C32/55 hungry for tires?
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 55
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From: Dallas, TX
C32
C32/55 hungry for tires?
When I bought my 2003 C32 back in December the P.O. said that the tires (Pilot Sport A/S) were relatively new - and they looked it. My rears ended up cupping (worn out in the middle, still decent tread on the shoulders) probably due to autocrossing with 42-45psi in the tires. They're so bad I can see the cords. I've only put about 6,000 miles on the car and I'd guess the tires have about 7,500 miles on them at most.
Having just read through a few threads I've noticed that people tend to replace their rear tires about that often, anyway. Does the C32/55 eat rear tires that quickly? Does it have lots of toe-in in the rear or something? My old MR2 Turbo used to eat rear tires about every 6-7k miles due to lots of toe-in. (Designed to keep the "average" driver on the road in a turbo, mid-engined car.)
Just curious. I'm going to get the car re-aligned soon, anyway. So i'll find out soon enough what it's set at.
Having just read through a few threads I've noticed that people tend to replace their rear tires about that often, anyway. Does the C32/55 eat rear tires that quickly? Does it have lots of toe-in in the rear or something? My old MR2 Turbo used to eat rear tires about every 6-7k miles due to lots of toe-in. (Designed to keep the "average" driver on the road in a turbo, mid-engined car.)
Just curious. I'm going to get the car re-aligned soon, anyway. So i'll find out soon enough what it's set at.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Dallas, TX
C32
Originally Posted by Vader13
AMGS eat tyres..true story
I've had a more powerful car that didn't eat tires nearly as quickly, but it was all-wheel drive.
I've had a less powerful car that ate tires more quickly, but it was mid-engined and had lots of toe-in.
I autocrossed both of the above as I do my C32.
I guess I'll find out for myself if it's an alignment issue or an aggressive driving issue.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Weight!
The C32 weighs half a ton more than the MR2. Any car that big will go through low-profile tires quickly. My S55 is easier on tires than my previous S500 with roughly equivalent (+2) rubber was, even though I drive the S55 harder. That's because the W220 is lighter than the W140.
If my wife lets me drive her C55 much, I'm sure it will go through rubber as fast. That's one price we pay for cars that are pushed amazingly far in the performance direction, even though performance wasn't their original design objective. The blend of comfort, reliability, tractability and, yes, performance, means lots of pounds over a pure performance vehicle.
If my wife lets me drive her C55 much, I'm sure it will go through rubber as fast. That's one price we pay for cars that are pushed amazingly far in the performance direction, even though performance wasn't their original design objective. The blend of comfort, reliability, tractability and, yes, performance, means lots of pounds over a pure performance vehicle.
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From: SoCal - SaMo & West SFV
2011 C63, 2004 S500, 2013 E350, 2013 Ody Elite
My 2003 C32 is at 33k now with my OEM tire. I am placing my tires order just today. 
I don't do autocross but I drive around those recent Ferrari crashed sites around west coast very often.
I don't do autocross but I drive around those recent Ferrari crashed sites around west coast very often.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Scripps Ranch, San Diego, CA
'05 C55 AMG '15 Jeep SRT '11 G37S
Here's my OEM tires @ ~7K miles:
I'm trying to be a little lighter on the foot, but it's hard.
Hoping to get more like 10-12K outta the new PS2's.
I'm trying to be a little lighter on the foot, but it's hard.
Hoping to get more like 10-12K outta the new PS2's.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Scripps Ranch, San Diego, CA
'05 C55 AMG '15 Jeep SRT '11 G37S
Originally Posted by Vader13
AMGS have alot of pwer to the rear and most of the guys stomp on the gas.
Also lowering the car eats them up quicker too.
Also lowering the car eats them up quicker too.
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C32 AMG
Originally Posted by Scoop55
Why does lowering the car make it worse?
But on the C32, I think the consumption of tires is due to the excess of torque focused on the rear wheels.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 265
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2005 SL55 K2, 2006 CLS55
Originally Posted by Scoop55
Here's my OEM tires @ ~7K miles:
I'm trying to be a little lighter on the foot, but it's hard. Hoping to get more like 10-12K outta the new PS2's.
I'm trying to be a little lighter on the foot, but it's hard.
Hoping to get more like 10-12K outta the new PS2's.haha, that looks familiar
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 999
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From: san francisco
C32
the OEM tires, which I believe are Pirelli Zero Rosso Asymmetricals, actually last longer than PS2's. I found them to be less sticky however, but they are also quieter.
I drove like a grandpa on the most part and got 27K out of them before replacing them. Gotta love those highway commutes.
I drove like a grandpa on the most part and got 27K out of them before replacing them. Gotta love those highway commutes
.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 350
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From: CA
C32/55 eats tires like crazy, that is not weird cos of the torque.
Btw, just wondering if any C32 owner needs a set of 17" Brand NEW Michelin Pilot Primacy ((2)-225/45 F and (2)-245/40 R)?
PM me if interested.
Thanks
Btw, just wondering if any C32 owner needs a set of 17" Brand NEW Michelin Pilot Primacy ((2)-225/45 F and (2)-245/40 R)?
PM me if interested.
Thanks
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Dallas, TX
C32
Originally Posted by MB AMG
Just to chime in, I don't think Michelin Pilot A/S tires are recommended by MB.
Oh, I don't doubt it. Honestly...I couldn't stand them. The previous owner put them on there.
I replaced the rears with Sumitomo HTR Z-II's. Mainly because I wanted cheap, sticky tires that will last me until the fronts wear out and I buy some 19" wheels.
I like the Sumitomos, by the way. I've used them on many of my previous cars that have seen track time. They're great bang for the buck and are 100% more sticky than the crap all-seasons that were on there a week ago.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
There's 2 things that lead to tire wear. the DRIVER and the suspension setup.
my original Pilotsport that came with the car lasted 22k miles before I replaced'em. The ES100 I used on the 18" LM6 rep lasted 20k miles and I currently clocked 15k already on the GS-D3 and still planty of tread. The front looks 85% left and the rear about 70% on one and 85% on another since it's replaced when a nail killed it.
my original Pilotsport that came with the car lasted 22k miles before I replaced'em. The ES100 I used on the 18" LM6 rep lasted 20k miles and I currently clocked 15k already on the GS-D3 and still planty of tread. The front looks 85% left and the rear about 70% on one and 85% on another since it's replaced when a nail killed it.
