Best 16" Tires
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Joined: Oct 2018
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2005 E320, 2008 E320 Bluetec
Best 16" Tires
I've got the factory sport package 17" 5 spoke wheels with a brand new set of Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ tires on them, and they handle incredibly well! However, I just moved from an area with glass smooth roads (Florida) to Houston where the potholes are Texas sized, and they're beating me up so I've got a nice set of 16" OEM wheels (pics to come, they're unique for a W211) and now I'm trying to figure out what tires to get on them. They're 16x8, and the W211's that came with 16x8" wheels got 225/55/16's, but my 17" wheels are also 8" wide and they have 245/45/17's so my question is this. Should I go with the factory 16" size tire, or get something like a 245/50/16. I'm going for the smoothest most bump absorbing ride I can get, but I don't want to give up too much on handling.
Also, I'm pretty sold on Michelins, but which ones? I need the buttery smoothness, trying to keep my car from turning into a bucket of rattles and it's already starting with the Pilot Sports.
I would consider other brands if there's a good reason to. I had mixed luck with Continentals in the past, and I've heard good thing about certain Pirellis.
Also, I'm pretty sold on Michelins, but which ones? I need the buttery smoothness, trying to keep my car from turning into a bucket of rattles and it's already starting with the Pilot Sports.
I would consider other brands if there's a good reason to. I had mixed luck with Continentals in the past, and I've heard good thing about certain Pirellis.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I've been Michelin fan for over 20 years, but lately IMHO they overpriced themselves and my annual mileage on cars is much lower in last years, so no way I can wear 60k tires in 6 years.
So for couple of cars I bought Chinese tires for 1/3 what Michelins would cost. Being softer rubber, they have better handling than Michelins.
The 1st set with directional thread was a bit noisy, but 2nd set was really good.
The trouble is that usually you can't find reviews, so you have to take your pick.
So for couple of cars I bought Chinese tires for 1/3 what Michelins would cost. Being softer rubber, they have better handling than Michelins.
The 1st set with directional thread was a bit noisy, but 2nd set was really good.
The trouble is that usually you can't find reviews, so you have to take your pick.
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C320
Check out Falken or Ohtsu brands. They're both owned by Sumitomo rubber, usually manufactured in Japan or Thailand. Its kind of a joke that all their "all season" tires are actually summer tires and extremely grippy at the expense of tire wear. I usually get about 25k miles out of them. It seems most W211s on 16" wheels these days are driving on 215 instead of 225 tires for some reason even tho the tire size sticker calls for 225.
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Joined: Oct 2018
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2005 E320, 2008 E320 Bluetec
Thanks for the replies! I will definitely stick to the 225/55/16 size. As for as brand, it seems like a few of you are recommending lower priced tires. Do these ride smoother than the more expensive brands? I've always spent top dollar for the "best" tires, but have I been paying for handling at the expense of ride? I don't mind paying more, just want the absolute smoothest, most bump absorbent ride possible.
I have a full size spare right now with a 225/55/16 Firestone Firehawk AS and it seems to ride much softer than my Pilot Sport A/S 3+s when I've had to use it, I was thinking about going with a set of those. The only thing that scares me off is that they are sold with no warranty, but they are only about $80 a piece so it's kinda no big deal if they don't last long. I just don't want any problems with them.
I have a full size spare right now with a 225/55/16 Firestone Firehawk AS and it seems to ride much softer than my Pilot Sport A/S 3+s when I've had to use it, I was thinking about going with a set of those. The only thing that scares me off is that they are sold with no warranty, but they are only about $80 a piece so it's kinda no big deal if they don't last long. I just don't want any problems with them.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I bought Firehawks several years ago when I was still active skier, They beat Michelin in slippery conditions hands down and last 52 k miles, what is not bad for 50k rated tire.
Yes, the cheaper tires tend to have softer rubber (just like the top racing tires) so they should feel more comfortable, but than tires are build with very loose tolerances so it all boils to tire model you get.
Yes, the cheaper tires tend to have softer rubber (just like the top racing tires) so they should feel more comfortable, but than tires are build with very loose tolerances so it all boils to tire model you get.
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Joined: Oct 2018
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2005 E320, 2008 E320 Bluetec
I just went out and touched my Firehawk spare and the rubber does indeed feel soft. Not just compliant, but the actual texture of it is very soft feeling, like velvet or silk in a way, compared to my Michelins that just feel like rubber. I'm thinking I might give them a go. Right now it's between those and the Pirelli Cinturato P7's which Tire Rack says are the softest riding touring tires out. I want my car to ride as smooth as a Cadillac but I certainly don't want it to handle like one, so I think the Firehawks might be the perfect compromise.
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