SL/R231: Please Help Me Decide Which Tire
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 46
From: southeastern NC
'18 SL 550, '19 1500 Z71 Silverado LTZ, '19 Mustang convertible
Please Help Me Decide Which Tire
I am trying to decide between the summer Michelin PS4s and the all-season Continental DWS06+. Where I live in southeastern NC, cold temperatures (below 40) and snow are not significant factors. I average about 3,500 miles per year. Ultimately, I'm thinking that I would like the quieter and more comfortable tire but only as long as there is not a noticeable lack of handling performance. My driving style ranges from conservative cruising to spirited, without any tracking. My thoughts, based on what I've read, are that the PS4s is the better handling tire with the DWS06+ being the quieter and more comfortable tire. Also, if I decide on the PS4s, should I go with 295's vs 285's on the rear, regardless of whether or not 285's are currently in stock? Thanks in advance for your input!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 490
Likes: 176
2021 Glb35 AMG (2013 GLK 350)
I saw direct comparisons btw Michelins or A/S UHP tires. You can check the below reviews PS4 vs Michelin A/S 4 vs Conti DWS06+ as A/S UHP are very close in performance:
Tire Rack:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=270
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=280
Tire Rack:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=270
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=280
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
I will always recommend a performance tire for performance cars, especially a convertible. It is worth noting that the SL550 is actually quicker than most current 43/53 AMG models and handling/braking is my personal priority. While not as whisper quiet, the PS4 is not a loud tire. nothing wrong with picking the 295 no matter the stock situation
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 46
From: southeastern NC
'18 SL 550, '19 1500 Z71 Silverado LTZ, '19 Mustang convertible
I saw direct comparisons btw Michelins or A/S UHP tires. You can check the below reviews PS4 vs Michelin A/S 4 vs Conti DWS06+ as A/S UHP are very close in performance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=421HkK4Nqss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiZNM-EXd3I
Tire Rack:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=270
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=280
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=421HkK4Nqss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiZNM-EXd3I
Tire Rack:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=270
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=280
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 46
From: southeastern NC
'18 SL 550, '19 1500 Z71 Silverado LTZ, '19 Mustang convertible
I will always recommend a performance tire for performance cars, especially a convertible. It is worth noting that the SL550 is actually quicker than most current 43/53 AMG models and handling/braking is my personal priority. While not as whisper quiet, the PS4 is not a loud tire. nothing wrong with picking the 295 no matter the stock situation
Fred~
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 100
From: Orlando, FL
2017 550SL - 2018 560S
2017 SL550. Replaced my run flats with Michelin PSS 255/35ZR19 & 285/30ZR19 18 months ago. It is like driving a totally different car. I live in Central Florida; no need for an all-season tire. My only regret, I didn't dump the run flats sooner.
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2023
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GLE 350 AMG, '22 RAM Mega, '21 Bronco manual, '58 XK-150, '65 122-S
Some other considerations.
Take a tire like the Pilot Sport and have the center sipped. this opens the tread for traction and the tire runs cooler so you get better life.
Go the same size all the way around, especially with 4-Matic and ......ROTATE.
Have your wheels professionally balanced with zero grams off.
Take a tire like the Pilot Sport and have the center sipped. this opens the tread for traction and the tire runs cooler so you get better life.
Go the same size all the way around, especially with 4-Matic and ......ROTATE.
