Wheels for winter tyres, worth it?

[3:16]

Hi guys,

I have a CLS55 and on this wintry morning with the rear losing traction a few times began thinking of getting some winter tyres. Looked on ebay, seen these:

AMG CLS55 staggered 18" wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 3, tyre pressure monitor | eBay

Am considering bidding for these and if I win, sell the Pilot Sport 3 on them and swop for with winter specific tyres. Do you guys think it's worth having winter tyres when we don't always have snow?

 

[Captain Smerc]

It's well worth doing . I'm running Vredstein Wintrac Xtreme S on my standard 19's and the traction increase is very noticeable compared to the Michelin 's . I'm looking forward to going out shortly today .

 

[R1NGA]

Do you guys think it's worth having winter tyres when we don't always have snow?

Absolute, 300% yes to winter tyres. Your CLS will go precisely nowhere in much more than an inch of snow on a slight incline and the difference is Night & Day. Moreover, winter tyres will already be working better than a typical summer sports tyre once temps get down below 7 or 8degC. Grip in the wet, slimy winter is much better all round on winters, even if there is no snow. And a second set of wheels with winters on, ready for an easy swap in November is by far and away the nest way to do it.

A complete no brainer as far as I am concerned. Have a look in the handbook for the recommended winter size (typically one less in terms of width than the summer version), but I pam personally very happy with both the ContiWinterContacts (TS830) on the SLK55 and Goodyear Ultragrips on my wifes' S2000. FWIW, the S2000 wouldn't even move around the flat driveway in the 2010 snowstorms that hit the UK when it was on RE050's, but the very next week drove into places where only Defenders were prepared to travel, without the slightest care in the world. Sure, a stiff LSD and less than 1300kg helps, but it was a revelation. Roll on more snow this year please.....

 

[Chrishazle]

They make a difference when it's cold and wet, not just when the white stuff is around. I had a set for my s203, and it made a major difference with the white stuff and felt secure in the wet and cold. Now have a set for my S204, didn't bother fitting them last year as I had new tyres all round (Eagle F1's) but with the forecast for winter, even here in East Kent, am seriously considering fitting them this year.

IMHO you're taking the decent approach of a full set of rims and tyres rather than just changing tyres on existing rims. I would not want the chance of my recently refurbed AMG 17's getting scratched by changing tyres twice a year.

 

[3:16]

Thanks guys, all great points and noted, most useful!

 

[ftb]

It's a personal preference of course but I'd just get a set of all-season tyres instead. Two birds, one stone.

 

[Captain Smerc]

My village tyre man is excellent , extra careful , doesn't leave a mark . Thanks John !

 

[RonFleet]

I've just fitted a full set of Michelin CrossClimate tyres after a conversation with Michelin themselves. Their view was that UK weather doesn't really merit using the full winter tyres used in cold climates, but the CrossClimates are a good option here. So far, I would say that the ride is somewhat more compliant than that of the Michelins that were fitted from new. I can't comment on their performance in bad weather yet.

 

[whitenemesis]

If getting a second set of wheels for fitting winter tyres I'd go for the same width all round, as shown in the handbook. Far more choice available and usually cheaper too.

Mytyres do some great deals on wheel and tyre combos, using the most popular winter rims for Mercs.

 

[st13phil]

I've just fitted a full set of Michelin CrossClimate tyres after a conversation with Michelin themselves. Their view was that UK weather doesn't really merit using the full winter tyres used in cold climates, but the CrossClimates are a good option here.

I agree with this with a couple of qualifications:

1. The climate in some parts of the country probably does warrant full winter tyres (you'll know if you live somewhere that's the case)
2. For high-performance cars like a 55 AMG or a 63 AMG the performance compromise of all season tyres may not be acceptable in the summer months
3. CrossClimate tyres aren't available in 19 inch sizes

 

[3:16]

If getting a second set of wheels for fitting winter tyres I'd go for the same width all round, as shown in the handbook. Far more choice available and usually cheaper too.

Mytyres do some great deals on wheel and tyre combos, using the most popular winter rims for Mercs.

Yes, I was also thinking of following the handbook recommendations, thanks.

 

[Oxonmb]

If you get a set of winter rim do you have to have tyre pressure sensing or do you just disable it for the time using winter tyre's?

 

[CaptainChaos]

If you get a set of winter rim do you have to have tyre pressure sensing or do you just disable it for the time using winter tyre's?

I got a set of additional valves for my winter wheels.
£185 from my local dealer.

 

[DannyHall]

I'm living in Germany at the minute for work, got back on Monday and the frost and ice has hit. As it is Germany it is Law to have winter tyres on when their is ice, slush, snow etc on the road.

I've got a CLA45 with measurements of 235/35/19 .. would anyone recommend and specific brand of tyre? Enquired with Mercedes who quoted well over £1000 where as the tyre companies are offering the same tyres for 800 euro fitted.

Any advice appreciated. And sorry for hijacking the thread!

 

[R1NGA]

I'm living in Germany at the minute for work, got back on Monday and the frost and ice has hit. As it is Germany it is Law to have winter tyres on when their is ice, slush, snow etc on the road.

I've got a CLA45 with measurements of 235/35/19 .. would anyone recommend and specific brand of tyre? Enquired with Mercedes who quoted well over £1000 where as the tyre companies are offering the same tyres for 800 euro fitted.

Any advice appreciated. And sorry for hijacking the thread!

Personally, I'd fit these;

Continental WinterContact TS 850 P 235/35 R19 91 W XL, FR » Oponeo.co.uk

German tyres on a German car, in Germany.... As usual, check the handbook for the Winter tyre specs, just to make sure.

 

[3:16]

Grrrr! Getting outbid on these :-(

AMG CLS55 staggered 18" wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 3, tyre pressure monitor | eBay

What's the max you reckon I should bid got these bearing in mind I will sell the Michelin to buy winter tyres to put on?

 

[anglaslt]

I'm living in Germany at the minute for work, got back on Monday and the frost and ice has hit. As it is Germany it is Law to have winter tyres on when their is ice, slush, snow etc on the road.

I've got a CLA45 with measurements of 235/35/19 .. would anyone recommend and specific brand of tyre? Enquired with Mercedes who quoted well over £1000 where as the tyre companies are offering the same tyres for 800 euro fitted.

Any advice appreciated. And sorry for hijacking the thread!

I've use Vredestein for several years now. Currently using Wintrac 4 Xtreme and very pleased with them. In fact They're still on from last winter and used them through the summer.

 

[mrmonkeyboy]

I use Vredestein summer tyres and will probably go for their winter tyres if I can't find a decent priced set of nokian tyres.

 

[Riverside Red]

Just missed out on a set of C63S wheels on flea-bay, I had a set of winter wheels/tyres for my S5 and just kept them in the garage and nice easy job to change them over and back in autumn/spring.

I had 19" Goodyear Ultragrip 8 winters on the S5 and they were better than the Dunlop SportMaxx tyres that were OE on the car in warm dry conditions too......

RR