C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

C55 tires

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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 12:12 PM
  #1  
cntlaw's Avatar
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C55AMG W203; 330i E90
C55 tires

I am picking up this long waiting baby in a couple of days.
I usually replace the stock tires from new cars. Without changing the stock 18" AMG wheels of the C55 ( F225, R245 right ? ), if I want to cope with

- a balance of performance
- comfort
- wet roads

which of below should I use

Pirelli P zero
Pirelli P 7000
Bridegstone potenza 03 ( the ones I used on my Ex E320AV 235/235 17" )

or any other suggestions? e.g. Should I change the stock tires at all?

tks

cnt
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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 12:17 PM
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What is the tire that comes standard?
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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 12:23 PM
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It is very common for vehicle and tire manufacturers to collaborate on vehicles developing a specific tire for a specific performance vehicle, or for the manufacturer to "tune" the suspension to a specific tire. I see no logic in changing the tires unless you are changing wheel size. At the very least you may try to find out why AMG has selected the tires and sizes they are using on the C55.
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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 12:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Chappy
What is the tire that comes standard?
Don't know .... thought I saw it showing somewhere on a local car mag ..... may be the P zero....
So many questions will have answers soon.

cheers
cnt
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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 12:59 PM
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I just bought a set of Michelin PS2s that are still sitting in the basement (my OE Pilot Sports haven't worn out yet) The PS2s are getting excellent reviews (Tirerack's highest recommendations).

Good luck.
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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 12:59 PM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by 99ML430
It is very common for vehicle and tire manufacturers to collaborate on vehicles developing a specific tire for a specific performance vehicle, or for the manufacturer to "tune" the suspension to a specific tire. I see no logic in changing the tires unless you are changing wheel size. At the very least you may try to find out why AMG has selected the tires and sizes they are using on the C55.

Friend of mine an owner of a car repair shop thinks Bridgestone Potenza 03 is the best for quietness , grid and comfort and all weathers
( I had 03 on both my ex-E320 (225/225 ) and z3 ( 225/245)
Look like he will suggest 03 again on the C55...

cnt
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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 01:31 PM
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C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Originally Posted by Chappy
I just bought a set of Michelin PS2s that are still sitting in the basement (my OE Pilot Sports haven't worn out yet) The PS2s are getting excellent reviews (Tirerack's highest recommendations).

Good luck.

Thanks. I heard that . I will try PS2s because I have not used Michelin tires for years and they are the true blood and I am sure they do comfortable tires.

BTW, the roads in HK are very bad conditions. Guess PS2s are soft right ?


cnt
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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 02:08 PM
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Our E500 came with Michelin Pilot Primacy which I have been very happy with. My 04' S2000 came with Bridgestones and they gripped ferociously for about 2000 miles and have since shown a dramatic drop off in grip. They are wearing well but I am not impressed with such a dramatic difference in handling after the first 2000 miles.
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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 02:14 PM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by cntlaw
I am picking up this long waiting baby in a couple of days.
I usually replace the stock tires from new cars. Without changing the stock 18" AMG wheels of the C55 ( F225, R245 right ? ), if I want to cope with

- a balance of performance
- comfort
- wet roads

which of below should I use

Pirelli P zero
Pirelli P 7000
Bridegstone potenza 03 ( the ones I used on my Ex E320AV 235/235 17" )

or any other suggestions? e.g. Should I change the stock tires at all?

tks

cnt

I dont think they even make P7000's anymore. Even if u were able to get a set, dont, they suck! :p


Btw, the C55 comes with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso.
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Old Aug 18, 2004 | 02:19 PM
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Hong Kong's road is in no way comprable to the road's in Wisconsin. It just sux.
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Old Aug 19, 2004 | 01:36 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by BlackC230Coupe
Btw, the C55 comes with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso.
Hey, mine came with Continental Sport Contact 2! Did I get ripped off by the dealer? He had the wheels chromed (does that on all AMG's w/o asking) so maybe the shop kept the Rosso's???
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Old Aug 19, 2004 | 02:02 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by rbaker
Hey, mine came with Continental Sport Contact 2! Did I get ripped off by the dealer? He had the wheels chromed (does that on all AMG's w/o asking) so maybe the shop kept the Rosso's???


The continental's and Pirelli's are pretty much on the same level. I dont think you got ripped off. Btw, you mean the stock AMG's chrome? any pics?
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Old Aug 19, 2004 | 06:37 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by BlackC230Coupe
I dont think they even make P7000's anymore. Even if u were able to get a set, dont, they suck! :p


Btw, the C55 comes with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso.


