Blizzak WS70 vs LM-60 tires
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
sl550
Blizzak WS70 vs LM-60 tires
I have a 2012 c63 amg coupe, and this car is awful in the snow with stock tires. This weekend I was in LI NY, and it started to snow at night coming back into NYC, and my wife and I almost got killed sliding all over the road with the stock conti's. Of course I know they're summer tires but I really need to replace them until its warmer outside.
Doing some quick research it looks like either the Blizzak WS70 or LM-60 would work but tire rack recommended the LM-60.
Can someone please assist me on what size to get all around, and which tire is the better option? I will only use these for the next few months until spring time.
Doing some quick research it looks like either the Blizzak WS70 or LM-60 would work but tire rack recommended the LM-60.
Can someone please assist me on what size to get all around, and which tire is the better option? I will only use these for the next few months until spring time.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 4
2012 C63 AMG Black Series
I have a 2012 c63 amg coupe, and this car is awful in the snow with stock tires. This weekend I was in LI NY, and it started to snow at night coming back into NYC, and my wife and I almost got killed sliding all over the road with the stock conti's. Of course I know they're summer tires but I really need to replace them until its warmer outside.
Doing some quick research it looks like either the Blizzak WS70 or LM-60 would work but tire rack recommended the LM-60.
Can someone please assist me on what size to get all around, and which tire is the better option? I will only use these for the next few months until spring time.
Doing some quick research it looks like either the Blizzak WS70 or LM-60 would work but tire rack recommended the LM-60.
Can someone please assist me on what size to get all around, and which tire is the better option? I will only use these for the next few months until spring time.
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
2012 C63
I have 225 all around. It was hard finding someone to stretch the back tires. They were all worried about damaging the rim. As for dry pavement, I dont notice anything different. Its only when its above freezing, they get soft and you spin out more on dead stop hard accel. Thats what I experience.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
2012 C63 coupe
LM-60 if you want good snow traction and good, for a winter tire, dry pavement traction.
WS-70 if you want the best snow/ice traction at the expense of dry traction.
I would go 235 all around. I'm running 225 but regret it and wish I went 235.
Since you made it this far on summer tires (which is insane if you ask me
), I bet the LM-60 would fit the bill nicely for you.
WS-70 if you want the best snow/ice traction at the expense of dry traction.
I would go 235 all around. I'm running 225 but regret it and wish I went 235.
Since you made it this far on summer tires (which is insane if you ask me
), I bet the LM-60 would fit the bill nicely for you.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 293
Likes: 24
From: Toronto
C63
I have a 2012 c63 amg coupe, and this car is awful in the snow with stock tires. This weekend I was in LI NY, and it started to snow at night coming back into NYC, and my wife and I almost got killed sliding all over the road with the stock conti's. Of course I know they're summer tires but I really need to replace them until its warmer outside.
Doing some quick research it looks like either the Blizzak WS70 or LM-60 would work but tire rack recommended the LM-60.
Can someone please assist me on what size to get all around, and which tire is the better option? I will only use these for the next few months until spring time.
Doing some quick research it looks like either the Blizzak WS70 or LM-60 would work but tire rack recommended the LM-60.
Can someone please assist me on what size to get all around, and which tire is the better option? I will only use these for the next few months until spring time.
I'm running Pirelli Sottozero Series II in the front and Pirelli Sottozero Series I in the rear in stock 18" sizes (235/40/18 and 255/35/18). They are great tires for anything less than light snow. On cold dry roads they perform like a good performance all-season tire.
I drive the car in Toronto, so I'm assuming your driving conditions are similar to mine in NYC during the winter months. I don't believe in using a narrow tire to cut through the snow since there just isn't much snow on the ground here. When it does snow, it is mopped up within the day. The Sottozero's will get you home when there is snow - but won't perform like the WS-70's in those conditions.
If you are worried about deep snow, the best tire I have ever used for that (without sacrificing dry weather performance like a studless winter tire will) was the Dunlop WinterSport M3. They have replaced that model with the 3D and 4D. Haven't used the 4D, but the 3D is just as good on the dry, less so than the M3 in the deep stuff.
... all that being said, the Sottozero's are the only tires I could find in stock sizes, and even then, I had to mix them with the Series I & II front to back.
