Time for new tires! Suggestions please?
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From: Norcal
43
Time for new tires! Suggestions please?
Hey guys! I just got my car back this morning, and it's time to go tire hunting for the rears. I was hoping some of the veterans here would have a few suggestions for some excellent tires that they could throw at me, because i haven't really had too much experience in this field.
Currently i'm running 275/35/18 Hankook Ventus V12 K110's on Lorinser RS-6 (rear 9.5"), and they have been causing some rubbing under heavy load or with alot of stuff in the back. They have gripped nicely though, they give alot of warning before the car starts to slide out. Road noise is good also, but haven't lasted as long as i hoped they would.
It's a definite that i'm moving down sizes to 255/35/18, but I have no idea what brands will be most efficient for my driving habits. I'm mostly a normal driver with a little bit of a lead foot sometimes, and I'm looking for affordable tires with good lifespan and decent grip (i go GMR every so often
).
So I was looking into BFGoodrich g-Force Sports, Pirelli PZero Nero A/S, General Exclaim UHP, Nitto NT555, Falken ZE512 A/S, or Yokohama S-Drives... I know, a big list, but i have no idea which is better than the others, and i don't trust tirerack customer reviews because they have differen cars and far different driving habits, so their definition of grip or road noise may be completely different than mine. And the tires stated above are sub $200 a piece and mostly have 340+ UTQG...
TLDR: Anyone have any suggestions for 255/35/18 tires? Sub $200, 340+ UTQG and decent grip? Thanks!
Currently i'm running 275/35/18 Hankook Ventus V12 K110's on Lorinser RS-6 (rear 9.5"), and they have been causing some rubbing under heavy load or with alot of stuff in the back. They have gripped nicely though, they give alot of warning before the car starts to slide out. Road noise is good also, but haven't lasted as long as i hoped they would.
It's a definite that i'm moving down sizes to 255/35/18, but I have no idea what brands will be most efficient for my driving habits. I'm mostly a normal driver with a little bit of a lead foot sometimes, and I'm looking for affordable tires with good lifespan and decent grip (i go GMR every so often
). So I was looking into BFGoodrich g-Force Sports, Pirelli PZero Nero A/S, General Exclaim UHP, Nitto NT555, Falken ZE512 A/S, or Yokohama S-Drives... I know, a big list, but i have no idea which is better than the others, and i don't trust tirerack customer reviews because they have differen cars and far different driving habits, so their definition of grip or road noise may be completely different than mine. And the tires stated above are sub $200 a piece and mostly have 340+ UTQG...
TLDR: Anyone have any suggestions for 255/35/18 tires? Sub $200, 340+ UTQG and decent grip? Thanks!
Last edited by LawRens; Jun 12, 2010 at 09:20 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Hey guys! I just got my car back this morning, and it's time to go tire hunting for the rears. I was hoping some of the veterans here would have a few suggestions for some excellent tires that they could throw at me, because i haven't really had too much experience in this field.
Currently i'm running 275/35/18 Hankook Ventus V12 K110's on Lorinser RS-6 (rear 9.5"), and they have been causing some rubbing under heavy load or with alot of stuff in the back. They have gripped nicely though, they give alot of warning before the car starts to slide out. Road noise is good also, but haven't lasted as long as i hoped they would.
It's a definite that i'm moving down sizes to 255/35/18, but I have no idea what brands will be most efficient for my driving habits. I'm mostly a normal driver with a little bit of a lead foot sometimes, and I'm looking for affordable tires with good lifespan and decent grip (i go GMR every so often).
So I was looking into BFGoodrich g-Force Sports, Pirelli PZero Nero A/S, General Exclaim UHP, Nitto NT555, Falken ZE512 A/S, or Yokohama S-Drives... I know, a big list, but i have no idea which is better than the others, and i don't trust tirerack customer reviews because they have differen cars and far different driving habits, so their definition of grip or road noise may be completely different than mine. And the tires stated above are sub $200 a piece and mostly have 340+ UTQG...
TLDR: Anyone have any suggestions for 255/35/18 tires? Sub $200, 340+ UTQG and decent grip? Thanks!
