USMCJS

I am needing to buy new tires for my 2005 S430. One dealer advises me that Mercedes recommends different sizes between front and rear ? Do most owners do this ? What is the best QUIET tire for this vehicle ? It is not a 4matic. It has 225/55R17 Michelin Primacy MXV4 on it now. Any advice appreciated. I don't drive it in the winter here in Montana. Mostly used for trips other months.

SilberGrau57

Different size front/rear is only called for when the wheels are different widths. This is called a "staggered" setup and the rear wheels are wider than the fronts. Diameters are always the same, though. I've never heard of different tire sizes for the same size wheels. Go to TireRack.com and check out the OEM recommended size for your model and year. Or, look for the tire spec placard usually on the driver's side A-pillar or maybe in the fuel filler door. This will give OEM tire sizes and pressures for front/rear tires.

tusabes

correct .

only the 18 inch and 19 inch sport /amg wheel options had staggered size tires and wheels . Staggered tires also reduce the mileage warranty of any tire you buy .

if you have factory 17 inch wheels you should run same tires on all four corners .

Welwynnick

Staggered wheels are not a good idea on the W220 IMHO.
Your dealer gave you very bad advice for several different reasons.
The simple answer is to fit what you already have, and use the most recent generation tire.
MXV4 isn't sporting, but it's a quiet, comfortable tire.


Nick