[R129 SL] help with tire selection, alignment

[Bobby Ross]

thanks for the info

Bob
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Rob Vonderhaar 
  To: SL Mailing List 
  Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 9:56 PM
  Subject: Re: [R129 SL] help with tire selection, alignment


  Bob,

  I'm running a +2 upgrade with 18" AMG monoblock rims on my 1995 SL500 (same as the factory 'SL Sport' option).  I've had Dunlop SP9000's on it for years, and while I was always happy with the performance and ride, they were awfully expensive considering that with the staggered front/rear sizes I couldn't rotate them and I never got more than 25k miles on the rears and even less on the fronts.  (By the way, if you're seeing 30k or more on *any* high-performance tire on the 129 SL, you're doing pretty well!)

   

  Anyway, I seldom push the car even close to its handling limits, so this time I looked for a less-expensive alternative that would still deliver decent performance and ride.  My indie mechanic and tire guy, whose opinion I trust after many years, recommended trying Toyo Proxes T1R's (http://www.toyoeditor.com/proxest1r.html), and I have been very pleased with them.  I don't really notice any decrease in handling feel, and I think they're even quieter than the Dunlops.  They're also a lot cheaper than the alternatives available in the larger sizes I need.  If you don't need an ultra-high-performance tire, on that same page you'll also find several other Toyo models that are a bit less aggressive.

   

  Worth adding to your list for consideration!

   

      Rob Vonderhaar

      Leesburg, VA

   

  From: r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com [mailto:r129list-bounces at mbcoupes.com] On Behalf Of R. A. Foster
  Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 1:51 PM
  To: r129list at mbcoupes.com
  Subject: [R129 SL] help with tire selection, alignment

   

  Listers - My car is a 1991 500SL.  After 30,000 miles and 4 years on Michelin Pilot Sport A/S radials, my mechanic tells me he sees evidence of dry rot in the tires and that they need to be replaced.  I'm very happy with the performance of these tires, disappointed only in wear and tear after 30K miles.   As some of you might know, these particular tires carry no warranty.  My driving is mostly local with occasional 100 mile trips on local freeways.

   

  Does anyone have experience with Kumho tires or other Michelins (e.g., Pilot Exalto A/S)?

   

  Secondly, what suggestions do you have for alignment checks - every year, every two years or some other interval?

   

  TIA,

   

  Bob 



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