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Well,at 30K, my Continentals have hit the end of their life span. After looking at all of the posts on the SL sites, as well as the tire forum, I am going with my first inclination and moving away from the run-flats. Did that on my last BMW and didn't regret it one minute. Did all the reviews / road tests / tire company web sites, and have pulled the trigger on some Michelin Pilot Super Sports as the newest Pilot Sport 4s does not overlay with the AMG 19 inch stock tire size, which is where I wanted to stay. Car goes in the shop on Monday, and I cannot wait to feel the difference. IMO the run-flats just do not offer an optimum automotive experience as they are a compromise tire design, kind of like the CVT of tires. They do have their place, just not right for me. Will let you know how the transition works!
Just bought Firestone Firehawk Indy500 tires. Very highly rated and reviewed on Tirerack and much cheaper than competitive tires. Read somewhere that they were a Bridgestone design. Given my location I want a summer only tire. Like the results so far. Good luck with your Michelins.
2016 S550 Coupe , 2013 SL550sold 2009 sl550 sold 2012 S550 sold
Ride Quality Choices
I also prefer to eliminate the run-flats for a smoother ride.
I picked up a set of 18" CLS factory forged rims with the same offset as the SL to give me a little more sidewall - and what a difference!
I got about 3/4" more sidewall using the same pressures. It doesn't look as aggressive , but the ride and pothole protection is superior!
Seems like the older you get the more ride quality becomes important! I could add 10mm spacers to move the out a little as well..
Hope the photos help....
Keep us posted on life with the Firestones (could be a reality TV show). I live in Franklin, TN and a friend of mine works for Bridgestone / Firestone which is HQ in Nashville. He has a set of the Indy500's on his 535, and he piqued my interest some with his commentary that they are rebadged Bridgestone RE003's, which have a solid reputation. So I did evaluate that option, just was not ready to make that move. Hope they work well, and thanks for experimenting; the price difference does get your attention.
I must say that I am once again addicted to the driving pleasure as a result of these new Michelins. Transformed the car as I hoped it would, and wow, it is a much more balanced, compliant, and aggressive vehicle. Should have done this several thousand miles ago. Viva Michelin! Now to get me one of those slime kits with a pump, just in case!
Hi TennesseeZ4, interesting and informative discussion about your New Michelin’s. I’m at exactly the same decision and likewise, after extensive research I’ve decides to go with standard (non run flat) Michelin tires. Glad to hear you enjoy the new tires!
The big question is whether or not to use Slime type products. I’ve read many discussions on this and other sites, and many said these Slime type products will ruin the TPMS sensor (despite the manufacturers assurance that these are safe for TPMS), and require it’s replacement, plus a nasty cleaning job for the tire shop. Better to have it towed? or, Take up the trunk space with a donut spare?
Any thoughts on this issue?
I went with the Slime Flat Repair Kit that is a compressor and 'slimer' in one shot. Not really concerned with the TPMS, and my dealer says that the slime cleanup these days is a fairly straighforward process. That is what I did in my last vehicle when I switched over to non-RFT's; thankfully I kept it in the trunk and never had to use it.
Went with some Michelin Pilot Sport AS/3's which are 3 season tires. I know people will chime in with the assinine "all seasons are no season" but you know what?.. I drive my AMG year round and while most summer sport tires are low rated for rain and colder weather, the AS/3's are rated as good (and most times, better) that the summer only tires and way the hell better than them in the rain and light snow. I have these on my M3 and my Porsche 911,.. which I track and have zero complaints on the track as I drive my car to and from the track. But I've only been doing this for about 30 years. To each his own but currently the best all around tire out there on all reviews and test sites are the Michelin AS/3's.
2016 S550 Coupe , 2013 SL550sold 2009 sl550 sold 2012 S550 sold
correction to previous post
I have been using the Pilot Sport AS3's and the AS3plus for the last few years with only one problem. I ordered a staggered 18" set from tire rack that had a blister in the sidewall after mounting.
Tire-Rack did a replacement at no charge. The 45K warranty period is cut in half because of the staggered sizes - per Michelin's rules. By 20K , they are starting to develop some tread noise anyway.
My previous posted photos had the AS3's incorrectly listed as Ps3's (or something like that).
I kept my 19" AMG 5 spokes in case I ever wanted to go back from then 18" ones, or for resale values.
I have heard the the non run-flat Conti's do have a great ride quality.
I use my SL as a daily driver and ride quality is very important.
My previous car was a '12 S550 air-matic that spoiled me - regarding ride quality .
Just my 2 cents worth on the AS3's....a great all season tire.
I put Bridgstone Potenza S04 on my 2014 close to 20k miles ago, think thy may last another 5k then need changing.
Much better than the original run flats that lasted just over 10k miles.
Hi again Tennessee Z4, per your thread starter post I too want the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s, as very highly rated. A great and very informative discussion.
You wrote those tires would not fit due to “overlay” with the AMG19” rims. I think many here would want those great Pilot 4s tires; was the issue the rear size only being available in 295/30/19?
I now have ‘OEM’ 285/30/19 Contis on the rear, and am surprised that the 10mm difference is a deal breaker as only .4 inch. Perhaps rim at 9.5” not wide enough...
Any info from anyone with experience or info on upsizing to 295/30/19s would be greatly appreciated!
I noted that Sky1, however I wanted to retain the stock set up for the new tires, and elected to go with the Pilot SS due to prior experience on a (gasp) BMW that we had. Great tire, and likely that over the course of ownership I will never see the full potential of either tire so the differences that are cited in the articles which I read lead me to believe I will have some happy times with the SS version.
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