Tires for Comfort
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S550
Tires for Comfort
I have a 2011 S550 MB that came with the Plus One Sports package with 20" wheels. The ride is OK, but I would like it more comfortable, I don't drive aggressively or at high speeds, so performance is not a big issue, nor do I drive in snow. Any recommendations. I am looking at changing wheels to the 18" rims that comes with the base model. I am undecided for using all four wheels the same size or using wider wheels in the back. I also want to know if there is any suspension tuning in the +1 sports package that needs to be readjusted, or any other necessary modifications before I put the factory 18" rims in my car. Any recommendations as to tire brands for comfort? or anything else that I can do to improve ride comfort? Thanks for your advice.
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
I have Michelin Primacy HP tires (18") on my S600 and they are super comfortable and quiet. They are a bit pricy and are summer tires, so if you're driving in snow, you may want to consider others.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Durham, NC
W126 1987 300SDL
Compared to the 20" wheels and tires, I would suspect that any tire on 18" rims would be far better for comfort. Stick to a H rated tire for a softer sidewall. I have the stock contipros at 38psi and they are fine. I'm curious from folks that have had both the contipros and the serenity to see if it's worth switching to bridgestone for my next set.
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2016 C300
IMO 18's are too small. There's a point of diminishing returns when it comes to reducing rim size to improve comfort, and once you get a fair amount of sidewall under the car, adding more tends to just make the car feel uncommunicative and spongy without improving the ride.
I think the 19" are the right size for the 221 in terms of comfort and ride. Since a sporty look or getting more grip on the rears isn't a priority I'd go with a square set up vs staggered so the tires can be rotated.
For tires, having tried most of the less expensive options over the years, I always come back to the Michelin Pilot Supersports. Nothing comes close in terms of comfort and smoothness. They have a 35,000 mile warranty when run square (half when staggered). Everything else got chewed up on the rears in under 10k miles, while the fronts were good for 20k max.
Here's a good source of info on verified tire size fitments on Mercedes:
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/inf.../mercedes-benz
Looks like 19" x 8.5" wheels and 255/40/19 would be the OEM fitment for 19's and 18"x 8.5" would be 255/45R18. On the chart, OEM fitments show as "Mercedes" or "AMG".
I think the 19" are the right size for the 221 in terms of comfort and ride. Since a sporty look or getting more grip on the rears isn't a priority I'd go with a square set up vs staggered so the tires can be rotated.
For tires, having tried most of the less expensive options over the years, I always come back to the Michelin Pilot Supersports. Nothing comes close in terms of comfort and smoothness. They have a 35,000 mile warranty when run square (half when staggered). Everything else got chewed up on the rears in under 10k miles, while the fronts were good for 20k max.
Here's a good source of info on verified tire size fitments on Mercedes:
http://www.alloywheelsdirect.net/inf.../mercedes-benz
Looks like 19" x 8.5" wheels and 255/40/19 would be the OEM fitment for 19's and 18"x 8.5" would be 255/45R18. On the chart, OEM fitments show as "Mercedes" or "AMG".
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2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I'll second that! I've had Bridgestone Serenity tires before and they are quiet and very comfortable. That said, I had them on my 2013 S550 with 18" wheels. If comfort is a big deal to you, I would highly recommend that you dump the 20" wheels and get yourself a set of 18's, which I happen to think look great on the 221.
