you guys and your 19" BBS and HREs
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
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
I think Pirelli has gone downhill over the years. I'd prefer the PS2's over anything, but I just can't justify the price.
With that being said, I have the OEM ContiSportContact's on my M3 and they're just about done after only 10,000 miles. I have the GS-D3's on the w203 and they're still pretty good well after 10,000 miles and I think that they perform just as good or even better than the Conti's and perform MUCH better in the rain than the Conti's and they're also cheaper.
But, after reading a bunch of reviews and talking to people, I'm going to go with the Bridgestone RE050A PP's or the RE-01's on my M3 in a bit...
With that being said, I have the OEM ContiSportContact's on my M3 and they're just about done after only 10,000 miles. I have the GS-D3's on the w203 and they're still pretty good well after 10,000 miles and I think that they perform just as good or even better than the Conti's and perform MUCH better in the rain than the Conti's and they're also cheaper.
But, after reading a bunch of reviews and talking to people, I'm going to go with the Bridgestone RE050A PP's or the RE-01's on my M3 in a bit...
could've gotten $100 off from tirerack ordering the 050A which the offer just ended.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
ha ha.... yeah right, to go along with my baller wheels and baller suspension and baller brakes ! !
wheels: AMG C32 5-twin-spoke 17" CLK55 W209 chrome rims
suspension: CARLSSON RS / BILSTEIN PS9 / AMG C32 front & rear sways
brakes: AMG C32 rotor & 4-piston Brembo fronts / AMG CLK55 rotor & 2-piston Brembo rears / StopTech SS Lines / Porterfield R4-S Pads
sounds pretty basic to me !!
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
wheels: AMG C32 5-twin-spoke 17" CLK55 W209 chrome rims
suspension: CARLSSON RS / BILSTEIN PS9 / AMG C32 front & rear sways
brakes: AMG C32 rotor & 4-piston Brembo fronts / AMG CLK55 rotor & 2-piston Brembo rears / StopTech SS Lines / Porterfield R4-S Pads
sounds pretty basic to me !!
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
Likes: 58
From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
ha ha.... yeah right, to go along with my baller wheels and baller suspension and baller brakes ! !
wheels: AMG C32 5-twin-spoke 17" CLK55 W209 chrome rims
suspension: CARLSSON RS / BILSTEIN PS9 / AMG C32 front & rear sways
brakes: AMG C32 rotor & 4-piston Brembo fronts / AMG CLK55 rotor & 2-piston Brembo rears / StopTech SS Lines / Porterfield R4-S Pads
sounds pretty basic to me !!
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
wheels: AMG C32 5-twin-spoke 17" CLK55 W209 chrome rims
suspension: CARLSSON RS / BILSTEIN PS9 / AMG C32 front & rear sways
brakes: AMG C32 rotor & 4-piston Brembo fronts / AMG CLK55 rotor & 2-piston Brembo rears / StopTech SS Lines / Porterfield R4-S Pads
sounds pretty basic to me !!
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: Nuevo México
2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
I had Continentals as my OEM tires, staggered sizes. I liked them a lot, but not a lot of tread life. I was almost down to the wear bars (especially rear tires) at about 18k miles.
I now have Michelin Pilot Sports. Top quality, but EXPENSIVE; about $900 for a set of 4. At 17k miles, tread is still good, but they are starting to get a little noisy. I am told this is common on high-performance Michelins.
I now have Michelin Pilot Sports. Top quality, but EXPENSIVE; about $900 for a set of 4. At 17k miles, tread is still good, but they are starting to get a little noisy. I am told this is common on high-performance Michelins.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
06 C230SS
Thank You!!
I really value the input and you guys saved me from buying a garbage no-name set of cheapo tires.....
I did get the STEAL of the century...being as it it only 7 years old
....
FULL SET of Michelin Pilot Sport on the bay for $315!!!!!!!!
rears may be a little worn...but inexpensive is inexpensive.
I did get the STEAL of the century...being as it it only 7 years old
....FULL SET of Michelin Pilot Sport on the bay for $315!!!!!!!!
rears may be a little worn...but inexpensive is inexpensive.
Last edited by MRK; Jul 7, 2007 at 11:43 AM.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 11
From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
I think the Michelin Pilot Primacy that came stock with the car were fantastic for high speed driving, they had that straight-dead-on feeling when it came to driving in a straight line at higher speeds. However, when it comes to S-curve driving, I think other tires would be better suited. Despite Michelin stating that the Primacy is better than the PS2 and Pilot Sport in wet weather handling, in my opinion, they left something to be desired as they aquaplane during generous rainfall. The Primacy tires also seem that they would last a generous 40,000 miles.
I currently have the BF Goodrich g-Force Sport on the two rear tires (after getting a nail in one of the rear tires) and I have to report that they are only mediocre when compared to the Michelins in terms of handling. I would say that these tires so far are on track to last a generous 30,000 miles.
For those who have driven on Michelin Pilot PS2s, a tire I am considering for my next set (as opposed to Pilot Sport or Pilot Primacy), what kind of tread life have you gotten or are you expecting to get?
