E63 Winter tyres

[Will]

I’d add to the above, there’s a very real risk of damage to the wheel rims and tyres each time they have tyres dismounted and mounted, weights removed every time etc. Tyres too to be fair (less likely but it’s still not ideal to keep mounting and removing more than you have to)

The cost of wheels on these cars can be upwards of £5k and with the diamond cut finish there’s only so many times they can be refurbished.

A second set for winter use makes perfect sense

 

[Steve84N]

Unfortunately I've bought winter wheels that also have a diamond cut.

 

[Will]

Unfortunately I've bought winter wheels that also have a diamond cut.

At least your main wheels will miss the worst of the winter salt!

Also each tyre mount/dismount risks damage to the diamond cut lips (if applicable) so by sharing two sets between one car your tyres will last longer hence less chance of damage resulting

 

[S2000Paul]

3 DegC here today...Winter tyres so good!

 

[Jim W]

3 DegC here today...Winter tyres so good!

Getting colder down here too.
Winter tyres are working out just fine. It's just a shame we have to have two sets of wheels and tyres, but summer tyres drove me mad last winter.
Problem solved though.

 

[Steve84N]

I think I'll make the switch this weekend as we've now had a run of weather more suited to winter than summer tyres, whereas a few weeks ago it was still better to be on summers.

Looking forward to seeing what all the hype is about.

 

[S2000Paul]

Changing 4 tyres twice a year is nearly £200 in labour so although it takes a while eventually you're quids in.

Also as said it's protection from salt on your best wheels but for me mainly it's the tyre size. On the OEM 19s there's very little choice and it's a lot more expensive than 225/40/18 all round which are barely more than £100 each.

Mercedes AMG dealer oooop North just charges £50 which I was happy with as no issues with pressure monitors.

So I guess £100 in total when I go back in Spring (March to July start time here ...lol).

 

[PenelopePitstop]

Changing 4 tyres twice a year is nearly £200 in labour so although it takes a while eventually you're quids in.

Also as said it's protection from salt on your best wheels but for me mainly it's the tyre size. On the OEM 19s there's very little choice and it's a lot more expensive than 225/40/18 all round which are barely more than £100 each.

Try to buy 21 inch winter tyres in UK. These are expensive and if the size is rare, it's even worse. BTW, I pay £50 at local Kwik Fit to swap set of tyres. So around £100 per year. Storing set of tyres take places, but storing whole wheels would be even worse, as they are quite heavy and more difficult to move or transport to change them.

No issue with pressure monitor, you just reset it after changing tyres. I changed my tyres to winters in October, before going on extended holiday. Wasn't sure what's the weather will be, when I'm back.

 

[pse1336982]

Collected my new E63s estate on Conti TS860s rubber on Friday. No sign at all of the steering lock shudder, despite it beijg 0 degrees this morning.
Also found that the ride quality on these tryes is competely brilland, better than my 2001 320 CDi, which was the benchmark for last 18 years.
I now don’t understand why most of the magzine test drive reviews of the E63s question the ride quality. maybe with summer tyres and 186mph pressures it degrades, but on winter tryes with lower pressures it’s amazing.
Paul.

 

[MrRight]

Collected my new E63s estate on Conti TS860s rubber on Friday. No sign at all of the steering lock shudder, despite it beijg 0 degrees this morning.
Also found that the ride quality on these tryes is competely brilland, better than my 2001 320 CDi, which was the benchmark for last 18 years.
I now don’t understand why most of the magzine test drive reviews of the E63s question the ride quality. maybe with summer tyres and 186mph pressures it degrades, but on winter tryes with lower pressures it’s amazing.
Paul.

I'm really glad you managed to find conti 860s tyres for your car ! they're the best winter tyre. I couldn't get the correct profile for my c63s estate. had to fit Michelin Alpin PA4s . ride comfort is already improved a fair bit for me too on these winters

 

[AdamE63S]

Those of you running Conti 860s what sizes are you running and where did you get them from can find 265/35 R20 for the fronts but can’t find any 295/30 R20 for the rears . If not may have to go for the Michelin Alpins, what are people’s thoughts on these?

