Jay_Bo

It's time for new tires for my stock wheeled 2003 W211 E55. I've read though what I could find, but still am not sure which tires to get. Does anyone have a recommendation? I live in Southern California. Handling, comfort, noise (in that order) are my criteria.

Also, I'm not sure if I can put on wider back tires, and if I do, what do I give up? I assume AMG put the size that come stock for a reason...?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

TCM

Look into Michelin Pilot Sport 2 and Bridgestone Pole Position S03s. The Bridgestones are some of the best value on the market right now for tires as they offer on of the best dry/wet grip while remaining reasonably priced. They also tend to run a little wider then similiar sized tires. The Michelin is new and expensive, but I have heard great things about it. Hope this helps.

cte430

I've used both the SO-3's and the PS 2's. You're right, the SO-3 come in 275/35 for the rear, and are not a heavy load tire that MB recommends. Tirerack said I could use them (they were on my E500) but like you, I figured MB did it for a reason. Tirerack mentioned that the ESP light may come on more often? I still have mine. There's approx. 2,000 miles on them. If you're interested send me an e-mail. Regarding the tires, both are awesome. Like others said the PS'2's are more expensive. I think they are very close in wet/dry traction but the PS2's win in the noise/comfort category. IMHO.

E55 POWER

I have 285/35/18 in the rear with no rubbing problems.

Regards,
Manuel

draggingcents2

I am about to order the PS2 for my E55. I have the BFG's in the back and Stock tire up front. I am running stock rims. What size front is the best to get? Stock size or larger?

eclou

PS2's were engineered for the more stringent noise laws in europe, and supposedly have traded-off some loss of performance vs the last generation of PS, which weren't even as sticky as the old MXX3's.

Bikr Boy

I had Bridgestone SO 3 on my BMW 540i and wore them to the wear bars in 5,000 miles. I realize I drive a car hard but 5,000 miles is silly. Plus, they "track" in the grooved roads like crazy. Only tires I ever owned that demanded both hands on the steering wheel. Honestly, I wouldn't put them on again if I was offered a free set.

tjcMBE55AMG

"Tramlining" or tracking as you describe it is common in low-profile, wider-series tires no matter what the brand. And very unnerving!

TJC

eclou

It is also accentuated by alignment issues like too much toe "out"

saber

I have the PS2 245 upfront and 275 in back. Great tires, much better traction and handling than Contis. It takes a hundred miles or so to get them to start sticking. Those sizes will fit and I recommend them.

draggingcents2

Thank you for the answer. It took a few posts and people but I got my answer. Thank you.

norb

Saber, do you have any rubbing at all?

saber

None and the tires are extra load rated which is important. When I have to replace, I may try the 255s in the front to give some added cushion over bumps that may dent the rims.

allenjdmb

1.Buy the PS 2.
2.Buy the PS 2
3 Buy the PS 2.
The SO 3 is an excellent tire, but just doesnt seem to operate in harmony with the MB suspension setups, stock or otherwise, as well as the Michelin. Just my .02, but I've sure spent a lot more than that finding out.

Jay_Bo

Thanks for the advice. I just ordered the PS2s.

245/40 - Front
275/35 - Rear

Srgtfury

Hi Jay_ Bo,

Where did you order the tires, please?

Thank you very much

Fury

AMGB

Hey Jay_Bo,

I am also in Orange County and need to start looking for replacement tires for the rear. Please let me know if the 275/35 fit and please let me know if there is any problems running that size for the rear. Haven't decided which tires to go with yet, so your input would be valuable.

Thanks

amgB

stephens

eclou
I don't know where you heard that from, but Michelin themselves quote improvement in lap times of 2sec in testing between the new and old. The new tyre is significantly better in both wet and dry and rated above the S03 in all the independant testing I have seen, with the bonus of significantly lower noise levels than the Dunlop.

zoink

I'm satisfied w/ S03 and my car is on its 2nd set S03..... finished rear ones in about 12K and front ones in about 18K.... I haven't tried PS2 but I definitely like S03 better than original Michelin PS. They feel stickier, less noisy and last a bit longer

Jay_Bo

I've had the PS2 on for about 250 miles now. They took about 100 miles to break in, but the difference between the PS2 and the Continentals is significant.

If I would have known how well these tires perform I would have replaced the stock tires with the PS2 the day I purchased the car.

These Sizes Fit without any problems.
245/40 - Front
275/35 - Rear

AMGB

Jay Bo,

Since you are in Orange County, I was curious where you got your tires? And how much you paid for them?

amgB

Jay_Bo

245/40ZR-18 -- $240
275/35ZR-18 -- $280

America's Tire Co in Mission Viejo (its around the corner from my house)

I think I could have saved a little with tirerack.com since I wouldn't have paid tax, but it wasn't worth the hastle to me.

eclou

I personally have not tracked these tires, but have had many laps on MXX3's and PS's. The MXX3's could come within a second per lap of R-compounds. The PS's were marginal by comparison. Every M3/M5/Z8 pilot I have known has gladly tossed the PS2's for SO3's, which are closer IMHO to the MXX3's on a dry track. Is it possible that the PS2's you Aussies get are a different compound?

adx

I too have driven on both PS2s and SO3s. Frankly, I like the PS2s better cause they are not as noisy as the SO3s. Additonally, I seem to experience more tire spin with the SO3s. Another tire you may want to consider is the Dunlop Sport 9000. Just my $.02.

BlownV8

Here's a review of the PSII's, SO3's, F1 GS-D3's, & RS-A's:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/mi_ps2_nextGen.jsp