llakers

I have a 2000 430CLK with 27,000 miles. When I had about 18,000 miles I changed my tiers to Pirelli P7000. Front 225/45ZR17 and the back 255/40ZR17.
The problem I’m having is that the tires are making very loud noise that starting to drive my crazy.

So, I’m looking to change, and would like to get some ideas on new tires. I live in Los Angeles so not to much rain or snow, I do like to drive fast.
<p>Any suggestion?

JtSL500

I had P-7000's also and i hated them. Dunlop 9000's are okay, but the best tire i ran with was the Yokohama AVS-sport, quiet and very comfortable.

Mach430

The best tires on the market currently are the Bridgestone SO3's. They're actually significantly cheaper than the stock Michillen Pilot Sports as well.

oresama99

Concur with mach430, the SO3's are the best. Used to have the SO2's on an old a4 1.8t with coilovers, those were awesome tires in the dry and the wet.

i can't believe the stock michelin pilot sports for the rear of E55 run $330 each in 18 inch and SO3 in 19 inch are $260??? what gives with michelin prices?

Had the p7000's on an s4.....hated it, no snaps there. SO3 gets round the world snaps for price and performance

RJC

I've got a 01 CLK 430...I've had Michelin Pilot Sports and S03's I prefer the Pilots and if you notice they are put on by a large majority of high performance automobile manufactuers and used by the manufactuer for most performance testing. Michelins are more expensive due to the costs associated with their manufacture. My SO3's also have a tendency to flat spot more so than the Michelins did over night and ride a bit harder. The SO3's are marked "new" in the Tire Racks magazine ads and between that & the T\R's rep's recommendation and their good looks is what got me to buy but as i said I prefer the Pilot Sports. In addition I have not seen any new high performance cars coming with SO3's from the factory.The new 03 sl500 is also wearing Pilots. Either way the best of luck to you

JamE55

If you're looking for high performance tires you can't go wrong with these

Bridgestone SO-3 PP
Yokohama AVS Sport
Michelin Pilot Sports
P-Zero Assimetrico

llakers

Thank You all for the responed.

I would like to hear what Luke suggestions is.

I'm leaning toward "potenza S-03"

Once i makes my mind i will let you guys know.

Again thanks

oresama99

another tire you might consider is the Nitto 555. i've always been a little wary of Nitto but i know of several sl and m3 owners that run the 555 and are satisfied with their level of comfort and performance. sorry, don't know enough to give you any real world impressions. just food for thought.

Luke@tirerack

We have broken down tires into several catagories and here is a short list of what I have experienced in our
testing. Now remember, we do not have every single tire line in the world so, if your particular favorite is
not in this list it is probably because we haven't tested it. Also, this is my take on the testing that I have
completed here at The Tire Rack on our test track.

Maximum Performance:
These are the absolute best performing tires on the market. Great steering response and wet/dry traction (not
for use inthe snow!!!) which is at home on the track.

1.)S-03 Pole Position
2.)Pilot Sport
3.)S-02 Pole Position (discontinued)
4.)AVS Sport
5.)P-Zero Rosso

There is 1 glaring omission in this list. It is the BFG G-Force T/A KD. The reason for this tire not being on
the list is because of its lack of versatility. It is the best performing tire in the dry but, is almost scary
in the wet.

Ultra High Performance:
A step down form the Max tires but, still exceptional performance which fits most application for a street tire
that can be
driven very aggressivley.

1.) Firehawk SZ50 EP
2.) Potenza RE730's (extreme noise issues)
3.) A520
4.) G-Force KDW
5.) Sport 8000
6.) HTR Z II

3-6 are all very close in performance levels.
The noise issues of the 730's are mostly related
to larger/heavier cars with rear wheel drive.

Ultra High Performance All Season
Performance tires which are capable of going through the snow.

1.) Sport 5000
2.) Michelin Pilot Sport A/S
3.) AVS DB (quietest tire I have ever driven)
4.) BFG G-Force KDWS
5.) P7000 Super Sport

Budget Performance Tires
Summer performance with a cost effective tire when your budget is a concern. (based on performance not cost)

1.) Sumitomo HTR Z II
2.) Sumitomo HTR Z
3.) Kumho Ecsta Supra 712 (best ride quality in this group)
4.) Yokohama AVS Intermediate


I hope this helps you in your tire selections

Thanks, Luke@tirerack
800-428-8355 ext. 362

RJC

Remember one thing best performance does not mean most comfortable or quietest. I think its important to have a tire that handles well but is also a pleasure to drive on. Tire rack does measure for this so check out the testing sections.
RJC

Vic55

I have the S03's on both sets of 19 inch wheels that I have and they are flat out the best. Cornering is like riding on rails and trust me the noise is not an issue. I had the quietest of the ultra high performance tires, the Pzero Rosso, and I cant tell the difference between the two tires.