[ch.1953]

OK, finally I am buying some new tires...

I am sticking with 16" wheels, which limits my choice.

Having read all the relevant reviews on Tire Rack, I am pretty set on Michelin Primacy MXV4 ~ 235 x 60 x 16, but am also considering 225 x 65 x 16 in the same tire for a slightly higher profile for an improved ride.

In addition, I have also read (and experienced) great things on the Goodyear Assurance Comfortred Touring tires, which are very quiet too, but also a little better in the snow according to Goodyear...

Has anyone tried either of these tires, or any others on 16" in a W140 that they care to share views upon?

My priorities on tires are:-

# 1 QUIET
# 2 Excellent ride (I hate bumps)
# 3 Steering response
# 4 Safety in rain and light snow traction

Many thanks all.... :thumbsup:

 

[lcmlee]

I changed mine last year to the Michelin Primacy MXV4 235/60R16. The old tires where the same but one generation older (MX4?), the MXV4 are suppose to be a great improvement over the older generation tires. The old tires had more than 50% thread life left but they were about 10 years old and I think that's getting a little too old for safety reasons. The car has always ridden quiet so I cannot say there were any quieter. For performance, I tested them by pushing them hard into one of those cork screw corners (merging onto the Don Valley Parkway, long big turns), fast enough to push me towards the driver side door...and the tires and suspension kept the car cornering like a champ. I have less than 3,000 KM on the new tires and they ride great.

The older tires (MX4) where driven on ice and snow and pouring rain. Handled all these well. So I imagine the MXV4 will handle them even better.

 

[ch.1953]

Great, thanks Leonard. I test drove a CL500 with these Primacy on them and they were amazing...

Let's see what thers say, but I;m almost certain I'll be going with the Primacy.

Slightly tempted by the 225 65 for better profile in snow and cushier ride, but will likely stick with exactly the stock 235 60 16 I test drove as it was an amazing ride.

R

 

[shimshon]

Michelin Primacy MXV4 are great. Quiet, quality, handling. Can't be beat for our S Class. I love em

 

[ch.1953]

Thanks!! - much appreciated Shimshon.

We are 2 - 0, Michelin!!

Any other voters for best tire for W140 on stock 16" ?

 

[Jre32]

My vote

I have the Michelin Primacy in the stock size on my 97 CL500 - they would definitely get my vote. The only modification I have made is the wheels. I was able to locate a "new" set of 16" X 7 1/2" chrome wheels designed for a 2005 W220 S500. The have a slightly different offset - 46mm compared to the W140 standard 16" wheel offset of 51mm. The effect is to better fill up the wheel wells and I fell it improves the cars handling. I have the original 16" alloys safely stored in my shop.

 

[lcmlee]

I have the Michelin Primacy in the stock size on my 97 CL500 - they would definitely get my vote. The only modification I have made is the wheels. I was able to locate a "new" set of 16" X 7 1/2" chrome wheels designed for a 2005 W220 S500. The have a slightly different offset - 46mm compared to the W140 standard 16" wheel offset of 51mm. The effect is to better fill up the wheel wells and I fell it improves the cars handling. I have the original 16" alloys safely stored in my shop.

Can we have a picture of it on your car? I like to see what you mean by "fill up the wheel wells".

 

[ch.1953]

One alternative would be: Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus

...but they would be 225 60 ZR 16 and a W speed rating.

Not sure they would be as quiet or smooth riding, but better handling possibly?

or Pilot Exalto A/S - but only in 225 55 16 - H

 

[lcmlee]

One alternative would be: Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus

...but they would be 225 60 ZR 16 and a W speed rating.

Not sure they would be as quiet or smooth riding, but better handling possibly?

or Pilot Exalto A/S - but only in 225 55 16 - H

Yeah, I think I was looking at those too. I think the main decision point for these would not be more noise (I actually think they should be as quiet) but that they would not be all seasons. It would be a 3 season tire only...which means you'll need another set for winter. I wouldn't chance winter driving with Sports rated rubbers.

 

[VaevictisAsmadi]

I have MXV4's. Love them. Won't settle for anything else.

I'll ditch them sooner or later when I switch to larger wheels. In the mean time, they're ok.

 

[UnshavenChauffeur]

I am pretty set on Michelin Primacy MXV4 ~ 235 x 60 x 16...Has anyone tried either of these tires ...?

Haha ... TILT! You could've tried mine when you were here-! I love my MXV4's; highly recommended.

You may want to experiment w/ tire pressure to tweak them to your particular liking ...

 

[ch.1953]

Thanks man....

I think I am off to American Tire this morning then...! I was going to get them from Tire Rack but I need them quicker and American tier has them in stock.

I presume there is no difference in tires, as sometimes you hear horror stories about getting tires from e.g. Costco and their being different tires?

Can anyone confirm that American Tire/ Discount tire is fine / same as Tire rack?

Cheers!

 

[rmanet]

Alloy rims

I have the original 16" alloys safely stored in my shop.

I live in no SD and the rims for my 92 300SE 140 chassis were stained and in bad shape when I bought the car. I have tried everything - nothing cleans or polishes them

Time for new tires soon - wondered if your rims would work for my car if you don't need them?

Let me know and thanks.

 

[Jre32]

Tire source

Thanks man....

I think I am off to American Tire this morning then...! I was going to get them from Tire Rack but I need them quicker and American tier has them in stock.

I presume there is no difference in tires, as sometimes you hear horror stories about getting tires from e.g. Costco and their being different tires?

Can anyone confirm that American Tire/ Discount tire is fine / same as Tire rack?

Cheers!

I can report the following regarding my 97 CL500 - the tires (Michelin Primacy) came from Costco. The price was excellent - the tires are performing great - cannot think of a single reason not to consider Costco as a source for your tires.

 

[ch.1953]

I can report the following regarding my 97 CL500 - the tires (Michelin Primacy) came from Costco. The price was excellent - the tires are performing great - cannot think of a single reason not to consider Costco as a source for your tires.

Wow, OK thanks... Will look at Costco's web site then...

 

[lcmlee]

Make sure you check the age of the tire. Don't buy old inventory.

 

[Jre32]

Check for coupons

Wow, OK thanks... Will look at Costco's web site then...

Often Costco has coupons floating out there for $75-100 off on a set of Michelins. Makes their competitive price even better.

 

[Jre32]

Old inventory

Make sure you check the age of the tire. Don't buy old inventory.

Costco would be one of the last places I would worry about old inventory. They turn their stuff so fast that it won't even have dust on it. No I don't work there or own stock.

 

[ch.1953]

I would go to costco, but I'm in a hurry and I am going to use who sponsors BenzWorld - Discount Tire - America's tire.

And thanks Leonard, as I checked and the 4 tires I'm getting were manufactured in the 21st week of 2012 (I presume that is new enough!!), and I'm getting a $70 discount too... :thumbsup:

And I just found out that they are going on today! - Michelin Primacy MXV4

Kind of looking forward to this...

 

[ch.1953]

Thanks everyone...

Michelin Primacy MXV4 235x60x16 H now installed - wow, what a difference. Like a different car!

AMAZINGLY GOOD TIRES.

If anyone needs any further assurances of the value of premium tires, look no further. These Primacy's handle well, run almost silent, absorb almost all bumps, have good steering response and are successfully beginning the stage 2 transformation of my car to a less reprehensible example!!