Vlad-II

Its about that time again! Time for some new tires!

After dealing with a long bout of the electrical problems with my car that turned out to be the radio (thanks again for everyone helping me with that), its time that I put the electrical issues I have aside for now and start getting ready on spending the money on some decent wheels and tires.

The tires are in mediocre condition in fact so bad that the front passenger tire looks like it could blow at any minute so its definitely time to quickly get some new tires to put in my car. Now I was thinking I could probably get some good old Conti-Pro Contacts to put in there for the final time before getting a good set of wheels to put in next year. I heard Bridgestone, Michellin and Continental are all good brands and they are great for all season driving. So can anyone recommend some good tires that are not too harsh on the wallet?

The reason why I say not too harsh is because I'm also looking to get some new wheels next year so I'm starting to save up for those too. I was thinking maybe 18" for Spring 2012. I'm getting tired of the old stock 2002 rims and I wanted to do something a bit different this time around. I'm looking to put some 18" Rims. I would prefer if they were all season, but thats probably a joke, lol. I don't think 18" All Season Tires Exist, haha but again if they do, certainly enlighten me!

Its August, and we all know that the summer coming to an end and the cold dreary days are not to far away from us. So investing in a set of 18" wheels would probably be a waste of money right now but certainly not a waste for next summer though.

So does anyone know or can anyone recommend me a set of good tires that aren't too expensive but are still excellent for All Season Driving. And then could someone also recommend me some good 18" wheels that are also not too much on the wallet, and also if possible (probably not) can be used all year round.

If I can find 18" tires that can work in rain, ice and snow that would be awesome, haha.

samaritrey

You should do what I am doing. Have a winter set of tires/rims and a summer set.
I have matt's 05 sport rims for summer and once winter comes around I will put some snow tires on my old 16 inch rims.

Good to hear my radio is still working well and that your car is happy

Vlad-II

Haha yeah the Radio Transplant was excellent. Your radio is still kicking! The car otherwise is doing great, aside from the passenger seat fuse issue, old tires, and alignment issues, the car is in excellent shape.

But I may just do that, Trey, have a set of all season tires and then a set of sport tires. So if anything ill check Pep Boys to see if I can find something decent for the old 16 inch stock wheels.

ncmudbug

Don't get Sumitomo tires. My rear set lasted me about a year. Matt suggested Continental DWSs. I have a set on my car now and I like them so far.

Vlad-II

You both mentioned Matt, who is he and how do I get a hold of him?

HitUpOlas

If you go with an 18 inch staggard setup.... Dunlop Direzza DZ101 and BF Goodrich Sport offer 235/40/18 for the front and 265/35/18 for the rear.

samaritrey

Matt is a member on here
https://mbworld.org/forums/members/8...ilbenz230.html

I would go for a set of winter and a set of summer all seasons suck in the winter compared to a true winter tire.

drtyjrzy

I just bought a set of 18" Lorenzo L21's wheels 8inch in front and 9.5 inch in back with pirelli p zero nero all season tires. 1700 mounted balanced and shipped. idk what you consider to be cheap but I thought it was well worth it.

phister

Continental DWS FTMFW!!!

mtnman82

If cash were no worry, I'd get the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. I wanted something more economical without sacrificing too much performance and tried the Dunlop Direzza DZ101's a coupe years ago. I liked the first set enough to buy them again.

Vlad-II

Its been a while since I last posted on this thread, I figured I'd update you all on the status and what I decided to do. Tires are expensive! Took me a good three months to save money to do this. So here I am finally putting new tires in my car after 3 years. (The last change was done in Summer 2008), now its Fall 2011 and I'm doing new tires again. All four once again. Feels like its too soon but anyway its being done...

I decided to go with the Continental DWS for the Front and Rear.

Last winter I had a miserable time with the Pro Contact tires so I'm gonna give the DWS tires a try. Considering that we had a terrible winter, this year, I'm not gonna take that chance again next year lol. Honestly this past winter was the worst winter of my entire life, with all the snow and etc.

The dealers were asking me about 1,200 to do all four tires along with the alignment. I can't see myself spending this much money so I decided to go to Mavis Discount Tire and get it done.

Plus I'm getting better tires and along with the alignment. The car kept pulling to the right and I'm honestly sick and tired of it so I'm hoping they will do a good job, they always say in life you get what you pay for. I'm hoping that $786 will give me a good set of four tires, from which I heard from various members on this forum are an excellent choice.

So as I sit at the tire shop waiting for them to put the tires on the car, what can you guys say about the Continental DWS? Are they an excellent choice? Will I expect any problems or issues to arise? And also how good is the alignment at a shop other than the dealership? Will the dealers give me a better alignment or will I expect poor results?

jtwillia2

Agreed!

iJimpanzee

Good job on posting in your original thread to save excessive new threads

But with a shameless plug:

Should've bought my face lifted rims and new tires for $650 plus shipping!!
Cheaper than new tires and you get newer rims =o

ncmudbug

I had Sumitomos on my car. The fronts were doing well, but the rears were pretty much worn out after about 10k miles - and I don't drive hard. I bought new wheels with Continentals DWS (thanks mskembo). I haven't gone 10k miles yet, but they seem to be doing a lot better than the Sumitomos. They were recommended by other people as well so I think they make a pretty reasonably priced option.

04mbc230

Continental sounds good. About $550 is not bad on the current prices.

d1no

Buy my SL55 rims and tires

Vlad-II

Yeah the tires were actually around $550, the labor and the road hazard warranty along with the alignment made it around $830. Glad its finally set and done though.

The tires were well worth it, the car has an awesome feel to it, feels like I have better handling and grip on the road. Also the MPG has increased a tad, not to mention the annoying pull to the right that I was having is finally over!!

The DWS tires are awesome tires. And are very important in temperate climates that experience it all essentially. And we all know how the mid atlantic is during the Winter lol.

I can't wait to put these tires to the test during the upcoming snowstorms. Assuming the "S" tread doesn't wear out by then haha.