cte430

I am currently running PS2's (265 in the rear) and was wondering what exactly is a heavy load tire. the reason i'm asking is that I have a very new set of SO-3's already mounted on AMG wheels that I bought when I had my E500. the SO-3's are not heavy load and the rears are 275's. Any issues with using these?

E55 KEV

SO-3's are good for all E55's. It is a Maximum Performance tire just like the PS2.

ima55r2

My original Continentals have a maximum load rating of 1433 lbs for the fronts and 1609 lbs for the rears and only the rears only have the extra load label. Whether its based on size or tire constuction...I don't know, but it looks like if some other new tires carry a similar max load within a few percent, then they should be ok.

cte430

My question was really referring to the SO-3's being a non "heavy load" tire and what that actually meant and what, if any consequences they would bring.

E55 KEV

Is the Load Rating on the SO-3 really low to be of a concern? What is it? I am surprised since it is a Maximum Performance tire like the Michelin PS2.

cte430

I guess I should have looked at the tire, huh? LOL. What a dope. Actually I will go look right now...OK, the SO-3's have a max load of 1521 lbs for the rears. I just checked the PS2's real quick, but don't see a load rating on it? It's dark in the garage so maybe I just missed it. What do you think?

E55 KEV

The max load specs from tirerack.com

SO-3's
245/40/18 - 1356
265/35/18 - 1433
275/35/18 - 1521

PS2's
245/40/18 - 1433
265/35/18 - 1609
275/35/18 - 1521

Pilot Sport
245/40/18 - 1433
265/35/18 - 1433
275/35/18 - 1521

ima55r2

The manufacturer's website has the PS2s at the same max load as the OE tire but its at 50 psi compared to 40 something on the OE...but who's going to have that in the tires? If a tire is overloaded, there would be excessive sidewall flex with more heat generation and leading to tire failure.

I thought the E is carrying more weight on the fronts anyway, so as long as you don't have 5 people in the car and a full trunk, you should be okay with a lesser rated max load tire at the rears.

zdkdeeier493

cte, i have basically the same exact car as you just with less options. I was wondering what the mirror etched valentine 1 is. Im planning on getting a valentine 1 installed in my car and hooked up to the battery so theres no annoying wires all over, but what does it mean if its "mirror etched"? Also, it looks like its gonna sit too much in the middle of my windshield, is yours right in your way?
Thanks

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