Its time for tires again...opinions please
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: THE NAPA VALLEY, CA
Build date 2-04 E500
Its time for tires again...opinions please
Its that time again. It seems to come about once a year on the twisties I drive on..... 11 miles to the valley floor and not 300 yards of straight roads during the ride.... Keeping this in mind whats the word???? The car came with Michelins and they were gone at approx 14,000 miles....Put the Pirelli Zero Nero on and was rewarded with 20,000 miles..... Now it that time again.... Liked the Perelli's but the side wall was a little high for me and they did not have a rim protector. Always looking to try something different.
Anyone with words of wisdom????
Naturally this should be posted in the tire forum, but I want to hear from E owners to compare apples to apples.....
Anyone with words of wisdom????
Naturally this should be posted in the tire forum, but I want to hear from E owners to compare apples to apples.....
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 339
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From: Michigan, USA
'05 E320 CDI, '07 VW Touareg V10 TDI, 2007 Porsche GT3
I swapped the 225/55 x16 oem tires for a set of 245/40x18 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 tires about a year ago. They're quiet, very grippy, ride better than the oem Michelins and are phenomenal in the wet. I have only c. 8K miles on them, so no good way to tell how durable they're going to be (I believe their wear rating is 240).
I'd had a set of these tires on our prior car, a BMW 528i, and liked them a lot. Note, though that they're summer tires only, and would likely be worse than useless in snow or ice.
Good luck.
I'd had a set of these tires on our prior car, a BMW 528i, and liked them a lot. Note, though that they're summer tires only, and would likely be worse than useless in snow or ice.
Good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 413
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From: San Diego
2021 Tesla M3SR+, 2017 GLS550, 2011 E350 Bluetec, 2007 GL450 (GONE), 2003 E500 (GONE)
PS2 -- Impressed so far!
I've just replaced original Contis CH95 with Michellins PS2. Contis lasted me about 20-22K with normal driving and rotation every 5K miles. I've had many problems with balancing CH95 and finally decided to try PS2s. What a difference. The car drives a lot smoother now and no vibrations problems so far. Now, I did take the car to the dealership to get tires road force balanced and paid $40 for it. However, I don't mind to pay for the job well done.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 69
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From: Chicago
2016 E63S AMG, 2012 ML350
I just put 18" General Excalim UHP's on my 06 E500. So far they are at least as good as the Perelli's I've had in the past. Quiet, great wet traction and very good treadwear rating for half the price as most others.
Check out their ratings on Tire Rack-You will be surprised.
Check out their ratings on Tire Rack-You will be surprised.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Originally Posted by MPE430
I just put 18" General Excalim UHP's on my 06 E500. So far they are at least as good as the Perelli's I've had in the past. Quiet, great wet traction and very good treadwear rating for half the price as most others.
Check out their ratings on Tire Rack-You will be surprised.
Check out their ratings on Tire Rack-You will be surprised.
+1 on this one.
I have these in the 19" flavor and they're great. Before I put the new wheels on, I had Kumho Ecsta ASX on my stock wheels. Also, very good.
As someone mentioned, check the reviews on tirerack. You'll be suprised what people are saying about the Generals and Kumhos. I was hesitant, but I now know I made a good decision.
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Member
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Montana the Big Sky Country
09 E63 ///AMG
For what it's worth...............
Question for LUKE
Howdy Luke,
I need to get tires for my '04 E500 4matic (245/45 17). Had factory Continental ContiTouringContact CH95's on it. Nothing great about them and they wore out kind of early. They did give a decent ride though and were quiet enough.
I've been looking at the Yokohama AVID H4S on your web site. How do these compare with the Conti's as far as ride quality and noise? I've heard they ride with quiet a bit more noise. Appreciate any help or suggestions you can give me.
Thanks......Bill
08-04-2006, 08:44 AM #2 Luke@tirerack vbmenu_register("postmenu_1703398", true);
TR Moderator & Tire God
Question for LUKE
Howdy Luke,
I need to get tires for my '04 E500 4matic (245/45 17). Had factory Continental ContiTouringContact CH95's on it. Nothing great about them and they wore out kind of early. They did give a decent ride though and were quiet enough.
I've been looking at the Yokohama AVID H4S on your web site. How do these compare with the Conti's as far as ride quality and noise? I've heard they ride with quiet a bit more noise. Appreciate any help or suggestions you can give me.