Pirelli P-Zero Rosso - what is it like ?

cnt
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Old Aug 20, 2004 | 08:06 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by BlackC230Coupe
The continental's and Pirelli's are pretty much on the same level. I dont think you got ripped off. Btw, you mean the stock AMG's chrome? any pics?
I've been too busy to take any pics... that and the fact that it spent the first 3 days after I bought it in the shop! I'm just curious about the tires, as I believe they send them out for chroming, not factory. Also, the rears are 255/35/18 not the 245's all others seem to have. My factory manual also came with a warranty card for the P-Zero Rosso's.

I did compare them on Tire Rack & the two brands looks fairly close on ratings, so guess I shouldn't be worried.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 12:21 AM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by rbaker
I've been too busy to take any pics... that and the fact that it spent the first 3 days after I bought it in the shop! I'm just curious about the tires, as I believe they send them out for chroming, not factory. Also, the rears are 255/35/18 not the 245's all others seem to have. My factory manual also came with a warranty card for the P-Zero Rosso's.

I did compare them on Tire Rack & the two brands looks fairly close on ratings, so guess I shouldn't be worried.

255 tires.......nice! the C55 should have came with atleast 255 in the rear IMO.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 12:37 AM
  #16  
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i have PS2 on my car and they are great.. but very expensive. From what ive heard the tires of choice in HK now is still the P-zero Nero.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 12:42 AM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by Tezta
i have PS2 on my car and they are great.. but very expensive. From what ive heard the tires of choice in HK now is still the P-zero Nero.
I used to have P-zero Neros, i thought they were great. Very quiet (and i had 19) great grip in wet and dry, and they did not wear that fast.

I have also heard nothing but great things on the PS2's.
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 02:16 AM
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Originally Posted by 99ML430
Our E500 came with Michelin Pilot Primacy which I have been very happy with. My 04' S2000 came with Bridgestones and they gripped ferociously for about 2000 miles and have since shown a dramatic drop off in grip. They are wearing well but I am not impressed with such a dramatic difference in handling after the first 2000 miles.
My '03 E320 Has Primacy's and I too am very happy with them. Bridgestones do lose their grip and will wear horribly. My S430 Sport had Bridgestone Poles and they were worn out in 12,000 miles. I replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport All Seasons and they are much better. Excellent handling, ride quality and they are quiet. They are going on the others when it is time.

'03 S430 Sport
'03 E320 Sport
'05 C 55 AMG
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 03:39 AM
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Originally Posted by BlackC230Coupe
I dont think they even make P7000's anymore. Even if u were able to get a set, dont, they suck! :p


Btw, the C55 comes with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso.


Now .I read that on my C55 is Pirelli. Because the PERFECT feel of the C55 tires and supension is entirely different from my W210 , so I don't know whether it is good or not now. So I would not care what the tires are anymore for the moment

cnt
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Old Aug 21, 2004 | 01:39 PM
  #20  
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Why was your car provided with 255's in ther rear? Just run the rubber that came with the car so you will have something to compare your next set with. Don't worry, they will wear out in no time! lol.

I had asked this before, does anyone know the offset of the new C55 wheels? With the wider track of the front by 10mm, will there be any rubbing problems? Do the CLK fenders have a different shape than the sedan's?
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Old Aug 26, 2004 | 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Chappy
I just bought a set of Michelin PS2s that are still sitting in the basement (my OE Pilot Sports haven't worn out yet) The PS2s are getting excellent reviews (Tirerack's highest recommendations).

Good luck.

I am ( and most car owners in HK ) an absolute idiot about tires. We do not change tires in HK that often, guess most here even never change the stock tires before they sell their car!

The only tires I experienced with are Bridgestones 03
here my puzzles:-

1. the C55 stock tires are P zero sozzo - I been using the car for a week now , and I found the stock tires has comfort and good grip overall but does it also do well in the rain ?

2. What differences will I get for changing the c55 stock tires to PS2s?

3. What differences will I get for changing the C55 stock tires to 03?


Thanks for answer

cnt
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Old Aug 26, 2004 | 11:24 AM
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I've heard that the SO3's are good and more versatile (rain/dry) than the PS2's...and the PS2's are more of a summer tire....it's more geared for Dry Performance compared to the SO3's....but when I ask wheel retailers here about what tires I should get when I get my aftermarket wheels..all of them say if $$ is not an object, they all reccommend Michelins...but then again we're in So. Cali....not a lot of rain here....
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Old Aug 26, 2004 | 11:29 AM
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and the Bridgestone SO3's are more of a soft tire.....shorter tire-life....
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Old Aug 26, 2004 | 03:43 PM
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www.tirerack.com has all your answers.
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Old Aug 26, 2004 | 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by FrankW
www.tirerack.com has all your answers.

Great man Very educative, I never thought about them....
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