The Official Winter Tire thread ... all winter tire questions go here !!!
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 773
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From: Turkiye
Waiting for W204 Facelift
TireRack absolutely RULES!!! I just recently installed 4 Dunlop SP WinterSport 3D 235/40/18 on 4 Rial 18x8 satin silver wheels w/TPMS on my 09' C63.
Ride quality and performance is outstanding with this package. Here in Northern New Jersey it is absolutely STUPID to risk your life and car by driving on extreme performance summer tires like the Pirelli P-Zero. The Rial wheels-though quite reasonably priced are nicely made. There were no issues with the TPMS recommended by TireRack.
These tires are quiet,comfortable. They also offer a surprising amount of Dry road grip and have been fantastic in the rain. It has yet to snow significantly here,but I had Dunlop Winter Sports on my Porsche 996 C2 and when the weather was bad getting stuck was not an issue.
I've purchased 3 sets of winter tires and wheels from TireRack with ZERO problems.
Ride quality and performance is outstanding with this package. Here in Northern New Jersey it is absolutely STUPID to risk your life and car by driving on extreme performance summer tires like the Pirelli P-Zero. The Rial wheels-though quite reasonably priced are nicely made. There were no issues with the TPMS recommended by TireRack.
These tires are quiet,comfortable. They also offer a surprising amount of Dry road grip and have been fantastic in the rain. It has yet to snow significantly here,but I had Dunlop Winter Sports on my Porsche 996 C2 and when the weather was bad getting stuck was not an issue.
I've purchased 3 sets of winter tires and wheels from TireRack with ZERO problems.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
2011 GLK350, 2010 ML350, 2008 C63 AMG
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
ML430
Blizzaks work!
Luke,
Thanks for the advice. My Blizzak LM25 4x4's arrived Friday and I had them mounted Saturday. What a difference! Finally this car handles in the snow and ice like it's supposed to. They are a little bit stiffer, but we can't drive fast up here in the winter anyway, so a little ride harshness is a good payoff for traction and handling.
Thanks for the advice. My Blizzak LM25 4x4's arrived Friday and I had them mounted Saturday. What a difference! Finally this car handles in the snow and ice like it's supposed to. They are a little bit stiffer, but we can't drive fast up here in the winter anyway, so a little ride harshness is a good payoff for traction and handling.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Clifton, NJ
'03 C230 Coupe / '09 ML350
I have an 03 C230, and live in Northern NJ. I have V-rated Dunlop Winter Sport M3 tires (205-55-16). I blew out one, and it looks like they've been discontinued.
1. I think I know the answer to this, but I'll ask anyways...can I run a single V-rated Winter Sport 3D with my existing M3's?
2. If I replace all the tires, I'm leaning towards the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D, but I see there's an H-rated and a V-rated Dunlop Winter Sport 3D (XL model). Is there any particular advantage to running the V-rated tire versus the H-rated? For the M3's, I see that consumer reports ranked the V-rated tire highly, but the H-rated tire was last on their list. Is there a similar performance discrepancy in the 3D's? H-rating suits my winter driving habits just fine, and my OEM all-season tires are H-rated, but I don't mind paying a bit more for the V-rated tires if there are any other advantages.
if it was me I would get 2 of the V rated 3D's and put them on the back of the car and be done
1. I think I know the answer to this, but I'll ask anyways...can I run a single V-rated Winter Sport 3D with my existing M3's?
2. If I replace all the tires, I'm leaning towards the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D, but I see there's an H-rated and a V-rated Dunlop Winter Sport 3D (XL model). Is there any particular advantage to running the V-rated tire versus the H-rated? For the M3's, I see that consumer reports ranked the V-rated tire highly, but the H-rated tire was last on their list. Is there a similar performance discrepancy in the 3D's? H-rating suits my winter driving habits just fine, and my OEM all-season tires are H-rated, but I don't mind paying a bit more for the V-rated tires if there are any other advantages.
if it was me I would get 2 of the V rated 3D's and put them on the back of the car and be done
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; Dec 28, 2009 at 09:50 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
2006 cl55 amg
Have been waiting for these tires!
Winter tires can't be beat, the other alternative that has come out. Living in the hill section of North Jersey we get a lot of snow. I chose the new Continental ExtreameContactDWS, the large sizes came out now, These tires have great grip. They are a #1 rated tire.
Last edited by topofminehill; Mar 8, 2010 at 08:57 PM. Reason: add photo
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2009 E350 4matic sedan
Looking for suggestions for tires. Just bought a 2009 E350 to replace my 2000 E430. Took it in for routine maintenance and told that there's a bubble in one tire. The tires are 5/32 all season original equip. I'm looking to replace with all season, but need something that can manage snow, as I drive to ski.
year:2009
make:MB
model:E350 4matic
location:Pittsburgh
tires only or winter package:Tires only
Thanks for any suggestions!
year:2009
make:MB
model:E350 4matic
location:Pittsburgh
tires only or winter package:Tires only
Thanks for any suggestions!
