Lynn, I can't realy suggest going with anything over 275 in the rears cause, quite frankly, I never tried it and cant confirm it won't rub. I'm not saying that its not posible, just cant confirm
As for the NT555's performance, durability and comfort, I can say that without a doubt they're the best tire I've ever felt on an SL.
Chris, no matter what, your never going to float on a cloud in this car, but, the nitto's get you closest to that feeling.
But to answer your question, no, road imperfections and pot holes don't sway your car with these tires on.
Dont forget, Renntech has been putting them on their Benz's for over 7 years now. I'm sure if they had any of the problems that have been discussed here they would have discontinued them a long time ago.
I'm running Riken Raptor 245 40 17's all around. Other people seem to like them, however, I would replace them if I had the spare change. They shake until they get warm and tend to squirm all over the road. The ride could be better.
I can't accurately speak to the wear of the tires. I'm pretty rough on tires and the little yellow triangle on the speedo lights up occasionally to tell me to knock off the fun stuff.
As for appearance - I should have sacrificed handling and gone larger both in height and width. They barely come to the edge of the rims and look a little too thin for me. I know the popular look is all rim and no rubber, but it just doesn't fit the style of the car. I'd like to fill out the wheel wells a little more.
I love my PS2's here in SoCal and I don't have ADS. I really think it's more a function of the sidewall. When I put a new set of 205/65-15 on my 1989 560SL what a dream ride. I mean really! Compare a 35 to a 65 series sidewall........... My honda Pilot wth SUV sidewalls rides smoother than my SL500.
Now I must say I haven't tried these tires but I have heard good thing's about them from 'SL BRABUS' and others at Pirelli PZero Nero M&S
The problem with those damned Pirellis is that you will wind up replacing them every 6k miles. Of all tire brands, they have the worst longevity.
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"Veni, Vidi, volo in domum redire." (I came, I saw, I want to go home.)
First off, I totally agree that the OEM tire size recommendations are way too small for the space available in the wheel wells, and that the tiny side-wall equates to a an unnecessarily rough ride.
So what do you guys do for sizes? My car has ADS, so the car is raised more than the standard suspension even at rest. There is definitely room to put something bigger in there. Again, I am going for the softest ride possible...
I am leaning towards the nittos or the Goodyears so far, but in what sizes do you all recommend? I picked everything out myself last time, and have been unhappy with the ride from day1.
Vehicle: 2000 Obsidian Black Metallic Mercedes SL 320 V6
Location: Northern Italy near Milan
Posts: 1,800
Quote:
Originally Posted by chriswufgator
The problem with those damned Pirellis is that you will wind up replacing them every 6k miles. Of all tire brands, they have the worst longevity.
chriswufgator strange that you only got 6,000 miles out of the Pirelli's. I got Pirelli Pzero Rosso on my car and with spirited driving style lasted a good 11,000 miles. Ok mine is lighter than yours being the 320 but I don't see the difference in weight so deomanding on the wheels. Pirellis are not known to be the best as for lasting miles but your car would be on rails on dry and wet tarmac. The Rossos really transformed my car and they weren't that bad either but my size was 245/45 17 and I hadn't the ADS system. Now with the 2003 CL 500 I got I have the ABC system and I feel the CL is less comfortable than the SL.
Cheers.
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I drive like I stole . . . YOURS
chriswufgator strange that you only got 6,000 miles out of the Pirelli's. I got Pirelli Pzero Rosso on my car and with spirited driving style lasted a good 11,000 miles. Ok mine is lighter than yours being the 320 but I don't see the difference in weight so deomanding on the wheels. Pirellis are not known to be the best as for lasting miles but your car would be on rails on dry and wet tarmac. The Rossos really transformed my car and they weren't that bad either but my size was 245/45 17 and I hadn't the ADS system. Now with the 2003 CL 500 I got I have the ABC system and I feel the CL is less comfortable than the SL.
Cheers.
I have discussed this with you before, and I personally think that Pirelli ought to make you their poster-boy in their advertisements. I am not sure if you just got a good batch, or maybe your driving style has something to do with it, but you are about the only person who has had Pirellis and has anything positive to say about how long they last.
They are definitely the Rolls-Royce of tires, but everyone swears they wear really quickly. When my family bought our first R129, an early 90s 300SL, it came with Pirellis as standard equipment, and if you got 5,000mi out of those you were lucky. The first time, my dad thought "bad batch" and then the second time, he just replaced them with Michelins which lasted almost until we got rid of the car (a long time).
Getting 11,000mi and still going strong out of a set of Pirellis has got to be very unusual. Also, Pirellis are heinously expensive over here, compared to everything else. I am not sure if they are cheaper for you in Italy or not, since you are closer to their point of origin, but they are definitely the most expensive option here in the States.
Last edited by chriswufgator : 04-18-2008 at 11:01 AM.
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