Need for Z-Rated Tires?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 424
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From: Space Coast, FL
'14 E350, '03 H-D FXDL
Need for Z-Rated Tires?
I need a new set of tires for my 08 E350 Sport. I got 30K miles on the OEM Continentals; leaning toward the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S +. Any real need for Z-rated tires, which cost around $40 more per tire? My max speed is probably 85mph in FL.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 216
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From: Bristol, CT
06 S211 E500 4Matic
If you are planning on taking a 2ton+ car with 270hp to speeds in excess of 150mph, then I'd say get the tires. I think it's silly to say the least, just my $0.02. However, IIRC most cars in U.S. are limited to 130-135mph, I know mine is.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2014 BMW M235i
No true need, no place to drive your car that fast in the US so unless you track the car often or have a deserted air strip you go to then no. Plus you're electronically limited, a restriction you can have removed but I've never had the need.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Space Coast, FL
'14 E350, '03 H-D FXDL
Your responses made me re-think the premise of my question. I mistakenly believed the OEM Continentals (which need replacing) were z-rated, but they are not. So, my original question is rendered moot. 
Thanks.
Thanks.
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From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
FYI
I got Michelin Pilot Sport A/S + RFs in mine and for the money they are overrated, will not purchase again (Actually I'm slowly leaving the Michelin franchise for greener and less expensive pastures).
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 424
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From: Space Coast, FL
'14 E350, '03 H-D FXDL
I had a new set of Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's put on today. The A/S 3's have just been introduced on the market, so only a couple of reviews can be found, but they're favorable, and one said they're the best. Time will tell.
Last edited by Sgooter; Aug 22, 2013 at 05:35 PM.
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From: Frederick
2000 ML320, 2005 E320 CDI
If the limit is 130...i'd say go for that but nothing more. We have put 25K miles on our tires already and they should last another 25K. As I said, I hit 130mph a few times, comfortably.
Side note...the E cannot hang with a Dodge Viper...not even close. Challenger SRT8 OTOH...seemed like a fair fight.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Bristol, CT
06 S211 E500 4Matic
I'm not saying it can't be done. What I meant is that in my opinion its not worth paying premium for tires that you will truly never use. I think everyone should see what their cars are capable of at least once.
I am not sure a diesel E320 was ever designed to hang with a Viper. I am sure E55/63AMG can keep up with it though.
I am not sure a diesel E320 was ever designed to hang with a Viper. I am sure E55/63AMG can keep up with it though.
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From: Frederick
2000 ML320, 2005 E320 CDI
Nope, I can say for sure it was NOT 
He was a good sport about it though. Just wanted to see what it could do.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 424
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From: Space Coast, FL
'14 E350, '03 H-D FXDL
I'm a fairly conservative driver now; did all the fun stuff many years ago. The reason I went with the higher Z-rated A/S 3 tires on my '08 E350 Sport was simply because it was difficult to find these two different tire sizes in other Michelin tire models with matching speed ratings for the front and rear tires. I confirmed that the matching speed rated tires do indeed exist in Michelin's inventory; however, they were not available nor offered at the 4 different tire shops where I live. I had to special order the A/S 3's, and they took about 5 days to arrive. I had also spoken to Michelin about mixing different speed ratings on the front vs rear tires, and they said it can be done, but not recommended because the tread wear, traction, and noise would be noticeably different between the fronts and the rears.