Thanks

 

[MrRight]

you can apparently get the 860s in the following config :
295/30 R20 101W XLWinterContact™ TS 860 S
Not sure about stock levels though but I'm sure a decent tyre fitter can order your tyres for you without issues though they may take a while to arrive.

in terms of the alpin PA4 , so far it is a bitter sweet experience :
bitter:
- we've had double figure temperatures a lot and the tyres are clearly out of their comfort zone in 12 to 14 degrees. the steering feels super heavy and rolling resistance is very high in these tropical temps. probably the same for most winter tyres in such warm climate
- for a set of tyres, I dropped 1.1k including fitting and storing and excluding my second set of rims. At that price, common sense would dictate driving sensibly, but , no. I drive in sport plus mode everywhere and in cold temperatures , the tyres are great, in warm temperatures , I've shredded those tyres far too often with a heavy right foot. totally user error, can't blame the tyres. but I'm not sure how many winters the rear tyres will last as a result of my foolish driving habits.
-the wheels can't handle more than around 0.7g on corners , but at least the limits of grip are well communicated and progressive.
-steering feel at warmer temps at centre is not ideal , steering feels really heavy.
- stopping distances are longer but you soon adapt to this. so much so that I don't notice any more. it

sweet:
+I haven't got an E63s with its ridiculous power but when it is sub 7c, in a straight line, these tyres will grip the road like Velcro. I feel like I have an awd car a lot of the time even though I don't.
+hardly had any wheel spin in the cold.
+ decent heavy rain performance , note though in standing water , there is a bit of aquaplaning but again this isn't an issue if driving normally
+ excellent icy road performance
+ the tyres are more comfortable than the MPSS tyres they're stepping in for during the winter
+ as long as you're not pushing high g forces on corners etc, these tyres are very confidence inspiring. they are definitely safer than MPSS tyres in the winter for sure. I can put my foot down a bit at roundabouts and junctions and not have any traction issues .

summary :
PA4s are great tyres for the winter. they've really made a massive difference compared to the MPSS tyres in colder weather.

 

[JDL60]

Nice summary

 

[AdamE63S]

Thanks Mr Right, I know they do them in the relevant size just struggling to find anyone that can get them in for me quickly as need them ASAP. Might try the Michelin if not just got to remember not to have such a heavy foot

 

[AlexM]

Just by way of an update, so far the Goodeyar Eagle F1 Assymetric 3s I fitted recenty are working much better in the cold than the previous Pirellis so far. They were approximatey 60% worn, so they just totally gave up on traction when it was cold.

The Goodyears have 8mm tread, so of course, they feel better than the worn tyre but are certainly quieter and the small bump absorbtion is better. Straight line traction feels a lot better and cornering feels precise and secure. Obviously not a recommendation for a proper 'Winter' tyre but I will stay off the road in the event of a real freeze or snow. I think they will be just fine..

Regards,
Alex

Edit: sorry, posted to wrong thread - carry on!

 

[Rich H]

I bought a second hand set of AMG wheels exactly the same as I already had.
I had them powder coated in Anthracite and they are now on the car with a set of Pirelli Sotozero 3's.
I'm not sure I could fit 4 tyres in the car to have them swapped somewhere else.

 

[cobra7]

I bought a second hand set of AMG wheels exactly the same as I already had.
I had them powder coated in Anthracite and they are now on the car with a set of Pirelli Sotozero 3's.
I'm not sure I could fit 4 tyres in the car to have them swapped somewhere else.

How are you finding the Pirelli's? I have the same and it seems planted in the wet, no snow yet to properly test them. One thing I have learned though is not to give it some wellie in the dry lol

 

[Slugsy]

Anyone have experience of Continental WinterContact T860S?

 

[PenelopePitstop]

I'm not sure I could fit 4 tyres in the car to have them swapped somewhere else.

It's doable, just fold rear seats.

 

[irfan1712]

Hi All - forgive me for bumping a very old thread. The rear PS4s' are due replacing on my E63s within the next few weeks (20'' Wheels). Im considering winter tyres - Michelin Alpin's as per the OP's tyre choice, as opposed to another set of PS4s considering the time of year.

Generally, is it worth the outlay? and odd question, the fronts have a lot of meat left on them - is there any detrimental effect to how winter tyres on the rear would perform with PS4s on the front? i of course understand its probably better to change those too but im curious considering all wheels are driven anyway.

i've had the car two years and the steering clunk in cold weather annoys me - i can't say the Welsh Winters have honestly really bothered me with the E63s on PS4s though, so perhaps I've answered my own question to a degree!