Thanks......Bill
08-04-2006, 08:44 AM #2 Luke@tirerack vbmenu_register("postmenu_1703398", true); TR Moderator & Tire God
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: SouthBend, IN USA
Vehicle I drive: depends on the weather
Posts: 2,148
Location: SouthBend, IN USA
Vehicle I drive: depends on the weather
Posts: 2,148
the Avid H4S is a decent tire with nice ride quality and low road noise but, isn't that great in the snow. I really like the Dunlop Sport 5000, Bridgestone RE960 Pole Position and the Pilot Sport A/S
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Luke
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Luke
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 723
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From: Central Jersey
2003 E500, 2004 G35X
I have very good experience with Pilot A/S. I had them on my previous Acura and currently on my G35. They are great on dry, wet and even snow, quiet too. I think the wear index is 400! They are hard to beat. When my stock tires need to be replaced on the 211, I will order the Pilot A/S from Tire Rack without any hesitation.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 88
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From: Frisco, TX
2004 E500, 2019 S560
I had a set on P Zero Neros. Drove me crazy that I swapped them out for PS2. World of a difference. Little more pricey, but great handling, soft and quiet.
I've heard good thing about AVON's. Most of us will never hit the track, so I guess these tires are good.
I've got Yoko's VS4's on another car - they too are great. However, dealer told me something about the V shaped tread design makes that vibration come back - so I may stay away from them.
Friends who have Dunlops never liked them - wore out fast too as well.
I say go with PS2's - can't go wrong with those - My 2 cents
I've heard good thing about AVON's. Most of us will never hit the track, so I guess these tires are good.
I've got Yoko's VS4's on another car - they too are great. However, dealer told me something about the V shaped tread design makes that vibration come back - so I may stay away from them.
Friends who have Dunlops never liked them - wore out fast too as well.
I say go with PS2's - can't go wrong with those - My 2 cents
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
Originally Posted by Flash Gordon
I have very good experience with Pilot A/S. I had them on my previous Acura and currently on my G35. They are great on dry, wet and even snow, quiet too. I think the wear index is 400! They are hard to beat. When my stock tires need to be replaced on the 211, I will order the Pilot A/S from Tire Rack without any hesitation.
Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 152
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From: Boston
2004 E320, 2006 Infiniti G35X, Yamaha VMAX 700 (Snowmobile)
Living in the Northeast, I'm dependent on all season, you however not need worry about snow. I had the Conti's and well they suck .... Now have the Michelin ENERGY MXV 4 PLUS and found them to be 10 X better with noise and road handling in all sorts of weather. Have about 12k on them now and still holding strong. Sounds like the PS-2's may be a good choice.
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 95
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From: Dallas Area
2004 E500 AMG Sport and 2020 GLC300
My OE Conti's were making a loud sucking sound at 15,000 miles, so I replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2s. The sucking went away completely. These tires are quiet, ride well, and stick to the road.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
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From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
ContiExtremeContacts
I just replaced the original Conti CH95 OE tires on my E500 4MATIC at 44K miles with ContiExtremeContact A/S directional tires. I had enough tread to get to 50K miles on the original tires, but, they were cupped and the noise was driving me crazy. I have had the ContiExtremeContacts on for 1500 miles. They seem like a big improvement over the Conti CH95 tires. I am expecting them to handle well in the Winter based upon the favorable reviews I have read on the TireRack site. I think the treadwear rating is 400.
Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Frisco, TX
2004 E500, 2019 S560
Originally Posted by MB Fanatic
Ditto on the Pilot Sport A/S. I have them on the E55 right now since I dont feel like replacing the PS2's. They are by far one of the best tires at a very reasonable price.
I read somewhere that the Pilot Sport A/S are not "supported" on a 211. Can't recall the details.
I had the sports on another car before going to Yoko VS4's. Towards the ends, the Sports got noisey - was world of a difference with the Yoko's. Much quieter, better ride, good std warranty, good for the every day driver.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,143
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From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
Originally Posted by SushDawg
I read somewhere that the Pilot Sport A/S are not "supported" on a 211. Can't recall the details.
I had the sports on another car before going to Yoko VS4's. Towards the ends, the Sports got noisey - was world of a difference with the Yoko's. Much quieter, better ride, good std warranty, good for the every day driver.
I had the sports on another car before going to Yoko VS4's. Towards the ends, the Sports got noisey - was world of a difference with the Yoko's. Much quieter, better ride, good std warranty, good for the every day driver.
