'Mercedes fitment' tyres

[Rory]

I'm close to needed to change the tyres on my C270 for the first time, and, searching some on-line suppliers noticed that sometimes a tyre will be noted as 'Mercedes (or sometimes BMW) fitment'.

I came across a comment elsewhere that these are specially made slighty softer versions designed to improve traction - does anyone know if that's correct? Certainly the Bridgestone's fitted originally are Treadwear 140 - that's the lowest rating I can ever remember having on a car.

Also, is this something that's generally known by tyre fitters? I have visions of getting what are apparently the same tyres fitted, only to find they have very different grip performance. How do you know you're getting the Mercedes version of the tyre?

Is there a list somewhere of approved tyres for Merc's?

 

[angus falconer]

All I know is that my car came with Continental Sport Contacts which I then slavishly replaced with Sport Contact 2's (like you, trying to go for Merc recomended tyres)

I then got brave and replaced the SC'2 with Goodyear Eagle GSD3's - MUCH softer, MUCH quieter, MUCH grippier.

 

[clive williams]

I then got brave and replaced the SC'2 with Goodyear Eagle GSD3's - MUCH softer, MUCH quieter, MUCH grippier.

I can confirm Angus's comments on the Goodyears they are a stonkingly good tyre and appear to be lasting well on the 500E.

I'm not sure what a Merc recommended tyre is? They're not usually a special size and why a special compound/construction selection? It wouldn't surprise me if Mercedes didn't have a special deal going with the nominated tyre supplier.

Clive

500E Goodyear F1s
E320CDIT210 Just fitted Michelin Alpin winter tyres, which are 100x better than the P6000s it came on.

 

[jberks]

It wouldn't surprise me if Mercedes didn't have a special deal going with the nominated tyre supplier.

I'd pretty much guarantee it. I've run Mercs on Vredestein, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli and Continentals over the years. My C came with Dunlops, my E Continentals and my current E had worn Bridgestones, which the dealer then swapped for new Continentals during the PDI. I'm pretty sure that the choice of tyre fitted at the factory has more to do with factory discounts that it does with ride or grip. The manufacturer will offer tyres to the factory virtually at cost as they know we will slavishly replace worn ones with the same again. Makes perfect business sense - tie us in, then they can stuff us later. There are a few models that have specific made to measure tyres (RR for example) but most cars like ours have a wide choice.

Aside from the Vredesteins being a bit noisy when new (settled down after a few k), and Pirellis being a bit light on mileage, I've never been able to tell any real difference between one tyre and another. I just go for a decent make at a decent price.

 

[Rory]

Found out a bit more:
This is a comment from a different PistonHeads contributor:
"After a bit of research it appears that Pirelli make the tyre specific to the SLK and stamp a small "MO" on the sidewall. The compound is softer hence the higher wear rate but better traction."

I also emailed BlackCircles.com and asked them the question (I used the Michelin Pilot Premacy purely as an example, there were lots of others):

"Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately there has been an error on our catalogue with this tyre as there isn’t actually a Mercedes fitment version of the Pilot Primacy on the W speed rating. There is a special version made on the V-rating for the Mercedes, but I checked with our suppliers and they said there is no special version made.

With this being the case it would be ok to put the standard version on which is priced at £103.87 on the W-rated. It is £98.94 on the V-rated version. If you have W-rated on the car it is not advisable to move to the V-rated, if you have V-rated it is probably best to go with the Mercedes Fitment. If you want to put the normal version on, it is best to check with Mercedes to see if they think this is ok.

With regards to fitments, basically the tyre will have been designed differently, be it a softer compound or the inside of the tyre designed differently to provide a smoother ride. Michelin do this with BMW and Mercedes. And Bridgestone do it for virtually every vehicle they supply."

Interesting comment about the Bridgestones - they're noted for having rigid sidewalls, and I must say that ride on my C270, on 16" wheels with Bridgestones is extemely firm. I was stunned by how smooth a colleagues BMW felt, and that was a Sport version!

 

[maddog]

I had Michelin Pilot Sports fitted to my e320 from new 235/45/17 , now have Goodyear F1's which have more grip wet and dry and ride nicer.

 

[angus falconer]

Well that's three endorsements for the Goodyear Eagles so far

Apparently there's more than one so ask for the GSD3 version.

 

[maddog]

Well that's three endorsements for the Goodyear Eagles so far

Apparently there's more than one so ask for the GSD3 version.

thats what i have but they only list that type for my tyre size

 

[maldon]

I put Michelin Pilot Primacy (I think) on previous C230K, they were the only tyres Costco would sell me for that car.

They were described as being 18% (I think) quieter which I thought was drivel, but there was a very noticeable lack of noise at speed.

Costco were way ahead of all other suppliers on price. If you have a Costco near - if worth joing for savings on the tyres alone.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I'm running Goodyear NCT5 on the front and Michelin Pilot Primacy on the back of my E320CDi estate at the moment.

The Goodyears appear to be an excellent tyre, wet or dry, with reasonable steering response and a fairly comfortable ride for a 55 ratio tyre. I put the michelins on the back to provide a better wear rate. So far I am very pleased with the combination and the car feels very good and surefooted to drive. As regards the mileage from each tyre type its too early to say after 5K miles but the michelins on the back look to be wearing much faster.

I suppose theres going to be a penalty somewhere for all the torque the engine provides.

The original fitment was Goodyear NCT.

 

[philharve]

Costco were way ahead of all other suppliers on price. If you have a Costco near - if worth joing for savings on the tyres alone.

Hi maldon

What was Costco charging for their tyres? What would you expect to pay for a set of 4? What size wheels + tyres?

REGARDS Phil