Michelin PSS 275s on stock 18" rims - feels wrong....
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Burlington, ON
2013 C63 Sedan PP / 2012 ML350
Michelin PSS 275s on stock 18" rims - feels wrong....
Hey guys,
After doing some forum searching and talking to some guys in here, I figured out that Michelin PSS 275s will fit on the stock 18" rim without rubbing problems. But I am wondering if this is a situation of, "just because you can, doesn't mean you should".
I drive my car pretty hard as I am sure many in here do. What I have noticed is that the back-end feels loose now with these new tires. It feels like the side-wall of the tire is rolling (although I know that isn't what is happening), but it just doesn't feel right at high speeds and with aggressive cornering. I have checked the tire pressure and everything is right where it should be.
In a straight line under load, the PSSs feel amazing. Great traction.
I am assuming that by sticking wide tires on skinny stock rims that the tread has a little bit of lateral play now. I am assuming that all of you guys that are running after-market 19" rims with PSSs are not experiencing the same feeling???
Has anyone else ever experienced this? Is it is a Michelin PSS thing or is it my set-up.
I have a feeling a new set of HRE's are going to be on order shortly!!
Thanks in advance.
After doing some forum searching and talking to some guys in here, I figured out that Michelin PSS 275s will fit on the stock 18" rim without rubbing problems. But I am wondering if this is a situation of, "just because you can, doesn't mean you should".
I drive my car pretty hard as I am sure many in here do. What I have noticed is that the back-end feels loose now with these new tires. It feels like the side-wall of the tire is rolling (although I know that isn't what is happening), but it just doesn't feel right at high speeds and with aggressive cornering. I have checked the tire pressure and everything is right where it should be.
In a straight line under load, the PSSs feel amazing. Great traction.
I am assuming that by sticking wide tires on skinny stock rims that the tread has a little bit of lateral play now. I am assuming that all of you guys that are running after-market 19" rims with PSSs are not experiencing the same feeling???
Has anyone else ever experienced this? Is it is a Michelin PSS thing or is it my set-up.
I have a feeling a new set of HRE's are going to be on order shortly!!
Thanks in advance.
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C63 AMG
Interesting observation and most likely spot-on. Yes, your sidewalls will be definitely less stiff using 275's on OE wheels.
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C63 ML350
I went to a tyre shop when I had my stock wheels and the guy at the shop who had a long history in motorsport advised strongly against it for that exact reason he said the tyre would grip well off the lines but through corners would be affected by severe sidewall movement.
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2012 C63 coupe
This is the downside of a wheel that is too narrow for a tire (even if the tire will technically fit). The issue would be less pronounced on 19" wheels as the sidewall is thinner. Wear the tires out and put 255 or 265 on the wheels... or, better yet, get new wheels that are wide enough to better support a 275 tire 
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 51
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From: Burlington, ON
2013 C63 Sedan PP / 2012 ML350
I went to a tyre shop when I had my stock wheels and the guy at the shop who had a long history in motorsport advised strongly against it for that exact reason he said the tyre would grip well off the lines but through corners would be affected by severe sidewall movement.
Happy Easter everyone.
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From: Northern NJ
2009 C63
Have they been broken in already? Im assuming after the first few hundred miles the feel should change
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2009 C63, 2000 ML 430, 1994 Del Sol Vtec
http://www.michelinman.com/tire-sele...techspec_table
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2012 C63 coupe
Recommended rim width for a 275 is 9"-11". Not sure where you're getting your data from.
http://www.michelinman.com/tire-sele...techspec_table
http://www.michelinman.com/tire-sele...techspec_table
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Segway
Recommended rim width for a 275 is 9"-11". Not sure where you're getting your data from.
http://www.michelinman.com/tire-sele...techspec_table
http://www.michelinman.com/tire-sele...techspec_table
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2012 C63 2015 C300 sport
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From: SF Bay Area
2009 C63, 2000 ML 430, 1994 Del Sol Vtec
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2012 C63 coupe
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From: Texas
2011 P31 C63 2015 CLA45
I use 275 PSS. Forum members told me it would last longer than my 255 Conti 3. I think they were wrong. 4k miles and are almost at wear.bar. Contis lasted almost 6k. I don't.drive too crazy on turns because I.sway too much lol, but I think they feel fine.
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2012 C63 coupe
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Texas
2011 P31 C63 2015 CLA45
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
tire dimensions
If you compare the tread width of a 265 PSS to say the Hankook V12s you'll notice the PSS 265 is significantly wider than the Hankook. TireRACk has this information.
Thus you are getting that extra 10mm or so in the 265 PSS that almost makes it as wide as the 275 of other brands. In a PSS the 275 is too wide.
My Cl has 9.5 width wheels rear and the V12s feel mushy inversely as the OP said. A 275 V12 would be a better fit in the rear.
I'm going to stock PSS size all around this summer if we ever get it!
Thus you are getting that extra 10mm or so in the 265 PSS that almost makes it as wide as the 275 of other brands. In a PSS the 275 is too wide.
My Cl has 9.5 width wheels rear and the V12s feel mushy inversely as the OP said. A 275 V12 would be a better fit in the rear.
I'm going to stock PSS size all around this summer if we ever get it!
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2012 C63 coupe
Stiff sidewalls on the R888 would help with rollover. I love those tires BTW... one of the best streetable track tires around. They are SCARY in the rain and noisy but they are awesome on dry roads.
Last edited by gthal; Mar 31, 2013 at 09:19 AM.