I bought the Pilot Sport A/S when they first came out for my W210 E320. I never had any tracking issues as such described by the TSB Mercedes issued in response to the Pilot Sport A/S. But they claim they problem has been fixed and I believe them since the newer Pilot Sport A/S seem to track even better and have sharper response, turning, and comfort.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 58
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From: Cincinnati
E500
I am curious if anyone disputes the comment that the "new" Pilot A/S have been fixed and no longer cause the tracking problem. I had them on my E500 back in 04 and definately had a problem with them in this regard.
Has anyone who previously had a tracking problem tried them again with success?
THey were great tires except for the unacceptable pulling to the right on most roads. I would like to get them again if the problem is truly fixed. Does anyone know any more specifics as to what was changed on the tire?
Has anyone who previously had a tracking problem tried them again with success?
THey were great tires except for the unacceptable pulling to the right on most roads. I would like to get them again if the problem is truly fixed. Does anyone know any more specifics as to what was changed on the tire?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,439
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From: THE NAPA VALLEY, CA
Build date 2-04 E500
Hey guys, Thanks for all the replies and thoughts...... Just a quick note to up-date and let you know I decided to let the pocketbook decide for me this time around and at $560.00 mounted and balanced on sale at Americas tire store I went with Yokohamas... They have a lower profile then the Pirelli's I had previously and also have the rim protector. This is my first set of these so time will tell, but so far handling is very good around the corners and no wash-out. Thanks again for the replies.....
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 58
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From: Cincinnati
E500
For anyone interested, I gambled and put the Pilot A/S on last weekend (after having the common pulling right problem with them 3 years ago) and they indeed seem to have fixed this issue. They have been working great.
I think this is easily now the best performing A/S tire choice for this car (although not cheap).
Tire History:
Original: Michelin Primacy
Next: Pilot A/S
Next: Toyo Proxes 4
Next: Pirelli PZero Nero A/S
Current: Pilot A/S
I think this is easily now the best performing A/S tire choice for this car (although not cheap).
Tire History:
Original: Michelin Primacy
Next: Pilot A/S
Next: Toyo Proxes 4
Next: Pirelli PZero Nero A/S
Current: Pilot A/S
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,399
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From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
I can vouch for the Toyo Proxes as a great value tire. Good feel, pretty quiet. I am on 19s. If you have the $, get the PS2s. Rad tires, I run them on my Noble as well. Very sticky, very quiet, and stiff sidewall.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Any opinions about tires that can use the same 16" wheels?
I am considering either the Avon Tech M500 (cheaper choice) or the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 (more expensive choice). The Michelin MXV4 Plus that came with the car seem like too much an oldster's choice of tires.
I am considering either the Avon Tech M500 (cheaper choice) or the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 (more expensive choice). The Michelin MXV4 Plus that came with the car seem like too much an oldster's choice of tires.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,439
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From: THE NAPA VALLEY, CA
Build date 2-04 E500
Can't help but notice some of the tires mentioned here are directional.... I was under the impression these were not the best choice for our sedans.... Porshe, corvette, maybe the smaller B.M.W's are a better choice for such tires, any opinions???
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 28
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00 E430 Sport
"I am curious if anyone disputes the comment that the "new" Pilot A/S have been fixed and no longer cause the tracking problem. I had them on my E500 back in 04 and definately had a problem with them in this regard.
Has anyone who previously had a tracking problem tried them again with success?
They were great tires except for the unacceptable pulling to the right on most roads. I would like to get them again if the problem is truly fixed. Does anyone know any more specifics as to what was changed on the tire?"
Yes I have tried them again with success. They have been fixed (DOT #2804 and newer = build date 28th week 2004) Michelin built up the tire shoulder which squared off the tread and that corrected the tracking problem. I had mine adjusted by Michelin on prorata replacement basis and the tracking is now outstanding.
Has anyone who previously had a tracking problem tried them again with success?
They were great tires except for the unacceptable pulling to the right on most roads. I would like to get them again if the problem is truly fixed. Does anyone know any more specifics as to what was changed on the tire?"
Yes I have tried them again with success. They have been fixed (DOT #2804 and newer = build date 28th week 2004) Michelin built up the tire shoulder which squared off the tread and that corrected the tracking problem. I had mine adjusted by Michelin on prorata replacement basis and the tracking is now outstanding.
Last edited by LukeM; Sep 30, 2006 at 05:06 PM.
