mtnbenzer

Does anyone know what brand of tires come on this car? According to the specs all four tires are the same size (245/40 R18). Is there are standard brand used or changed among manufactures?

DrRx

All those that I have seen are delivered with Continental ProContact carrying a 93V load/speed rating. However, I'm in Canada so the US specs might be different, but that is unlikely.

mtnbenzer

Thanks. Here's a link of a Tire Rack test. They are not overly impressed it seems. http://www.tirerack.com./tires/tests...ay.jsp?ttid=86

DrRx

Interesting. I just got my car last week which was delivered with the same rubber, so I did similar research over at Tire Rack. I left feeling good because at that time only the 2005 review was available, and it gave quite favorable reviews to the Conti. Strange how their opinion changes in a short period of time. I don't think the tire got any worse, but that competitors have brought improved models to market.

In any case, thanks a lot for bursting my bubble ...

SEEG

I wouldn't swear to it but I believe my '07 E550 4MATIC came with Michelin all seasons. I did bring the owners manual and other info along and i have a Michelin warranty brochure that was included. I'm on vacation and the car is at home or else I'd check and let you know for sure. The car was delivered on 7/17 but who knows when it was built or how long it had been in inventory.

mtnbenzer

I saw the earlier test as well. I read some of the customer reports and everyone seemed to like them so I don't think it is a bad tire at all. After I get 20K on mine later next year (won't have the car till Oct.) I'll look around again for the best replacement. I am always leery of people who say they get a billion miles out of their tires because it tells me the rubber is hard and may not be that good for an all season tire. I don't intend to put dedicated winter tires on mine so one consideration is at least a moderate amount of cold weather and some snow performance.

mtnbenzer

It might be that US cars get something different such as Micheline, etc. or that any given car could have something different. I wouldn't be too disappointed with Conti Pros as there are probably worse tires. The Michelines in the test did sound superior.

cyclerider

My 550 came with Continentals, and my friend's 550 came with Michelins.

mtnbenzer

Cyclerider - how do you like your 550 by now? My 08 is still several months out. I did get Sport, P2 and voice. Just sold my 01 E-430 4-matic and it was fun to drive till the day I sold it. Briefly test drove the 550 and liked it a lot.

ruffrob

My 2003 came with Michelins

cyclerider

I went to the 550 from a 2005 CDI, and it is really quite a different car. The handling in Sport 2 mode, combined with the low profile tires, is really inspiring for a car of this weight. The diesel just didn't have the "fun factor" that the V-8 has. And wait until you really lay into the throttle. WOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! No wonder the AMG guys are so excited about their cars.

If there is a down side, it is the city mpg. My car gets around 25 on the highway, but my last tank of all town driving was 14.5. This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, however. You have to feed the ponies, right?

cyclrder

I have 550 envy! too bad it isn't in the wagon... (though, that new C63 AMG looks tasty!)

cyclerider... nice name!

cyclerider

Funny, I would have picked you for an E63 AMG Wagon.

Of course you would think so!

cyclrder

naw... we are coming up on the last years of the W211S body... so we are a number of years off before a AMG new body wagon shows up.. though, the M5 estate is looking pretty nice... dunno if it makes it to the states...

so the C63 Wagon could be just right .. (again, if it was to make to the states)