Service manager at Fletcher Jones in Las Vegas suggested that I consider new tires for my 2001 E55. Tread is still quite good, but still there is some cracking on the sidewalls. Not much, however. I have only 30,000 miles on car and it's usually garaged. However, being in Las Vegas, I suppose the heat still wears out the rubber sooner, I suppose.

Anyways, I'll probably get new tires. Any W210 model E55 owners have any recommendations? How about the Tire Rack sponsor? Are they giving us a good rate?

I drive the car conservatively, but still require high performance in cornering (stiff sidewall?), but also low noise level on highway.

Thanks

 

Sorry, we don't get any additional discounts on tires from Tire Rack. They are the lowest in the land. The recommended tires are:

Dunlop SP Sport 9000
Michelin Pilot Sport

I am running Nitto NT-555 which has great grip. It is difficult to make them squeal - No spin - just all forward motion.

Nitto is not sold at Tire Rack but online at www.discounttiredirect.com and in stores www.discounttire.com . If I had to buy a set today I would get the new Nitto Invo. Nitto Invo is getting great reviews and now available in 245/40/18 and 275/35/18:

Nitto Invo - Spotlight - European Car Magazine

 

I am not a tire nut by any means, but I am still running the Toyo Proxies that came with the car when I bought it. They are very quiet on the freeway, but don't hold a corner as good as the PS2 from what I understand.

My friend who works at MB and has a C43 says the Toyos are good all around tire but not a top performer in any particular category.

At any rate, I will be trying the PS2s when the Toyos go and will try to provide feedback later.

 

Actually, after looking at the reviews for these Nitto Invo, I may give these a shot!

 

I have BFG KDW2... they suck. Loud on the freeway and as they wear they get louder and feel out of balance. Utter crap.

 

your sidewalls probably went bad from not driving the car enough as well as the extra heat that you have there, definitely not safe with cracks in the sidewall.

oh what tire? Michelin Pilot Sport hands down

 

Eurosport, Your comment on the sidewall weakining due to heat and disuse is interesting, and I will take it to heart.

The Nitto? Never heard of them. Have they been in business a long time? How is the noise level.

What makes the Micheling Pilot Sport so good? Isn't there more than one type of Michelin Pilot Sport?

 

I'm rollin' on Falken FK-452. They handle beautifully. I will admit a Michelin PS2 is a better tire, but not $100. better. Do the research, and buy what makes you comfortable. Good luck. http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...ance&tc=FALHZ6

 

These two tire are listed on the inside drivers door of my 02 E55. They were the best available in European tires at that time. Michelin has a newer better tire - the PS2 and Dunlop has the new Sport Maxx but the Maxx does not come in 275/35/18 rear.

Dunlop SP Sport 9000
Michelin Pilot Sport

 

I've had my Nitto 555 since 2002. They and Toyo are owned by the same Japanese company I believe. Like Toyo, the Nitto is big in the Compact Tuner (aka Rice Rocket) market.

So a thumps up recommendation from European Car mag is big. Also, the US Mercedes tuner RennTech recommend/prefers Nitto.

 

dunlop sp9000 is LOUD AS F##K once they wear a bit. i had to take em off b/c the constant WAWAWA droning was absolutely driving me nuts.

 

+1 I just put a set of NT555's on and am happy with them. Noise is no more than the Pilot Sports that were on the car and they ride more comfortably.

 

how about a nice set of Goodyear white wall tire??

 

Surely, you jest?!?

 

i saw on tirerack pilot sports will get discontinued soon (at least the fronts are on clearance)
PS2 tread design, i don't like it as much as regular pilots
and they stick in the twisties like glue

 

Went in the other day and ordered a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires. They are having a sale (response to increase of competition from makers such as Nitto), ends Sept 2. Getting $80 off.

275/35/18 - $331.99 + 11.00 mounting (x 2) = $685.98

245/40/18 - $269.99 + 11.00 mounting (x 2) = $561.98

Total - $1247.96 - $80 coupon = $1167.96

Thanks for everyones help. Will have them on by next week, so if anyone wants to know my impressions, please ask.