Winter tire setup
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 59
Likes: 46
From: Michigan
2021 E63s Loaded Wgn, No CF
That's gotta feel good, not factoring idiot drivers. Funny how braking is really the key IMO.
I opted from MB Winter Package, but went offset setup since its El Nino in MI except for the past week. I figured if it stayed warmer and dry, I'd appreciate a little more girth and if it sucked I could always get a pair to make it square.
Haven't taken it out into the tundra yet, but will report back. Probably should have just gone with square but figured what the hell...
More reporting to come soon.
End of the day, it's all about making it functional AND fun, right?
I opted from MB Winter Package, but went offset setup since its El Nino in MI except for the past week. I figured if it stayed warmer and dry, I'd appreciate a little more girth and if it sucked I could always get a pair to make it square.
Haven't taken it out into the tundra yet, but will report back. Probably should have just gone with square but figured what the hell...
More reporting to come soon.
End of the day, it's all about making it functional AND fun, right?
Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 85
Likes: 13
2018 E63S Wagon
That's gotta feel good, not factoring idiot drivers. Funny how braking is really the key IMO.
I opted from MB Winter Package, but went offset setup since its El Nino in MI except for the past week. I figured if it stayed warmer and dry, I'd appreciate a little more girth and if it sucked I could always get a pair to make it square.
Haven't taken it out into the tundra yet, but will report back. Probably should have just gone with square but figured what the hell...
More reporting to come soon.
End of the day, it's all about making it functional AND fun, right?
I opted from MB Winter Package, but went offset setup since its El Nino in MI except for the past week. I figured if it stayed warmer and dry, I'd appreciate a little more girth and if it sucked I could always get a pair to make it square.
Haven't taken it out into the tundra yet, but will report back. Probably should have just gone with square but figured what the hell...
More reporting to come soon.
End of the day, it's all about making it functional AND fun, right?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 304
Likes: 75
From: New England
21 E63s wagon
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 59
Likes: 46
From: Michigan
2021 E63s Loaded Wgn, No CF
Yes, that's the size on rears. Fronts are 265/40r19. I was not very impressed with aftermarket options and additional fitment complications, in part due to time constraints. Tires are PA4s and have the 'MO' logo. They showed up to the dealership mounted/balanced with TPMS ready to go. My local dealer handles swaps/storage for a small fee, so this was an easy button for me. I also like the the look of these AMG rims for off-season use. It really comes down to time vs money and there are obviously cheaper options. Winters in Michigan on my OE rims was NOT happening. (IT Guy might be running the same but square, his photos helped a ton)
Hope this helps?
Hope this helps?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 1,578
From: Canada
2023 E63S Wagon
Yes, that's the size on rears. Fronts are 265/40r19. I was not very impressed with aftermarket options and additional fitment complications, in part due to time constraints. Tires are PA4s and have the 'MO' logo. They showed up to the dealership mounted/balanced with TPMS ready to go. My local dealer handles swaps/storage for a small fee, so this was an easy button for me. I also like the the look of these AMG rims for off-season use. It really comes down to time vs money and there are obviously cheaper options. Winters in Michigan on my OE rims was NOT happening. (IT Guy might be running the same but square, his photos helped a ton)
Hope this helps?
Hope this helps?
My soul hurts a little bit with the smaller 265 rear tires. I tell myself narrower is better for snow, but is it really?!
My inner Joe-Dirt is sad.Congrats, they look great.
Last edited by I.T. Guy; Feb 2, 2024 at 09:59 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 1,203
GLE 580
How do the Michelin Alpins fare in the shoulder months or warm dry days (50-65F or 10-18C) in terms of handling and comfort/noise? Just curious because I live in SoCal and I drive up to the mountains in the winter but to get there, I'm driving in sunny and dry ~60F temps until I arrive in the mountain wintry weather.
Last edited by wildta; Feb 2, 2024 at 10:07 AM.
