sampathram

Hi,

I'm a longtime lurker but this is the first time I've had a question. I bought my SLK 32 about 13 months ago and it has a little under 11,000 miles on it. I dropped the car off for servicing and dealer told me the tires had to be replaced because they're bald.

They don't look that bad to me but he said since they're sports tires, they wear out fast and I should replace them. Is it normal for SLK owners to have their tires replaced with this little mileage? This is my first sports car, my 400E and S500 went well over 35,000 miles before they needed new tires so I'm somewhat shocked at the situation.

I remember when I was looking at an NSX, they had a warning notice about the soft tire situation on the sale sticker, which is something I never saw on my SLK. I would appreciate any help.

Thanks

430

Yes, tires on sports cars wear out quickly. How quickly depends on driving style and how well you maintain the tire pressure.

Take a look at the wear bars on you tires, how do they compare to the tread, are they lower than or the same level?

dinko

The tires on many of today's Mercedes Benz cars, and other sports cars in general come with "Z" Rated tires, meaning they are like glue when it comes to sticking to the ground. Because the tire is so sticky, it wears out quick. I usually get my tires every 6 - 8 months, or 12k - 15k miles.

430

You obviously did not get the Conti 2's with your car. Stick like glue is one of the things they do not do.

vraa

Microsoft Glue...

dbtk

I have had my SLK32 for over 2 1/2 years and 23,000 miles and I have yet to wear my original PZero Russos to 3/32nds. In fact I am anxiously awaiting them to wear out so that I can install the Pilot Sports that I have already purchased. I drive semi-aggressively around turns and often accelerate with vigor (ESP light comes on occasionally).

430

Did you get the Pilot Sports or the Pilot Sport 2's?

sampathram

Sorry for the delayed response, I unexpectedly had to go out of town. The wear bars don't look that bad, I think I can easily squeeze some more miles out of the car because the dealer did exaggerate a bit. I was just surprised that my tires wore out this quickly since I'm not used to it. Oh well, I guess I have to get used to the sports car thing. Luckily I only drive it 8 months a year so at least I'm not putting on my usual 16-17K miles.

ldangeli

Squeeze baby squeeze.

aga

We have 18K miles on our SLK32. I have had it the track 3 times. The right rear is almost a slick in the center, the left rear is below the wear bars. The fronts are still above the wear bars. We don't get any rain in CA in the summer so it doesn't matter too much, but I will be replacing them in the next few weeks.

I've been happy with the Pilot Sports it came with, so I think I'm going to get the Pilot Sport 2's.

SledDog

Don't tell me they last that long I want to replace my Pzero's with PS2's.

Did you get the pilot sports or the pilot sport 2's?

cvayala

Tires have a treadwear rating the higher the number the longer they will last. Usually, also the higher the number the less sticky the tire is. The Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's have a treadwear rating of 280 vs. 220 for the Pilot Sports. So you'll get a little extra life if you care to try those. I think I will next time i'm shopping for tires.

SledDog

Tread wear ratings can really only be compared for tires from the same manufacturer. Between manufacturers it isn't all that meaningful. Those Goodyears sound really good. Based on a lot of folks inupt, I'd be considering those if it weren't for the driving I got to do on the PS2's.

430

Don't forget the Toyo T1S's another nice tire with the advantage of being lite weight.