devenh

Time for new tires on my 2005 SL65. Currently running Pirelli P Zero Rossos. Looking for a max performance summer tire as this car is kept out of the cold and wet. It does venture out to the track a few times per year.

I've searched the threads on the forums here, but would like to get the most up to date opinions.

Michelin Pilot Super Sports are frequently mentioned, but Tirerack.com does not list the rear tire size on their site (although I have found this does not always mean they are not available).

Bridgestone S-04 Pole Positions look promising at only $862 for a set and are well rated.

Hankook V12 (gotta love the name) are inexpensive at $808, but I've heard they have a soft sidewall that might not be suited for track use.

Then there's the Pirelli P Zero for $1414 for the Mercedes version (otherwise $1294). I presume the Mercedes version has a stiffer sidewall in order to handle the power.

The Pirelli P Zero Corsa at $2016. With a 60 treadwear rating, these sound sticky, but has anyone tried them?

The Continental DWS' get a lot of mention ($1016), but they are an Ultra High Performance All Season tire and I doubt they suit my needs.

Thanks for your input!

Deven

V12TTenthusiast

I have supersports right now on my SL65 right now, there pretty good but only thing I don't like is the 30k tread life. I've heard Continental DWS works as well as supersports with 20k extra life in the tires, I'm gonna try them out in Nov when I need to change my tires and see if there's any difference

and808

which size are you looking at ?

the best tires I have had - Michelin PS2.
now, unfortunately 285/30/19 98 Y XL tire not available ...
255/35/19 version still available with MO1 index ..

devenh

The standard sizes: 285/30/19 and 255/35/19.

What other tires have you tried? What did you like about the PS2?

Is MO1 the Mercedes version of the tire?

BTW, just checked with Tire Rack and the PS2 is not available in 285/30/19 (run flats are though).

Deven

WHTEVO

I am running the Michelin PSS and am fairly happy with them. Yes, tread life sucks on them but either you get a long lasting tire with less grip, or something that wears quicker with more grip.

and808

tried:
Pirellis, but worn too much too short.
I have not tried the cheap shelf, and frankly speaking i am not going to

now, contis ...
still not bad, but Michelin did it better (but this is subjective opinion only).
as I said before for me michelin PS2 the best, but as you noticed not produced any more (98 XL)

MO1 - this is mercedes amg certification/homologation

devenh

Here is a recent Car & Driver test:

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test

Bridgestone Pole Positions came in second. Michelin PS2 was rated best, but are not available in stock sizes for the SL65. Given the Pole Positions price, I am leaning toward them.

Deven

V12TTenthusiast

Whats the price difference with bridgestone vs cont.? I have to do a tire swap in 10k miles so I'm getting close to swap out.

devenh

Bridgestone Pole Position $862
Conti DWS $1016

and808

does bridgestone have an MO1 version ?

jrgator

I've had DWSs for over a year and love them. Quiet, good wear and seem to perform pretty well. I was never a big fan of Conti but happy I bought them. I also put Conti ECOs on my wife's ML, and they are terrific. I previously had Bridgestone on the SL55 and they were absolutely horrible.

jakeg104

Resurrecting a slightly old thread. jrgator, wanted to check as to what you liked about the DWSs and what you didnt like about the Bridgestones? Also, which Bridgestones did you run?

Thanks!
Jake

jrgator

RE050A. Horrible wear and a lot of road noise. Go to Tire Rack and read the reviews. I typically prefer Michelin, but the set on my wife's ML didn't last long, but the Contis have been remarkable.

cnterline

I have pilot super sports 295/30 19 rear and the 255 s up front awesome tire

jakeg104

Interesting you say that about the RE050A, its what I have on my 997S and the manual actually states that the tires will be loud!
Definitely will explore the DWS, thanks!

Great to hear, one of my favorite tires. Question- with going to 295 from 285, any issues with the ESP or any other electronic system acting up? I remember reading a long time ago that some of the ESP systems tended to act up (or maybe it was the aspect ratio that was different...). Thoughts?

Thanks again!

Fastnine

I have the Hankook V12. To be honest i feel its the best bang for the money , the handling in the rain is great car feels good.They seem to hook up good for me , i do run 305s in the rear so that does help.
One thing i see is these cars wear on the inside of the tire. Mine was lowered 1 inch and then had the dealer set the car up.
I have no problems with the hankook.Also with this car wheel spin goes along with the car its just part of the deal.The price of these tires don't have me crying each time i smash the gas.They look great on the car also.

V12TTenthusiast

My super sports gave out in 18k miles, and I got DWS put on few weeks ago and they handle pretty good and my Tesla uses them as a factory stock so lets see if these last longer, hopefully the new toe links and cambers I ordered will help reduce the inner ware of tires

Fastnine

I went from stock size 19s to a 20 inch wheel all the way around.Stock is 285/30/19 and 255/35/19 i went to a 305/25/20 and 255/30/20 no problem at all with ESP.

jakeg104

I keep hearing good things about Hankook over the years. Any issues with wheel shimmy after the car sits a while (tire deformation)?

Good to know. DWS are a bit cheaper too, well worth considering..

jakeg104

ah, ok. great to know. thanks!

Fastnine

yes if the car sits in the garage for a week and you drive it you get the flop flop flop..lol But its gone after a few miles and the stock tires did the same thing.
I wonder if its just a low pro tire deal they all do it just some worse then others.

jakeg104

I remember having that issue with Kuhmos a while ago on a BMW, drove me nuts. Glad it goes away that quickly, the Kuhmos took a day to get even again...

Fastnine

ya i just took the car out and as soon as the tires warm up its gone about 5 miles

ttboost

Selling my 20" BBS with Hankooks on them. Tire is cheap, wears like iron and traction isn't have bad for a cheap tire.

kittyandgary

The 'flop flop' a radial gives after storage for a while is the result of a nylon cap ply that goes on top of the steel belt. That cap ply is required for high speed durability, as the adhesive interfaces between the steel wire and rubber are insufficient to keep separation from occurring at 150+ mph - UNLESS the nylon (for which there are great interface adhesives for rubber) is applied directly over the belt.

Anyone who drove cars in the '50's when bias tires were built with totally nylon reinforcement of the rubber remembers the 'flat spot thump' that occurred for a mile or so after parking for more than a few hours (especially in cold winter weather).

This all occurs because nylon 'expands' somewhat when it gets warm, then contracts slightly as it cools. But, the bottom of the tire contracts in a different dimension than the rest of the tire, resulting in a slightly out of round tire. Need to generate a little heat to get everything 'uniformly round' again.

Gary (spent a few years in tire/tire cord development work in the '70's)