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Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 85
Likes: 13
2018 E63S Wagon
Yes, that's the size on rears. Fronts are 265/40r19. I was not very impressed with aftermarket options and additional fitment complications, in part due to time constraints. Tires are PA4s and have the 'MO' logo. They showed up to the dealership mounted/balanced with TPMS ready to go. My local dealer handles swaps/storage for a small fee, so this was an easy button for me. I also like the the look of these AMG rims for off-season use. It really comes down to time vs money and there are obviously cheaper options. Winters in Michigan on my OE rims was NOT happening. (IT Guy might be running the same but square, his photos helped a ton)
Hope this helps?
Hope this helps?
I'm actually ordering a staggered set with summer tires for more side wall but getting summer performance.
@wgnlust can I ask what you paid at the dealer for the set? I'm deciding whether to buy new or used.
Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 59
Likes: 46
From: Michigan
2021 E63s Loaded Wgn, No CF
I generally drive a little more conservative with winter shoes on, at least in corners. I had a bit of driving today, some highway and some back roads. Noise isn't noticeably different than the Pirelli crap that came on my car. Upper 80s was very comfy with no noticeable hum. A little more meat with the 19s in comfort mode given Michigan winter road conditions is definitely a plus... can't avoid every hole when I'm in traffic.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 59
Likes: 46
From: Michigan
2021 E63s Loaded Wgn, No CF
they look really great. I have the square setup like ITGuy and staggered looks much better with extra tire beef!
I'm actually ordering a staggered set with summer tires for more side wall but getting summer performance.
@wgnlust can I ask what you paid at the dealer for the set? I'm deciding whether to buy new or used.
Thanks!
I'm actually ordering a staggered set with summer tires for more side wall but getting summer performance.
@wgnlust can I ask what you paid at the dealer for the set? I'm deciding whether to buy new or used.
Thanks!
@maxswede It was $5200 out the door at my dealership for the set. They charge $100 for swap and storage, so that included hiding my summer set somewhere.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 490
Likes: 176
2021 Glb35 AMG (2013 GLK 350)
Michelin Alpins are on their third winter on my GLB. I don't see any problem driving in 50-65F weather as we are having mild winters last a few years in NYC. Also I drove in 70-80F with no problems during Fall/Spring temp swings. They are softer tires than the PS AS4 so more comfortable to drive. Even a coworker who switched to CrossClimates on his Tesla found them softer than the previous regular A/S tires.
How do the Michelin Alpins fare in the shoulder months or warm dry days (50-65F or 10-18C) in terms of handling and comfort/noise? Just curious because I live in SoCal and I drive up to the mountains in the winter but to get there, I'm driving in sunny and dry ~60F temps until I arrive in the mountain wintry weather.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 1,203
GLE 580
Michelin Alpins are on their third winter on my GLB. I don't see any problem driving in 50-65F weather as we are having mild winters last a few years in NYC. Also I drove in 70-80F with no problems during Fall/Spring temp swings. They are softer tires than the PS AS4 so more comfortable to drive. Even a coworker who switched to CrossClimates on his Tesla found them softer than the previous regular A/S tires.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 490
Likes: 176
2021 Glb35 AMG (2013 GLK 350)
Comfort is top rated per tyrereview review. His scoring table:
https://www.tyrereviews.com/Tyre-Tes...-Tyre-Test.htm
Tire rack also put the noise at best in their comparison:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=284
My comparison to Conti 6 summer tires and Michelin PS AS 4, Alpin 5 is more comfortable and might be even less noisy esp when there is coarse asphalts surface. The performance was good when I tested up to 90mph on dry roads, but of course they are not responsive as the summer / AS UHP tires. On frozen wet road after a cold night, they are much better than PS AS 4 and wet braking is comparable...
https://www.tyrereviews.com/Tyre-Tes...-Tyre-Test.htm
Tire rack also put the noise at best in their comparison:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=284
My comparison to Conti 6 summer tires and Michelin PS AS 4, Alpin 5 is more comfortable and might be even less noisy esp when there is coarse asphalts surface. The performance was good when I tested up to 90mph on dry roads, but of course they are not responsive as the summer / AS UHP tires. On frozen wet road after a cold night, they are much better than PS AS 4 and wet braking is comparable...
