I just got an '04 CLK 500 cabriolet (225/45-17F and 245/40-17R with stock AMG rims), and I see that the manual does not mention all-season tires, they only mention two options, summer and snow tires. I'd like to replace the aging summer Pilot Sports that are on there now (worn in front on the outside edges.)

Question one: Am I correct in assuming there should be no problems in putting on Pilot Sport A/S tires for year-round use (living in New Jersey with occasional snow)?

Question two: Assuming the answer to question one one is YES, can I go with wider than OEM tires in the back? I assume I can, but just how wide can I go? I see that the 17" Pilot Sport A/S tires come in a 275/40ZR17 width - would I be crazy to want those, and would they fit? I assume my gas mileage would suffer, but the car would look good! I also assume the wider rears would not be helpful in snow!

Thanks in advance!

#1.) yea an all-season tire can be used year round
#2.) 265 is a tight fit even with the fenders rolled so, I would not suggest any wider and wider tires perform worse in the snow ...