I currently have the BF Goodrich g-Force Sport on the two rear tires (after getting a nail in one of the rear tires) and I have to report that they are only mediocre when compared to the Michelins in terms of handling. I would say that these tires so far are on track to last a generous 30,000 miles.
For those who have driven on Michelin Pilot PS2s, a tire I am considering for my next set (as opposed to Pilot Sport or Pilot Primacy), what kind of tread life have you gotten or are you expecting to get?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
for some reason, my front tires wear down faster than my rears.
Must be due to heavy breaking. Approx 30k (front) ~ 40k-50k (rear) miles.
I've had Pilot Sports on both of my C320's, so the above numbers are pretty accurate.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
That’s only one symptom of not having enough horsepower. 
Our W203s understeer way too much..even with some decent tweaks to help alleviate the problem.
I'd be pleased to devour 20k miles and still have any tread remaining on my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S's. With a track day at Willow looming, the PS2's are destined to be the next victim.
In the spirit of full disclosure, MB mentions in its literature that; "Z-rated tires are for performance driving and may provide reduced ride comfort, increased tire noise, substantially increased treadwear and greater susceptibility to damage compared with H-rated tires."
Our W203s understeer way too much..even with some decent tweaks to help alleviate the problem.
I'd be pleased to devour 20k miles and still have any tread remaining on my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S's. With a track day at Willow looming, the PS2's are destined to be the next victim.
In the spirit of full disclosure, MB mentions in its literature that; "Z-rated tires are for performance driving and may provide reduced ride comfort, increased tire noise, substantially increased treadwear and greater susceptibility to damage compared with H-rated tires."
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: Marina Del Rey,Ca.
06' BMW M3
That’s only one symptom of not having enough horsepower.
Our W203s understeer way too much..even with some decent tweaks to help alleviate the problem.
I'd be pleased to devour 20k miles and still have any tread remaining on my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S's. With a track day at Willow looming, the PS2's are destined to be the next victim.
In the spirit of full disclosure, MB mentions in its literature that; "Z-rated tires are for performance driving and may provide reduced ride comfort, increased tire noise, substantially increased treadwear and greater susceptibility to damage compared with H-rated tires."
Our W203s understeer way too much..even with some decent tweaks to help alleviate the problem.
I'd be pleased to devour 20k miles and still have any tread remaining on my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S's. With a track day at Willow looming, the PS2's are destined to be the next victim.
In the spirit of full disclosure, MB mentions in its literature that; "Z-rated tires are for performance driving and may provide reduced ride comfort, increased tire noise, substantially increased treadwear and greater susceptibility to damage compared with H-rated tires."
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
So true, so true John !!
Was it too hard for AMG to bring the C32 SportCoupe over to the US ?
Just for me !!??!!??
I've been satisfied with PS A/S's and with the PS2's. My wife's C320 SS has Yokohama somethings, and they're pretty good too. Can't remember what model they are.
That's something I read closely, after I had my ECU tuned by RENNtech and had the speed limiter removed. I just had to go out there and test that 145+ mph feeling ! 
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Was it too hard for AMG to bring the C32 SportCoupe over to the US ?
Just for me !!??!!??
Originally Posted by splinter
Our W203s understeer way too much..even with some decent tweaks to help alleviate the problem.
I'd be pleased to devour 20k miles and still have any tread remaining on my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S's. With a track day at Willow looming, the PS2's are destined to be the next victim.
I'd be pleased to devour 20k miles and still have any tread remaining on my Michelin Pilot Sport A/S's. With a track day at Willow looming, the PS2's are destined to be the next victim.
Originally Posted by splinter
In the spirit of full disclosure, MB mentions in its literature that; "Z-rated tires are for performance driving and may provide reduced ride comfort, increased tire noise, substantially increased treadwear and greater susceptibility to damage compared with H-rated tires."
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Wow, lots of tread. EXACTLY what I need, sizes and all.
Whats that about 7 years?
Whats that about 7 years?
I really value the input and you guys saved me from buying a garbage no-name set of cheapo tires.....
I did get the STEAL of the century...being as it it only 7 years old....
FULL SET of Michelin Pilot Sport on the bay for $315!!!!!!!!
rears may be a little worn...but inexpensive is inexpensive.
I did get the STEAL of the century...being as it it only 7 years old
....FULL SET of Michelin Pilot Sport on the bay for $315!!!!!!!!
rears may be a little worn...but inexpensive is inexpensive.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I have about 5k miles on a set of Toyo Proxes V4's, and so far they are great. If I wanted to pony up a little more money, I would have gotten BFG G-force Sports. I've run those on other cars and absolutely love them.
I would definitely shy away from more Pilots. They work well, but not worth the price.
I would definitely shy away from more Pilots. They work well, but not worth the price.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
2002 C230 Coupe
My wheels are staggered 18" AMG Style 3: Front are 8.5" wide, Rear are 9.5" wide. I have 225/40ZR18 on front, 25535ZR18 on the rear. The wheels could probably hold 235 on front and 265 on rear, but as it is my front tires only clear the coilovers by about 2mm, and the rears look fine to me.
