Dunlop SP Sport 01

[geoffd]

I recently had to replace the front tyres on my 03 SLK 230 and was recommended the above since the original SP Sport 2020s are no longer available. For the last 10 days or so the car has felt totally different - very skittish and wanders slightly on anything other than a smooth surface. I've tried altering the pressures up and down by 3 psi, but no difference. I've also had a quick look to check if anything looks worn in the steering linkages and it all seems fine.

Anyone else tried these tyres ? Any other ideas ? Otherwise, I'm going to have to change them.

Geoff

 

[Baron_Samedi]

Bit surprised anyone fitted or recommended a Dunlop tyre, to be honest.

I figure they are okay for family drives but lacking on a vehicle with a bit more spirit!

I'd search the forum and see what other members experiences are.

 

[ShinyF1]

Have them on my car, and am perfectly happy. Admittedly now more of a relaxed driver than of old, but smooth, grippy, quiet, and the latter was one of my main concerns. Wear seems OK too

My suspension is firm as W210s go but all OK by me.

 

[Mactech]

I have SP01's on 19" wheels for the summer on my S Class. My other tyres are Michelin Pilot Primacy on 18" rims. I do a back to back test every 6 months or so as I change from 'summer' to 'winter' tyres.
I find the Dunlops at least as good in grip, noise, traction, steering feel and economy. Overall I prefer them.
Are you on different sizes front and rear? Maybe try them on the rear as the recomendations are always to have the tyres with most tread at that end.
Only driven an SLK on Pirelli, but I see no reason they should not suit your car.

 

[prc]

Have also used them without problems (but not on the 203). Remember that the tyres need to scuff a bit as they come with mold release agents when new, so not up to top grip.

 

[BTB 500]

I have SP Sport 01s on my SL500 ... no problem with them at all. They are the MO (Mercedes spec.) version though.

 

[geoffd]

re dunlop SP Sport 01

Thanks for the views. Sounds like it's the car then, not the tyres.

I'll take a closer look tomorrow.

Geoff

 

[Smiley]

try putting the new tyres on the back; better to have new ones there anyway, its where you need the best grip.

 

[geoffd]

re dunlop SP Sport 01

You can't swap front to back with most SLKs. Wheels are 7J front and 8J back with different offsets. Although they might fit, and 7J et 37 are used on the back on those cars with all 4 wheels the same, as far as I know, you are not supposed to fit wider front than rear wheels - presumably as you say because you don't want significantly more front grip than back...unless you like looking where you've been.

Meanwhile I'm waiting for the rain to stop so that I can check the steering damper.

Geoff

 

[geoffd]

update

I checked the steering damper - it wasn't perfect, but it was far from u/s. Anyway, for £35 I've changed it - and it's made not one jot of difference.

And while I was grovelling about changing the damper, I poked, prodded and levered at all the steering joints, with and without the suspension loaded. Nothing seems wrong to me.

So, despite everything that others have said, I reckon it must be these tyres.

I'm going to have to try some other brand - any suggestions.

And to make comparison easier, does anyone have a pair of 7J et 37 Lucida alloys (part number B6 6 47 1481) they don't want ? Corvus (B6 6 47 0523) would be ok as well.

Geoff

 

[Will]

If the only thing that has changed is the tyres, then you must be pretty sure of the diagnosis yourself.

Does seem a little strange as SP Sport 01s have a reasonably good rep. Have you had the wheel alignment checked ever? How much use have the new tyres had, long enough to scrub in nicely?

Would be interested in the outcome if you change, and what you choose as a replacement

Will

 

[renault12ts]

I have Accelera Alphas on mine. Nice pattern, directional fitting....cheap!!

 

[Doodle]

Bit surprised anyone fitted or recommended a Dunlop tyre, to be honest.

I figure they are okay for family drives but lacking on a vehicle with a bit more spirit!

Have a look at some of their new stuff, like the SportMaxx GT's. I've had them on the Civic and loved them, and that's a pretty spirited drive

 

[Baron_Samedi]

Come replacement time I shall

Must be better than the Nexen's on my car at the moment.... whoever they are

 

[Adam230K]

You have a problem i used to have. W202's tend to not like directional tyres as these cause the car to tramline as you describe on uneven road surfaces. If you cant find the same tyre as u had before try going for something with block tread and avoiding the V-pattern tyre

 

[geoffd]

more thoughts

The last post got me thinking. Before I fitted these SP Sport 01s, I had my winter tyres on - Goodyear Ultragrip G3s. These are a directional tyre and have a V tread pattern, but they didn't tramline. To check, I've put them back on, and the tramlining, wandering etc has gone. I should have thought of trying this before.

Conclusion - the problem is definitely the SP Sport 01's (which to answer another question, have now done about 800 miles and are getting no better). But why if others seem to use them without this issue. Unless either it's confined to SLKs (and perhaps C class since their suspension is pretty similar) using these particular tyres - or maybe these cars don't like assymetric tyres - which SP Sport 01's are. Anyone any experience here ?

So I'm still looking for some 16 inch, 7J et 37 alloys - someone out there has some - so come on, have a garage clearout. I'll collect anywhere within 100 miles of Manchester.

Geoff