Tire Pressures
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: punta gorda, florida
Slk 230 & CLK500
Tire Pressures
I have a 2003 SLK 230 & 2003 CLK 500. They both call for 30 front & 33 rear. On the CLK it states over 100mph (the fastest I go is about 80) 35 front & 38 rear. What would be the best pressure for both for mileage & tire wear, I was thinking about 33 front & 36 rear, +3 on front & rears over Mfg. suggestion.
TR Moderator & Tire God
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: SouthBend, IN USA
depends on the weather
the standard recommended pressures are a compromise between handling and ride quality and for higher performance levels MB recommends higher pressures which is to create better performance and does effect ride quality. What you are intending to do with your tire pressure sounds good if you are an aggressive driver who like crisp steering response
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 187
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From: punta gorda, florida
Slk 230 & CLK500
On reading the forums it seems that most people believe with the weight of the 500 engine anything close to the MB recommended pressure results in heavy wear to the front sidewalls due to under inflation & they are saying fronts should be 36. Would you recommend the rears stay at the same pressure as the fronts or keep the ratio the same by keeping the rears a little higher then the fronts.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 187
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From: punta gorda, florida
Slk 230 & CLK500
Also, Mercedes recommends 35 front, 38 rear over 100mph. Would I do any harm running those pressures at normal driving speeds. Also from what I am reading on the forums 36 is the minimum at the fronts as anything under it the sidewalls will wear heavily from underinflation due to the weight of the 500 engine. What do you suggest?
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Texas
2003 SL55, 2004 E500, 2004 Porsche Turbo Cab, 2007 Ferrari 599, 1988 Ferrari GTS
Luke, my CL500 is fitted with 19 AMG wheels with Dunlop SP 9000 245x40x19. Factory recommends 29 front and 32 rear for stock 17 inch wheels. What is the appropriate pressure for these tires. I was told factory plus 5 by another source??? What do you think?
