Michelin A/S Sport Plus-2004 SL500-Bad Decision
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
From: Wilmington, NC
2004 SL500
Michelin A/S Sport Plus-2004 SL500-Bad Decision
What a mistake I made. Had the a/sport on my old 96 SL500. Bought a 04 SL500 and put the plus tires on it. They are loud and the car now pulls to the right. Tire store will not replace the tires. My local MB dealer says this is a problem he has seen with this tire. He says it is caused by this being a harder compound than the original Sport tire that car was designed for. He said that they need to change the camber and put a special bolt in front end to correct for the right side drift. Sounded like this could also be a problem with all high mileage tires that fit the 230 body style.
Luke, what do you think about this?
Anyone else have this problem with the SL 500 and this tire?
Luke, what do you think about this?
Anyone else have this problem with the SL 500 and this tire?
TR Moderator & Tire God
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 5
From: SouthBend, IN USA
depends on the weather
the early runs of the Pilot Sport A/S did have problems similar to what you are describing but, those problems have all been correct and that early inventory was to be returned to Michelin but, that was years ago. There have been no reports of that issue with either the Pilot Sport A/S after Michelin corrected them or the new Pilot Sport A/S+
what pressure are you running in them?
what pressure are you running in them?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
From: Wilmington, NC
2004 SL500
I am running 29 front 33 rear. Unfortunately, according to my MB dealer, the feeling is that Michelin still has the problem. Any idea how many R230 body style customers you have running the A/S+? I had the A/S on my 96 SL500 and had no problem.
Basically the tire dealer I bought them from told me it is my problem. Any suggestion on air pressure? Door jam says 26 front and 29 rear. Would three pounds make a difference.
I am really unhappy with these tires. One guy told me he has had no problem on a 2003 SL with the Conti DW.
Any suggestions?
Basically the tire dealer I bought them from told me it is my problem. Any suggestion on air pressure? Door jam says 26 front and 29 rear. Would three pounds make a difference.
I am really unhappy with these tires. One guy told me he has had no problem on a 2003 SL with the Conti DW.
Any suggestions?
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 96
Likes: 9
From: Tampa
2003 R230 and 2007 W209
Hey guys, After a LOT of research ..installed the LATER series 18" Pilot Sport A/S Plus on wifes' CLK 550 to replace the OEM very soft compound Pilot Sports and LOVE them !!! Called MBUSA, Tire Rack, and Michelin, before buying these tires ..I run 38 psi in the front and 40 psi in the rear (COLD) .. Intend to install Pilot Sport A/S Plus on my 2003 R230 soon ..based on the CLK experience...to replace current Pilot Sports.. Thus far the latest P S A/S + are great on trips and around town..My guess is that you have the very early series tires..
Ron Martin
Ron Martin
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 175
Likes: 4
From: Wilmington, NC
2004 SL500
Update. Michelin is replacing front two tires with new A/S plus tires. Will be interesting to see if it pulls any more. MB dealer had to put a camber kit in and it still pulled right slightly.
TR Moderator & Tire God
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,545
Likes: 5
From: SouthBend, IN USA
depends on the weather
glad to see the local dealer stepping up and finally doing what's right ... you have to wonder if going up the chain of command may have altered their attitude
