190e Tyre Choice - advice gratefully recieved

[Huddy]

I've got to get some new rear tyres for my 190e 2.6. Currently I've got P6000's on there, the tyre size is 205/55/R15.

Q: Is this size normal for a 190? Will it have an effect on speedo readings?
Q2: What tyres would you recommend? I've got it down to three choices:
1. P6000 - it's what's there now, £67, but by all accounts a rather dated design.
2. Falken ZE 512 - £45 - been highly recommended by the retailer for a heavy car, but only for use on the front, as it's uni-directional, and I can't mix and match. Currently finding favour as standard fit on Audis I believe.
3. Toyo Proxes T1-R - £62 - grip like an octopus, but apparently designed for sports cars, which sadly ain't really my Merc. Need warming up etc eto get decent grip.

Which of these would you recommend? Or any others. Some quick advice appreciated, as I need them to pass me MOT!

Cheers,
:smile:

 

[mike65]

Your tyres are standard size for a 2.3 16v so should be fine on a 2.6 and will read correctly.

Mike.

 

[Huddy]

Thanks Mike.

Anyone got any thoughts on the tyre choice?

 

[Steve-O]

I use Pirelli P6000 205/50/16 and they are perfect ... What do you mean by dated design??? The Tred Pattern? if so, Who cares if its a dated design, Its only realy the road thats seeing it

If you want better grip try the Pirelli PZeros

 

[mike65]

The mid-range brands like Fulda, Falken and Kumho seem to be the best mix of quality/price.

Mike.

 

[bazza]

I had P6000's on a company Focus, worst tyre ever! I got them changed to Goodyears and the grip levels were night and day.

I used to have Toyo Proxes on my 190, grip was abysmal in the wet and only lasted 6,000 miles. I have went back to Falken ZE-512's partly due to the design of the sidewall giving more clearance at the arches but mostly to the grip/wear/value factor.
The only problem I have with these is when pulling away quickly in the wet. There is very little weight over the back in a 190 and the rears can sit and spin if the autobox drops into 1st

Noboy has mentioned Continentals yet, good value, good results in all the tyre tests and were probably fitted to your 190 from the factory

 

[clive williams]

I use Pirelli P6000 205/50/16 and they are perfect ... What do you mean by dated design??? The Tred Pattern? if so, Who cares if its a dated design, Its only realy the road thats seeing it

If you want better grip try the Pirelli PZeros

I agree with Bazza - P6000 are ****** awful!!!! They came with the E320CDI and failed miserably to grip. In fact the change to Michelin Alpins (a specific winter tyre and ought not to have excelled the P6000 on dry tarmac but did) saved my marriage!!! - they were that bad.

Looking at the availability of tyres I considered Goodyear, Continental and Michelin, which are top end performers in all categories. I was very impressed by the reports on Avon ZZ3, which gives about the same level of performance including wear but is around 40% cheaper.

Clive

500E
E320CDIT210

 

[Huddy]

I had P6000's on a company Focus, worst tyre ever! I got them changed to Goodyears and the grip levels were night and day.

I used to have Toyo Proxes on my 190, grip was abysmal in the wet and only lasted 6,000 miles. I have went back to Falken ZE-512's partly due to the design of the sidewall giving more clearance at the arches but mostly to the grip/wear/value factor.
The only problem I have with these is when pulling away quickly in the wet. There is very little weight over the back in a 190 and the rears can sit and spin if the autobox drops into 1st

Noboy has mentioned Continentals yet, good value, good results in all the tyre tests and were probably fitted to your 190 from the factory

Hmm... Not sure if all this has just added more to the dilemma! Seriously, thanks for the tips - much appreciated.
I think the Toyo's are a bit agressive, and won't last long - under further research they need warming up apparently, and are awesome if you're ragging a car round a twisty a-road in dry conditions, but in normal conditions, they're not great.

My comment about P6000's being dated, stems mainly from the fact that the tire design is about 10 (?) years old - my contact told me that tyre design has moved on a lot since they were introduced.

As for spinning the wheels in when pulling away - tell me about it! Shocking, it's one reason I used to keep my golf clubs in the boot, until my (ever wise) dad pointed out that the clubs were worth about twice the value of the car - hence not good if it got nicked!

I'm leaning towards the Falkens - the only problem is that I'll have to have them on the front, and have the 'old' P6000's from the front moved to the back - you can't have unidirectional ones just at the front, otherwise the car is likely to swap ends under breaking. Essentially I'm not going to get a lot of help from new tyres, but I think the fact that they're £20 cheaper (and possibly better) might swing it.

How much are we looking at for Goodyears, Avons and Continentals?

 

[bazza]

Your tyres are slightly wider and of lower profile than standard,(unless you have a Sportline) but your speedo will read OK.
I used to have 195/65 R15 tyres and I paid £55 a corner for Continentals. I am now £65 a corner for the Falkens in 215/40 R17. The rolling radius is a bit smaller but saves the tyres rubbing

 

[mercmonkey]

215/40/17 Yokos here.

I notice none of you have mentioned yokohamas I have always been a fan of yokos and would choose them everytime, seem to be a good mix of performance, value, and longevity

 

[Huddy]

Your tyres are slightly wider and of lower profile than standard,(unless you have a Sportline) but your speedo will read OK.
I used to have 195/65 R15 tyres and I paid £55 a corner for Continentals. I am now £65 a corner for the Falkens in 215/40 R17. The rolling radius is a bit smaller but saves the tyres rubbing

Hmm... I can't really be mixing and matching tyre sizes though, can I? Might as well keep them all the same size. Wouldn't mind a higher profile, as the car is a bit low for my liking - scrapes over speed bumps etc!

Unless someone wants to flog me some 17's with tyres on?

 

[angus falconer]

I like Goodyear Eagle GSD1's on my W202. Not so keen on Contis (tried ContiSport I's and II's)

Had Bridgestone SO1's on my last car nissan 200sx - rwd turbo. Seemed similar to the Goodyears and I would have tried them on the Merc but couldn't find anyone who had tried them.