Winter tires and high speed
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 43
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2020 S63
Winter tires and high speed
Just got a 2020 s63. Tires on it are Pirrelli sottozero 240. Winter tires. I live in south Texas. What tires actually came on the car? Thanks. Car feels real squirrelly above 100 mph. Is this due to the winter tires?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
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2021 Glb35 AMG (2013 GLK 350)
You can check your speed ratings/tire pressure per your tires. Speed rating changes by size. I have Michelin Alpin 5 255/40ZR20 winter tires that are V rated-149mph max speed. I tested the tires up to 90mph with no problems...
Winter tires have softer compound for freezing winter temps which usually makes them more comfortable. If you drive them in warm weather, the special rubber compound that makes them flexible in freezing temperatures also makes them wear out much faster in warmer weather. And because winter tires are not designed for cornering and acceleration on hot roads, it could impact vehicle control. The handling won't be as responsive as it should be in a critical situation. Also, the stopping distance is extended.
I can recommend UHP AS tires such as Michelin PS AS4:
Winter tires have softer compound for freezing winter temps which usually makes them more comfortable. If you drive them in warm weather, the special rubber compound that makes them flexible in freezing temperatures also makes them wear out much faster in warmer weather. And because winter tires are not designed for cornering and acceleration on hot roads, it could impact vehicle control. The handling won't be as responsive as it should be in a critical situation. Also, the stopping distance is extended.
I can recommend UHP AS tires such as Michelin PS AS4:
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 603
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From: NYC
S63, GLE580, BV250
Cant say for sure but it is likely the winter tire giving you that feeling. It's likely mid 60s-70s in Texas, asphalt is prob in the mid 80s if not higher during sunny days. Those winter tires will be fairly soft and are probably being worn down quick considering their optimal operating temp is in the low 40s and below.
As for OE tires, I believe they came with either the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 or Continental Contisportcontact. You don't necessarily have to go with OE, I went with Bridgestone Turanza T005s when there was a clearance sale (mercedes MO-S stamped), previous tires were Continental Contisportcontact, and winter tires are Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4
As for OE tires, I believe they came with either the Michelin Pilot Sport 3 or Continental Contisportcontact. You don't necessarily have to go with OE, I went with Bridgestone Turanza T005s when there was a clearance sale (mercedes MO-S stamped), previous tires were Continental Contisportcontact, and winter tires are Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Newcastle, WA
2019 S63 4Matic+, 2018 E400 Cabrio, wardens car.
My 2019 came with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, a summer tire, not sure why. I now run Michelin Pilot Sport 4 A/S tires and they work great.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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'25 S63 AMG E Performance, '26 CLE 53 AMG
If I recall, you purchased your S63 used--am I correct? The Original Equipment tires from the factory were Michelin Pilot Sport 3 or Continental Contisportcontact.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Newcastle, WA
2019 S63 4Matic+, 2018 E400 Cabrio, wardens car.
Not sure MT, I did purchase the car used with 9K miles on it, I just assumed the tires on it were the OE tires based on mileage. They were the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tire though.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
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'25 S63 AMG E Performance, '26 CLE 53 AMG
The normal miles at replacement of OEM tires is about 8500 to 10000 miles. I purchased my 2019 S63 new with European Delivery with the first set of OEM tires hitting the tread bar at 8500 miles so I suspect if you had Michelin PS 4 tires on at 9k miles they were put on just before you purchased the car. I have had 44k great miles on my S63. Love the car.
