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

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rating: Thread Rating: 10 votes, 5.00 average.
 
Old Apr 7, 2006 | 12:40 PM
  #1801  
SeaCoupe's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 8
From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
I have run three diff sets on my 17" staggered setup.

First was Michelin Sports. Way too soft. I think I got 12k from them. Then I went with Bridgestone Re 750s. I got about 18 k out of them. However, I also got two right rear sidewall failures. When they tried to stick me with a bill for the second replacementt. I said take em all off. See the sidewall on the 750 is a joke, it took me no more than 1/8 of a mile to get over to the side of the road. The sidewall got shredded, and they said it was my fault. So, now I'm running Toyo Proxes T1-R. (Guess what, no more right rear failures) The Toyos were not bad when broken in. Now that I have somewhere around 40% tread left to the wear bar in the rear, it snaps too much, and the understeer is bad in front. In all of the tires I have had poor wear in the front outside edges. Yes I always get an alignment with new tires.

The Yoko ES100, isn't that a pretty soft tire?

Kumhos? I think their is perhaps 1 or 2 decent ones, but I don't know why people spend huge money on brakes and upgrades, yet choose to run on a cheap tire.

I drive my daughter who is 16 months around. I spend the money on Good brakes and fresh tires.

Based on the Car and Driver article, i was thinking of going to the Eagle Goodyear tire that had a top rating.

Kumho drivers, by all means, tell me your opinions.
Reply
Old Apr 7, 2006 | 02:14 PM
  #1802  
Bif powell's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 825
Likes: 3
2002 c32
Getting Yokohama Ice Guards taken off, and Yokohama AVS ES100s put on as I type this.

I only choose this tire, because the previous owner had used 245/40/17s of this all the way around on my C32's staggered rims. When went to snows, I tossed the rears and kept the fronts. Now I'm only buying 225/45/17s for the front and re-mounting what was on the front last year.

I'm only requiring these to last until April 22nd when I have my first autox class and I'm thinking I will get Advan Neovas for that, which seems like a good tire in trade-reviews and amongst the local scene here. Falken RT-615 I think they are, also seem popular.
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2006 | 12:42 AM
  #1803  
MJ50's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 22,056
Likes: 972
From: MBworld
bone stock E55 AMG
had falken 451 and now yokohama es100
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2006 | 11:21 AM
  #1804  
BabyBenz6spd's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 810
Likes: 1
From: Illinois, Indiana
2005 C230 Sedan 6spd
Originally Posted by mj50
had falken 451 and now yokohama es100
and? are they good? any inputs?
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2006 | 11:26 AM
  #1805  
MJ50's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 22,056
Likes: 972
From: MBworld
bone stock E55 AMG
both of them are good...
same price range.
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2006 | 12:38 PM
  #1806  
aecasasus's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 411
Likes: 1
From: Florida
'04 C230K SS
Kumhos for me....Great tires!!!
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2006 | 03:14 PM
  #1807  
robohopar's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 151
Likes: 2
From: Glendale, CA
2016 Mercedes S550
i got those Rikons i was talking about...the one BFG makes...picked it up for $105 installed(hookup) but its a really nice tire ill try to get a picture of the tread pattern...and no ride difference at all...so i'm happy...thanks for the input guys
Reply
Old Apr 10, 2006 | 06:37 AM
  #1808  
GMW's Avatar
GMW
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 999
Likes: 0
From: UG
2013 ML63 AMG PP
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3

Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3. Good in the dry and great in the wet!
Plus a funky looking tread pattern!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 11, 2006 | 11:36 PM
  #1809  
chase720's Avatar
Almost a Member!
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: S. Carolina
2002 C320
Yeah. The Kuhmos are pretty good. Had to swerve to avoid a head on last night and they worked beautifuly on a hard turn at 50 or so. Personaly at temps above 65 or so i really have a hard time getting them to slip and still have to work at it lower temps. I really like them.
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2006 | 12:24 AM
  #1810  
jtC320's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
From: Fullerton, CA...Riverside, CA
2007 Honda CBR 600RR// BLK'03 C32K (RIP)// 2003 Acura RSX Type-S//1999 Lexus SC400//
Talking

i have nitto nt555 right now and just ordered Good year eagle F1 GS-D3...heard a lot of good things about them
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2006 | 01:01 PM
  #1811  
MB///HRV's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: NH-NJ
I put on a set of P Zero Nero M+S this past fall and compared to my original Pilot Sports, they suck! I went through 2 winters in NJ with the Pilots and although I would slip from time to time it doesn't compare to the amount of slipping that happens with the Pirelli's. Early on I actually had to look at the sidwall to make sure Tire Rack sent me the M+S ones. Now the weather is warming up here and they still suck. Just the other day the pavement was wet, I was at a full stop.. I floored it and it was nothing but spin city. This NEVER happened with my Pilots. The only time I could slip in that kind of weather was if I was making a sharp turn and floored it. Sorry for writing so much but I would never recommend nor own a set of these again.

