mac2001

I don't see why I need to pay over $400 a piece for the Michelin Z rated tires (Costco). I drive 75 mph on the highway, and drive somewhat conservatively around town.

Any bargain tires that would perform satisfactorily? Heard about Kunho, and Nitto. Mostly good things about Kunho.

Thanks

Strigoi

I'm running Nitto NT555's on my E55 (I've got 19's) and am happy with them so far. I've put about 1,000-1,200 miles on them and they've performed well. I got mine through Discount Tire Direct and it was $864 for the set. They were one of the cheapest options out there which is why I chose them. I wasn't sure if I was going to keep these wheels at the time so I didn't want to drop a lot more on something else.

A friend of mine had a set of Kumho's on his HHR SS and was very happy with them. I've never used them.

mac2001

Thanks very much Strigoi,

I'm driving the same year E55. A local shop (independent Mercedes and BMW garage) quoted me for a set of 4 tires, less than $600, although I'm not sure which brand. But I will consider those Nittos that you went with.

billbillw

You shouldn't have to pay more than ~$230 for any tire including mount/balance. You have Discount Tire there in Vegas, right? Compare with DiscountTireDirect and the store will match that price no questions asked. You can get the Nittos mentioned above, or something like the Hankook Ventus V12 which gets great reviews.

desired_speeds

are you on stock rims? I had sumitomo HTRZ IIs on my stock rims and the wear was pretty good. Not the absolute quietest tire, but not too loud other. From what I remember, they weren't too expensive. The grip was pretty good, but if you're not a lead footed driver, you won't ever hit the limits of them.

mac2001

Yes, stock rims 2001 E55 AMG

tym4rnr

I was quoted $650 installed for V12's here in socal.

Schweinhund

Go to tirerack.com and tear that site up. I got Yokohama S-Drives for $165 rears and $145 fronts. Awesome tires. Use the surveys. Make sure they have at least 750,000 miles reported on a tire to make the survey results valid. Stay away from Nittos, Falkens, etc. They start out good but get hard, noisy, and wear out quick. I've had both.

Also, check the actual tire dimensions for the ones you "short list". The Yokos were a 1/2 inch wider on the back than the other make I was looking at for the same size.

CharlyE500

+1 The Hankook V12 is the best out there with the price. Used to have it in my 745Li and ride so smooth. When I change my both E55, I will only put the V12

ruBENZ

I am currently running Nexen 7000 on my E55. >$800 out the door. Perfect for a daily driver. +1 for Hankook V12 as well. Currently running a set on my 911 Carrera for >$1200 out the door. I track neither vehicle. Both provide a decent a ride for my needs. I agree with Schweinhund: Falken start off great, but wear down quickly: 8K mi max at the rear.

mac2001

Thanks for the help. Seems there are several good options for this car.

These tires - the Michelin Pilot Sport - have gone 10,000 miles in 4 years. The placard in the door jamb has the following COLD tire pressure recommendations:
FRONT -41psi

REAR -48psi

Most everyone here has used these same tires, if you bought the car new. Anyone not use that pressure? Well, what happened is the tires have gone out of round. All of them. I thought maybe I had a wheel bearing going out. Had the car up on the hydraulic stand at a local shop, and verified the tires were worn improperly. Noise is much less now that I'm running them at a lower pressure.

Still not clear on a couple of things. The door jamb placard says to only use the Dunlop 9000, or Michelin PS. But only one tire pressure recommendation. Seems to me that each tire manufacturer would have their own specific pressure requirement. In the 10 years since this car was built, would Michelin have changed their tire such that 41/48 psi is no longer recommended for the Pilot Sport?

billbillw

Tire pressure recommendations should stay the same no matter the tire. They are based on ability of the tires to carry the maximum weight of the car under all circumstances.

That is based the contact patch size, Gross vehicle weight, and the profile of the tires, all of which shouldn't change much as long as you keep the same size tires.

You may find that some tires perform better with slightly lower or higher pressures, but the numbers listed on the door jamb are designed for safety above all else.

ob1kenobi

Tell me about it. I just bought a full set of Michelin PS2 from Costco.
Now there's a big gaping hole in my pocket

I also considered bridgestone tires but the price difference is not that much.

Nevertheless, I defer to others to weigh in on other brand of tires you can use for your E55 that will not put you in the gutters moneywise.

ulovemybenzo

runnin nankangs they go for like 60-70 bux each put about 4k miles, and they are straight...

mfletch69

I am running a low 32 psi in my Michelins. They seem tp wear out in the middle 1st if you run 38 to 40

Becks Imports

Hankook Ventus V12's can not be beat for price/performance summer tires.

Bruce

T-Roll

Would someone please post a picture or two of the Hankooks on E55 AMG stock wheels on their car? They sound great and I've researched the tire, but would appreciate seeing a picture of them on our cars.

mac2001

Right. Center high wear. I'm curious to know what you did after noting this type of wear. If I run the tires at 30-35, will I see them even out, or should I just go out and buy the Hankook/Nankang/Yoko?Sumi, et al.

tsquare

I have been running Hancook V12's for the last 9000 miles, very pleased, run very smooth and quiet, the wear has been very good, should get 20k easy if not 25k or more. Paid under $700 for all 4 tires. I would buy again. Note, I do not run my car hard, but I do step on the right peddle when I have the opportunity.

MBFLO

dont get nankangs unless your low on cash and need tires bad ..

T-Roll

For normal every day driving - not super sporty and not burning out the wheels, etc. - about how many miles can we expect Hankooks to last?

ruBENZ

The 41/48 psi is for a fully loaded vehicle (5 passengers + maximum luggage capacity) traveling at 130+ mph. If you note the first recommendation on the placard, it indicates: 32 psi front; 33 psi rear for normal driving or daily driving. I personally have mine at 33 psi front; 34 psi rear. And, my tires wear evenly. Daily driving at 41/48 psi surely wears the center of your tire's section width leaving the out portion of the section widths less worn. Thus, a formula for uneven tire wear.

armaniE55

Hankook Ventus V12

I am running these tires for the rear. So far, I've put about 800 miles on them and they are performing like a champ! I believe I touched on this not to long ago but they were rated 2nd place in I believe it was car n driver for performance and overall tire (pricing) give them a try.

I love them!

armaniE55

Posting now (new post)

Armani

armaniE55

I run my tires at 33 front and 35 rear for best overall end results. So far so good. Soft and not to harsh.