Need a little tire advice please
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 507
Likes: 16
'11 E350BTC P2 Leather
Need a little tire advice please
I drive a 2011 MB E-350 Bluetec Diesel, 95,000 miles and going strong.
Because of the seven gallon Diesel Emission Fluid tank in the trunk, there is no room for a spare tire, so the car comes with Run Flat Tires. (Full disclosure, I actually like the RFT, peace of mind.)
Anyway, since the car is rear wheel drive only, I put four snow tires on it in late October, and take them off in April. I am in Connecticut.
But in 2012 when I bought the Blizzaks and wheels from Tire Rack, there were no run flat snow tires. So, I'd leave a spare summer wheel and tire in the trunk all winter just in case I got a flat, which I did once.
Anyway, after five winters it's now time to replace the Blizzaks, and I find that nobody makes 235/45R-17 Run Flat snow tires, but I can get Blizzak LM-25 or Pirelli Sottozero in 225/45R-17.
I assume that 10 mm (less than 1/3") in width will make zero difference in my life? The wheels are 7.5" wide.
Next question, the Pirellis are $175 each while the Bridgestones are $220. I've been really happy with the Blizzaks, but should I spend the extra $200 on them over the Pirellis?
So, to recap the two questions:
1. Any reason to avoid 225 tires when OEM are 235?
2. Any opinion on Pirelli at $175 vs Bridgestone at $220?
Thanks in advance
Because of the seven gallon Diesel Emission Fluid tank in the trunk, there is no room for a spare tire, so the car comes with Run Flat Tires. (Full disclosure, I actually like the RFT, peace of mind.)
Anyway, since the car is rear wheel drive only, I put four snow tires on it in late October, and take them off in April. I am in Connecticut.
But in 2012 when I bought the Blizzaks and wheels from Tire Rack, there were no run flat snow tires. So, I'd leave a spare summer wheel and tire in the trunk all winter just in case I got a flat, which I did once.
Anyway, after five winters it's now time to replace the Blizzaks, and I find that nobody makes 235/45R-17 Run Flat snow tires, but I can get Blizzak LM-25 or Pirelli Sottozero in 225/45R-17.
I assume that 10 mm (less than 1/3") in width will make zero difference in my life? The wheels are 7.5" wide.
Next question, the Pirellis are $175 each while the Bridgestones are $220. I've been really happy with the Blizzaks, but should I spend the extra $200 on them over the Pirellis?
So, to recap the two questions:
1. Any reason to avoid 225 tires when OEM are 235?
2. Any opinion on Pirelli at $175 vs Bridgestone at $220?
Thanks in advance
Last edited by mikemargolis; Jul 29, 2016 at 11:56 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Frisco, TX
2014 E350 Sport
I'm a huge Pirelli fan. I have the PZero All Season Plus on my 2014 E350 sport and they have been great. I also have Pirelli Scorpion All Season Plus on my 2012 ML350 4matic. Pirelli gives great performance, grip and decent tread life.
