Best Tires
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Joined: Jan 2025
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Best Tires
Just bought a 2019 SL 65 AMG - beautiful car - needs new tires - Any recommendation regarding a tire that is best? Been looking at Continental EX Cont Sport 2, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, Michelin Pilot Super Sport, Bridgestone Potenza Sport, Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 - everything except the Continentals come from Costco. All are 255/35R-19XL front and 285/30R-20XL rear
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Joined: May 2009
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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
Welcome to MBWorld.
I am unsure of what you have. Production of the R231 SL65 ceased in March of 2018. There are no 2019 SL65’s, only SL63’s. I know this first hand because I placed an order for one in March, 2018 and it was rejected. No amount of dealer pleading worked. Fortunately I found a new SL65 with what I wanted on the showroom floor at another dealer.
As for tires, mine was delivered with Conti 5P’s. They were so bad I had them removed early and replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, a vast improvement in every respect. I also upsized the rear tires to 295/30-20’s. This was easy because these are the rear tires used on the E63S so the dealer had them in stock. At last, no more constant traction control intervention. These tires are also a lot quieter than the Conti’s. I was advised to not use the Cup 2’s because supposedly they need to be very hot to perform at their best. I cannot comment on the other brands.I am 100% satisfied with the Michelins and the wider rear tires.
I am unsure of what you have. Production of the R231 SL65 ceased in March of 2018. There are no 2019 SL65’s, only SL63’s. I know this first hand because I placed an order for one in March, 2018 and it was rejected. No amount of dealer pleading worked. Fortunately I found a new SL65 with what I wanted on the showroom floor at another dealer.
As for tires, mine was delivered with Conti 5P’s. They were so bad I had them removed early and replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, a vast improvement in every respect. I also upsized the rear tires to 295/30-20’s. This was easy because these are the rear tires used on the E63S so the dealer had them in stock. At last, no more constant traction control intervention. These tires are also a lot quieter than the Conti’s. I was advised to not use the Cup 2’s because supposedly they need to be very hot to perform at their best. I cannot comment on the other brands.I am 100% satisfied with the Michelins and the wider rear tires.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
I've had the Michelin Pilot Super Sports on several (true) AMG vehicles for 3 season use and was very happy. Presently I have the Conti ...Sport 2s on the SL63 and like them very much. There are two recommended inflation settings on the placard depending on top speed and perhaps fuel economy (higher inflation pressure, better economy it is said).
I've never had good experiences with Bridgestones on my AMGs; uneven wear and interference with traction control.
FWIW I increased the tire pressures on the Lexus GX460 from 35 to 50 lbs and get 10-15% better gas mileage and handling. Little diminution in comfort, if any.
I've never had good experiences with Bridgestones on my AMGs; uneven wear and interference with traction control.
FWIW I increased the tire pressures on the Lexus GX460 from 35 to 50 lbs and get 10-15% better gas mileage and handling. Little diminution in comfort, if any.
Last edited by grane; Jan 25, 2025 at 11:11 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 11
From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
Correction
I've had the Michelin Pilot Super Sports on several (true) AMG vehicles for 3 season use and was very happy. Presently I have the Conti ...Sport 2s on the SL63 and like them very much. There are two recommended inflation settings on the placard depending on top speed and perhaps fuel economy (higher inflation pressure, better economy it is said).
I've never had good experiences with Bridgestones on my AMGs; uneven wear and interference with traction control.
I've never had good experiences with Bridgestones on my AMGs; uneven wear and interference with traction control.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 4
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SL63 2019
I expect the OP has already bought his tires but for others I have Continental SportContact 7 on my 2019 SL63 and I think they are amazing. I can do full throttle standing starts without activating the traction control. A very different tire to the SportContact 5 that everyone complains about.
Check out this Evo Magazine tyre review on a Mustang which I suppose is a sort of similar kind of car.
https://www.evo.co.uk/car-technology...re-test-review
Check out this Evo Magazine tyre review on a Mustang which I suppose is a sort of similar kind of car.
https://www.evo.co.uk/car-technology...re-test-review
