Tire recommendation, limited selection for old Mercedes

[skyactiv]

Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum 235/60R16 ZR 100W AS A/S All Season Tire.​

Priority Tire sells them. That tire retailer sells a few tires in peculiar sizes you don't find elsewhere.
If you're looking for something good in the snow, it's not a good pick. If you drive on a clear cold winter road, they'll work pretty good I'm guessing. The Kumho I listed looks like it would be a good choice regarding the speed rating and comfort.

 

[JohnnyG]

Pirelli
https://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-ww/car/catalogue/size/235_60-R16

 

[wings&wheels]

I would look at the Vredestein, very good ratings and, from personal experience, a good company responsive to customers. Vredestein is my go-to for the fun fleet.
Vredestein Quatrac

Otherwise, I'd probably go with the Pirellis. But, I will admit that real low end tires on well maintained or restored classics, especially European iron, is a pet peeve.

 

[thom_77]

OP: Since you said money was no object, I would get the Classic Primacy 3s for the summer and the Blizzak WS90 for the winter (it appears these come in your size). You can get a set of hub-centric steel rims for the winter tires. You will love driving this car in the New York winters with the Blizzaks.

Honestly I'm thinking about it. My biggest issue is I have nowhere to store a set of summer tires at this point. Even mounting the winter tires on a set of standard Mercedes wheels is no problem because the 8-hole Mercedes wheels are so inexpensive to find used. It's just a convenience thing at this point.

We also barely get snow anymore, so I feel like dedicated winter tires will be waste for the one or two snow days. It just gets really cold and summers will turn to glass.

I would look at the Vredestein, very good ratings and, from personal experience, a good company responsive to customers. Vredestein is my go-to for the fun fleet.

I've been thinking about them too. Very interesting. The tread is really exotic looking and it makes me wonder how they'll actually look mounted?

Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum 235/60R16 ZR 100W AS A/S All Season Tire.​

Priority Tire sells them. That tire retailer sells a few tires in peculiar sizes you don't find elsewhere.
If you're looking for something good in the snow, it's not a good pick. If you drive on a clear cold winter road, they'll work pretty good I'm guessing. The Kumho I listed looks like it would be a good choice regarding the speed rating and comfort.

I had no idea these were even still available.

 

[nthach]

I remember the Uniroyal being on an S class. I had the earlier generation Generals and the ride quality was much better than the stock Continenetals. There were a couple V rated tires in there I posted as well.

Keep in mind Uniroyal Europe is a Conti brand. Uniroyal USA is Michelin and made in Indonesia at either their partner or by Hankook.

The Germans also didn’t believe in all-season tires. So if money ain’t a thing, I’d buy the classic Michelins for the summer, and a winter tire. Else, I’d look at the Yokohama, Kumho and the Defender2. The latter will be close to the OE Michelin MXV4s Mercedes used.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I had no idea these were even still available.

The LX Platinum is now Walmart-only. This is a common practice, where older tire designs become a private label or a store-exclusive.

That particular tire used to be Kumho's flagship grand touring all-season, but after it was replaced with something else, the LXP became a Walmart tire. However, it is now made in Vietnam instead of South Korea.

And since it's now the only remaining name-brand W-rated tire in your size, it seems perfect for your usage.

Keep in mind Uniroyal Europe is a Conti brand. Uniroyal USA is Michelin and made in Indonesia at either their partner or by Hankook.

The Germans also didn’t believe in all-season tires. So if money ain’t a thing, I’d buy the classic Michelins for the summer, and a winter tire. Else, I’d look at the Yokohama, Kumho and the Defender2. The latter will be close to the OE Michelin MXV4s Mercedes used.

While they didn't believe in all-season tires before, they do now. However, Europe's all-season tires are what we call all-weather

Vredestein made the first all-weather tires in the early 90s.

 

[wings&wheels]

I've been thinking about them too. Very interesting. The tread is really exotic looking and it makes me wonder how they'll actually look mounted?

I agree, the Quatrac are modern looking in both the tread and sidewall, but I'd say your car is just new enough to carry them. I am also sensitive about period looking tires, but IIRC the late 90's were when 'fancy' sidewalls started to appear. If you squint real hard, they kind if look like a Gatorback

 

[krzyss]

OP: Since you said money was no object, I would get the Classic Primacy 3s for the summer and the Blizzak WS90 for the winter (it appears these come in your size). You can get a set of hub-centric steel rims for the winter tires. You will love driving this car in the New York winters with the Blizzaks.

I would suggest the same.
"Vintage" Primacy 3 and winter tires for winter. Speed rating T is nor a problem for winter tires and load index is 100 for Blizzak WS90.

If you can find performance winter tires they would be even better match for S420.

Krzyś

 

[wavinwayne]

I've driven on enough Michelins now that I don't think you can go wrong with them.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Wait, the Primacy 3 is already considered Vintage?

It was just replaced by the Primacy 4 a few years ago! And Michelin still makes the non-Vintage P3 in some sizes

 

[mcrn]

By the way. Can we see some pics of this car? I am a big fan of older Mercedes.

 

[burnbomber]

I would look at the Vredestein, very good ratings and, from personal experience, a good company responsive to customers. Vredestein is my go-to for the fun fleet.
Vredestein Quatrac

We have that tire, the Vredestein Quatrac, on our 1st generation Miata. It's a real nice tire, 3 peak snowflake rated. Purchased at Tire Rack and delivered to their sister company, Discount Tire for installation.

 

[cheesepuffs2]

I highly recommend the Toyo Celsius II. I have them right now and the ride quality is the best of any tire I've previously owned. I bought them based on the reviews that said how comfortable they are, and they exceeded my expectations.