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

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Old 12-08-2002, 09:46 PM
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2003 C230K, 6 spd, Brilliant Silver, C-5, C-7, CD changer
Re: Need help for choosing winter tires

Originally posted by Pan Da
Currently driving a 2002 C230K 6 speed with 17" summer tires + brembo brakes. Considering to purchase winter tires, but don't know which option is best?

1) keep existing rims + brembo brakes, purchase 4 new 17" winter tires
2) purchase a set of 16" rims + winter tires, and sell the brembo brakes

Which would perform better in snow and in normal condition?

This is what I went with for the Michigan winters. Looks like the tires are available in 17" as well. Just add $$

http://www.tirerack.com/snow/SnowSel...&autoYear=2003

Got 6" of snow last week and the tires had very good traction, I am satisfied.

Tirerack is very reputable and easy to deal with as well, had my tires in a few days, mounted, balanced, new lugs and ready to bolt on.
Old 12-08-2002, 10:00 PM
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2003 C230K, 6 spd, Brilliant Silver, C-5, C-7, CD changer
Re: new tires. i need suggestions.

Originally posted by truelove79
does anyone have any suggestions on all weather, all purpose, really good tires that will fit on the C7 rims. i'm not talking about winter tires (although i'll take suggestions for those too, if they're cheap), but really nice, all purpose tires to put on my coupe with C7 and keep them on. i have about $800 to $1000 to play with, and that includes getting them put on by sears or something.

oh yeah, i know nothing about the specs on rims and tires and all that, like all the measurements and bolt spacing and all that. so basically, what do i need to look for when shopping at tirerack.com or somewhere like that. like what tires will fit on my C7 rims and all that. keep in mind, i know nothing, not even what the numbers mean. when i go on sears.com, i can select my tire size and it gives 3 drop down lists for sizes 1, 2, and 3. what are these and what do i have for C7 rims.

and another, about how much does it cost to have sears put on four tires?

sorry, one more. what are the really good tire brands out there.
This is what I went with for the Michigan winters. If you get steel wheels you can save about $170...not worth it IMHO... Don't cheeze out now! :p

http://www.tirerack.com/snow/SnowSe...e&autoYear=2003

This is who I dealt with and he is quite knowledgeable.

KURT-EXT.293
kurt@tirerack.com

We had 6" of snow last week and the tires had very good traction, I am satisfied.

Tirerack is very reputable and easy to deal with as well, had my tires in a few days, mounted, balanced, new lugs and ready to bolt on.
Old 12-09-2002, 09:48 AM
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w203
C7 and winter

i have an '02 c230 with the C7 in NY. had about 6" snow last week. got stuck going up a small incline. well if traffic kept going I would have made it but it stop half up the incline and it would make it up after that. need to get pushed to the side. so i am look for the stock setup to swap in fof the winter months. i don't want to get an all season tire and lost the feel of a true performance tire for the warm months. anyone selling the stock setup?
Old 12-09-2002, 01:17 PM
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Re: C7 and winter

Originally posted by jscavo
anyone selling the stock setup?
Check your ad under classified and check your email address that you left on here.
Old 12-09-2002, 02:30 PM
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2008 C300 Sport
I also have the C7 package on my Coupe. Wanted to do a -1 one conversion for snow use as it is easier to drive through the white stuff with narrower wheels/tires. Ordered 16" Mille Mig MM11-2 with Dunlop Winter Sport M2 tires. They were installed last Wednesday, just before the big storm hit the Northeast. Was please with the results.

Not being overly mechanical, I have no idea of how much a set of Rambo brakes cost. Are you sure 16" wheels won't fit over them? As greater stopping power is a benefit in all weather conditions, in your case, I'd probably go with 17" snow tires.

