merc only tyres

[MLAM]

'MO' labelled tyres are constructed no differently from the same tyre without the label. Where they do differ is in the quality of the tyre. By that I mean when tyres are manufactured they all undergo QA testing and those tyres that most closely match the 'ideal' are labelled MO (or perhaps more correctly, those that match the MB tighter spec). They have the least imbalance/run-out/low or high spots. Check the colour banding on the new tyres, my recent MO labelled Pirelli tyres had the bands very central

New Tyres and their Markings.... - Tyres / Wheels - Wheels-InMotion

Sorry to dig up a older thread but it is a good one.

In regards to the colour bands, I take it this would apply to all 4 wheels if you were to have 4 changed in regards to the placement of them?

 

[RBYCC]

Why is it that the USA, one of Merc's largest markets, do not have any tire designated "MO" ?????

Sounds like a Euro money grab

 

[whitenemesis]

Why is it that the USA, one of Merc's largest markets, do not have any tire designated "MO" ?????

Sounds like a Euro money grab

I have never paid more for an MO tyre.

 

[MicB]

In the past I have used both MO and non MO tyres and I do not believe there is a discernible difference to the driver.
I now have both winter and summer tyres for my SL; both MO......I have concluded that I might as well run MO premium tyres as tried tested and approved by the manufacturers, car and tyre, since they cost me no more than any other premium tyre.......so why not?

Mic

 

[RBYCC]

I have never paid more for an MO tyre.

The question is why doesn't the USA have a MO designated tire...

Doubtful they are "fine tuned" or anything else...
Just a marketing tool which affords no difference then the equal same brand /size tire.

Can you only buy a MO tire from a Merc dealer ?

 

[Satch]

http://www.btmauk.com/data/files/Replacing_Car_Tyres_1_June_2011.pdf


See section on Vehicle Specific Tyres

 

[whitenemesis]

You can buy MO tyres from any outlet. The popular online and mobile outfits all sell them.

 

[moff]

Why would the MO marking be a marketing exercise when the tyre costs no different to the stock tyre?

I'm not sure that I have read an answer that is backed up with any evidence or proof?

I am not 100% sure myself, but given the choice between an MO branded tyre and one that's not for the same price why wouldn't you buy it?

 

[Billy-cls55]

Merc have MO BMW have star, I have tried various tyres on my car, and by far Bridgestone MO for me are the best, would bridgestones without the MO be that same I don't know but the price was the same, so MO it was, I was also told by the manufacture that the compounds of the tyre are not the same, and these have been tried and tested when the car was developed, and as the post above says if the price is the same, why not fit MO? hope this helps.

 

[RBYCC]

Only point that I'm trying to make is that Merc's largest market, the USA, does not offer any tires marked "MO".

"Mercedes-Benz Approved Tires - Your vehicle was shipped from the factory with very specific parts to ensure that the performance delivered was true Mercedes-Benz - that includes your tires. Many tires will fit on your car but only certain models and makes are recommended by MBUSA to deliver the performance and luxury that you have come to expect. Our MBUSA Tire Center provides only those select tires and wheels that Mercedes-Benz has approved as being good enough for your vehicle."

MBUSA only carries the recommended "certain models and makes", but they are not any different then the same make or model that can be purchased from a non Merc outlet. There are no "MO' markings or designations.

It is marketing as dealers even in the USA are getting more competitive when it comes to tire sales. Most USA Merc dealers will match the price of any tire discounter.

No additional testing, quality control, spec change from the tire manufacturer for use/approval/recommendation on Mercs !.

 

[markjay]

I bought MOs and they were priced the same as non-MO tyres. Also while searching online for them I found that on some (admittedly rare) occasions the MO tyres were actually cheaper for some inexplicable reason.

No-one knows for sure why manufacturers have approved tyres (BMW and Audi have a similar system).

The best candidate for an explanation so far is the one regarding the colour rings, but again this is not a certainty.

On the balance of probabilities there is either no difference at all or very little difference at best.

For a definitive answer, we will need to wait until someone who works for a tyre manufacturers joins this forum...

