huskerden

I have 18 inch AMG Monoblocks and Sumitomo 235/40's. I have had a 4 wheel alignment since replacement of shocks and bushings. Everything is stock (99 E430 Sport). I am consistently getting maybe 7k out of the rear tires, with even tire wear. The car drives and tracks good. I figure maybe 2x that for the fronts, so 14k. If I drive 15k a year, I will end up buying 2 sets for the front, and 3 sets for the rear for a total of 10 tires before the end of the year. At a minimum price of $150 per tire installed, that is $1,500.

Due to that expense, I am thinking of getting used 16"s off eBay, and keeping the 18" for secondary use, or getting 17"s and selling my 18"s. How many more miles could I get out 17" rear tires versus 18"?

I am also considering replacing my 18" Sumitomo's with Goodyears Eagle GT's with a 50k mileage warranty. Not sure how good trying to claim on the warranty would work.

Also, I see most for AMG Monoblocks, the rear wheels are slightly wider than the fronts. I don't know if mine are that way or not, but if so, does it hurt to rotate the front and rears on each side? Is there any toe in/out adjustment on the rears?
Thanks

RichardM98

There is a Tire subforum where you may get additional answers.

Generally, running or rotating different tire sizes/aspect ratios can result in problems with your ESP/ASR system. When contempating any changes use an online tire size calculator and stay within 3-4% of OEM circumference.

Tires designated 'Performance' either in the name or description tend to be a softer compound and a more aggressive tread pattern. That combined with a heavy foot yields a shorter life. A tire with a harder compound should last longer all other things being equal but will probably break free more easily with spirited cornering.

Hope that helps some.

ghaffar23

You tried putting in a rear camber kit? I had the same problem as you with Lorinser 18's and that problem has since gone away with that kit. I have 19's now and get around 15k and counting...

huskerden

If were a camber issue, wouldn't I have uneven tire wear? Should I need it if the suspension is stock?

ejsheltra

If your tires are wearing evenly across the contact patch, then only aggressive driving would burn a tire down that fast. This is providing you actually have even wear, as most do not. Proper tire pressure is important to check regularly, like every month. Front wheel size in width should not be wider than rear as balance and handling are adversely affected. So a staggered wheel set up should never be rotated front to back.A tire that squirms alot on the road due to low pressure will burn down faster. Your mileage is way out of character for these cars given what you have stated. A camber adjustable arm in the rear is only required if the vehicle height has been altered. Front camber adjustable bolts are replaced by the dealer on the first front alignment they do. High performance summer tires have a typical tread life of about 20-25k miles with average use. 18" series and up are usually more performance oriented tread compounds meaning grippier and softer. Ultra high performance tires will have an even shorter life span.