SL/R230: I'm going to buy some Michelins...which ones?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 123
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From: Allentown, Pa
2011 350 4Matic EClass Sport Edition and 2003 500SL & 2010 Range Rover Sport
I'm going to buy some Michelins...which ones?
I have 4 PZeros on my 2003 500SL. They have 9000 miles on them, and I really don't like them. I had them balanced the other day, and the guy who did the balancing at the dealership told me that by July or August I will probably have to replace them. I've had Pirellis on Bimmers in the past. I think it's a hard tire and just doesn't compare to my favorite tire...Michelins.
I have 18" AMG rims and the AMG package on the car.
Which Michelins should I buy? Should I go for the Pilot Sports or the Pilot A/S tires? I'm in Pennsylvania, and I'm looking for a "Rock-Solid" ride with no balancing issues AND I do like a relatively smooth ride. We do occasionally have some snow around here. I don't have to drive the SL in Snow, and I really don't plan to, but I do like to take it out occasionally in Winter when the weather is nice.
I look forward to your advice on this forum.
Stan
I have 18" AMG rims and the AMG package on the car.
Which Michelins should I buy? Should I go for the Pilot Sports or the Pilot A/S tires? I'm in Pennsylvania, and I'm looking for a "Rock-Solid" ride with no balancing issues AND I do like a relatively smooth ride. We do occasionally have some snow around here. I don't have to drive the SL in Snow, and I really don't plan to, but I do like to take it out occasionally in Winter when the weather is nice.
I look forward to your advice on this forum.
Stan
Last edited by spilok; Mar 6, 2008 at 07:51 PM.
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From: Irvine, CA.
2005 SL55, 2000 CL500
Get the Pilot Sports.
Only negative is they get a bit noisy with age.
But wear better and need less attention to Rotation.
At least on my CL500 as far as rotation.
I have Michelin`s on both my cars.
The Conti`s would be my second choice.
Only negative is they get a bit noisy with age.
But wear better and need less attention to Rotation.
At least on my CL500 as far as rotation.
I have Michelin`s on both my cars.
The Conti`s would be my second choice.
Last edited by bltserv; Mar 6, 2008 at 07:59 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 123
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From: Allentown, Pa
2011 350 4Matic EClass Sport Edition and 2003 500SL & 2010 Range Rover Sport
Thanks for that. What do you know about the A/S version of this tire? Would that be better with colder weather? I see you're from California.
Stan
Stan
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
My Opinion
I have had the Pilot Sports on two of my SL's, personally I would opt for another tire the next time I am ready. Had the same ole problem with them, balancing multiple times, if not driven for a few days flat spots on the tires. I can't remember the exact recommendation, but email luke at tirerack, he is very knowledgable.
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
Not Sure
I am not sure what I would get next time, sure I would try something else though. Several people mentioned the PS2's, but they did not make them in sizes that would fit the standard rims on my SL. Post what Luke recommends, I would be curious to hear it.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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2003 SL500
No Pilot Sports
I have them on my SL 500 and they are noisy as hell, like someone else mentioned. They did the same thing on my Audi TT even though they were worn evenly across the width of the tire, the tread had a small feather edge on the leading edge, that made them sound like the tires on a monster truck.
I hated them! And I hate the ones I have now but I am determined to run them until they won't pass a state inspection IE: 3/32" of tread depth left. Trust me that won't be too far off.
I considered Bridgestones as replacements. I should mention that the Contis on my wife's SLK got noisy too. So it just may be a product of the width rather than the manufacturer. But for what they cost I sure wish they'd last longer!
J T
I hated them! And I hate the ones I have now but I am determined to run them until they won't pass a state inspection IE: 3/32" of tread depth left. Trust me that won't be too far off.
I considered Bridgestones as replacements. I should mention that the Contis on my wife's SLK got noisy too. So it just may be a product of the width rather than the manufacturer. But for what they cost I sure wish they'd last longer!
J T
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Wichita
2005 SL600, 2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite
I have the Michelin Pilot Sports that came with the car. Performance in dry conditions and tread wear has been fine. I can't speak to the noise issue as they are the only tires I've had so I can't make comparisons. I am considering buying the A/S as replacements whenever the time comes because I am not happy with the performance in wet conditions, and the one time I got caught in the snow has taught me to not drive with thses tires if there is even a chance that it might snow.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Fairfield County, CT
2005 SL500; 2008 S550
I am wrestling with the same question. I have the Pilot Sports with 25K on them and they are SO NOISY. I'm planning on the Pilot Sport A/S. I live in CT. Like you, I don't care about snow performance but often get caught in the rain.
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2003 SL500
Interesting to hear the noise complaints about Pilot Sports. Here's my experience:
2003 SL500, stock wheels. Came with Contis from the factory. I found them to have very good grip, with a fairly sharp breakaway at the rear if I fed in power on a corner. But they seemed very noisy to my ears.
When they wore you, I replaced them with Pilot Sports (not A/S). I found the PS *much* quieter, and "softer" in breakaway - as I build speed going round a corner, I seem to get into a gradual 4-wheel slide more than a sharp break at the rear - think flat skis versus edges with the Contis. Given the different sensation, I can't acurately judge the grip limit - subjectively, the Conti seemed to generate more lateral G, but I haven't controlled for tire pressures, etc.
One issue with the Pilots was the first install took several trips to get aligned right - I still feel there is a slight tendency to pull right.
Still, I'm on my second set of Pilots at the rear, since the Contis were just too noisy.
2003 SL500, stock wheels. Came with Contis from the factory. I found them to have very good grip, with a fairly sharp breakaway at the rear if I fed in power on a corner. But they seemed very noisy to my ears.
When they wore you, I replaced them with Pilot Sports (not A/S). I found the PS *much* quieter, and "softer" in breakaway - as I build speed going round a corner, I seem to get into a gradual 4-wheel slide more than a sharp break at the rear - think flat skis versus edges with the Contis. Given the different sensation, I can't acurately judge the grip limit - subjectively, the Conti seemed to generate more lateral G, but I haven't controlled for tire pressures, etc.
One issue with the Pilots was the first install took several trips to get aligned right - I still feel there is a slight tendency to pull right.
Still, I'm on my second set of Pilots at the rear, since the Contis were just too noisy.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 123
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From: Allentown, Pa
2011 350 4Matic EClass Sport Edition and 2003 500SL & 2010 Range Rover Sport
Well,
I made my decision! See if you know which ones I selected! Please see the link below.
The link below wasn't my sole source for my decision. I called one of my personal friends who OWNS a tire store, and he sells mostly ALL these brands. The price wasn't the issue. I wanted quiet tires, and tires with excellent grip , decent tread wear, and overall performance. When you finally guess the ones I selected, you should "Google" reviews on them. I think you'll be quite impressed.
OK .....here's the link.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ay.jsp?type=MP
Stan
hint....I changed my mind about buying Michelins.
I made my decision! See if you know which ones I selected! Please see the link below.
The link below wasn't my sole source for my decision. I called one of my personal friends who OWNS a tire store, and he sells mostly ALL these brands. The price wasn't the issue. I wanted quiet tires, and tires with excellent grip , decent tread wear, and overall performance. When you finally guess the ones I selected, you should "Google" reviews on them. I think you'll be quite impressed.
OK .....here's the link.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...ay.jsp?type=MP
Stan
hint....I changed my mind about buying Michelins.
Last edited by spilok; Mar 8, 2008 at 07:25 AM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 123
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From: Allentown, Pa
2011 350 4Matic EClass Sport Edition and 2003 500SL & 2010 Range Rover Sport
Had the Bridgestone Pole Position RE050A's installed yesterday. They took very little weight when balanced. Love the ride, and super quiet. They seem extremely "sticky" around curves and when cornering.
I think I'm going to be happy with these tires replacing the P-Zeros.
Stan
I think I'm going to be happy with these tires replacing the P-Zeros.
Stan
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From: Irvine, CA.
2005 SL55, 2000 CL500
I just got new 19" SL65 Rims for my SL55. I am having my car repaired since it got rear ended a month ago. So its between the Body Shop and the Dealer
on a regular basis. I asked my SA what he would suggest. The Bridgestone
RE050A`s or the Michelin S/P`s. He suggested the Michelins.
So thats what we will put on next week. Also the price is SIGNIFICANTLY
higher for the Michelins. The 19" set has a difference of $ 465.00
The good news. I get my car back on Wednesday/Thursday next week.
Good luck with you new Bridgestones.
on a regular basis. I asked my SA what he would suggest. The Bridgestone
RE050A`s or the Michelin S/P`s. He suggested the Michelins.
So thats what we will put on next week. Also the price is SIGNIFICANTLY
higher for the Michelins. The 19" set has a difference of $ 465.00
The good news. I get my car back on Wednesday/Thursday next week.
Good luck with you new Bridgestones.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
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From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
I have been using PS2's and they have been brilliant. The car handles great with them. They have stood up to track days and vacations alike and come through just fine.
Since my car is derestricted (and I 'explore' the upper reaches from time to time)
, it was important to get a tire that was available in a spec that could handle the weight of our cars as well as the speeds it is capable of.
Since my car is derestricted (and I 'explore' the upper reaches from time to time)
, it was important to get a tire that was available in a spec that could handle the weight of our cars as well as the speeds it is capable of.
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sl
Thanks for survey, quite helpful.
Of course thats not a complete list, nor even up to date it seems.
Missing is the latest and greatest Contisport (Contact 3) and the famous Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta which, for a true performance tire cant be beat in foul weather. Leave it to the Dutch!
Both of these tires along with the F1 have topped the best of the rest in comprehensive, objective performance tests.
If you find a source let me know.
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,875
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
2006 SL600, 2001 S500, 1996 SL320
PS2's
I did a search thru tire rack for 06 SL600 and PS2's don't show as an option. As I remember they were available in 19s not 18s for the SL
