Got them and would get them again
c350 18" Rims - Severe Tire Damage! Contact3's vs Michelin Pilot Sports?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
c350 Sport
c350 18" Rims - Severe Tire Damage! Contact3's vs Michelin Pilot Sports?
I just purchased my c350 w/ 18" AMG rims.
ContiContact3's. Front: 225/40ZR 18 92Y
In a matter of 4 weeks, I have gone through [3] front driver-side tires. One was from a "nail", and the other two came from potholes.
I'm curious if anyone else has had this issue, and if anyone recommends any other tire brands that might be a little more suitable for the urban streets of Chicago...
I'm loking at the all-season Micheline Pilot Sport A/S Plus, and think this might be the way to go considering I'm in Chicago and that all-summer tires aren't cut out for the winters here.
Also, if anyone can recommend a cheap full-size spare to keep in the trunk, that would be greatly appreciated.
ContiContact3's. Front: 225/40ZR 18 92Y
In a matter of 4 weeks, I have gone through [3] front driver-side tires. One was from a "nail", and the other two came from potholes.
I'm curious if anyone else has had this issue, and if anyone recommends any other tire brands that might be a little more suitable for the urban streets of Chicago...
I'm loking at the all-season Micheline Pilot Sport A/S Plus, and think this might be the way to go considering I'm in Chicago and that all-summer tires aren't cut out for the winters here.
Also, if anyone can recommend a cheap full-size spare to keep in the trunk, that would be greatly appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 811
Likes: 2
From: Toronto, ON
2011 E350 4Matic Wagon, 2013 C350 4Matic Sedan
Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about the problems with your tyres.
I'd say that Toronto weather is pretty similar to Chicago... having lived in both cities. We too have pothole problems especially after the Spring thaw.
You're probably better served with dedicated summer and winter tyres considering the severity of the winter.
I have the Michelin Pilot Sport on my car and I am very happy with them... which seems to be different from the experience of the owners who received Conti's with their vehicles. Even automotive magazines note a difference in braking performance when testing W204's fitted with the Michelin vs. Conti's.
I'd say that Toronto weather is pretty similar to Chicago... having lived in both cities. We too have pothole problems especially after the Spring thaw.
You're probably better served with dedicated summer and winter tyres considering the severity of the winter.
I have the Michelin Pilot Sport on my car and I am very happy with them... which seems to be different from the experience of the owners who received Conti's with their vehicles. Even automotive magazines note a difference in braking performance when testing W204's fitted with the Michelin vs. Conti's.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
c350 Sport
I can get a sweet deal on Michelin's because of a family discount. I know nobody recommends running Michelin's up front and Conti's in the rear... What do you think? I hate the idea of tossing perfectly good tires and having to spend an extra $500...
Otherwise, are there people on the forum who buy slightly used tires (>1000 miles)?
Otherwise, are there people on the forum who buy slightly used tires (>1000 miles)?
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
The Contis are crap noisy tyres & one pothole & you have a bulging sidewall. Buy Michelin - They will transform your car.
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, VT
2008 C300 Sport 6M
If you can get pilots cheap go for it, they're definitely a great tire. In terms of running both, I think you'll be ok safety/performance-wise but it's true, it's probably not recommended.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 2
From: Miami, FL
C63 AMG(sold), 2009 CL550, 2010 S550 Majestic Black, 2010 ML550, 2006 C230, 2009 Venza
Goodyear Eagle F1 assymetrics
I've been thru 4 sets in 10k, and it wasnt potholes
So far, the only tire that has done the best job has been Goodyear!
I've been thru 4 sets in 10k, and it wasnt potholes
So far, the only tire that has done the best job has been Goodyear!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 336
Likes: 19
I sincerely recommend not to mix different brands of tires on our car, especially high performance tires. It will generate unpredictable handling behaviors during braking or cornering, and can be dangerous especially in severe weather conditions.
If budget is a factor, try to give the guys at Tirerack a call. They might recommend a set of tires that is not the top-tire brands, but still yields decent performance and fits your budget. These guys generally are very knowledgeable and helpful.
With best regards,
If budget is a factor, try to give the guys at Tirerack a call. They might recommend a set of tires that is not the top-tire brands, but still yields decent performance and fits your budget. These guys generally are very knowledgeable and helpful.
With best regards,
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 29
Likes: 4
C350
Live in Chitown also with same set-up. So far no issues. Like the nail ,the pothole failure is luck of the draw. Have always liked Conti tires so I was surprised at the bad rap on C3's. However heard the same complaints on BMW 330 Conti runflats which were on my wife's last car and we had no issues. I definitely plan to run summer and winter tires-on the C-350- will get 17 wheels and matched snow tires tires from TRack. I personally wouldn't be worried about mixing brands (same types ie. performance summer) front to back (especially shorter term) unless I was doing some very high speed driving. Also have had great experiences with super cheapos (Hancook,Kumho,Sumitomo) from Tire R and would consider these also. Good luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 85
From: San Francisco, CA
2017 E300
IIRC, the michelines are so much more expensive than the conties
wait, are we talking about the Pilot sport, pilot sport PS2, or the pilot sport PS2 ZP?
wait, are we talking about the Pilot sport, pilot sport PS2, or the pilot sport PS2 ZP?
Last edited by joshg1001; May 23, 2009 at 02:29 PM.
