Hi Folks,

I'm in the market for new summer tires (interesting time to have this discussion). My 2010 S550 4Matic has the "Plus One" AMG Appearance Package, which means my rims are the 20's. The spec of the tire is 255/35 ZR 20, at each corner.

I'm soliciting advice from folks for a new Summer tire. This set of rims and tires will be installed on the vehicle for the "summer" months only. I have a second set of 18" S600 rims and Pirelli Sotto Zero winter / snow tires for the inclement winters in Ohio.

The OE tires are Continental ContiSport Contact 2. I'm not pleased with them for a number of reasons, mainly, because they have a 280 wear rating. They've gone bald way too quickly for me, and I've been running tires of this size and spec for about 6 years now. So, I probably wouldn't buy them again even if there were a gun held to my brain.

Anyway, in this category with these limitations, there are really only a few realistic choices. In no particular order:
1. Kumho Ecsta SPT (Ultra High Performance Summer)
2. Continental Extreme Contact DW (Max Performance Summer)
3. Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport (Ultra High Performance Summer)
4. Michelin Pilot Super Sport (Max Performance Summer)
5. Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position (Max Performance Summer)
6. Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Pole Position (Max Performance Summer)
7. OEM Continental's (not really an option)

I'm leaning towards #2, the Continental Extreme Contact DW. The research on Tire Rack points to a very strong recommendation from Mercedes S-Class owners on this tire. The "first" ranked tire is #4, the Michelin Super Sport, but there is a significant price premium, and the treadwear rating is inferior to the Continental. I don't want to spend a fortune because I believe the incremental performance gain (mainly in steering response) between the Continental and the Michelin wouldn't justify the price jump, and is sort of lost on an S550V4 anyway.

I've had decent experience with Kumho's in the past, but mainly, I've stuck them on the car a few months prior to sale, lease return, or trade-in. That's because they're CHEAP, and so am I.

Does anyone have experience on the Extreme Contact DW that they can share? I'm guessing it would be positive. Let me know - also, I'm not in a HUGE rush because I believe I can run my existing OEM 20" tires for the next 2 months safely, at which point I'll switch to the snow set. So, I may end up purchasing next "summer" season. Thanks guys.



PS: I've already searched the forum and wasn't satisfied with the search results, hence, new thread! To make it worth your while, here's a picture of my cars:

 

You should go with the
Conti's DWS tires. that's there newest line I believe. I have them on my 4matic w/no complaints.

 

That is the same recommendation my leasing agent made, partly because they are cheaper. However, the "S" part of the "DWS" moniker, meaning "snow" doesn't interest me. The "DW" line ranks more favorably in the summer categories.

Good idea, thanks!

 

Tread wear is also better on DWS tire? Honestly both tires ride the same in the summer months. I have had both tires. But I like the DWS better since its cheaper,better wear,and I also use these in winter. So it's an all plus for me. Imo

 

I know this doesn't fit into your criteria as this is all season but take a look at these:

http://www.onlinetires.com/products/...+102w+blt.html

I have them on my 4matic but I staggered the back.

I had them for a while and wear seems good and wear number is 440.

 

Those tires are not good at all. I have them on my dad's Maxima and its bad in the rain. I also had the better ones (Falkens 452) on my car and that still didn't compared to the Conti's DWS I currently have now.

 

http://www.porscheblogs.co.uk/tested...t-super-sport/

I recently installed the Michelin Super Sport on my 20" Rims. They have a 300 tread wear rating, Amazing Grip data shows it stops quicker, quiet (more so than the continentals). I recommend.

 

Have the DW's on my wife's R 350 and they ha e been very good in terms of wear and smooth quiet ride and wet grip.

I just put the Michelin Super Sports in 20 inch staggered on my CL600 and really love them but only have 250 miles on them so it is hard to say what the tread wear will be.

 

Seems like it would be hard to go wrong with the Conti DW or the Michelin SS. Maybe I'll pony up the extra cash for the SS and shut my mouth. Or, maybe I'll try the DW set now, and then the SS next.
Of course, things are bound to change in that timeframe. The DW was #1 until the SS came out, dropping the DW to #2 on Tire Rack, I believe. Thanks guys!

 

i would go with SS myself