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
From: Lower Hudson Valley of NY
08 E550
Looking for suggestions for tires. Just bought a 2009 E350 to replace my 2000 E430. Took it in for routine maintenance and told that there's a bubble in one tire. The tires are 5/32 all season original equip. I'm looking to replace with all season, but need something that can manage snow, as I drive to ski.
year:2009
make:MB
model:E350 4matic
location:Pittsburgh
tires only or winter package:Tires only
Thanks for any suggestions!
year:2009
make:MB
model:E350 4matic
location:Pittsburgh
tires only or winter package:Tires only
Thanks for any suggestions!
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2009 E350 4matic sedan
I would have thought the same thing, and in fact for years had dedicated winter tires on their own wheels, and switched back and forth. Then I bought this car, and didn't have a chance to get snows, using only the original all seasons on it, and went through the worst winter in 20+ years in Pittsburgh, and had no problems. We even went up to the mountains mid-state to go skiing, and never had any problems. That's why I'm thinking I'll stick with all season now.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
From: Lower Hudson Valley of NY
08 E550
I always appreciated the straight line stability that winter tires provided but I've had RWD cars except my wifes MDX. Contact Luke at Tirerack, I buy all my tires from them and I've always been happy with the products they recommend, service and prices
Thread Starter
TR Moderator & Tire God
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 5
From: SouthBend, IN USA
depends on the weather
sorry for the delayed response Jeremy but, I tend to ignore winter stuff in May ....
my 2 favorites for what you are looking for are the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity and the Michelin Pilot Sport AS+
my 2 favorites for what you are looking for are the Bridgestone Turanza Serenity and the Michelin Pilot Sport AS+
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Houston
2001 E55
Luke,
I want advice on what tires to buy. Details of my car (I am buying on Mon) are below. I probably will not do no more than 7000 miles a year. I would not want to spend more than $1000 for the set of 4 or $540 for the set of 2 front tires. I want a quiet ride. I will not race the car however, I do like to drive in spurts from 80 mph to 120 mph.
The tires on the car right now are factory recommended Dunlops but, they seem to be cupped (horrible noise at low speed that disappears at highway speed). I had the suspension inspected and all seems to be fine.
Year: 2001
Make: MB
Model: E55
Location: Chicago, IL
Package: non-winter Tires Only (standard AMG mono block rims; I already have the winter tires)
I want advice on what tires to buy. Details of my car (I am buying on Mon) are below. I probably will not do no more than 7000 miles a year. I would not want to spend more than $1000 for the set of 4 or $540 for the set of 2 front tires. I want a quiet ride. I will not race the car however, I do like to drive in spurts from 80 mph to 120 mph.
The tires on the car right now are factory recommended Dunlops but, they seem to be cupped (horrible noise at low speed that disappears at highway speed). I had the suspension inspected and all seems to be fine.
Year: 2001
Make: MB
Model: E55
Location: Chicago, IL
Package: non-winter Tires Only (standard AMG mono block rims; I already have the winter tires)
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
'16 E250 BlueTec 4MATIC
2011 GL350 Winter Tire/Wheel Recommendation
Hi - we just got a 2011 GL350 with the stock 275/50r20 Eagle RFTs and want a better setup for winter.
I used Nokians on my E300 and loved them in snow (not so much for durability the rest of the year and on regular pavement). We live near the coast but go to the mountains frequently (a 200-300 mile round trip with only a third or less in the snow), so need a good tire for that scenario.
Recommendations?
the Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow is available in the 20" size you need
I used Nokians on my E300 and loved them in snow (not so much for durability the rest of the year and on regular pavement). We live near the coast but go to the mountains frequently (a 200-300 mile round trip with only a third or less in the snow), so need a good tire for that scenario.
Recommendations?
the Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow is available in the 20" size you need
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; Sep 27, 2010 at 04:23 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
GL 450
Make: MB
Model: GL450
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Getting ready to replace my 19" tires and heading into winter wanted to check my best options for year round tire in Michigan.
I've been told the Michelin Diamaris - but not sure about snow; and can't figure out what the different codes mean, in the same size 275-55-19 but with different codes at the end the prices are about $50 different, i.e. BSW vs. MBZ B
Or should I look at something else? Not to many choices in this size.
