Summer tires for my W140

[Finn]

Did just a 1000 kilometer work trip with my W140 and tires under the car (purchased by previous owner) are not suitable for this car. They are Kormoran and they are not silent, they are not round and they do not roll like modern tires should. So I want a new set of summer tires.

As mine is a 300 SE the tyre size is 225/60R16. W140 with V8 had 235/60R16.

My short list at the moment appears to be in no particular order:

Michelin Primacy 3 225/60 R16 102V XL

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 225/60 R16 102W XL

Bridgestone Turanza T005 225/60 R16 102W XL

and

Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125 225/60 R16 98V

Load index must be minimum 95 so also a non-XL tyre will be OK.

My Mercedes is not a daily driver and I probably do around 5000 kilometers per year so mileage is not a deciding factor.

I have had good experiences of Goodyear in the past so that might be a safe choice but I'm open for suggestions.

All above tires cost about the same.

 

[nthach]

In the US, the de facto tire for the W140 S-Classes before they became beaters was the Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus and Primacy MXV4 - and in the 235/60R16 size. All-season tires are a North American thing, and I'm not sure if Goodyear's low-rolling resistance tires in Europe are are horrible as the OEM stuff they supply.

I'd go with the Michelin or Bridgestone - they both have a decent amount of siping for the wet. The Hankook or Goodyear look like they will shine on dry roads.

But the reviews of European Goodyears tend to be much more positive than American Goodyears...

 

[Oily_Thing]

The last three sets of Goodyear tires have been crap for me. I have better service from Michelin and BF Goodrich.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

My choice would be Michelin or Goodyear

Is the ContiPremiumContact available in your size?

The Vredestein Ultrac Satin is also worth considering

 

[Finn]

Continental PremiumContact 6 is available in 236/60R16 but it is not imported. However, I just sent an inquiry to German supplier if they deliver to Finland. My XJR has PremiumContact 6 and they feel very good.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Since every tire maker has some dogs in their line I cannot specifically comment on your choices.

But I did just hang some new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on my large sedan. They are pure dynamite.


Good luck with your choice...

 

[KGMtech]

Pirelli makes some nice stuff...could be a good choice?

I have the Pirelli Cinturato C7 Plus on my Maxima, very smooth and quiet. Had them up to 180km/h last weekend - not saying where )

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Originally Posted By: Finn
Continental PremiumContact 6 is available in 236/60R16 but it is not imported. However, I just sent an inquiry to German supplier if they deliver to Finland. My XJR has PremiumContact 6 and they feel very good.


You might like this site:
rengas-online.com

 

[Finn]

Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

As it turns out I could not get the Continental PremiumContact 6 so I ordered a set of Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 225/60 R16 102W XL from local shop.

I have had these Goodyears in several cars in the past and they have been very good so far. Hopefully same continues with the W140.

 

[Finn]

FWIW the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 225/60 R16 102W XL tyres arrived and were installed today. The difference with previous tyres is like night and day.

I have a 1200 km work trip later this week and I thought I'd take the Benz out. Interesting to see how they "break in" and how much if at all difference there is in mpg.