SL/R230: Recommended Tire Pressures?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 2
From: Allentown, Pa
2011 350 4Matic EClass Sport Edition and 2003 500SL & 2010 Range Rover Sport
Recommended Tire Pressures?
Just bought a PERFECT 2003 500SL with 8000 miles on it (it was kept in a thermostatically-controlled garage...hardly driven) a few weeks back, and I'm really enjoying it. Was actually able to get a Comprehensive Warranty from my Benz Dealer for 5 years, 36,000 miles for $1670.00. So I'm very pleased. I've had 3 NEW Benzes over the years, but I couldn't pass this one up for less than half its sticker price. Has the AMG package on it, Silver, and 18" rims. The front tires are 255/40 ZR18, and the rear 285/35 ZR18...Pirelli PZeros.
My question is this: the recommended pressures are 30 in front and 33 in rear. Is this what most of you follow, or do you find that different pressures are a better comprimise for comfort, wear, and performance? I want to start off right with this car.
Stan
My question is this: the recommended pressures are 30 in front and 33 in rear. Is this what most of you follow, or do you find that different pressures are a better comprimise for comfort, wear, and performance? I want to start off right with this car.
Stan
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
2003 SL500
Yes you should go by recommended pressure. That pressure for most cars is configured by the weight of the vehicle and also ride comfort. If you have tire pressure monitoring system or tpms on your car than if you put to much or not enough air in your tires than you will see a warning on you dash. Or at least on my corvette it dose tell if there is too much air in a tire. Havent tried it in my sl. Also I dont know where you live but if it gets cold where you live the pressure in your tires can drop enough to make your warning light come on also. If it makes it easier on you you could run 32 psi all the way around and should be fine. Hope this helps.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA.
2005 SL55, 2000 CL500
Just bought a PERFECT 2003 500SL with 8000 miles on it (it was kept in a thermostatically-controlled garage...hardly driven) a few weeks back, and I'm really enjoying it. Was actually able to get a Comprehensive Warranty from my Benz Dealer for 5 years, 36,000 miles for $1670.00. So I'm very pleased. I've had 3 NEW Benzes over the years, but I couldn't pass this one up for less than half its sticker price. Has the AMG package on it, Silver, and 18" rims. The front tires are 255/40 ZR18, and the rear 285/35 ZR18...Pirelli PZeros.
My question is this: the recommended pressures are 30 in front and 33 in rear. Is this what most of you follow, or do you find that different pressures are a better comprimise for comfort, wear, and performance? I want to start off right with this car.
Stan
My question is this: the recommended pressures are 30 in front and 33 in rear. Is this what most of you follow, or do you find that different pressures are a better comprimise for comfort, wear, and performance? I want to start off right with this car.
Stan
Be Careful. Tires wear out from age and oxidation. I would not feel confident
with them that old at high speed. 80+
Also I found the Perelli`s wear and ride not as good as the Michellin PS on my SL.
Enjoy your new ride
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 2
From: Allentown, Pa
2011 350 4Matic EClass Sport Edition and 2003 500SL & 2010 Range Rover Sport
Thanks for the input. I've never been a fan of the PZeros, but the person who owned this car did drive it occasionally but only locally. Although the tires are 5 years old, remember he kept this car not in a heated garage, but a temperature controlled garage. This car is really "cherry", and I had it totally checked out at my Mercedes dealer yesterday in order to qualify for the warranty...it passed with flying colors, and there was nothing they could find that was a problem.
So...when I do change tires...which ones are the best for this car, considering all the qualities you desire in a tire?
Stan
So...when I do change tires...which ones are the best for this car, considering all the qualities you desire in a tire?
Stan
Banned
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA.
2005 SL55, 2000 CL500
Stan
Again congrats on buying your R230.
When you do change rubber. Go Michelin Pilot Sport.
They are IMHO the best tire when you consider ride & performance.
Mine are just needing replacement after almost 20K miles on my SL.
My dealer will match the price at Costco and the Local Tire dealers so I
feel better letting them do the install. Get the Z rated.
Again congrats on buying your R230.
When you do change rubber. Go Michelin Pilot Sport.
They are IMHO the best tire when you consider ride & performance.
Mine are just needing replacement after almost 20K miles on my SL.
My dealer will match the price at Costco and the Local Tire dealers so I
feel better letting them do the install. Get the Z rated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I run PS2's at 38F/39R for tire pressures. Whatever tires you get, make sure you get ones that are rated for extra load, as our cars are pretty portly! 
.......Especially if you remove the speed limiter!
.......Especially if you remove the speed limiter!
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 333
Likes: 12
From: South Florida
Bridgestone...
I just put on a set of Bridgestone RE050 Pole Positions and I have to say, they are the best I've had on the car yet. Previous was the PS's which I couldn't hardly hear my self think and they got VERY hard after about 5k.
I keep my pressure at 34psi all they way around.
I keep my pressure at 34psi all they way around.
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