ADVICE NEEDED - MICHELIN TYRES for SL55 AMG R230 (year 2003)

[Dale Minton]

Hi all, its been a long time since I posted here so I hope you're all well.
Its time to replace the tyres on my SL55 and I've chosen Michelin Super Sports over the Pirelli P Zeros that I have had for a few years. However, I'm a bit confused over one thing. I had a set fitted but surprisingly noticed the each of front pair (255/40/18 ZR 99Y) did not quite look the same as each other and believe it or not they weren't - the wall profile was slightly different on one and it looked a little bigger on the rim, it was subtle but plainly noticeable which was a real surprise bearing in the mind the sizes were identical. It transpires that the reputable tyre shop who fitted them had been supplied with one of the fronts being marked on the sidewall with [ M01' ] which is a Mercedes homologated tyre with the other having a star [ * ] which is a BMW homologated tyre. Now,,, if one goes onto the Michelin web site and selects the tires "suitable for the SL55" it designates both the M01 and the * as suitable, so, if Michelin themselves suggest both are fit for purpose then it would seem I have the choice with no detriment. What is of further interest is that the rear tyres 285/35/18 ZR 101Y) are only available as M01's. So, moving along the fronts again can (a) any of you aficionados advise me on what the actual difference is between the [ M01 ] designated tyre as opposed the [ * ] and (b) will I notice any discernible difference handling wise? I'm really interested in receiving some advice on this.
Thanks
Dale

 

[star]

A friend had a similar instance in his Ferrari. one was designed for bmw and the other Ferrari. Both looked the same and were fitted to rear You could notice it pulling to one side on hard acceleration due to compound differenceS and there Also could be insurance implications in the event of an accident.

 

[grahamcol]

As star above as far as I'm concerned. I'd be very bothered to have any differences in tyres across an axle.

 

[flowrider]

Having one MB and one BMW tyre on the same axle is the same as having two different makes of tyre and is definitely not advised.

 

[mioba]

It depends on the manufacturer (car specs for the tyre), compounding, hardness, noise, fuel effeciency etc. I have found that the MO tyres for my S are the best, much quieter and softer, A Pirelli p zero in your size is not the same as the same size p zero in the marked MO, MO1, *.
Personally I would get it changed as a matter of safety, you have different corners with different performance attributes.

 

[JBell]

They need to be a matched pair, you have 2 different specs of tyre on the car.

MO is not really necessary but getting the same spec is.

Interesting how bad on fuel they are (Rated E) compared to the Standard PS4 (Rated C)

 

[Dale Minton]

Hi Guys,and many thanks for your replies, appreciated.
You are all misunderstanding an element of my question. I have no intention of mixing the tyres and the two tyres we are talking about are on the front only. the rears are both M01's (re stars's reply above). The tyre shop will replace whichever tyre I want changing so I have a matched pair (on the front) and that's the nub of my decision, do I go for two * or two M01's. The thing is the * tyres look nicer on the rim and actually match more the way the M01's fit on the rear rims. And bearing in mind that Michelin designate the * option as an actual fitment for the SL55 should I really bothered which ones I choose.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I’d stick with the MO approved tyre there is obviously a construction difference for a reason it may differ due to relative weight distribution from the BMW approved tyre

 

[Dale Minton]

Can't see any difference in the spec's in any respect. I'm gonna contact Michelin and get their explanation why both tyre specs are recommended by themselves for the SL55 and moreover the differences. I'll let you all know for the record. Anybody else who wants to chip in now is still welcome of course, many thanks

 

[star]

Yes you might notice a difference in cornering or braking.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Your 5.5 litre lump is going to weigh much more than the BMW IL6

 

[Dale Minton]

Michelin say a matched set of either M0 or * is okay, there is no difference in compound but there have probably been 'very' small structural changes to the carcass of the M0 model (hence the small differences in the way they look when fitted on the rim) as the M0 tyres were optimized between Michelin and Mercedes for various parameters - hence the homolgation. As the ones I now have on the rear are MO then as above it is best to have a matched set, so it looks like I will get swapped the 4th * tyre for an MO.
There you go
Have a good weekend

 

[JBell]

MO every day, at least you then have a full matched set

 

[davemercedes]

Very interesting thread, Dale - thanks - and glad you have a matched pair now.

 

[Super_Rockin_Mr_Magic]

Hi Dale / Hi all - just posted a new thread asking for recommendations on 55 tires. Welcome your thoughts and whether the super sports have worked out well for you? Thank you!