Last edited by Mark08859; 12-10-2002 at 12:18 PM.
Old 12-09-2002, 09:20 PM
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I'm located in Canada. Rotor diameter is now 345mm, so 16" RIM won't fit. Will probably go for 17" snow tires. Which 17" snow tires should I pick?
Old 12-10-2002, 12:17 AM
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Those who have them say the best snow tires are Nokians. Also Bridgesone Blizzaks (various models available, LM-22's are H rated), Michelin Arctic Alpins, and Dunlop Winter Sport M2.
Old 12-10-2002, 11:59 AM
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2007 BMW 328xi sedan
I bought 17" snows (Blizzak WS50) in a slightly norrower size than stock (215/45/17) based on tirerack-MB suggestion. They just arrived yesterday. These tires are very agressive looking, reminds me of the nobby's I had on an Suzuki RM125 dirt bike I once owned. The new snows will be mounted on C7 wheels this week. Will report back later with a review. The snows will obviuosly be an improvement, how much remains to be seen.

I went this route because I want the staggered AMG wheels for 3 seasons and the C7's for Winter only. When it comes time to sell, I want to have the option to sell the car with the original wheels, then maybe sell the AMG's separately or together with the car.
Old 12-10-2002, 12:19 PM
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2008 C300 Sport
No complaints with the Dunlops (winter sport M2). I've heard great things about Nokian Tires. If availalble. check out the Hakka Q's by them.
Old 12-10-2002, 01:11 PM
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not sure if there is a single best winter tire. but there are several good ones.

i went w/ the blizzak lm22's based on tirerack's recommendation but i'd have been fine w/ the dunlops. mostly an availability issue from tirerack.

of course, last thurs, when we got 9" of snow, i chickened out and stayed at home...
Old 12-10-2002, 02:10 PM
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2002 C230K, Silver, 6-speed, Evo, Roof, Leather, CD, Staggered C7 Wheels
I'm using Michelin Pilot Alpin 225 45 17 on the 17" (Evolution) wheels for the second winter now and I'm very happy with these tires. Excellent grip, quite.
My 1st set of the Alpins burned down together with my condo, so I bought a new set this fall.
Old 12-10-2002, 02:48 PM
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The best pure (unstudded) snow tire is the Nokian Hakka 1. The best snow capable tire with all season performance and treadwear is the Nokian NRW/WR. They're not the cheapest by far, but they are the best if we're talking snow.
Old 12-10-2002, 03:13 PM
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2002 C32
I agree, you can not go wrong with Nokian Hakkapeliitta 1 in winter although these tires does not come in sizes greater than 16''. The Nokian WR does come in 17'' and are a good all round tire than can also be used as a 4 season tire.

Otherwise you should pick a winter tire that is best suited for your driving environment. Some tires are better in snow, some on ice, some on both, tire rack has some good information on their site regarding this subject.

Pirelli also makes good winter tires.
Old 12-10-2002, 08:13 PM
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The WRs should go through just about anything you throw at them (they're supposed to be even better than the NRWs.) You can check them out @etires.com- that's what I'd go with - especially if you're planning on leaving them on all year. If not than I'd say the Dunlops or Pirelli Snow Sports are good options too. If it snows more than 100" per year there on average, then I'd say you might want to consider dumping the Brembros in favor of full out snows on 16s with an appropriately narrower footprint.
Old 12-15-2002, 06:58 PM
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Question C240 Tires

I did a search and came up with some info, but not what I was looking for, so, here goes... I have a chance to buy my brand of tire in a 245/45/17 size for a good price.

Will this tire fit the car? When I buy the rims to fit the tire, do I need a specific offset? I HATE the ricer look, I like the classy look of the car now, but didn't upgrade the rims and tires at purchase so that I could get something better than the dealer offer and price markup.

Any and all suggestions would be most appreciated.

Mike

P.S. As requested by a moderator, pics are on the way, just need to create an MB page on my personal website.
Old 12-15-2002, 07:19 PM
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2002 C32
If you go with 17'' you could go with 225/45/17 all around or 225/45/17 front and 245/45/17 rear if you want a larger tire in the rear. If you like the classic MB look than go with the AMG wheels that are available for the C-Class.