Currently i'm running 275/35/18 Hankook Ventus V12 K110's on Lorinser RS-6 (rear 9.5"), and they have been causing some rubbing under heavy load or with alot of stuff in the back. They have gripped nicely though, they give alot of warning before the car starts to slide out. Road noise is good also, but haven't lasted as long as i hoped they would.
It's a definite that i'm moving down sizes to 255/35/18, but I have no idea what brands will be most efficient for my driving habits. I'm mostly a normal driver with a little bit of a lead foot sometimes, and I'm looking for affordable tires with good lifespan and decent grip (i go GMR every so often
). So I was looking into BFGoodrich g-Force Sports, Pirelli PZero Nero A/S, General Exclaim UHP, Nitto NT555, Falken ZE512 A/S, or Yokohama S-Drives... I know, a big list, but i have no idea which is better than the others, and i don't trust tirerack customer reviews because they have differen cars and far different driving habits, so their definition of grip or road noise may be completely different than mine. And the tires stated above are sub $200 a piece and mostly have 340+ UTQG...
TLDR: Anyone have any suggestions for 255/35/18 tires? Sub $200, 340+ UTQG and decent grip? Thanks!
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From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
I just changed mine for Michelin Pilot Sports SP2. I love them as the ride is smoother, little road noise and wear less than other makes. Had several times PZero Rossos which are also good tyres but wear out much quicker and tramline like hell when wearing out. When I purchased the C43, it had Goodyear F1's which felt like wooden shoes and gripped like soap.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
I just changed mine for Michelin Pilot Sports SP2. I love them as the ride is smoother, little road noise and wear less than other makes. Had several times PZero Rossos which are also good tyres but wear out much quicker and tramline like hell when wearing out. When I purchased the C43, it had Goodyear F1's which felt like wooden shoes and gripped like soap.
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From: Bay Area, CA
98 C43, 15 Alfa 4C LE, 18 Tesla Model 3 DM Perf, 08 Duc S1000, 02 Duc 998, 98 Duc 748, 01 Miata
Just as an FYI, the tread wear ratings are useless when comparing tires from different brands. Every manufacture picks a tire in their line up as their baseline and their tires are rated off of that. So it is only really useful when shopping in the same brand.
I currently am running the Generals and they are ok. They were dirt cheap in the stock sizes. I wish I could comment better on wear, but no one can seem to properly align my front end, so I chew through tires.
I currently am running the Generals and they are ok. They were dirt cheap in the stock sizes. I wish I could comment better on wear, but no one can seem to properly align my front end, so I chew through tires.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
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From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Just as an FYI, the tread wear ratings are useless when comparing tires from different brands. Every manufacture picks a tire in their line up as their baseline and their tires are rated off of that. So it is only really useful when shopping in the same brand.
I currently am running the Generals and they are ok. They were dirt cheap in the stock sizes. I wish I could comment better on wear, but no one can seem to properly align my front end, so I chew through tires.
I currently am running the Generals and they are ok. They were dirt cheap in the stock sizes. I wish I could comment better on wear, but no one can seem to properly align my front end, so I chew through tires.
Was unaware of that.... Thanks for the tip
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Norcal
43
Just as an FYI, the tread wear ratings are useless when comparing tires from different brands. Every manufacture picks a tire in their line up as their baseline and their tires are rated off of that. So it is only really useful when shopping in the same brand.
I currently am running the Generals and they are ok. They were dirt cheap in the stock sizes. I wish I could comment better on wear, but no one can seem to properly align my front end, so I chew through tires.
I currently am running the Generals and they are ok. They were dirt cheap in the stock sizes. I wish I could comment better on wear, but no one can seem to properly align my front end, so I chew through tires.
Right now i'm thinking of general exclaims or the conti dws... bleh idk still
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Yeah I was almost fooled by that number as well, can't remember what tire it was but it was SUPPOSEDLY a UHP (Ultra High Performance) tire with a 480+ rating. It sounded quite fishy to me and I passed, GLAD I DID.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Hi all!
