Tires and Wheels // SL 550

[JFM94404]

I'm contemplating buying an SL 550 and am somewhat taken aback by this warning/disclaimer on the tires and wheels in the official MB brochure:

"Lower aspect ratio tires and accompanying wheels provide substantially increased treadwear, increased tire noise and reduced ride comfort. Serious wheel and tire damage may occur if the vehicle is operated on rough or damaged road surfaces or upon encountering road debris or obstacles."

Can someone put this into perspective? What kind of tire mileage can I expect if I'm not an overly aggressive driver? And trying never to hit a pothole? How realistic is that? Also, I expect ride comfort in a car of this quality and price. Am I overreacting?

I called a Mercedes salesman today and asked about this. He said the warning applies only to the tires and wheels supplied with the optional AMG Sports Package. I don't think that's true, since I went back to the brochure and saw the warning as a footnote for all tires and wheels, standard and with the AMG Sports Package.

I just don't want to buy trouble. Thanks in advance for any help you can give this newbie in the SF Bay Area.

--John