XL rated tires
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: San Diego
2006 C55
XL rated tires
Time for new tires (big surprise) and I've read a number of posts and reviews on Tire Rack. There are limited options for our cars if you limit to the search to XL load rated tires. A Tire Rack rep indicated my car doesn't require the XL load tire, but the owners manual seems to indicate otherwise. So my question is how many of you are not running XL load rated tires?
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From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
You need XL rated tires for certain tires that have lower standard ratings than others. You really can't go with the XL wording, you have to go with the actual rating that is listed for the tire.
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From: GA
2016 Chevrolet SS, 2006 Cadillac STS-V
That's usually on cheap crappy tires like Nexen or Kumho. You don't want those anyway. You get what you pay for. The best bang for your buck tire I've found is the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus. Quiet, rides good, and awesome traction.
Last edited by 91RS; Jun 2, 2011 at 07:22 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,040
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From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
I just recently put on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus's as well, so far so good. In this case, yes they were XL rated (but the only rating in that size)
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From: GA
2016 Chevrolet SS, 2006 Cadillac STS-V
Looks like mine are as well. When looking at matching front and rear sets some of one size are XL and some aren't. I guess it just depends on the tire, but the car doesn't require it so it doesn't really matter if it has it or not.
How do you like the A/S Plus so far? I think I may try the Super Sports or the PS2s next just so I can cross-rotate them.
How do you like the A/S Plus so far? I think I may try the Super Sports or the PS2s next just so I can cross-rotate them.
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
Only had them on for two weeks and so far all is well. Grip well, tread is thick, and in the rain it felt fine. Only thing is that I have a slight pull to the left now, which I think is an alignment issue that was hidden by the previous tires. So I need to find me a good alignment shop now.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 25
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From: San Diego
2006 C55
Thanks to all for the feedback. Interesting that the Owners manual indicates XL tires, although I can't see that is says 'required'
Viper, I don't see the A/S Plus in the standard rear fitment, are you running 255 35 18? I don't track the car (yet) so I don't need uber grippy tires, but I do like to throw it into long sweeping curves, so as long as the tire has a decent sidewall, I'm tempted to try an all-season to get some more mileage out of the tire.
Viper, I don't see the A/S Plus in the standard rear fitment, are you running 255 35 18? I don't track the car (yet) so I don't need uber grippy tires, but I do like to throw it into long sweeping curves, so as long as the tire has a decent sidewall, I'm tempted to try an all-season to get some more mileage out of the tire.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: GA
2016 Chevrolet SS, 2006 Cadillac STS-V
Ah, well I guess I shouldn't say the car doesn't "require" then then, but you still probably don't need them unless you're going to the track or doing lots of high speed driving. I've got the A/S Plus right now in the 255/35/18 (which is the stock C63 size), I got them from Discount Tire.
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Atlanta Metro
Current: C217 V12TT AMG Previously: C55 AMG, SL65 AMG
Yes, I run 225/40/18 and 255/35/18 for many reasons. First, wider is better. Second, it fits just fine inside the fenders without rubbing. It also fits the wheel much better (square-ness) and the sidewall height matches the front sidewall height. I don't know why MB even debated having the 245 on there. And BMW does the 225/255 on their 3 series standard.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
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From: San Diego
2006 C55
Thanks Viper and 91RS. Knowing that I could run the 255/35/18 opened up a wider range of options. I decided to order a set of the Pilot Supersports which are XL rated, so I guess it's a moot point as to whether I 'need' them or not.