Regards!
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2006 | 01:36 PM
  #1812  
tommy's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
All seasons suck in all weather.

Shouldn't you have your summer tires on by now? If not, shame on you!

I just got some Yoko ADVAN Neova AD07s on, and so far, they're great. Haven't had them on for long, though.
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2006 | 05:59 PM
  #1813  
WiredMojo's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
C230K Sedan
Help, need specific help on front tire size.

Hey,

I am new to the forum. And, I am the proud owner of a 7 Month old c230k. My wife and I like this car so much we picked up a 2006 ML350 Last week for her. Anyway, don't flame me. I have searched the forums extensively on the subject.

I am looking at TSW Bremma's with Proxes T1R. And, I want to hear from people running 235/40 on 18X8 wheels for fronts (18X8 & 235/40 front, 18X9 & 265/35 back). Schwab says 225's on the front. But, I read that the Proxes are a tad narrow and frankly 225's look a little stretched on my 7.5's. I went with 18's for the optimum ride/looks combo.

I tell ya the only bad thing about owning this car, is my sudden urge to by a
C55 AMG!

Thanks -- Scotty
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2006 | 07:56 PM
  #1814  
mercedesguy05's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
C230 Kompressor
Hey WiredMojo

Do you live in Portland? I wouldn't trust the guys there. I'm also looking for 18s as well and having a hard time deciding what to get. I've been talking to Jerry at Formymercedes.com and he recommends 225/40/18. Did you get the mercedes at the portland location?
Reply
Old Apr 12, 2006 | 09:49 PM
  #1815  
kickR's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 846
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
'14 CLA 45
no reason not to go with the 235 tires. some say that it affects the esp slightly. dont ask me why and how, but i dont think its making too much of a problem when needed.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2006 | 01:00 PM
  #1816  
drexappeal's Avatar
Super Moderator Alumni
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
According to the tire size calculator, optimal setting would be 225/40R18 (you will be losing 4 revolutions/mile) when going up to 18" rims, but running the 235's won't be absolutely "bad" (you'll be losing 14 revolutions/mile), but if you do go 235's in front, you've gotta go 265/35R19 in the rear in order to match the revs/mile properly.

So you either go:

225/40R18 Front
255/35R18 Rear

or

235/40R18 Front
265/35R18 Rear

It really depends on what you're looking for, but those are the options you have.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2006 | 05:13 PM
  #1817  
C240-Merc's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 648
Likes: 5
From: Houston, Texas
2017 G63 AMG, 2019 G550
Try these, Michelin calls them the "tweel".

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=144526

Last edited by C240-Merc; Apr 13, 2006 at 05:16 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2006 | 07:48 PM
  #1818  
WiredMojo's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
C230K Sedan
Hey mercedesguy05

I got mine in Eugene. I am dealing with Schwab in town (our company has an account there). I just hope the 235's don't rub. I want a little meatier look.
So I think:

235/40 front
265/35 back

will give me the look I am after. In addition, I have read that the Proxes run narrow.

Scotty
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2006 | 09:25 PM
  #1819  
[iNTx]'s Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Singapore, Bay Area, Jakarta, Hong Kong
W210, W220, W203
I used Bridgestone Turanza LS-V.
Preety decent performance for its price.
Got it at tirerack.com

Originally Posted by C240-Merc
Try these, Michelin calls them the "tweel".

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=144526
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2006 | 09:35 PM
  #1820  
Bing's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 1
From: Ridgefield, NJ
C320 Sport Sedan 4MATIC, Cayenne S, Bayliner Capri V8, Subaru STi




Ultra-high-performance tires: Better by design


Tougher government standards, more capable vehicles and a competitive market are making high-performance tires the norm on cars you're likelier to see at the mall than on a racetrack.

We tested Z-rated ultra-high-performance summer tires--a small but fast-growing segment that trades the winter capability of all-season tires for the ultimate in wet and dry handling and grip.

Ultra-high-performance tires aren't for everyone, however. Our tests also show that different high-performance tires can perform very differently, even within types. Here are the specifics:

"Ultra" tires can involve a trade-off. Our top-scoring, ultra-high-performance Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3 delivered superb wet and dry grip. But many others compromised wet or dry performance. The low sidewalls that help give ultra-high-performance tires their responsive handling make most ride more harshly than other types. What's more, their grippier tread tends to wear more quickly.


HOW TO CHOOSE

See Choices to determine the right tire type and size for your vehicle and needs. Then check our CR Quick Recommendations for standouts among the ultra-high-performance tires tested for this report, along with high-scoring all- season, winter, and SUV tires still available from previous tests.

Whichever tires you're considering, here's what to focus on:

Put safety first. Snow and ice may not be a factor where you live. But any summer ultra-high-performance tire should perform competently on dry and wet roads, although they are not designed to be used in any winter weather.