(Oh look, I even had all that info on my sig, so you probably already read it)
Oh, and grats to the MRK on his new-to-him Michelins
(Oh look, I even had all that info on my sig, so you probably already read it)
Oh, and grats to the MRK on his new-to-him Michelins
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
ESP and tire sizes?
So, I found a nice pair of 205/50/17 Pilots for $120 bucks...
looking at tireracks site, they'll actually rotate a little slower than
the 225/45/17's.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...irePageLocQty=
How much of a variance is enough to mess up the ESP?
205/50/17 rotate 826 times per mile.
225's 837
245/40/17 841
So the fronts and back aren't exactly perfect even without the different sizes...but a wider span for sure with the 205's.
Where is the speed measured? At the wheel or at the tranny?
EDIT: Also, I was looking at these...
rated fairly hi on tirerack (but then the ratings are so messed, with the General's as #1)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....inLoad=#Survey
That'd be about 500 for the set shipped....
looking at tireracks site, they'll actually rotate a little slower than
the 225/45/17's.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...irePageLocQty=
How much of a variance is enough to mess up the ESP?
205/50/17 rotate 826 times per mile.
225's 837
245/40/17 841
So the fronts and back aren't exactly perfect even without the different sizes...but a wider span for sure with the 205's.
Where is the speed measured? At the wheel or at the tranny?
EDIT: Also, I was looking at these...
rated fairly hi on tirerack (but then the ratings are so messed, with the General's as #1)
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....inLoad=#Survey
That'd be about 500 for the set shipped....
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Jul 9, 2007 at 05:34 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 11
From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Carlos, that sounds very good and reasonable. No complaints if they last that long, they'll actually be worth the $1000 a set if they last that long.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the info.
Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: N. Cal
05' C230K Sport Sedan
As most of you have experienced with 05+ SS, my rear tires are now badly worn while my fronts still have some 45%. I need to replace my rears but it's not going to be the primum stock Michelin Pilot Primacy which is way too expansive. I am thinking to get the General Exclaim UHP since it's got excellent reviews at TireRack with price can't beat.
I would like to know how bad the handling is going to be affected if I just replace the rears with the General while keeping my front Michelin, considering the General are also summer tires? Has anyone tried putting different tire brands of front and rear?
I would like to know how bad the handling is going to be affected if I just replace the rears with the General while keeping my front Michelin, considering the General are also summer tires? Has anyone tried putting different tire brands of front and rear?
Last edited by eckc21; Jul 16, 2007 at 07:53 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
GENERALS are good.
They are actually the US version of German CONTINENTALS.
Same tire !
as long as the 2 front tires and the 2 rear tires work well together (same type of tread), you should be OK. Fronts are going to be worn down more on braking, while rears wear on take-off.
They are actually the US version of German CONTINENTALS.
Same tire !
as long as the 2 front tires and the 2 rear tires work well together (same type of tread), you should be OK. Fronts are going to be worn down more on braking, while rears wear on take-off.
Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: N. Cal
05' C230K Sport Sedan
GENERALS are good.
They are actually the US version of German CONTINENTALS.
Same tire !
as long as the 2 front tires and the 2 rear tires work well together (same type of tread), you should be OK. Fronts are going to be worn down more on braking, while rears wear on take-off.
They are actually the US version of German CONTINENTALS.
Same tire !
as long as the 2 front tires and the 2 rear tires work well together (same type of tread), you should be OK. Fronts are going to be worn down more on braking, while rears wear on take-off.
But how do i know it's got same type of tread? As far as I can tell from photos on TireRack the General's tread looks very different from the Michelin's. Did you mean the tread material instead?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,498
Likes: 4
From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
the Michelin's tread pattern is not unique. As long as it looks similar to that you should be fine.
On the rear, the tread is more about grip, to launch the car. On the front the tread is for steering and braking.
If by the time winter comes back around, you will need new front tires anyway, try the GENERAL rear set-up for now in the summer.
At least you won't be slipping & sliding in the rain.
On the rear, the tread is more about grip, to launch the car. On the front the tread is for steering and braking.
If by the time winter comes back around, you will need new front tires anyway, try the GENERAL rear set-up for now in the summer.
At least you won't be slipping & sliding in the rain.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 4
From: Portugal
'13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d // '24 E53 AMG
Where is Bridgestone at the poll!??? 
Best summer tires arround, Bridgestone potenza RE050A, considered the best tires by german ADAC
2nd pirelli p-zero rosso
3rd michelin Pilot sport 2
I also love Bridgestone, best grip ever, thats all its matter to me, ohh and the wheel protection, best also...
Best summer tires arround, Bridgestone potenza RE050A, considered the best tires by german ADAC
2nd pirelli p-zero rosso
3rd michelin Pilot sport 2
I also love Bridgestone, best grip ever, thats all its matter to me, ohh and the wheel protection, best also...
