Tires Lifespan
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 53
From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
You'd let a Mercedes dealer ....
put tires on your car? Jeez, I"m not sure which is worse....
If your town is big enough for an MB dealer, it's big enough to have a performance tire store who knows how to properly mount, dismount, and road force a large diameter tire. I guess if you're at 17" or below, then, OK...maybe, but still...
Just my .02, carry on....
If your town is big enough for an MB dealer, it's big enough to have a performance tire store who knows how to properly mount, dismount, and road force a large diameter tire. I guess if you're at 17" or below, then, OK...maybe, but still...
Just my .02, carry on....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 126
From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
put tires on your car? Jeez, I"m not sure which is worse....
If your town is big enough for an MB dealer, it's big enough to have a performance tire store who knows how to properly mount, dismount, and road force a large diameter tire. I guess if you're at 17" or below, then, OK...maybe, but still...
Just my .02, carry on....
If your town is big enough for an MB dealer, it's big enough to have a performance tire store who knows how to properly mount, dismount, and road force a large diameter tire. I guess if you're at 17" or below, then, OK...maybe, but still...
Just my .02, carry on....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
My boss goes there for tires also. He likes to tip them. I guess it works, he hasn't had any problems. Then again I go there also and don't tip and they're still fine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
I'm with DFWdude. Carmaker tire pressure recommendations are different (lower) than the max pressure printed on the sidewall by the tire manufacturer.
Carmakers, as most manufacturers, are all about avoiding complaints about subjective attributes, such as ride quality as it relates to tires. Therefore a low-ish pressure is specified by M-B to produce a comfortable ride. Tire longevity and fuel economy both benefit from the highest inflation possible, up to the point of excessive center tread wear.
I measured, very carefully, excessive shoulder wear when the tires were inflated to M-B's recommendation. Since I have overinflated to 45-48psi, tread wear has evened out across the tire. Ride is not noticeably different. Fuel consumption is maybe 0.1mpg better, for sure it is not worse. My goals in operating a vehicle are longevity and fuel efficiency, with adequate ride quality. At this moment, I am achieving these goals.
Carmakers, as most manufacturers, are all about avoiding complaints about subjective attributes, such as ride quality as it relates to tires. Therefore a low-ish pressure is specified by M-B to produce a comfortable ride. Tire longevity and fuel economy both benefit from the highest inflation possible, up to the point of excessive center tread wear.
I measured, very carefully, excessive shoulder wear when the tires were inflated to M-B's recommendation. Since I have overinflated to 45-48psi, tread wear has evened out across the tire. Ride is not noticeably different. Fuel consumption is maybe 0.1mpg better, for sure it is not worse. My goals in operating a vehicle are longevity and fuel efficiency, with adequate ride quality. At this moment, I am achieving these goals.
Since that I have used 35-37 psi cold pressure on all of the tires I have used and none has shown faster wear in the center yet. With some tires looks like I should use even higher pressure that 35 psi so I went to 37 psi.
Tires I have used are Nokian and and Michelin after the awful Contis the car came with.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
The best wet traction by far has been with Nokian zLine. Absolutely awesome wet traction and very quiet tire but it seems they stopped making it for U.S. market in my staggered rear size. They have a new one which is zLine A/S but I don't think it is as good for wet. But I think it is lots better than these Michelins that cost twice as much.
I drive in summer conditions at all times so I don't need all season tires. My biggest concern is wet traction during very heavy southern downpours. zLine has been way better than any big name brand tire.
My first MB came with Pirelli P-Zero tires. Total garbage for wet traction. My current car came with Continentals. A little less noise compared to Pirellis but no better wet traction. Nokians have been by far the best. Current Michelins are by far the worst.
Last edited by Arrie; Oct 28, 2019 at 07:24 AM.
