HotWheels500

I'm looking at the Michelin X-Ice or Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2. Anyone have experience with either? Someone recommneded the Michelin Arctic Alpine, but I can't find it at TireRack.

jprescott

https://mbworld.org/forums/wheels-tires-suspension-brakes-forum-36/

jprescott

Sorry, I thought I found the Mich there but I hit the wrong link.

SAguirre

I think that the Michelin Arctic Alpine (name) is not used anymore for some reason. Call the Tirerack and ask for Kurt. He seems to know his stuff.

I recently (within the last 4 weeks) researched a lot of brands. I found that the Michelins are very good in dry conditions and have less road noise. However, the Bridgestone Blizzaks WS 50 were better on ice when it came to acceleration and braking. I have already put them on and played around with them (look at the thread "Reason I bought a 4 Matic"). I find these Blizzaks to be the best winter tire i have ever had so far.

If you are more concerned with ride comfort and quietness, then go the Michelin. I buy winter tires for true winter driving; I am not too concerned with noise and comfort.

!!!

When I was just at my dealer I saw a new SL with studded snow tires that looked as if they took them of a tractor! I could not believe my eyes. My service advisor and I had great laughs bout it. Can you believe that? Who knows, the owner could have been a farmer and is used to that kind of tread. I wish I would have had my camera with me!

Steve

HotWheels500

Thanks for your thoughts. It was mentioned to me that the Bridgestone Blizzaks WS 50 wear quickly. Perhaps in 1/3 the time of the Michelins. And that their handling characteristics were not as good as the Michelins. Have you driven on the Bridgestones enough to have a feeling for road handling? Have you had experience with Michelin snow tires? I haven't.

I hear you when you say the Bridgestones have better traction in snow and ice. That's what I'm looking for as well. BTW, I have been following your thread at Reason I bought a 4 Matic.

northbenz

I went with the 17" Nokkian studded snows since I have the Appearnce Package. Work great on ice and snow.

SAguirre

I also heard that they wear quickly, but I don't think that they wear that much faster. However, the Michelins do last longer, but that is because they are harder. Harder compound=not good traction on ice and snow while it might give them better handling. I have had Michelins and I do think that they were quieter and cornered a bit better. But cornering is hard to compare since my 211 corners much better than the 124 I had with the Michelins.

The people who wear tires out quickly are the people who use snow tires on hot days and drive them fast. I have friends who get 4 seasons out of their other Bridgestones. About 20,000 miles. Then, they wear them all the way down during the last summer.

I strictly buy these snow tires because I want traction. I switch them out as soon as I can in the spring, but I really don't care about tread ware if it gives me the best grip when I need it. Grip is the up most important thing to me for winter driving!

Steve


Steve

HotWheels500

Thanks Steve. That helps a lot.
****

HotWheels500

Unbelievable. My name is Richard. I call myself D i c k. The system converted my name to ****. What a world! Is the FCC controlling this forum too?

SAguirre

My official firstname is Richard, but ever since I was a kid, it was never used. Not my choice, but that is how it happened. So I can relate since people call me trying to sell me something and see my first name and guess that I go by D I C K and call me that.

Steve