Upgrade with caution. Upgrading to ultra-high-performance tires from all-season tires often requires larger wheels ($1,000 or more) to accommodate their larger sizes. You also pay a price in ride comfort, tread life, and noise. See our full report on retrofitting these tires in our January 2004 plus-size tires report.

Shop around. Mail-order retailers tend to offer the lowest prices. But our latest price survey also revealed good deals at new-car dealers and other tire sources.











High-performance all-season car tires: Better by design



Tougher government standards, more capable vehicles and a competitive market are making high-performance tires the norm on cars you're likelier to see at the mall than on a racetrack.

Mainstream cars like the Buick Park Avenue Ultra, Ford Focus, and Toyota Camry are among the 15 percent of new vehicles sold with tires that can sustain speeds far higher than the legal limit, compared with 10 percent in 1997. But more precise handling and better heat resistance at normal highway speeds are the important reasons that high-performance tires, especially H-speed-rated, performance all-season versions, are quickly redefining the tire market.

Tires that run too hot can be especially risky on the road. Federal investigators cited heat buildup as a contributing factor in the 270 deaths and 800 injuries tied to tire failures on Firestone tires from the huge recall three years ago. As a result, greater heat resistance is a major part of newly revised federal safety tests that tires must pass. Tire makers have until June 2007 to phase in the new tests. But some are already producing more H-rated (130 mph) and other high-performance tires at the expense of lesser S (112 mph) and T (118 mph) models.

Lower prices from small players like Hankook and Kumho are also making higher-performance tires more appealing as replacements. At as little as $45, some H-rated tires now cost the same as S- and T-rated models in our November 2001 test.

Those are the trends behind the Ratings of H-speed-rated, performance all-season tires. High-performance tires aren't for everyone, however. Our tests also show that different high-performance tires can perform very differently, even within types. Here are the specifics:

Tire marketing can be misleading. Performance all-season tires include two subcategories aimed at different drivers. "Sport" models are touted for handling and grip, while "touring" models promise better ride comfort. But our tests show that some of both belie their descriptions.

An example is the top-rated sport Falken Ziex ZE 512, which gripped well on wet and dry surfaces while providing a smoother ride than the high-scoring touring Bridgestone Turanza LS-H.

Some tires save you fuel. Our tests predict a nearly 2-mpg difference between the most- and least-efficient performance all-season tires, based on our rolling-resistance scores in the Ratings.


HOW TO CHOOSE

See Choices to determine the right tire type and size for your vehicle and needs. Then check our CR Quick Recommendations for standouts among the high-performance tires tested for this report, along with high-scoring all- season, winter, and SUV tires still available from previous tests.

Whichever tires you're considering, here's what to focus on:

Put safety first. Snow and ice may not be a factor where you live. But any tire should perform competently on dry and wet roads. Tires we score highly can handle a variety of conditions.

Upgrade with caution. Switching to performance all-season tires involves little risk, though it may require buying a slightly wider size to retain the proper diameter and load capacity for your car. But upgrading to ultra-high-performance tires often requires larger wheels ($1,000 or more) to accommodate their larger sizes. You also pay a price in ride comfort, tread life, and noise. We have a full report on retrofitting these tires in our January 2004 Plus-size tires report.

Shop around. Mail-order retailers tend to offer the lowest prices. But our latest price survey also revealed good deals at new-car dealers and other tire sources.









Get a set of Falken Ziex ZE 512



It's made in Japan





Good Luck!
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2006 | 10:03 PM
  #1821  
drexappeal's Avatar
Super Moderator Alumni
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
Likes: 12
From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
Originally Posted by WiredMojo
I got mine in Eugene. I am dealing with Schwab in town (our company has an account there). I just hope the 235's don't rub. I want a little meatier look.
So I think:

235/40 front
265/35 back

will give me the look I am after. In addition, I have read that the Proxes run narrow.

Scotty
Are you dropping the car? If not, you shouldn't have a problem. The circumference of the rim/tire combo doesn't change all that much.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2006 | 10:09 PM
  #1822  
advans's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
I'm running on the Conti2 right now and also had PZeroNero, the PZeros i dun really like, i somehow like continental, the tire seems "harder"
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2006 | 10:16 PM
  #1823  
Cappa26's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 0
A box on 4 wheels
I will soon be running Pirelli PZero Nero M&S's on my brand new shoes =D you guys are going to love em.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2006 | 10:45 PM
  #1824  
WiredMojo's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
C230K Sedan
Originally Posted by drexappeal
Are you dropping the car? If not, you shouldn't have a problem. The circumference of the rim/tire combo doesn't change all that much.

Nope, going to keep it stock. With the sport package it is low enough. And, I already bottom out occasionally.
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2006 | 10:46 PM
  #1825  
Arn560's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey, USA
Black 04 C230 Kompressor SS
Running Michelin Pilot Sport with 18500 miles. Looking to upgrade to Eagle F1's
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 10 votes, 5.00 average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:08 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE