SL/R230: tires for 19s
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 258
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2003 SL55
tires for 19s
So it appears the bridgestone s04 in 255/35 and 285/30 seems our best bet for 19x8.5 and 19x9.5...
but has anyone tried the Pilot Super Sport 285/30/19 runflats yet? I am having serious stability issues running the non runflat 295/30, presumably due to the softer sidewall of the PSS. Id love a regular 285, but apparently it does not exist.
I hear runflats are harsher with tougher sidewalls, which most dont like... but perhaps thats what i need in my particular case?
Any insight from you all who have purchased many more tires for the r230 than i have?
but has anyone tried the Pilot Super Sport 285/30/19 runflats yet? I am having serious stability issues running the non runflat 295/30, presumably due to the softer sidewall of the PSS. Id love a regular 285, but apparently it does not exist.
I hear runflats are harsher with tougher sidewalls, which most dont like... but perhaps thats what i need in my particular case?
Any insight from you all who have purchased many more tires for the r230 than i have?
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 810
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From: Laguna Niguel
'94 SL600,'05 SL600,'06 S65,'07 E63,'14 E63S,'09SL600 all sold, ‘15 S65,‘18 E63S,'17 SL65, '17S65Cab
I have those size tires on my SL600. The factory Pirelli's were harsh and noisy after a few thousand miles. I replaced them with Conti 5P's. The are great in my opinion. The car is stable and tracks true I feel inflation pressure is key to this. I find 37 F/34R has worked well. I have not had Michelin tires on this car for comparison.
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 810
Likes: 182
From: Laguna Niguel
'94 SL600,'05 SL600,'06 S65,'07 E63,'14 E63S,'09SL600 all sold, ‘15 S65,‘18 E63S,'17 SL65, '17S65Cab
The reason I lowered the rear to 34 was better straight line traction and more even tire wear across the tread. When I had 38 in the rear the center tread bar wore much faster than the balance of the tire.
Super Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 810
Likes: 182
From: Laguna Niguel
'94 SL600,'05 SL600,'06 S65,'07 E63,'14 E63S,'09SL600 all sold, ‘15 S65,‘18 E63S,'17 SL65, '17S65Cab
I was referring to the 285-30x19 tire. I have not used 295's on the SL, but I would guess it takes more air pressure to get the best contact patch with the wider tire. So 37 may be optimum with the 295.
