mambrose23

I have a 2012 E550 cab with 19" Breyton GTS-AV wheels and currently Michelin PS2's 245/35/19 front and 275/30/19 rear. It's about time for new tires. Tire Rack's system is now showing 255/35/19 front as the appropriate size, although when I called them they indicated that some of their systems were still recommending the 245. I would love to go 255 and 285 to get more size and to cover the rims more if it will work. I noticed a few of you already have this set up. My current inside clearance in the rear appears pretty tight, maybe a bit more than 1/4 inch. Any input? 3mb's?

Also, the first choice of tire, Michelin Pilot Super Sport is not made in 285/30/19 at this time which may force me to a different tire.

Edit-According to a rep that I spoke to at the Tire Rack where I purchased the wheels, the offset is 45 front and rear. I verified by a stamp on the rear but couldn't find one on the front. The wheels are 8.5 inches front and 9.5 inches rear. Any input would be greatly appreciated. THX

mambrose23

As I mentioned in the initial post, Tire Rack has indicated the the wheels are 8.5/9.5 inches. But the current tires seem stretched. I don't have a proper tool to measure the rim width, but just by holding a tape measure to the rim, it appears that the wheels are wider than I have been told. As much as 9 in the front and 10-10.5 in the rear. I was hoping someone here would have a bit more info than I, and might offer an opinion...

nawlinstornado

I was dead-set on a 255/285 setup, and the first set of wheels I bought were ET45 front and rear. Unfortunately, the fronts rubbed against the struts.

The new wheels I bought are ET40 front, and I have no rubbing issues.

Pennetta

Nawlins, how do you like the Conti extreme Contact DWS tires?

nawlinstornado

Michelin and Goodyear have always been my tires of choice, but I bought these based on TireRack reviews and have been exceptionally happy with them. The dry traction is pretty darn good (demonstrated by the 1/4-mile time) but they really shine in the wet. I haven't really had much opportunity to test them in the snow, but the little bit of experience was positive.

Pennetta

I was choosing between the Bridgestone 970AS and the Conti DWS. The DWS was rated as MUCH better in snow, but the Bridgestone had better road feel and grip in the dry.
I chose the 970AS, but they are horrible in the snow. I'm due again for tires and will probably go for the Conti.

nawlinstornado

Since I decided to keep the factory wheels, I'm going the other direction. If I were sticking with A/S, I'd get the Conti's again.

Likely, a set of Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position tires will be next for me. I'll put something like Blizzaks on my factory wheels.

mambrose23

Thanks for your reply. Never thought the fronts would be a problem, but I now see that there is only about 1/4 inch to the tower. The 255 might rub. I started thinking about adding a 5mm spacer to bring the wheel to 40 ET, but may just settle on the 245/275 set up as much as it kills me. To old/busy to deal with this much more, especially since I have only 22 months left on the lease. I've got a few weeks left to think about it. If anyone thinks of something, please let me know. Again, thanks.

BTW, you mentioned that the fronts rubbed. How about the rear on the inside? It looks like it's just about as tight as the front with 45 ET. Like I mentioned, the rear wheel looks wider than the 9.5 inches the tire rack told me it was...

nawlinstornado

I have 9.5 x 19 ET45 on the rear, and the 285s fit beautifully. No rubbing or other issues. What brand wheel did you buy? Both the BBS' and the cheap-chinese-knockoff wheels I purchased had the sizes and offsets stamped on the inside of the wheel - either on the spoke or on the barrel.

mambrose23

They are Breyton BE GTS AV, and I was able to confirm 8.5/9.5 45 ET by the stamp. I guess they just look wider with the 245/275 set up. That's why I wanted the 255/285 sizing. If I decided on the 5 mm spacer in front, I would get the Bridgestone S-04 tire 255/285, otherwise I guess I'll just get the Super Sports in the 245/275 size. Thanks for all your help.

mambrose23

Michelin is launching a new tire, supposedly based on the Pilot Super Sport, but in an all-season guise, called the Pilot A/S 3. From the information I have found, it may launch in a few weeks. I don't have launch sizing yet, but the Michelin website indicated that they have let a few folks and magazines have some pre-production tires for review, and the reviews have been very positive. Supposedly offering the near-handling of the Pilot Super Sport, with a higher confort and better noise rating. If all true, and offered in the right sizing, this could be a great tire for our cars. Below I tried to copy and paste the ratings from Michelin. They are giving the comfort a 10 rating. The copy/paste may not show well here, but you can go to their site to see how it compares to the SS. If anyone has newer info, please share. Thx.
Michelin Performance Rating:

• 10
  Wear Life
• 9
  Fuel Efficiency
• 9
  Handling
• 8
  Braking
• 10 Comfort