Thank you!
in that size the best option would be the Pirelli Scorpion Zero and the Michelin you mentioned is a summer tire
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; Oct 7, 2010 at 04:42 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
From: Normal, IL
02 E55; 99 CLK430 (Sold)
Luke -
Year: 2002
Make: MB
Model: E55
Location: Normal, IL
Looking for a set of winter tires this year after last year thinking my all seasons would work (boy was I wrong). Should I get the stock staggered size tires? I've heard a few people say just to get the front tire size and use that all around? What would you suggest for size and type/brand of tire?
if you are going to use the OE wheels I would get the OE staggered tire sizes but, if you are gettign a wheel and tire package the "front size on all four corners" advise is spot on
Year: 2002
Make: MB
Model: E55
Location: Normal, IL
Looking for a set of winter tires this year after last year thinking my all seasons would work (boy was I wrong). Should I get the stock staggered size tires? I've heard a few people say just to get the front tire size and use that all around? What would you suggest for size and type/brand of tire?
if you are going to use the OE wheels I would get the OE staggered tire sizes but, if you are gettign a wheel and tire package the "front size on all four corners" advise is spot on
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; Oct 13, 2010 at 10:59 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, NY
2006 CLK 500 Cabrio
2006 CLK500 Cabriolet- studless?
Hello Luke:
Year: 2006
Make: Mercedes Benz
Model: CLK500 Cabriolet
Location: Buffalo, NY
Buffalo (although it has a bad reputation) really spends 70% of the winter without a flake on the ground. We get about 2 big storms per winter, and a handful of smaller flurries. I recently traded my E320 4-matic (which I could drive like a nut in the winter with all-seasons) for this CLK500, which has a LOT of rear-only power. I have a big fear of wiping out into traffic, especially from transitions like on-ramps where I have to accelerate and swerve. I haven't had a RWD sports car for like 17 years, so maybe technology is on my side nowadays?
I'm wondering about "Studless Ice & Snow" tires for this car. I don't see anyone in the W209 forum ever mention them. Are they a good idea for a performance car, especially with my fears? Or are they overkill for the 70% dry that I mention?
Thanks!!
David
FYI - I have larger rear tires (I think 8 & 8.5) and I assume non-staggered is proper.
I think studless ice and snow tires would be your best choice. The Michelin X Ice XI2 would be my recommendation as they offer great ice and snow traction without excessive noise and tread squirm some of the others in the category are known to have
Year: 2006
Make: Mercedes Benz
Model: CLK500 Cabriolet
Location: Buffalo, NY
Buffalo (although it has a bad reputation) really spends 70% of the winter without a flake on the ground. We get about 2 big storms per winter, and a handful of smaller flurries. I recently traded my E320 4-matic (which I could drive like a nut in the winter with all-seasons) for this CLK500, which has a LOT of rear-only power. I have a big fear of wiping out into traffic, especially from transitions like on-ramps where I have to accelerate and swerve. I haven't had a RWD sports car for like 17 years, so maybe technology is on my side nowadays?
I'm wondering about "Studless Ice & Snow" tires for this car. I don't see anyone in the W209 forum ever mention them. Are they a good idea for a performance car, especially with my fears? Or are they overkill for the 70% dry that I mention?
Thanks!!
David
FYI - I have larger rear tires (I think 8 & 8.5) and I assume non-staggered is proper.
I think studless ice and snow tires would be your best choice. The Michelin X Ice XI2 would be my recommendation as they offer great ice and snow traction without excessive noise and tread squirm some of the others in the category are known to have
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; Oct 7, 2010 at 05:02 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,308
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
2011 GLK350, 2010 ML350, 2008 C63 AMG
Luke - need a new set of snow tires from you again, except this time for another mercedes.
Year: 2011
Make: Mercedes
Model: GLK350 4 Matic
Location: Washington DC
Ran the Pirelli snow and ice last year that you got me on my ML350 4matic and they were great. Went through 24 inches of unplowed powder no problems. Would you suggest the same thing for the GLK350?
The Scorpion Ice and Snow is a great choice for your area
Year: 2011
Make: Mercedes
Model: GLK350 4 Matic
Location: Washington DC
Ran the Pirelli snow and ice last year that you got me on my ML350 4matic and they were great. Went through 24 inches of unplowed powder no problems. Would you suggest the same thing for the GLK350?
The Scorpion Ice and Snow is a great choice for your area
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; Oct 7, 2010 at 05:05 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, NY
2006 CLK 500 Cabrio
Only these: Bridgestone Blizzak WS70, Continental ExtremeWinterContact, Dunlop Graspic DS-3.
Any best choice from these three?
Thanks.
Both the Blizzak and Extreme Winter Contact are very good and either would be a good choice. The blizzak is a new design to make it better in deep snow while maintainign it's exceptional ice traction. The Conti offers about the same ice traction without the tread squirm the Blizzak has. I am not a fan of the Graspic.
