[R129 SL] Tire questions

[Steve Hinrichs]

Bill,

I just got done going through a bunch of "research" for tires for my '95 SL
320 (44,000 mi), which had 225/55-16 Michelin Pilot XGT tires on the
original 8 spoke alloy wheels.  My driving is similar to yours, so I didn't
need Z-rated tires that would be pushed to their limit either.   The
Michelin Pilot Sport XGT 24 was eliminated early due to price & feedback
reviews @ tirerack.com.  I narrowed the search down to 2 Bridgestone
'candidates'.  One was the Potenza RE960 AS Pole Position (high performance
all season), and the other was the Turanza LS-2 (grand touring all season).
I ended up getting Bridgestone Turanza Serenity (grand touring all season),
on the advice of the Bridgestone dealer.  It is a relatively new product,
and is, I think, a successor to the LS-2.  It has some advantages which I
liked.  One, it can be cross rotated, as it is not a uni-directional design.
It is a quiet tire, has a good wear rating, has a good mileage warranty on
it, and is reasonably priced.  The dealer said if I wasn't pleased with them
in the 1st 30 days, he would take them back & I could select a different
tire (at a pro-rated adjustment).  I have less than 500 miles on them, but
so far, they have performed satisfactorily here in the mountains of
Virginia.  I hope this helps some, and let me know what you end up getting.

Steve Hinrichs


 From: William Alborn [mailto:voltboy at indy.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 8:01 PM
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
Subject: [R129 SL] Tire questions


  Hi Everyone!
      This is my first post to the Mercedes discussion forum, and, based on
the depth of expertise I've seen here, I am very hopeful some of you can
provide some direction for me.
      I purchased a 1999 SL500 last month, with the AMG options. I never
sought to acquire the AMG version, but it was such a lovely specimen, I
could not resist.  It's really a great-looking car, and I've enjoyed
motoring around town in it.  The car has ~47,000 miles, and is currently
equipped with Z-rated Bridgestone Potenzas.  Since the tires look a little
worn, I contacted my local Mercedes dealership to see what tires they
recommend as replacements so that I would know what to purchase when the
time comes.  They recommended  Michelin Pilot Sport PS2  for both the front
and rear.  I seem to remember comments here regarding these tires (alignment
problems?) that set off a "red light", so I thought I would solicit comments
from those who have had experience with these or other tires.  I should add
that I, in no way, will be pushing this car anywhere near its limits-sunny
days and relaxed cruising will be the life it leads. Also, I apologize in
advance if this question is a rehash of a previous discussion topic, but I
am anxious to hear what all you folks have to say about this, in case there
is any updated information of which you might know.

  Thanks in advance,
  Bill
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