KenE55

Well, I have almost exactly 20,000 miles on my 2002 E55, and I need new tires.

Should I buy the tires at the dealer?
Are there better choices than the stock Michelins?
Is it possible to get wider rubber or more grip without changing the wheels?
Any recommended tire shops in the San Diego area?

TIA!!

E55MKB

Ken:

My 00E55 has 26kmiles. I am now on my fourth set of tires. The original Michelin Pilot was replaced on 13kmiles (rears on its treadmark wear limit). The Michelin is good but getting loud at the end of its life. Next was S-03, but it was replaced in less than 1000 miles. I just do not like the tire noise (more like white noise). At about 14kmiles use), Toyo T1S was installed. I like the T1S grip dry or wet (slightly better than Michelin) but T1S gets very noisy as it wear (in my case very noisy). I always install aftermarket tire with installer using Hunter GSP9700 so on my T1S at the end of its life, when put on the balancing machine, it is showing more out of roundness that may contribute to the noise. Toyo were replaced at 25kmiles (11kmiles use) but treadwear would probably last me another 2kmiles (I just could not stand the noise)

I just install the Yokohama AVSdb S2 (less than a thousand miles use currently). The noise level is so far the lowest from the other three tires I've used (do not have long term data yet) but do not expect the grip of the Michelin or the T1S. The sidewall seem less stiff so as to be less responsive in steering input. The handling close to the limit is a little bit on the nervous side. Plus I have not got any chance to try on the wet yet. My wife absolutely loves the way the E55 ride now though!!!!!

HTH

E55 KEV

Never, Ever buy tires from a dealer! The prices are much higher than Tire Dealers and Internet sources. www.TireRack.com and www.DiscountTireDirect.com have the best prices, however, neither sell the Toyo.

Two tires came OEM recommended on W210 E55. They are both listed on the inside drivers door jamb of my car. The other is the Dunlop SP Sport 9000 which I have. My car is just going to exceed 5k miles today so I have no real opinion about the tires yet. I am running the Dunlop 9000 up front and Nitto NT-555 in back. Wanted to try the Nitto all around but the fronts rubbed with my Antera Wheels due to broad shoulder. The Nitto 555 is slightly wider than other tires even at the same size.

I have heard good things about the Toyo T1-S and they would be my number one option if I needed a set today. But, by the time I wear out my Dunlops and Nittos something better will be available.

The Yokohamo mentioned by E55MKB is a 'Ultra-High Performance All-Season". E55 usually require 'Maximum Performance Summer Tires' like:

Bridgestone S-03
Continental ContiSport Contact 2
Dunlop SP Sport 9000
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
Kumho Ecsta MX
Michelin Pilot Sport
Nitto NT-555
Pirelli PZero Ross
Toyo T1-S
Yokohama AVS Sport

You can also drop down to 'Ultra-High Performance Summer' tires for less money:

Continental ContiSport Contact
Dunlop Forumula FM901
Kumho Ecsta Supra 712
Yokohama AVS ES100

MBspdfrk

I am also in the market for new tires. Luke from Tirerack suggested Goodyear F1 GSD3. The S03 would be my other choice. I have the Pilot Sport right now, and would not buy them again.

I need a tire for rain (Seattle), so any other suggestions would be welcome. Also, what do E55 owners do for snow?

Finnish C32

GSD3 sucks, S03 is good, Pirelli P-Zero Nero is even better

M6toE55

NEVER buy tires from a dealer - a good service writer will even tell you this...

I, too, have had excellent experience over the past 10 years with Tire Rack - I have not, however, yet had to purchase tires for my w210, but when I do, I'm nearly certain I'll give TireRack my business. FWIW...

MB AMG

The sticker on the B pillar frame recomends only two tires. Michelin's and Dunlops. I curretly have P Zeros on.

RJC

I've had the following on various CLK's I've owned (99, 00, 01, 03 & 04):

Pilot Sport's

Pzero rosso's

S03's

MXXX3's (discontinued)

By far the pilot sports were the roundest smoothest tries of the bunch and they handle very well, all uni-directional tires, especially thoses with an emphasis on more of a water evacuation tread are noisier that those that don't have this pattern. Michelin is my pick.

The S03's flat spotted the easiest but handled well.

The pzero rosso's had a vibration problem on my 04's and I had the dealer switch them to pilots...vibration gone. My 03 had rosso's with no vibration.

The MXXX3's were very good tires,quiet, but wore very quickly, they've been replaced by the pilot sports.

It all a mater of what's important to you, to me, relative low noise and most importantly a smooth ride with no vibration means the most.

E55 KEV

Pirelli P-Zero Nero does not come in rear size of 275/35/18 for US W210 E55. The front 245/40/18 is available.

It does come in the 235/40/18 front and 265/35/18 rear - which is what Europeon W210 E55's use.

Finnish C32

Oh, sorry to hear that they are very nice tires

mikE55

I have experience with the two factory recommended tires for the E55. I really like the Michelin Pilot Sports, have 'em on my E55 and on another car. I have the Dunlop SP Sport 9000 on my wife's BMW and I had 'em on another Benz before too. The Dunlop gives a more comfortable ride, but does not seem to handle quite as well as the Michelin.

ima55r2

At 28k miles, I've gone the Pilot Sport, S0-3, and T1-S route too and the Toyos with 4k miles are doing fine so far. If they don't work out done the line, I might go for the A/S Pilot Sports.