bfeng

The Latitude Tour HP's that come as an OEM tire start at 9.5/32nds tread depth. Most tires start new at 12/32nds or 11/32nds (some max performance tires excepted). I don't understand why the Michelins wear down so fast, but could it be related to starting with 20% less tread depth when new?

I've used Michelin tires in the past and have an excellent impression of their design and quality. It's too bad these Latitude's are performing so badly.

John

lkchris

Bet you didn't know that many times when a particular tire is offered in both H- and V- speed ratings, the only difference is initial tread depth.

That is, in order for the higher-rated tire to not overheat, tread squirm is eliminated.

You're looking at design characteristics and not quality differences.

And, you're not going to find higher quality tires than Michelin, although you may be able to find some hockey pucks that will last longer.

ejsheltra

I have tried many brands but always keep coming back to Michelin. They are just a superior design. Even Sears brand of performance tires are made by Michelin. Just look at the casing segments which is a hallmark of the Michelin sectional design. It is true the higher speed rated tires of a given model start with less tread depth to reduce tire squirm.

tarponbeach

I agree, I even had the dealer swap the OEM Continentals that came with my CDI for Michelins that were on a new ML350.

bfeng

I won't argue with the quality of Michelin tires, but there doesn't seem to be universal praise for them here in the W164 forum. After hearing the horror stories of short life (20kmiles or less), I think there are other alternatives for people who have different priorities.

After decades of loyalty to Michelin (MXV's) and Goodyear (I was buying NCT's as far back as 1982). But for my current priorities, I find Bridgestone offers a better value than Michelin.

John

roadrutz

Some high-volume vehicles sometimes come with name-brand tires -- usually all-seasons -- that are built specifically for that vehicle, often as a result of their manufacturer being the low bidder. Goodyear make some excellent tires, but both sets of OEM Goodyears I have had had poor tread life and mediocre performance. I am sure all the other manufacturers are just as guilty of this. But when it comes to name brand aftermarket tires, I'm not sure there are any really bad ones out there. Mostly its a matter of personal preferences in things like performance vs tread wear.

lkchris

ML is not designed for high mileage tires.

Same as Porsche, Ferrari, etc.

The "horror story" lies in purchasing the wrong vehicle for one's requirements.

bfeng

I beg to differ. My max-performance summer tires (BMW) last about 25kmiles a set (and I don't rotate because the sizes are staggered).

I would certainly expect an H-rated tire to last at least as long.

BTW, the dealer things the alignment on our W164 was knocked out by the previous owner and the Michelin Latitudes are not the cause of the problem. If that proves the case, and the Michelin's run fine ... we'll stick with that tire for the new set.

John

MAmendola

My two cents. My OEM Michelin's laster about 12K. I replaced them with Cooper's and have 24K on them. Still quiet, lots of tread left and on my 2nd winter here in upstate NY.

Mark

gsrjc

i hated my michelin latitudes that came with my ML350. i got bridgestone alenzas(sp?) for my 2nd set and they are awesome.

DUTCH

The factory Continentals lasted 30K. I replaced them with Michelin Latitudes. They have 16K on them; and don't look like they'll make it to 20K.

FWIW, I rotate every 5K and check and adjust tire pressures to spec. Alignment is good.

Won't go in the Michelin direction next time.

mtrandpm

The Continentals Michelin OEM tires that came with the ML350 is a joke, IMO. I had it changed out 2 times in less than 8K miles each. They were making noise, not well balanced. However, the warranty covered for it. I take care of my car well. I don't drive fast at all! The last sets lasted for almost 20K miles. I changed to a better Michelin tires (I forgot what it was). These tires are a lot smoother and quieter. I think it was rated for 50K miles. Good luck with the Mercedes!! I had nothing but problems with my ML350 and I take good care of the car! You can see my previous postings. Once my lease is up, I will go back to Japanese cars again (ie, Lexus, Inifinity, etc...).

bigben320e

You have an excellent point. The bottom line of it is high performance tires are not meant to last 40K miles, no brand of them are. This is an old discussion and debate. Like he said, Porsche, Ferrari, and other are not designed that way.

It has nothing to do with quality, it is by design. For example, my CLS is staggered, and I have Michelin Pilot A/S on them. The tires TW are 400 rated, which have gave 25K out of the rears which is much better than a lot of other brands. The fronts will last at least until the end of the year.

When I change the rears, the new Pilot A/S Plus will go on as they are 440 TW rated.

My E320, on the other hand uses Michelin Exalto A/S a high performance all season 400 rated tire. The first set I got lasted 45K miles, I just had a new set put on last month.

See the difference in the cars? The tires will not last the same amount of time due to the car not the tire which has always been normal.