1996 E320 tyres - which are best?

[3mercsjohn]

I have an elderly E320 in need of a new set of tyres. What make should I get? Are there any makes to avoid? I suspect a new set could cost more than I paid for the car.

The correct tyre size 205/55 R 16 93 W

 

[teddycatkin]

Difficult question this John --all tyres sold nowadays have to be to a E ( European)standard --? if you go for low budjet expect around £40 each --originals were probably Continental or Mich ( pilot) at £120 each ---If you want a good make and middle of road go for Goodyears (exellence) if you can get them in that size?

 

[Jack the Lad]

There's a fair chance that what is a budget tyre now will have been state of the art when your car was new and will suit it perfectly well. Most tyre companies have a budget brand or partner that they use to sell off old technology, so don't worry even if you have never heard of the company. They all have to comply with minimum standards, so there is little if any compromise on materials, just no need to cover R&D costs any more. Take advantage of this trickle down branding and save a fortune.

I've got Admiral tyres on my W210 E320. Cost about £50 each in 235/45/17. They run as quietly as you would expect in that size and I haven't found them wanting for grip, wet or dry (but then I prefer serene wafting, not driving around like a demented Clarkson clone). Can't comment yet on wear, but they had plenty of tread when new.

 

[brandwooddixon]

I thought that tyres for W210 1996 were 215/55R16 W93.

 

[jberks]

Have a look on www.mytyres.co.uk and www.blackcircles.co.uk.
Also, if you need 4 try www.kwickfit.co.uk (they do some very good online deals for 4)

As has been said, anything will be fine. Some people insist on brands such as Continental . Bridgestone etc but IMO mid-upper budget tyres are excellent value. Some really cheap tyres may not last very long though. Khumo/Barum etc should match Continental / bridgestone in lifespan but some cheaper ones may only see 8-10k so its a trade-off.

 

[Jack the Lad]

My Admiral tyres were previously available branded as Kumho, who have replaced them in their own range with a newer design. They even have the same part number, so no reason to assume they won't last as long just because of a name change on the sidewall.