Archerrrus

Hello there! I reviewed the existing posts, but I’m still confused - even my local dealer can’t make up their mind.
I have a set of staggered wheels (from Mercedes): 19x9.5 and 19x10.

I spoke with the parts department twice - once they told me to find 265x40 + 295x35, the second day they told me to get a square setup, since that’s what Mercedes is selling now : 265x40.

To be fair, I would like a square setup, but I don’t want that 1% circumference (between 265x40 and 295x35) difference to somehow damage the 4 wheels system.

Please help

bobblehead

Nothing wrong with staggered. I have square setup. The pain is to make sure i have the correct wheels with the offset in the correct position (front / rear)

For square, you can rotate the tires for longevity and even wear

imack

For the winter MB OEM square setup, the wheels have different offsets front/rear. So yes, you can still rotate, but front/rear rotation would involve re-mounting the tires.

Ivan MacKenzie.

Ed99

I ran staggered High Performance Snows Michelin Alpin PA4 285/30 and 255/30 for my W212 E63s and it worked really well.

So I am planning to run 295/30 and 265/35 for this winter tire set up as well. Just haven't decide what high performance snow tires to go with yet.

I.T. Guy

I've used Sotto Zero and the PA4's and the PA4's are hands down a better tire for traction and all round great if you like running "at speed".
I've not used more aggressive ones like Nokian because my perception is tires like those burn up "at speed".

L M

I run full size winter set up with PA4'S and it works and looks amazing.

Ed99

Did you go with exact OEM sizing for the PA4's on the AMG 20inch wheels?

L M

Sure did!

atl 2 chi

I am staggered in the Chicago winters. On Sotozero's.

Ed99

Good to know so I will get the same tires and sizing as well!! How much did you pay for the set?

Ed99

How were the Sotozero's in dry, wet, and snow conditions and did you go with same 20 inch OEM tire specs?

L M

if I recall correctly, i paid about 8k for the set - i am in Canada so CAD.

Ed99

Noticed you are in Canada as well. What tire size and make are you using? I am trying to source some Michelin PA4 in 265/35/20 and 295/30/20 and apparently 265/35/20 is discontinued now.

What is everyone else using for 20's sizing since 265/35/20 many tire companies don't make that size anymore.

atl 2 chi

They are outstanding in the winter. I have had no issues. I just my OEM wheels with the winter tires, so yes, 20 inch OEM.

Ed99

Ok I will have to see if they come in 265/35/20 sizing. Not sure why Michelin discontinued that size for the fronts.

bobblehead

i am running michelin pa5 265/40/19 square with mb wheels.

Ed99

So looks like the only winter tires available in 265/35/20 and 295/30/20 is Pirelli Sottozero 2's. Anyone here ran those tires and how were they in the snows and wet conditions? Originally I wanted to get Sottozero 3's but they only have 265/40/20 and 295/30/20 sizing.

I.T. Guy

I believe we ran Sotto 2’s on our GL they were fine.
I prefer PA4 on the E63 maybe just due to marketing and Internet forums but my perception is PA4 are more stable at speed and have better overall traction when not slugging through the slush and snow (while still excellent at that too).

Ed99

Agree I had PA4's before too but they discontinued 265/35/20 sizing so can't get them no more. So have to opt to go with Sotto 2s perhaps.

Its definite a challenge finding 265/35/20 Winter tires lol...perhaps one option is to run 255/35/20 and 295/30/20 instead.

I.T. Guy

PCM Tire has them * DELETED LINK * I'm silly they were the 30 series. Yeah wow the 35 series are "out of stock" everywhere and gone.
That sucks.

LMinn

Are they discontinuing them or are they just short on supply because of demand or whatever?

Archerrrus

Just got 265/40R19 + 295/35R19 from a local Costco tire center. They kept getting old tires (manufacturing date more than 3 years ago) and reordering them. In the end, I got a mix of 20/21/22 manufacturing years with a bit of discount on the oldest tire. Not sure if they are discontinued (newest tire was manufactured last year), but they are definitely difficult to get 'fresh'.