SLK Tyre Noise

[Mike T]

I recently bought a new model SLK 200 (it was the roof that sold it!) I noticed very quickly that there was what appears to be excessive tyre noise on certain surfaces! The stretch of the M1 from junction 16 to 11 is particularly bad (due of course to the open nature of the tarmac). I mentioned it to the dealer but they really had no comment to make.
The brand is Michelin and I recall having a similar problem on a different vehicle some years ago. I changed the Mechelin's for Dunlops at the time and the difference was amazing, it virtually disappeared! Has anyone else experienced this? I'd be really interested to find out.
Regards
Mike

 

[philharve]

Tyre dilemma

This is an extremely common problem and you will find other threads throughout this Forum that offer sound advice. No pun intended.

As you've already realised, the make, model and tyre pressure all combine to give a different driving experience. Often the standard fitment is not the ideal solution.

REGARDS Phil

 

[mlc]

Im not sure what comment you expected from the dealer, but I am sure that hell will freeze over before they agree with you and swap the tyres.

I agree with Phil their is lots of info for you to pick up already on this forum. I also think you are correct about Michelins being noisy, I have them on a Ford and it is noisy under some conditions, that said they have great grip and last well, so its all a compromise.

Mark.

 

[jules335500]

had dunlops on my volvo t5 and were vry gripy and extremly quiet on most road surfaces.
numerous factors contribute to noise .................tyre pressures, road surface, speed , weigh of car........conclusion no same tyre with act the same on another vechicle

 

[pascal]

There are certain stretches of road outside London that have this surface. I drove from London to Chester in January and most of the M6(+ toll road) was fine. But previous to that I drove from Sunnindale(A3?) to the M25(roadworkS) to the M1 and the road surface was so bad on part of it, I thought their was somthing wrong with the car.

The wider the tyres the worse this will be (more thread on road). Also some Max performance tyres are worse (michelan Pilot Sport, Some Eagles etc) and get even worse with wear. But they are usually quite on nice asphalt roads. I don't know if MB fits these 'pilot sports' to many new cars, or the other 'pilot premacy's'(quiter)

What are the exact tyres you have?

BTW I have not noticed this problem at all in Ireland.

 

[LANDR0VER]

I recently bought a new model SLK 200 (it was the roof that sold it!) I noticed very quickly that there was what appears to be excessive tyre noise on certain surfaces! The stretch of the M1 from junction 16 to 11 is particularly bad (due of course to the open nature of the tarmac). I mentioned it to the dealer but they really had no comment to make.
The brand is Michelin and I recall having a similar problem on a different vehicle some years ago. I changed the Mechelin's for Dunlops at the time and the difference was amazing, it virtually disappeared! Has anyone else experienced this? I'd be really interested to find out.
Regards
Mike

The closer the tread pattern the less noise you will get,a wider tread pattern will produce more road noise..If you where allowed to run sliks the noise would almost disappear

 

[Mike T]

Hi, thanks for your e-mail. The tyres are Michelin Pilot Primacy - 205/55 R16. I'll check the tyre pressures, if they're running hard I guess this will make matters worse. They seem to be quite a wide tread pattern, it doesn't (obviously) enjoy the overall enjoyment of the car but the run up and down the M1 leaves me a bit brain numb and quite thread bare.

 

[SLinKyjoe]

i have a new slk....its got pirrellis on it. they are a bit nosy too...but i think the main problem is that the noise in the roadster is always gonna be there. they do not have as much sound insulation in the cars as normal saloons.

so even if you change the tyre type, which may end up with quieter tyres you will not notice a huge change.

the road and tyre noise shouldn't be intrusive tho.

 

[Rory]

Hi, thanks for your e-mail. The tyres are Michelin Pilot Primacy - 205/55 R16. I'll check the tyre pressures, if they're running hard I guess this will make matters worse.

I would imagine that higher presures would make the tyre quieter (less tyre in contact with the road?).

On my last company car the leasing company used to fit Firestone's (can't remember type, but some kind of high mileage/fuel saving type name) with a TWI (Tread Wear Index) of 400. Most OEM tyres are 180 or 200. They were significantly quieter, so it might be worth looking for higher TWI rated tyres if lack of noise is a priority for you. The downside is the wet grip isn't so good. All due (I assume) due to harder rubber compound.

 

[LANDR0VER]

I would imagine that higher presures would make the tyre quieter (less tyre in contact with the road?).

On my last company car the leasing company used to fit Firestone's (can't remember type, but some kind of high mileage/fuel saving type name) with a TWI (Tread Wear Index) of 400. Most OEM tyres are 180 or 200. They were significantly quieter, so it might be worth looking for higher TWI rated tyres if lack of noise is a priority for you. The downside is the wet grip isn't so good. All due (I assume) due to harder rubber compound.

The more pressure you put in a tyre will leave less of it in contact with the road

 

[jberks]

I would imagine that higher presures would make the tyre quieter (less tyre in contact with the road?).

I can agree with that. I had some Vredesteins put on my E a couple of weeks ago and I've been unhappy with the noise and ride - though the grip seems good. Checked the pressures last night and found them all at 28 - figures, as the fitter never asked me what pressures I run on. Upped them to 32/34 and its a lot quieter and smoother now.

 

[pascal]

Put the correct pressure in your tyres for the speed you drive at.

I think you'd be mad to put these economical, long wearing, low noise and low grip tyres on your new SLK, in place of your noisey (on a stretch of M1), high grip ones.
They are meant for taxi's and reps for motorway driving etc.