Cheers
Last edited by tuffcalc; Feb 4, 2013 at 04:53 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
I would go with the Hankook W310s 235s all-around. Blizzaks are expensive for the money and dont offer much more in winter performance. The Hankooks wont wear as quickly. Im running the Hankooks and after almost 2 winters (Rotated the fronts and rears) they are still great! As much traction as youd expect in the snow on winter tires and the dry performance is almost unmatched. If you can afford the Blizzaks go with them but I dont feel they are worth the extra $$. Good luck with tires, but 235s all round should do the trick.
I am happy with the W310 as well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 11
From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
Michelin Pilot Alpin PA-4
I like the Hankooks but would also consider the Michelins in matched sizes. The latter PA-4s are purpose-built for AMG and SL series cars. (There is also a special Porsche version - the N series.) As the OP said the Blizzaks are better in an area where heavy snow is the rule.
Make sure you follow the recommended OM or gas flap placard inflation instructions.
Folks/tire shops have a tendency to underinflate winter tires. This leads to uneven wear just as overinflation does.
Make sure you follow the recommended OM or gas flap placard inflation instructions.
Folks/tire shops have a tendency to underinflate winter tires. This leads to uneven wear just as overinflation does.
Last edited by grane; Feb 5, 2013 at 11:07 AM. Reason: grammar
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 811
Likes: 5
From: Calgary, Canada
'10 F150 FX4 SCrew. '14 S212S
The only difference between the WS-70 and the LM-60 is the speed rating. Do you really need to go over 190 km/h in the winter?
Right now I have 225 LM-60 on the front and 235 WS-70 on the rear. You can't get the LM-60 in a 235 (which gives a little more rim protection).
Right now I have 225 LM-60 on the front and 235 WS-70 on the rear. You can't get the LM-60 in a 235 (which gives a little more rim protection).
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 293
Likes: 24
From: Toronto
C63
The tread pattern looks the same, but the WS-70 is a different compound (softer) than the LM-60 (harder). Different tires and characteristics.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
sl550
just installed the ws70, 235/40/18 all around, and the car feel weird, like wobbles side to side and a lot of play in the steering feel. Of course these tires are a lot smaller, is this normal?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 293
Likes: 24
From: Toronto
C63
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,462
Likes: 54
FF. W212 E63 M156 non-pano 18" P2 ParkT NightV (gone but will be missed).
As someone had mentioned, make sure to inflate winter tires 3-5 psi higher.
Obviously, if temp is all sub 45 F, I would say go for the WS70. However, your only chance for a spirted drive will be all but evaporated if the temp ever turns warm, like that unusual 60+ degrees last Tuesday around Chicago, followed by a plummet of 50 degress. A spirited drive at high temp will really wear out the WS70 quickly.
Obviously, if temp is all sub 45 F, I would say go for the WS70. However, your only chance for a spirted drive will be all but evaporated if the temp ever turns warm, like that unusual 60+ degrees last Tuesday around Chicago, followed by a plummet of 50 degress. A spirited drive at high temp will really wear out the WS70 quickly.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,051
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
my wife bananas! :D
and yes its normal to feel weird. no matter what winter tire you use and you are using a great tire, it wont be the same as a nice meaty performance tire you had on previously. once you get a bit more used to it, you will be able to enjoy it again.. but yea, its the transition period. I guess, it'll make it that much better when you put your performance tires back on later
most important now is to make sure we get from point A to B safely right? lol....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
2012 C63 coupe
You need to remember that everything is a compromise. Put a set of Sottozero or Alpin PA3 on the car and it will be great on dry pavement... get 10cm of wet snow, slush and ice and you will regret not going with the WS70. It's about what matters more to you and what conditions you drive in.
Wait to the next storm you get and you'll love the WS70 and, in the interim, you get use to the squishy feeling. Winter sucks all of the fun out of driving performance cars on so many levels
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
2012 C63 coupe
Not quite true... the WS70 have a different rubber compound than the LM-60. Softer and better on ice... therefore, more unstable and not as capable on dry pavement.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 9
From: Canada
2014 E63S Wagon
yup. I'm using the older generation WS60s on my car. you get no dry grip for "fun" drives. It's amazing for snow/ice though. I have to actively try in order to get the tail end to slide out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
