1999 E430 Replacement Tires
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 536
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From: Orlando, Florida
**SOLD***2003 E500
1999 E430 Replacement Tires
This is a non-sport package E430. Currently have stock rims 16" with Continentals that came on the car. Looking for recomendations to replace these tires with. Replacing at 56432 miles with 3/32 left on them. Should I go the same model, or is something better out there. Not high performance driven. Pushed occasionally through corners, and driven in a fair amount of rain. No snow! Looking for suggestions. Size is 215/55/16. Thanks in advance!
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 789
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From: Henrico, Virginia
2014 ML350 4Matic
I have the same car. I replaced the stock Michelin MXV4 Energy with Bridgestone Potenza S0-3 Pole Position, size 225/55-16. This is a full on performance tire. They are great handling, very responsive, fairly quiet (at least with 1,500 miles on them). However, they are stiff and have that "solid" (feels like zero flex in the sidewall) performance tire feel to them, plus they probably won't last more than 15,000 miles. I drove to NYC this weekend and on NY streets and northern NJ highways they are too harsh for everyday driving. Another less extreme alternative for great handling and good all weather performance is the Bridgestone RE950. I have a set on a C280 and they are very impressive, riding as good as the Michelin MVX4 series, quiet, nice and crisp handling. There is always the Michelin MXV4 Energy Plus for a smooth quiet ride with decent handling, the Michelin Pilot HX MXM4 (which is similar in performance to the RE950) or the full on Pilot Sport. If you like the performance of the Continentals (and you did get better mileage than I experienced) get another set.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 536
Likes: 4
From: Orlando, Florida
**SOLD***2003 E500
Thanks Vince, I found a set of Extreme contact Continentals on Tirerack. Nice price, and they seem to be rated well, just wonder about the treadlife. I'm going to try and get a hold of Luke. I have had no luck today by phone, and his partner Clancy seems to be busy as well, but I will keep trying. In the meanwhile I am going to keep looking before I buy. I am going to go look at the Bridgestone's now. Thanks again!
Randy
Randy
