[R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure

[Rob Vonderhaar]

I'm running 32 psi front and 36 psi rear (cold) on my 2005 SL500 with the AMG Sport package.  Watching the tire pressure monitors while driving, this climbs to about 35 & 39.  I also have a 1995 SL500 with similar 18" AMG wheels set at those same pressures.

Seems like a good compromise on both cars in terms of giving decent handling without feeling every imperfection in the road.  Anything higher just gets so rough that it's not fun to drive.  I agree with your mechanic that 28 psi in front is too low.

     Rob
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-----Original Message-----
From: rtorchia at aol.com <rtorchia at aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:48 PM
To: r129list at mbcoupes.com <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Subject: [R129 SL] sl500 proper tire pressure


I know this sounds dumb, but I have heard all sorts of opinions about
tire pressure on an sl500. I have Bridgestone Pole Potenzas Z rated
that take a maximum of roughly 50 PSI. The Mercedes manual says 28 PSI
is recommended. My M-B expert mechanic says this is too soft and
recommended 35 to 40 PSI (the former for the front wheels the latter
for the rear wheels), and yet another knowledgeable mechanic
recommended low 40s PSI which gives the car a harsh ride in my opinion.
I do not want to cause irregular or premature tire wear and would like
to hear what you all like on your Z rated tires. Thanks, rt


Robert W. Torchia, Ph.D.
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