Last edited by Franco; 12-15-2002 at 07:21 PM.
Old 12-15-2002, 08:04 PM
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Re: C240 Tires

Originally posted by azrain
I have a chance to buy my brand of tire in a 245/45/17 size for a good price.

Will this tire fit the car? When I buy the rims to fit the tire, do I need a specific offset? I HATE the ricer look, I like the classy look.
Going with that size will mess up your speedometer. Much better to go with 225/45-17 all around. Matter of fact I would probably put a 255/40-17 or 245/40-17 on the rear for a staggered look instead of a 245/45-17. See what the C32 does and use that as an example. Offset is somewhat of an art because of the wheel design. MB has 37 mm offset on your std wheels. I just bought Brabus replica 17s with an offset of 38 mm (original Brabus had 30 mm which pushed the tire out: i.e. ricer look to me) which is pretty close (1 mm) to the AMGs on the C32.
Look in your manual and take that as a starting guide.
Old 12-16-2002, 12:22 PM
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2001 C240 6spd
Re: Re: C240 Tires

Originally posted by amdeutsch
Going with that size will mess up your speedometer. Much better to go with 225/45-17 all around. Matter of fact I would probably put a 255/40-17 or 245/40-17 on the rear for a staggered look instead of a 245/45-17. See what the C32 does and use that as an example. Offset is somewhat of an art because of the wheel design. MB has 37 mm offset on your std wheels. I just bought Brabus replica 17s with an offset of 38 mm (original Brabus had 30 mm which pushed the tire out: i.e. ricer look to me) which is pretty close (1 mm) to the AMGs on the C32.
Look in your manual and take that as a starting guide.
I agree with amdeutsch. I have the AMG 17" staggered set up on my C240. 7.5x17 with 225/45x17 FA and 8.5x17 with 245/40x17 RA. I would think that you may have some fender rubbing problems with that size in front.
Old 12-16-2002, 10:30 PM
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Hmmm, Interesting. I'll have to think about the staggered setup. I've seen it around and like the look, but what do you do for rotation with directional tires? I realize this may be a basic question, but I'm a truck guy, I have all the same size (big) tires on my 4Runner... This all new territory for me with the MB. Thanks!

Mike
Old 12-16-2002, 10:44 PM
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2010 C300 4matic
With a staggered setup and directional tires, there is no rotation you can do without dismounting and remounting tires. Without a staggered setup, you can move tires front to rear keeping them on the same side of the car.
Old 12-17-2002, 12:08 AM
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Originally posted by Matt230K
With a staggered setup and directional tires, there is no rotation you can do without dismounting and remounting tires. Without a staggered setup, you can move tires front to rear keeping them on the same side of the car.
Pretty much as I figured, which could get to be a bit pricey if you don't have a good relationship with a tire shop. I did, but they changed ownership, so that's out. I guess it's back to the drawing board with all four tires the same size...

Mike
Old 12-21-2002, 01:12 PM
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C230 coupe 6sp
tire recommendations

I am looking at getting a set of 17in wheels, and I want to get some recommendations for tires. I am more interested in smooth and quiet than all out performance. I really like the way the stock Michelins ride, but I would like something a little better for handling. Any suggestions?
Old 12-21-2002, 01:30 PM
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2001 C240 / 6-speed
I bought some Kuhmo Ecsta 712's for my staggered 17" AMG's. They are W rated and only about $100 per tire! Not the absolute best performance, but half the price of those that are!
Old 12-21-2002, 02:10 PM
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Audi S4
I got Pilot Sport A/S tires for my 18s, and I think they're wonderful! They probably wont handle as well as the regular Pilot Sports, but they are no noisier than the MXV4s and ride soft. Unfortunately they are $231 each.
Old 12-21-2002, 06:00 PM
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white and whiter
Bridgestone RE950. Tread wear is 400 and traction is great, both wet and dry. After my Pilot's gone, i will get those.

Check out TireRack.com they have ratings for each tires.


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