SL/R230: Tire Pressure Question
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 58
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
2007 Mercedes SL550, 2017 GLC300, 2002 Suzuki Bandit 1200S, 2004 Ducati Monster
Tire Pressure Question
I recently took my '07 SL550 in for repair at an independent Mercedes shop. I was checking my tire pressure today, something I do monthly, and it seems the repair shop had inflated my tires to 42psi. The gas cap door says 30psi front, 33psi rear but I usually fill them all to 33psi, and I have always gone by the sticker in a cars gas cap door or door frame. I have Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's. Should all manufacturers tires be filled to the same pressure? If I had Pirelli P-Zero tires, would they require a different air pressure? When I bought the tires at Discount Tire and asked them, they said just go by the gas cap door sticker.
Brian A.
Brian A.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 742
Likes: 228
From: Santa Barbara, CA
S550C4, Porsche Cayenne
I recently took my '07 SL550 in for repair at an independent Mercedes shop. I was checking my tire pressure today, something I do monthly, and it seems the repair shop had inflated my tires to 42psi. The gas cap door says 30psi front, 33psi rear but I usually fill them all to 33psi, and I have always gone by the sticker in a cars gas cap door or door frame. I have Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3's. Should all manufacturers tires be filled to the same pressure? If I had Pirelli P-Zero tires, would they require a different air pressure? When I bought the tires at Discount Tire and asked them, they said just go by the gas cap door sticker. Brian A.
I would add that it also depends on your outdoor temp and tire softness
soft tire heat up fast
so, for example in the summer, or hot temps, look at how much pressure was added by the heat after 15min driving
if it gets really high, better go for a lower coldstart pressure
soft tire heat up fast
so, for example in the summer, or hot temps, look at how much pressure was added by the heat after 15min driving
if it gets really high, better go for a lower coldstart pressure
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
There is some inconsistency from Mercedes on R230 tire pressures.
Thread for reference, where recommended pressures across a few different R230s are compared: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ful-tires.html
For my vehicles, I run +2 PSI over the factory recommendation for normal driving. Careful variation is okay. From what I recall, some older Mercedes manuals even stated that +7 PSI is recommended for high speed driving.
Thread for reference, where recommended pressures across a few different R230s are compared: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ful-tires.html
For my vehicles, I run +2 PSI over the factory recommendation for normal driving. Careful variation is okay. From what I recall, some older Mercedes manuals even stated that +7 PSI is recommended for high speed driving.
There is some inconsistency from Mercedes on R230 tire pressures.
Thread for reference, where recommended pressures across a few different R230s are compared: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ful-tires.html
For my vehicles, I run +2 PSI over the factory recommendation for normal driving. Careful variation is okay. From what I recall, some older Mercedes manuals even stated that +7 PSI is recommended for high speed driving.
Thread for reference, where recommended pressures across a few different R230s are compared: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ful-tires.html
For my vehicles, I run +2 PSI over the factory recommendation for normal driving. Careful variation is okay. From what I recall, some older Mercedes manuals even stated that +7 PSI is recommended for high speed driving.
I don't go high speeds much, I mean above 155mph in Germany, did some 203 while ago but maintaining that speed even on German Highway is far too much stress with other users driving at 93
when you brake at those speeds your brake feel like butter (even with my eight piston brakes)
In the summer I go as low as 30psi cold rear as they end up 36 hot after 20 min. but I drive strong always. 2 rear tires per year
I run 295/30/19 rear on my CL
everything is about what tires you have, P0 or harder, mixed, summer, what you expect and how you drive
I target 33psi hot
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 406
Likes: 137
From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
There is some inconsistency from Mercedes on R230 tire pressures.
Thread for reference, where recommended pressures across a few different R230s are compared: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ful-tires.html
For my vehicles, I run +2 PSI over the factory recommendation for normal driving. Careful variation is okay. From what I recall, some older Mercedes manuals even stated that +7 PSI is recommended for high speed driving.
Thread for reference, where recommended pressures across a few different R230s are compared: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...ful-tires.html
For my vehicles, I run +2 PSI over the factory recommendation for normal driving. Careful variation is okay. From what I recall, some older Mercedes manuals even stated that +7 PSI is recommended for high speed driving.
My general practice is to go with the car manufacturer specs, but keep an eye on treadwear. I've had a few vehicles where the stated spec had the tires wearing more on the outside edges, so I increased the pressure by 3-4psi.
I'm running my SL at 30 front, 33 rear. Just seems like 26psi is awfully low for such a heavy car. Also, I'm running 18" wheels, so the higher pressure helps stiffen the taller sidewall a bit to keep the handling feel crisp. Would have liked to go to 19" or 20", love the look and the super-quick turn-in, but some of the roads here are pretty dreadful - I'd have had to keep a "bent wheel fund".
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