 

[219]

Can't say I have ever heard of , never mind come across these tyres ; there is certainly no mention of them in the owners manuals for any of my cars .

The only time I was aware of special tyres for Mercedes was when the W113 SL was being developed and Merc laid down a tight specification for the tyres which , initially only Continental made , so you had to use them .

 

[Vilus]

I am of the opinion it is simple marketing strategy. The tyre manufacturer gives Mercedes a good deal on their tyres for new cars, and in return Mercedes recommend 'MO' rated tyres, which most owners of a prestige car would buy without much thought.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

It would be great to have a definitive answer but I don't think that will be any time soon. Based on quote below it seems the manufacturer marked tyres are no better, no worse, just different!

Source: Speak fluent ?tyre? in one minute | Tyre Basics | | Learn and Share | MICHELIN

Car Maker Specific Tyre Markings

E.g. MICHELIN Primacy HP MO MO is a Mercedes specific marking
E.g. MICHELIN Pilot Sport PS2 N3 N is a Porsche specific marking
E.g. MICHELINTM ENERGY Saver * * (star) is a BMW specific marking

Some (mainly high performance) Michelin tyres have specific markings which show that the tyre has been developed to provide optimum performance on models from certain vehicle manufacturers.

Michelin tyres with these specific markings are made differently from the equivalent standard tyres. These tyres are not better or worse than the equivalent standard tyre, but they differ in the way they behave on the car. These markings can be found on the sidewall of the tyre, and also on new tyre labels.

Specific Markings Car Makers / Vehicles
K1, K2 Specific marking for FERRARI vehicles
C1 Specific marking for the CHRYSLER Viper

N0, N1, N2, N… Specific marking for PORSCHE vehicles (+Volkswagen Touareg)
* (BMW M) Specific marking for BMW M vehicles (M3, Z4M, M5, M6…)
MO1 Specific marking for Mercedes-AMG vehicles

RO1 Specific marking for AUDI QUATTRO GmbH vehicles (RS6, RS4, TT 19"…)
* Specific marking for BMW and MINI vehicles
MO Specific marking for MERCEDES vehicles
AO Specific marking for AUDI vehicles
VO Specific marking for VOLKSWAGEN vehicles (Touareg)
G1 Specific marking for various car manufacturers (Renault, Mercedes…)
A Specific marking for TOYOTA (Auris)
Other Sidewall Markings Technical information related to the tyre category
XL or Extra Load Tyres designed for loads and inflation pressures higher than the standard version.
ZP "Zero Pressure" Michelin self supporting run flat tyres

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Information from a more independent source:

Vehicle Specific Tyres

Vehicles homologated on specific tyres should have the equivalent replacements fitted when they require changing.

Specific tyres for a specific vehicle (and marked accordingly) are possible. It is recommended to follow the vehicle handbook guidelines closely (or seek assistance from vehicle or tyre manufacturers) when changing these.

Examples are possible where one could deviate from those marked and others where that is not recommended – e.g.
1) MO marking for Mercedes. It is possible to fit non-MO marked (and could use MO marked for another vehicle)
2) N-marked tyres for Porsche. Due to the particular characteristics of their vehicles, Porsches must take the correct N-marked fitments. It is also recommended that N-marked tyres are not used on any other vehicles.

Others versions exist in the main for performance/prestigious vehicles such as Porsche, Chrysler, Ferrari, Mercedes AMG, Audi, Bentley, BMW and others.
NB: Other countries may have different laws regarding the replacement of Original Fitment tyres.

If in doubt, always contact your vehicle or tyre manufacturer for advice

 

[jeremy156]

Why would the MO marking be a marketing exercise when the tyre costs no different to the stock tyre?

I'm not sure that I have read an answer that is backed up with any evidence or proof?

I am not 100% sure myself, but given the choice between an MO branded tyre and one that's not for the same price why wouldn't you buy it?

The marketing benefit is simply to give buyers the feeling that their particular model of tyre is better suited to their car than another ... or more the point, introduce doubt over the suitability of another manufacturer/model. It's simply about getting us to choose that brand over another - I'm sure the manufacturers couldn't care less whether we then proceed to buy the MO or non-MO marked version, as long as it's theirs.