tread (minus some sipes) & Yokohama AVS db - all rotated to change direction of rotation every 10,000 Kms.
How are the P Zero's for noise? what mileage have you done on them? how quite are they with mileage on them?
I started badly with Conti SC2's as OE - noisy from day one and noisier as they wore - SC3 same. Threw off Conti's at 15,000Km
How are the P Zero's for noise? what mileage have you done on them? how quite are they with mileage on them?
I started badly with Conti SC2's as OE - noisy from day one and noisier as they wore - SC3 same. Threw off Conti's at 15,000Km
The Rosso's are noisy in the end of the thread, and a bit when new.
About the P-zero I don't notice any more noise than the Rosso, a bit less actualy, but not quiet as the PS2.
I only run 3000-12000km on the P-zero, so not know if they will going to last
PS: 12000km in the R8 and the rear tires are still at 50% so...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,697
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From: DC/VA
CL203
anyone with 2007 sport rims who have upgraded tires from stock michelins? (the ones that are wider in the back... i hate that i can't rotate tires)
my treads are gone and i want something that outperforms stock and is still all weather. (am i asking too much out of a tire?)
thanks!
my treads are gone and i want something that outperforms stock and is still all weather. (am i asking too much out of a tire?)
thanks!
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,266
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
This thread needs to be a sticky!
Damn, my offset rims eat rear tires like they're going out of style.
Only like 6K miles and they're shot.
What is the deal? Any suggestions? I wonder if perhaps I need to be using different alignment specs since the wheels are from a CLK? Anyone know?
Either I switch back to rims I can rotate, or maybe I start using the cheapest tires I can find on the rear.
Anyone use Nankang NS-1's?
Only like 50 each new.
Only like 6K miles and they're shot.
What is the deal? Any suggestions? I wonder if perhaps I need to be using different alignment specs since the wheels are from a CLK? Anyone know?
Either I switch back to rims I can rotate, or maybe I start using the cheapest tires I can find on the rear.
Anyone use Nankang NS-1's?
Only like 50 each new.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
Likes: 58
From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
Likes: 58
From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
I'm using Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric's on the w203 and PS2's on the M5.
I love PS2's, but for the price, the Goodyears are just as good. There's no point in putting the PS2's on the w203 for me.
I love PS2's, but for the price, the Goodyears are just as good. There's no point in putting the PS2's on the w203 for me.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Hey Phil - good for you. Amazing the way this idiot pops up from time to time with his nonesense
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 34
From: Germantown, MD
S550, R350, GL550, ML63 AMG
Make sure you get an alignment every time you replace your tires. (20-30k miles) A rear adjustable camber arm would help as well. Never got one for my rears but I get pretty good life on my rears just with the alignment. I used to have 19x10's on my rears, Now I'm on 19x9.5.
Damn, my offset rims eat rear tires like they're going out of style.
Only like 6K miles and they're shot.
What is the deal? Any suggestions? I wonder if perhaps I need to be using different alignment specs since the wheels are from a CLK? Anyone know?
Either I switch back to rims I can rotate, or maybe I start using the cheapest tires I can find on the rear.
Anyone use Nankang NS-1's?
Only like 50 each new.
Only like 6K miles and they're shot.
What is the deal? Any suggestions? I wonder if perhaps I need to be using different alignment specs since the wheels are from a CLK? Anyone know?
Either I switch back to rims I can rotate, or maybe I start using the cheapest tires I can find on the rear.
Anyone use Nankang NS-1's?
Only like 50 each new.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,537
Likes: 8
2006 C350 Sport 6MT
+1 I dont know much about tires but I remember my buddy got this for his C6. All I know (but I might be wrong) is that these are DRY TRACK ONLY and once these puppies get heated up they grip like no other.
Aren't these tires close to 600 each?
Anyone recommend the Pirelli Pzero Nero? I got a quote for 235/35-19 and 265/30-19 = $936 balanced and mounted.
Edit
I use Michelin tires with PAX System on my old BMW 318
Last edited by W203E35; Apr 14, 2009 at 01:32 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 671
Likes: 18
From: Tucson, Az
10 GLK350/ 15 Accord/ 94 Supra Turbo
for my old rx7
NITTO NT555R for street/grip (still spins through 3rd gear)
MT ET Streets, spins through 1st and a bit in 2nd
Bridgestone Pole position, spins through 1st three gears
--285/35 in the rear
All are all pretty good in normal situation but only the mickey thompson are good with dry traction but is hell in the wet.
for all around street tires on low hp cars i use General UHP or Kumho espta(sp?)
NITTO NT555R for street/grip (still spins through 3rd gear)
MT ET Streets, spins through 1st and a bit in 2nd
Bridgestone Pole position, spins through 1st three gears
--285/35 in the rear
All are all pretty good in normal situation but only the mickey thompson are good with dry traction but is hell in the wet.
for all around street tires on low hp cars i use General UHP or Kumho espta(sp?)
