[1994 E420]

It's time for new tires again for my '94 E420. I'm replacing a set of 'H' rated Michelin Primacy in 205/60R/15, which have been great, but they don't last long in the harsh weather here in W. TX. I still have a bit of tread left (5/32") but "ozone damage" has set in and they have hundreds of small sidewall cracks. I understand that the Michelin Primacy has been discontinued and replaced with the Michelin Defender, which has a much higher tread wear rating, but I've read and have been told that the Michelin Premier A/S is a better tire than the Defender. I can still get the Michelin Primacy from a few local sources for ~$91.99 ea., which is a pretty good deal - especially when I factor in the ~$148.00 adjustment Discount Tire is giving me (for the ozone damage) and this is the way I'm leaning.

My question: Should I stick with the Primacy or bite the bullet and go with the newer Premier A/S?

I've tried other tire brands, i.e. Yokohama, Bridgestone, Pirelli and Goodyear, but all have been disappointing when compared to Michelin tires, which in my opinion, are the best passenger car tires made. Any other recommendations?

Thanks.

 

[knapster]

I need new tires too on my E420. Replacing the Bridgestone Ecopias - they were ok, got about 50,000 miles from them. I'm going back to the Michelin Premier. I've got those on my W210 and they are really nice.

 

[mikeym]

I got Michelin Defender and they are rated for 90K miles. Figured they should outlive the car at my current annual mileage

 

[1994 E420]

I've never had a tire reach the mileage rating here in W. TX. The heat wears them out long before they reach the mileage rating. I may look into the Michelin Premier A/S if I can't get the Primacy.

 

[LeftCoastGeek]

the Premiere A/S is the replacement for the Primacy. the Defender is a stupid-high-mileage rock hard tire you probably won't like.

my wife has about 50,000 miles on the Premier on her E320 wagon, lots of mountain roads, high speed highway, and secondary/tertiary road driving, often heavily loaded, she's got 6-7/32nds left so we'll probably be replacing them before next rainy season (starts in October here). We just came through the wettest winter in 20 years, and they were rock solid and fine even that worn in the worst of the conditions.

 

[1994 E420]

LeftCoastGeek: Thanks. Currently, I have 30,000 miles and, as mentioned, 5/32" of tread left on my Primacy Michelins. I know I might get another 10K on them, but I think the ozone damage necessitates replacement. The Sun is brutal here.

 

[Genjokoan]

Years ago when SWMBO's Saturn SW2 needed new tires, I took a chance on the vasty number of positive reviews on Tire Rack and other places about the General Altimax and tried a set. She was astonished that a tire could make so much difference in her car's handling and noise level. I was truly impressed. We did not get to see how many miles they would last because at about 30k with the tread looking perfect, a drunk driver totaled her car. She was mostly okay after some recovery - that Saturn took a hellofa hit. She needed a car and my E420 needed new shoes as the third set of Michelin Pilot something were getting bare. So I put a set of the current General Altimax (now ALTIMAX™ RT43) in plus one - 205/65R15 94H. It has been her daily driver for 22 months and I continue to be impressed with the "Grand Touring"-ness of them, sticky, comfortable and quiet. Much less expensive that Michelin Pilots, I will probably buy them again soon, for my 400E. My Ford E350 Club Wagon is another deal though - nothing but Michelins ever on it.

 

[mercron]

Did the E420 come standard with 205/60R 15 tires? My E320 tire size is 195/65R 15 stock.


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[Jayare]

Standard tires on everything except 500E/E500's, is 195/65/15.

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[1994 E420]

I looked into the ALTIMAX™ RT43, which does not appear to be available in 205 60 15. It looks like the Michelin Primacy is my best and most cost effective option at this point.

 

[deanyel]

You're being unfair to the ozone. Michelin is having a large problem with sidewall cracking.

 

[1994 E420]

You're being unfair to the ozone. Michelin is having a large problem with sidewall cracking.

Yes. I heard that, but I've never had this problem with Michelins before I moved to El Paso.