With the performance potential of a C43, I recommend only the best tyres. Don't mess around with lesser brands, as the car deserves good "sockings" and not rubbish stuff with holes in them
With the performance potential of a C43, I recommend only the best tyres. Don't mess around with lesser brands, as the car deserves good "sockings" and not rubbish stuff with holes in them
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 998
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From: Oakland
W210 DRFT BNZ
While its true that tires with same wear rating won't wear equally in all likelihood, it is also to the best of my knowledge, that the baseline tire is a [federally?] mandated sample. Both TireRack and Wiki claim this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treadwear_rating
But in the end your statement is probably true, the Limitations anchor link in there says something similar.
OP: Unfortunately your grip rating requirement is too low to recommend good tires, but if you consider buying something sticky, then two of my personal recommendation are the Dunlop Direzza Star Spec Z (previous category champion) and the new player on the block looking to decrown (value wise at the very least), Kumho Ecsta XS. These are both summer tires.
Last edited by jumph4x; Jun 13, 2010 at 04:17 PM.
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From: Westmont, IL
2014 C63 Sedan
I just changed mine for Michelin Pilot Sports SP2. I love them as the ride is smoother, little road noise and wear less than other makes. Had several times PZero Rossos which are also good tyres but wear out much quicker and tramline like hell when wearing out. When I purchased the C43, it had Goodyear F1's which felt like wooden shoes and gripped like soap.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
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From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
i had the F1's in my car and i had to get new tires after 8 months, they were terrible, my car sounded like a helicopter and they really feel wooden, i have Yokohama S-drive now and i m really happy with them, they grip well, quiet and have lasted me 18 months, i m due for new ones when winter starts and i m plannin on buying the same ones, i believe they are summmer tires but i went thru last winter with them without a problem and we do get alot of snow in chicago lol
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
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From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Changed my Monos (with dead wood tyres) for my previous wheels (also staggered) and new tyres Michelin PS2s. Like them or not?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Bay Area, CA
98 C43, 15 Alfa 4C LE, 18 Tesla Model 3 DM Perf, 08 Duc S1000, 02 Duc 998, 98 Duc 748, 01 Miata
Where are you getting this info from?
While its true that tires with same wear rating won't wear equally in all likelihood, it is also to the best of my knowledge, that the baseline tire is a [federally?] mandated sample. Both TireRack and Wiki claim this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treadwear_rating
But in the end your statement is probably true, the Limitations anchor link in there says something similar.
OP: Unfortunately your grip rating requirement is too low to recommend good tires, but if you consider buying something sticky, then two of my personal recommendation are the Dunlop Direzza Star Spec Z (previous category champion) and the new player on the block looking to decrown (value wise at the very least), Kumho Ecsta XS. These are both summer tires.
While its true that tires with same wear rating won't wear equally in all likelihood, it is also to the best of my knowledge, that the baseline tire is a [federally?] mandated sample. Both TireRack and Wiki claim this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treadwear_rating
But in the end your statement is probably true, the Limitations anchor link in there says something similar.
OP: Unfortunately your grip rating requirement is too low to recommend good tires, but if you consider buying something sticky, then two of my personal recommendation are the Dunlop Direzza Star Spec Z (previous category champion) and the new player on the block looking to decrown (value wise at the very least), Kumho Ecsta XS. These are both summer tires.
"The Treadwear Grade describes how a tire manufacturer views the wear of a given tire. In theory, this means that a tire with a 200 grade will wear twice as long as a tire with a 100 grade. However, tire manufacturers are not under any obligation to grade a tire based on the test results, except to say that they can not overstate the grade. This is enforced by NHTSA requiring documentation to justify any assignment of a grade on a tire."
"The assigning of UTQG grades is done solely by the tire manufacturer. In many cases, this has resulted in the UTQG grading system to be more of a marketing tool than was originally intended."
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From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
Read further in:
"The Treadwear Grade describes how a tire manufacturer views the wear of a given tire. In theory, this means that a tire with a 200 grade will wear twice as long as a tire with a 100 grade. However, tire manufacturers are not under any obligation to grade a tire based on the test results, except to say that they can not overstate the grade. This is enforced by NHTSA requiring documentation to justify any assignment of a grade on a tire."
