Bos

I talked to Bridgestone-Firestone today to find out the status / availability date for 265/30-19 and 235/35-19 S-03's specifically. I found out the S-03's are made in Japan, and according to her system no production status and no "on the water" status available. I asked whether the delay was a tooling up issue etc., but she had no idea. She agreed to check it out and get back to me. I later had a voice mail stating the tire would not even be available for purchase until March, so no other details as to why the delay. Hope this helps...

JamE55

Thanks for the info Bos! Must be a popular size??

lee2375

They haven't made them yet, in other words.

JamE55

Yeah looks like it.

Sleestack

So, essentially, I'm going to be looking at my BBS LMs for 3 months unless I go with a different tire. I wish tirerack was a little more informed when I ordered the tires.

JamE55

Sleestack

What they didn't tell you that the tires you were ordering was on backorder?? Huh??

Vic55

Sleestack, I had to wait about 3 weeks for my S03's and they came in last Saturday but I haven't had a chance to put them on. I am going tonight to get them installed (275x30x19 and 245x35x19). Can't you fit these sizes on your car?? I have the same rims that you are getting (BBS 19x9.5 and 19x8.5 et 32).

Sleestack

They told me they were on backorer, however, they told me January 15 was the anticipated arrival date. I would have preferred that they gave me no date unless they had some reason for thinkning the tires would be in around January 15.

Sleestack

Vic, I guess I could, however, I would need to get my fenders rolled. E55 can fit those size without rolling fenders.

Mach430

On a positive side, anticipated dates are often conservative in order to allow for mistakes and look better if they come early. My camera was anticipated to come around now, I've had it for over a month.

I think either way you would have to roll your fenders Sleestack, from what I've heard, 275s are pretty hard to put on a CLK 19" wheel.

JamE55

Think you're gonna have to roll your fenders for the 275's for the CLK. At least that's the biggest i've seen on a CLK.

Sleestack

Mach, when you say either way I'm going to have to roll my fenders, I'm assuming you are referring to the 275/245 setup. It was my understanding that with a 265/30/19 and 235/35/19 setup I would not have to roll my fenders. Let me know if you think otherwise.

Mach430

Definitely the 275, i could be mistaken about the 265. Simon would know better than me.

Vic55

Sleestack, just got the tires on but only drove straight home. I will be taking my long drive to work tomorrow and will post my thoughts. Oh by the way, the E55 fenders are pre-rolled and I dont think the 245/275 setup with 19's would make it without rubbing if they were not rolled.

lee2375

The 245/275 setup's OD is too large for the CLK. The speedo will read 65, and you're doing 72. Also, the 275 will hit the fender in the rear, no doubt.

What offset are the LMs in the rear? The CLK can can use an offset as low as 30mm on a 9.5 inch rim in the rear and 265/30 tire without fender rolling. Usually Lorinser uses 31 offset on their 9.5 and 10 rear wheels, and it can fit without rolling if the tire is not too square. This is even if the car is lowered. If I am not mistaken the offset on the LM in the F and R is 35.

Sleestack

My 19" BBS LMs are 8.5 up front and 9.5 in the rear. The tires I ordered are SO3 Pole Positions with 235/35/19 up fornt and 265/30/19 in the rear. I believe this setup will fit no problem, however, the SO3s are on backorder until hell freezes over. Any suggestions on alternative tires available in these sizes. Pilot Sports don't seem available in these sizes. The Yokohoma AVS(?) seems available in these sizes, however, I believe they are on backorder as well.

lee2375

Lemme check stock in the morning.

Luke@tirerack

at this time we only have the Continental Conti-Sport Contact in stock in the sizes you need for your CLK

lee2375

I can also do the Nitto NT555 if you want. Not the best option, but cheap. Lasts long too. (UTQG 300 AA)

apacket

After going back and forth with Bridgestone, I finally got a voicemail from one of the head techs today.

265/30/19 and 235/35/19 S-03's haven't been released yet and may never be released due to "pressure issues". Whether this is true or not, it tells me that they won't be coming out any time soon.

I WANT MY WHEELS - I CAN'T WAIT ANY LONGER :o

I want a tire that is:
#1 Quiet
#2 Lasts long
#3 Performs well (I am willing to slow down to 110 to take turns)

Any suggestions??? I'm so tired of waiting for s-03s that I might roll without tires.

lee2375

Toyo T1S is a good one, or Nitto NT555. Stay away from the Pirelli P7000 if at all possible.

steve s

anyone know where to get there fenders rolled in the sf bay area?