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 304
Likes: 75
From: New England
21 E63s wagon
How do the Michelin Alpins fare in the shoulder months or warm dry days (50-65F or 10-18C) in terms of handling and comfort/noise? Just curious because I live in SoCal and I drive up to the mountains in the winter but to get there, I'm driving in sunny and dry ~60F temps until I arrive in the mountain wintry weather.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 59
Likes: 46
From: Michigan
2021 E63s Loaded Wgn, No CF
I generally drive a little more conservative with winter shoes on, at least in corners. I had a bit of driving today, some highway and some back roads. Noise isn't noticeably different than the Pirelli crap that came on my car. Upper 80s was very comfy with no noticeable hum. A little more meat with the 19s in comfort mode given Michigan winter road conditions is definitely a plus... can't avoid every hole when I'm in traffic.
It’s been mixed weather in Michigan. When the weather is total crap, I don’t generally drive the wagon. The past week has been a crazy combo of weather, but I wanted to have fun.
Somewhat mixed, freezing with some black ice: offset setup was fine, even at highway pace - but mindful driving.
Dry pavement, cold to 50s plus: very happy to have the offset, but the 19s are very spongy compared to the 20s with any maneuvers/spirited driving.
Current opinion: MB winter setup is great. No regrets with the offset vs square. Feels very soft on warmer days. I think I’ll get a second set for rears to do square setup if it’s a more typical winter, but that feels a little like a casino.
Not disappointed with the decision to go offset winters THIS year. Kicking the radiator is fun, but corners feel like I’m throwing twenty’s out the window by leaving tiny bits of my investment on the roadside.
For what it’s worth.
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 195
Likes: 38
From: NY
2023 E63s
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 210
Likes: 108
From: Canada
2023 E63s Sedan, 2020 E53 Sedan
@LMinn hows your setup working out for you?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 1,578
From: Canada
2023 E63S Wagon
I bought used square 19" setup from a member here and the Michelin PA5's it came with are finally worn to the bars. I have a few questions to revisit this age old winter tire setup quest we all seem to have.
1) Are the PA5's still the tire to get? My *perception* is the PA4's on my old car were better in ice and snow. Was that because they were 255's vs 265's or was it because PA4 had the coarser treads? The internet says the PA5's are better so is it all in my head?
2) What about a different size? 255/45 or 255/40 R19? What about staggered on the non staggered rims? 255/45 front and 285/30 Rear are only 0.8% diameter difference and a teeny tiny bit taller. Or do I go even taller?
3) Is 275 horrible width for a front winter tire?
3) Should I give up on UHP and go for less speed rating, handling, and go for more bite? Is it worth it? How noticeably will the car be a wet noodle?
1) Are the PA5's still the tire to get? My *perception* is the PA4's on my old car were better in ice and snow. Was that because they were 255's vs 265's or was it because PA4 had the coarser treads? The internet says the PA5's are better so is it all in my head?
2) What about a different size? 255/45 or 255/40 R19? What about staggered on the non staggered rims? 255/45 front and 285/30 Rear are only 0.8% diameter difference and a teeny tiny bit taller. Or do I go even taller?
3) Is 275 horrible width for a front winter tire?
3) Should I give up on UHP and go for less speed rating, handling, and go for more bite? Is it worth it? How noticeably will the car be a wet noodle?
Last edited by I.T. Guy; Jul 11, 2025 at 12:08 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 60
Likes: 27
E63S
Just changed over to Michelin all seasons from the summer PS4’s…what a let down. These tires ride terribly. Very harsh and clunky, feeling ever little bump in the road
They even threw a couple of errors on the dash for the differential and stability control on the second day with them. That went away by itself but not exactly confidence inspiring. I have a feeling tire pressures were set too high. I know these cars call for very high pressures but they were spiking way too high in the heat and the dash lights/ errors came when the numbers got too high
Will try play around with the pressures but so far it’s no from me. Should have stuck with dedicated summers and winters
They even threw a couple of errors on the dash for the differential and stability control on the second day with them. That went away by itself but not exactly confidence inspiring. I have a feeling tire pressures were set too high. I know these cars call for very high pressures but they were spiking way too high in the heat and the dash lights/ errors came when the numbers got too high
Will try play around with the pressures but so far it’s no from me. Should have stuck with dedicated summers and winters