"The assigning of UTQG grades is done solely by the tire manufacturer. In many cases, this has resulted in the UTQG grading system to be more of a marketing tool than was originally intended."
"The Treadwear Grade describes how a tire manufacturer views the wear of a given tire. In theory, this means that a tire with a 200 grade will wear twice as long as a tire with a 100 grade. However, tire manufacturers are not under any obligation to grade a tire based on the test results, except to say that they can not overstate the grade. This is enforced by NHTSA requiring documentation to justify any assignment of a grade on a tire."
"The assigning of UTQG grades is done solely by the tire manufacturer. In many cases, this has resulted in the UTQG grading system to be more of a marketing tool than was originally intended."
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,102
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From: Norcal
43
Quick update:
Ended up getting 255/35/18 Bridgestone Potenza RE760 sports, the OEM tires BMW and MBZ use sometimes on their cars off the lot. I've got about a good thousand miles on them now. Although I haven't driven them long enough to make a detailed review, they do work well, with minimal road noise, and good grip (but somehow not excellent, my hankooks held up a little bit better at GMR); but that's obvious, seeing as how they're completely new tires.
I'll keep you guys updated!
Ended up getting 255/35/18 Bridgestone Potenza RE760 sports, the OEM tires BMW and MBZ use sometimes on their cars off the lot. I've got about a good thousand miles on them now. Although I haven't driven them long enough to make a detailed review, they do work well, with minimal road noise, and good grip (but somehow not excellent, my hankooks held up a little bit better at GMR); but that's obvious, seeing as how they're completely new tires.
I'll keep you guys updated!
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Joined: May 2010
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22 X3, 21 330e, 97 M3, 97 C36 (sold), but on the hunt for a clean, low-mile C43!
Quick update:
Ended up getting 255/35/18 Bridgestone Potenza RE760 sports, the OEM tires BMW and MBZ use sometimes on their cars off the lot. I've got about a good thousand miles on them now. Although I haven't driven them long enough to make a detailed review, they do work well, with minimal road noise, and good grip (but somehow not excellent, my hankooks held up a little bit better at GMR); but that's obvious, seeing as how they're completely new tires.
I'll keep you guys updated!
Ended up getting 255/35/18 Bridgestone Potenza RE760 sports, the OEM tires BMW and MBZ use sometimes on their cars off the lot. I've got about a good thousand miles on them now. Although I haven't driven them long enough to make a detailed review, they do work well, with minimal road noise, and good grip (but somehow not excellent, my hankooks held up a little bit better at GMR); but that's obvious, seeing as how they're completely new tires.
I'll keep you guys updated!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Norcal
43
I think they replace the pole positions... Don't know for sure.
But update: so my driver side falken ziex tire gave out today with a nice bang on the 91east. Sidewall burst, but there was still alot of tread left. Saddening. Now it's time to search for front tires!
I guess it couldn't handle all those runs at GMR, now could it? At first i thought it was a bent wheel because there was a little bit of vibration when the tires rolled, but i didn't notice any air leak... I was actually about to take the wheels off to inspect them, but the tire decided to burst before i could get home.
fml.
But update: so my driver side falken ziex tire gave out today with a nice bang on the 91east. Sidewall burst, but there was still alot of tread left. Saddening. Now it's time to search for front tires!
I guess it couldn't handle all those runs at GMR, now could it? At first i thought it was a bent wheel because there was a little bit of vibration when the tires rolled, but i didn't notice any air leak... I was actually about to take the wheels off to inspect them, but the tire decided to burst before i could get home. fml.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Fallon, NV
BMW and Mercedes
I always used the OEM contisport 2's, never had any problems and enjoyed them. Tread looks pretty mean from the back as well. Not sure if you can still get them, but I know they have a new seasonal line out now
Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 78
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From: NJ
1998 C43 AMG
i just put on cont. dws about 2 months ago on my rear and i love em but i live in jersey so i need something for snow rain and nice weather goin to order front tires real soon just wanted to wear down everything on front before summer ended but back to the point i love my continentals