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; Oct 15, 2010 at 02:49 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2002 E55
Luke,
Year: 2002
Make: MB
Model: E55
Location: Portland, OR
I have the standard AMG monoblock wheels but want to replace to allow use of 17" or 18" standard profile, not low profile, tires with all season tread. I've seen discussions of offset, brake interference, etc with this kind of swap. What do you recommend for wheel size and offset?
I would suggest 17" Rial DF wheel with a 235/45-17 tire size
Year: 2002
Make: MB
Model: E55
Location: Portland, OR
I have the standard AMG monoblock wheels but want to replace to allow use of 17" or 18" standard profile, not low profile, tires with all season tread. I've seen discussions of offset, brake interference, etc with this kind of swap. What do you recommend for wheel size and offset?
I would suggest 17" Rial DF wheel with a 235/45-17 tire size
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; Oct 13, 2010 at 03:03 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh
2007 CLK 550
Hi Luke,
I have a 2007 CLK 550 with 17/7.5 and 17/8.5 AMG wheels wearing 225/45 on the front and 245/40 on the rear, and I need to buy winter tires.
Question 1. I read somewhere I can run 225/45 on the 17/8.5 rear wheels; is that true? Will the lip of the wheel still be protected from potholes when running narrower tires? 225/45-17 Rim Width Range...... 7.00 to 8.50 but at just under 9" wide it would offer very little wheel protection
Question 2. I found four used 17/7.5 aftermarket wheels with 225/45's on them; can I run those on the rear without negatively affecting traction control? yes, that is actually recommended for winter wheel and tire packages but, you will need to verify proper brake clearance
Question 3. Also the aftermarket wheels have a 32mm offset, but my factory wheels have either 34mm or 37mm offset (depending on who you believe) in the rear. Any issue there? no issue what so ever ... 5mm is less than 1/4"
Thanks in advance,
vin
I have a 2007 CLK 550 with 17/7.5 and 17/8.5 AMG wheels wearing 225/45 on the front and 245/40 on the rear, and I need to buy winter tires.
Question 1. I read somewhere I can run 225/45 on the 17/8.5 rear wheels; is that true? Will the lip of the wheel still be protected from potholes when running narrower tires? 225/45-17 Rim Width Range...... 7.00 to 8.50 but at just under 9" wide it would offer very little wheel protection
Question 2. I found four used 17/7.5 aftermarket wheels with 225/45's on them; can I run those on the rear without negatively affecting traction control? yes, that is actually recommended for winter wheel and tire packages but, you will need to verify proper brake clearance
Question 3. Also the aftermarket wheels have a 32mm offset, but my factory wheels have either 34mm or 37mm offset (depending on who you believe) in the rear. Any issue there? no issue what so ever ... 5mm is less than 1/4"
Thanks in advance,
vin
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; Oct 13, 2010 at 03:07 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: NYC
W212 E63
Luke - I'm in the NYC area and we don't get a lot of snow. When it does, it's usually cleared within a day. Do you think I should go winters or go with all seasons?
Thanks
I would go with a performance winter as they work better in cold temps
Thanks
I would go with a performance winter as they work better in cold temps
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; Oct 19, 2010 at 03:37 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
I am looking for winter tires for my 2011 C63. I am going to use my stock 18" as my winter wheels. so i just want to get the winter tires. What would you suggest for size and type/brand of tire? thanks.
your only choice in the OE size is the Pirelli 240 Sotto Zero ... the front would be a Serie 2 and the rear would be serie 1
your only choice in the OE size is the Pirelli 240 Sotto Zero ... the front would be a Serie 2 and the rear would be serie 1
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; Oct 26, 2010 at 05:45 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 11
From: Bedford, MA
2013 S350, 2021 GLS450, 2003 SLK32
Year: 2006
Make: MB
Model: E320 CDI
Location: Chelmsford, MA
Can I go with a thinner tire on the OEM wheels for some better snow traction? Or will they not fit on the rim? I was thinking of 205/60/16 instead of stock 225/55/16.
Also, are the Michelin X-Ice2 recommended for this car? I see that they're rated #1, but does that still apply for a rwd car with 369ft-lb of torque?
for stability reasons I would stay with the 225/55-16 size even though the 205/60-16 would physically fit and the X-Ice XI2 would be a great choice
Make: MB
Model: E320 CDI
Location: Chelmsford, MA
Can I go with a thinner tire on the OEM wheels for some better snow traction? Or will they not fit on the rim? I was thinking of 205/60/16 instead of stock 225/55/16.
Also, are the Michelin X-Ice2 recommended for this car? I see that they're rated #1, but does that still apply for a rwd car with 369ft-lb of torque?
for stability reasons I would stay with the 225/55-16 size even though the 205/60-16 would physically fit and the X-Ice XI2 would be a great choice
Last edited by Luke@tirerack; Oct 26, 2010 at 05:41 PM.