Have your wheels professionally balanced with zero grams off.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 256
Likes: 39
From: Vancouver, BC, and sometimes AZ
2015 E63S
I have the DWS06+ on three of my cars now and it’s my go-to tire. Good all-rounder and value. I Tracked my BMW m850 last summer and I was astonished at the grip despite it rated for all season, and a heavy car.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Loved the DWS06 tires on our S-Class. Smooth and quiet. Then put them onto our E63s as a short-term substitute for winter tires (had dedicated Pirelli Sottozeros on which only lasted 7k miles) and the experience was horrible. Wobbly ride, poor handling and felt like they were under inflated. Point is that the tire is not good for every car and sport suspensions like the AMG are not a fit. Am sure some negative camber wasn't helping with the tire design. Replaced with PS4s and all was good again...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 46
From: southeastern NC
'18 SL 550, '19 1500 Z71 Silverado LTZ, '19 Mustang convertible
I am trying to decide between the summer Michelin PS4s and the all-season Continental DWS06+. Where I live in southeastern NC, cold temperatures (below 40) and snow are not significant factors. I average about 3,500 miles per year. Ultimately, I'm thinking that I would like the quieter and more comfortable tire but only as long as there is not a noticeable lack of handling performance. My driving style ranges from conservative cruising to spirited, without any tracking. My thoughts, based on what I've read, are that the PS4s is the better handling tire with the DWS06+ being the quieter and more comfortable tire. Also, if I decide on the PS4s, should I go with 295's vs 285's on the rear, regardless of whether or not 285's are currently in stock? Thanks in advance for your input!
Last edited by SLclass; Jan 25, 2023 at 03:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 46
From: southeastern NC
'18 SL 550, '19 1500 Z71 Silverado LTZ, '19 Mustang convertible
What are your tire pressure suggestions and why please? For now and for the next few weeks, temperatures here in southeastern NC are in the 60's and low 70's. As far as load, it's usually just my 280lb.+ butt and sometimes an additional fairly light load (10-15lbs.) in the trunk/boot. I'm going with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s with 255/35/19 front and 295/30/19 rear. I would appreciate and value your responses!
Last edited by SLclass; Feb 7, 2023 at 07:47 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
What are your tire pressure suggestions and why please? For now and for the next few weeks, temperatures here in southeastern NC are in the 60's and low 70's. As far as load, it's usually just my 280lb.+ butt and sometimes an additional fairly light load (10-15lbs.) in the trunk/boot. I'm going with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s with 255/35/19 front and 295/30/19 rear. I would appreciate and value your responses!
Those should be fine as long as it's above 40-45 degrees ambient outdoor temperature. They will lose traction as the temperature goes below 45 degrees. If you're careful and the roads are dry you might be ok. I went with a set of Continental DWS06+ tires as it often gets well below freezing here in western MD.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
rmorin49 What about tire pressures front and rear based on my above description?
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 29
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From: North Texas
SL550
I wanted to add this as I found thread doing some research... I recently changed out my two rears with Michelin PS A/S4's. Also had a non-MB alignment shop do the alignment (I was having no issues, just PM). The handling went to crap! I found out the issue wasn't a bad alignment nor the tires. I had too much air in the rears. I had them at 46 (per the sticker), and they were pressuring up higher than that due to the 100 degree Texas heat. Now that pressure is at 40psi (after heat up), the handing is back to normal.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I wanted to add this as I found thread doing some research... I recently changed out my two rears with Michelin PS A/S4's. Also had a non-MB alignment shop do the alignment (I was having no issues, just PM). The handling went to crap! I found out the issue wasn't a bad alignment nor the tires. I had too much air in the rears. I had them at 46 (per the sticker), and they were pressuring up higher than that due to the 100 degree Texas heat. Now that pressure is at 40psi (after heat up), the handing is back to normal.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 522
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I forgot to add that I replaced the OEM Continental runflats with a staggered set of DWSO6+ tires shortly after I bought my SL. It was CPO so the dealer installed a new set of the Conti runflats. Fortunately I was able to sell them to a guy that needed them for his lease return.
I previously had the DWS06+ on my C7 Corvette and liked them. I am very happy with them on the SL. Improved ride comfort, quiet, decent handling and so far good tread wear. Obviously you do have to contend with the lack of a spare so I carry a slime kit but realistically will call for a flatbed as long as I have a cell signal. YMMV
I previously had the DWS06+ on my C7 Corvette and liked them. I am very happy with them on the SL. Improved ride comfort, quiet, decent handling and so far good tread wear. Obviously you do have to contend with the lack of a spare so I carry a slime kit but realistically will call for a flatbed as long as I have a cell signal. YMMV
