I have a 2009 C230 4MATIC Sports Package (Canadian Model) with stock Michelin HX MXM4 tires (staggered fitment) - REAR 245/40R/17 and FRONT 225/45R/17. Would like to improve handling with new tires, but stick to the original wheels which are 17".

I talked to the local MB dealers, and the tire options they gave me are rather expensive. Was considering purchasing on the tire rack.

Was possibly looking at Michelins or Pirellis, (i.e Michelin Pilot Super Sports, or Pirelli Pzero Rossos as possible options). Looked at the PS2s, but was told by the MB dealer that they did not list the rear tire size.

1) Has anyone put these tires on their stock 17' wheels? If so, what kind of a difference have you noticed in ride/handling?

2) If I order from a place like the tire rack, does it make a big difference on how the tire perfroms on the vehicle if I order solely by size match, VERSUS a size match and OEM match? (Note: I did not see a lot of w204 Mercedes owners reviewing the tires I was looking at on the Tire Rack.). Should I always get a MO (Mercedes Original) tire?

3) I use dedicated winter tires here in Edmonton, therefore I do not need an all season. If given a choice, should I stick to a summer tire (only) or a high performance all season? Is there a big difference?

Any other tire recommendations that you might have would be appreciated. Would like to hear from anyone, and especially drivers who have changed over tires on the same type of vehicle and wheel size. I am not sure if it makes a difference in tire sizes whether they are for a C230 versus a C300, etc. I know that the C230 was not available in the US, and when I look on the tire rack, they do not list a C230 4MATIC sports package, but list the C300. If the wheel sizes and applications are the same on both vehicles, then there is no problem (and I have more options).

Other than that, I do not put a lot of mileage on my car during the summer (maybe 5K per season), so I am not overly concerned about wear. I also am not an aggresive driver, but would like a stiffer/sturdier ride and better steering than is given by my current tires.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Tirerack.com is a great source, and whether you start with pure O.E. size, or work back to size by choosing a vehicle winds up with the same tire. So, the only real issue is what makes for a good tire choice.

I would suggest you reconsider a premise. Although you don't see snow until winter, and wisely use dedicated winter tires , there is the added concern of ambient temperature. Summer tires lose much of their capability when ambient temps drop below 40-45 F / 4-7 C, which happens long before snow falls in your location. Summer tires will have limited use over, literally, the summer.... much of Spring and Autumn may not allow for the performance you may seek.

So, what to do? Well, Michelin is about to launch this month a new tire....Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3. Early reports have been quite superior, equating its dry weather performance to many summer tires. And, these will also allow you to run right up to when the snow appears before you need to change to your winter tires. They won't turn hard as hockey pucks at 40 degrees the way summer tires can.

These new tires don't seem to be in stock quite yet....a few weeks away. From what I have read so far, they may be a game changer. No, I do not work for Michelin or have any connection....just waiting for these same tires myself!

 

I realized I missed an important part of your question. Changing to tires of the caliber I suggested makes a huge difference in the car's behavior. I also went further with Eibach antisway bars and strut tower brace, as I really enjoy handling, even more than engine performance. But, the tires alone will be quite pleasing to you! Yes, even in the same 17" size, as I have also maintained to achieve a ride/handling balance. Larger wheel sizes are mostly for those who measure aesthetics in inches, but is directionally wrong in many dynamic categories due to the increased wheel weight of a larger wheel. If you also want to change your wheels, here is a good source for great wheels and service at very reasonable prices.

http://www.powerwheelspro.com/shop/i...sort=2a&page=2

 

Hi Sports Stick:

Thanks for your advice. You bring up an excellent point. Here in Edmonton we could easily have -10C with no snow on the ground. It sounds like an all summer tire might not be the safest bet for the local driving consitions. I guess if I can find a high performance 'all season', then this would give me more options as far as the temperature is concerned. I'll check into those Michelins you suggested. Any comments on the Pirelli Pzeros?

Thanks again!

 

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...jsp?type=UHPAS

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=165




Pzero are good, but several choices are better.

 

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Thanks for the links. Will check them out!

 

I ran Continental DWS All seasons on my BMW 128i and was very satisfied. They are value priced, have good tread wear, quiet and handle well.

 

Try nexen 7000 tires. I used this tire on my v6 honda accord and was impressed. I see a lot of bimmers and c350s here in Vancouver with those shoes and I am looking on changing my rims and those will be on my c300 when I find the rims I want. They are cheap but very good quality tires. Go to 1010tires.com and check it out.

 

Hi , i have c230 2009 model and i just upgrade my rims to 18 but i don't know if it will effect on performance ??????

 

I would go with Michelin Pilot Super sports or Mich A/S3 if your worried about temps. Much PSS is a way better (IMO) than Pirelli Pzeros in both grip and wear.

I am running Pzeros on my 911 and switching to Mich PSS at the end of this season. I am also putting Mich A/S on my 18" AMG wheels for the C300 for spring, summer, fall us with dedicated winter tires my standard 17s.

Tirerack is great....been using them for 20 yrs....seriously