Tyre choice

[Robert Floate]

Hi I am new to this forum. I have a 2010 ML350 CDI 4Matic. In a few months I will need new tyres and see on-line many makes of tyre with the same spec as existing which are less expensive that the big makes - if the spec is exactly the same is it OK to use these less expensive tyres??

 

[SL63 Mark]

Welcome Robert. I fit the MB specific tyres, recommended by the manufacture for my vehicle, so Continentals or Pirellis, what ever is in stock. If you look in your manual you might find it is quite specific about what size and make of tyre you should use, together with load rating etc.

 

[A.J.]

Hi Robert and welcome to the forum. My C200 came from the factory shod with Nexen tyres so I were obviously MB approved. They do all I want them to do and are a lot cheaper than premium tyres. The car has only done 14,000 miles so far and I will probably replace them with the same. The main reason will be so as not to have a mix of tyres on the car.

On my previous MB they were Pirelli P Zero's and quite frankly the Nexen's seem to have a very similar wear rate and are definitely a lot quieter.

 

[Mark A]

I wouldn’t think twice about using a good mid range tyre as long as it is the right size, speed and load rating. Was running Uniroyal RS3 on both ML’s until recently (1 on 19“ & 1 on 20”). Really good in the wet, changed the 19” to Nexen as I couldn’t get the Uniroyals when I needed them - so far so good with them too.

 

[rf065]

I had a courtesy car once that Mercedes had put Federal tyres on, no chance of them paying for Premium tyres on their own cars, so why should you.

 

[LostKiwi]

I've just gone to Nexens on my old E class (I still blame @Wighty ) after having used Uniroyal Rainsport tyres the past 3 changes.
I can't remember the last time I bought a premium brand tyre and I'm yet to be disappointed.

 

[Paul Garrett]

When i bought my S500 six years ago the guy had budget tyres on it!!! What the hell! I tried Perelli p zero's and quite frankly they were awful on my car, so now i use Avon 245/45/R18 100Y and these are perfect for the car, good grip, long lasting and good value too, i can drive on a twisty road and the car handles beautifully , its all down to choice and preference really

 

[JBell]

Porsche put Hankook Ventus V12 on the Taycan S

 

[Oarsman]

I use Pirelli Scorpion Zeros on my Range Rover. Great grip, in all weathers, quiet and good mileage.

 

[Wighty]

I've just gone to Nexens on my old E class (I still blame @Wighty ) after having used Uniroyal Rainsport tyres the past 3 changes.
I can't remember the last time I bought a premium brand tyre and I'm yet to be disappointed.

I’ll pass your comments on to @V6Matty , he started it . I’ve just put my Nexens through their paces on a 300 mile jaunt to sunny Wales today as well .

 

[V6Matty]

I’ll pass your comments on to @V6Matty , he started it . I’ve just put my Nexens through their paces on a 300 mile jaunt to sunny Wales today as well .

That’s it, all reads lead to Matty
Truth be told I’ve now run Nexen in 4 different cars, always last around 25k miles between changes and are predictable when pushed, okay not the grippiest tyres in the market, but fine for 90% if my driving and probably many others too

 

[mioba]

Ahhhh the tyre thread, its like eastenders.

 

[Wighty]

Ahhhh the tyre thread, its like eastenders.

Only if it ends in a fight

 

[LostKiwi]

That’s it, all reads lead to Matty
Truth be told I’ve now run Nexen in 4 different cars, always last around 25k miles between changes and are predictable when pushed, okay not the grippiest tyres in the market, but fine for 90% if my driving and probably many others too

Not really pushed them yet but initial impressions are positive, especially the lack of road noise.

 

[robin.large]

So. Pirelli P Zero XL 285/35 ZR19 fitted to my CSL AMG 63 X218 Shooting Brake.

A little over 12,000 miles in 15 months. Better than 6mm tread remaining..

A few instances of exuberant acceleration - who doesn't?

This is a photo of the inner edge where the tread is cracking up and likely to separate.

Might try something different next time!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

 

[Robert Floate]

That does not look good!!

 

[brandwooddixon]

Those tyres look old.
As tyres age the compound becomes brittle and they start to crack.
This is exacerbated by sunlight and lack of use.
Manufacturers put an additive in the compound to help keep the tyre supple, but it is only activated when the tyres are used and they warm up.
All manufacturers place date codes on their tyres.
The consensus appears to be that the average life expectancy of a tyre is 5 years, irrespective of use.
I'd have a look on the Pirelli site to see how old your tyres really are, some suppliers don't shift many premium brands and hence they only have old stock.

 

[mioba]

put yoiur tyre size in blackcircles to get an idea of tyre charachteritics (noise, fuel rating, wet grip) by make ans price and take it from there.

A certain tyre brand / model can be good in one size on a certain car but pants on another.

I had P zeros on my w220 (noisy and hard). They are sublime on my w251.

MO marked tyres are merc spec, not neccessarily important just means merc have approved them.

 

[Paul Garrett]

put yoiur tyre size in blackcircles to get an idea of tyre charachteritics (noise, fuel rating, wet grip) by make ans price and take it from there.

A certain tyre brand / model can be good in one size on a certain car but pants on another.

I had P zeros on my w220 (noisy and hard). They are sublime on my w251.

MO marked tyres are merc spec, not neccessarily important just means merc have approved them.

Yes P Zeros no good on W220 for sure thats why i use Avon's all round, much superior tyre

 

[mioba]

Yes P Zeros no good on W220 for sure thats why i use Avon's all round, much superior tyre

go to dunlop sport max next time. Sublime.