What tyres for the rear of my CLK55? Vredesteins ? Uniroyal? Goodyears?

[TomsAmg]

Morning everyone, I'm looking for some 255/40/17 tyres for the rear of my clk55.
What is the best tyre to go for.? Looking up to about £120 each.
Heard good things on the vredesteins , and the Goodyear f1s. Anybody used them?
Also the uniroyal rain tyre 3 looks smart, I was thinking this may be a good idea as grip in the wet is when you need it most.
Input would be appreciated.
Thank you

 

[Will]

Hi there,

First things first - the tyre size you list is wrong, it should be a 245/40/17 on the back (OE sizes). 225/45/17 for the front

Tyres are very much a personal thing. Normally the more expensive ones are best but some people have had good results with some of the budget brands.

In my honest opinion, the CLK55 needs some decent rubber at the back. 510Nm of torque means that you need some good quality tyres to make the most of it.

I can recommends Michelin Pilot Sports, they transformed my '55 when I first bought it. Superb performance in wet or dry conditions, excellent levels of grip and the steering feels much more precise with no tramlining unlike some of the directional tread patterns out there

 

[Abdul]

Run a 255 it looks good and doesn't cause any issues at all.

Vredestein's would be my choice, at the price point they can't be beaten. They're amazing in both wet and dry weather. Half the guys on m3cutters use them and with good reason.

 

[Will]

Not sure how a 255 'looks good' over a 245?

It's the wrong size, simple as. MB and AMG could have chosen a 245, but didn't. Draw your own conclusion

 

[cb1965]

I did a lot of research into tyres for my SL55 and eventually settled on Vredestein.

A mate of mine runs a garage and fits all sorts of tyres, but he reckons Vredestein will be right up there as a premium brand within 10 years.

They aren't cheap, but not as expensive as Michelin or Dunlop. So far I have been impressed.... great grip in the dry and the wet and they aren't wearing too badly either.

That said it is a personal thing. Anyway that's my 2 cents worth.

 

[TomsAmg]

Great, thankyou all for the feedback. There are so many different reviews out there it makes it all a bit mind numbing.
Have found some vredesteins for about £100 each. After doing a bit of reading they seem to have good write ups, will let you know how I get on.

Thankyou guys,

 

[daveenty]

I did a lot of research into tyres for my SL55 and eventually settled on Vredestein.

A mate of mine runs a garage and fits all sorts of tyres, but he reckons Vredestein will be right up there as a premium brand within 10 years.

They aren't cheap, but not as expensive as Michelin or Dunlop. So far I have been impressed.... great grip in the dry and the wet and they aren't wearing too badly either.

That said it is a personal thing. Anyway that's my 2 cents worth.

I'm a bit late coming onto this thread, but this man talks sense. I had a set of these things on a S8 Audi I used to own and loved them. (As I mentioned to Chris yesterday) If you can get the Sessanta in your size, go for them, though I can't and will be gong for the Vorti ones.

Grip is quite an important factor on an AMG car, and these tyres should help you an awful amount with it. My rears will be replaced with them as soon as Chris PM's me with his man's phone number. (I know the area code, and that it was a dead simple number to remember, lots of 112233, but not necessarily in that order)

 

[ChrisA]

I'm running F1's and they really grip well in the dry and are pretty good in the wet. Bit pricey but as everything, you pay for what you get

As for Will's comments on 245's as that's what AMG state, make your own mind up. AMG are certainly not perfectionists as I run 305's on mine and the stock is 255. Having slightly wider rubber than your rim will also help from kerbing
The difference in traction etc is extremely noticeable but it is down to affordability vs personal preference

 

[cb1965]

I'm a bit late coming onto this thread, but this man talks sense. I had a set of these things on a S8 Audi I used to own and loved them. (As I mentioned to Chris yesterday) If you can get the Sessanta in your size, go for them, though I can't and will be gong for the Vorti ones.

Grip is quite an important factor on an AMG car, and these tyres should help you an awful amount with it. My rears will be replaced with them as soon as Chris PM's me with his man's phone number. (I know the area code, and that it was a dead simple number to remember, lots of 112233, but not necessarily in that order)

Message sent Sir

 

[martyp87]

I got some Michelin Pilot Sports fitted to the rear of mine and can safely say it now corners in the rain.

Previous tires were very very scary - can't remember the name but they were new and I had to change them!!!!!

 

[DeeAitch]

What sort of mileage are you guy's getting out of a set of rears? I'm a little alarmed at the rate of wear I'm seeing on Michelins fitted to my 320CDI - only 1.4mm legally left after less than 10k
And no, I'm not in the habit of lighting them up!

 

[daveenty]

Mine will be changed next month, having done the massive amount of 8,000 miles.

I don't really hammer it about, though do tend to drive "enthusiastically"

 

[TomsAmg]

Great feedback guys, went for the vredesteins in the standard size. Shall let you know how I get on with them. Thankyou

 

[cliveBRABUS]

Nankangs work on a CLK

 

[Will]

Great feedback guys, went for the vredesteins in the standard size. Shall let you know how I get on with them. Thankyou

Decent choice

 

[Abdul]

Not sure how a 255 'looks good' over a 245?

It's the wrong size, simple as. MB and AMG could have chosen a 245, but didn't. Draw your own conclusion

It's a bit wider and so the side wall ends up being a bit more square. I prefer it anyway.

Mb/AMG chose those tyre sizes when they made cars that handle like boats, draw your own conclusions. I personally think a 255 tyre on a 350bhp car with equivalent torque is perfectly reasonable.

Tom, Vred's are a good choice, only tyre I'd change them for would be michelin pss' but they're overkill for the CLK.

 

[Mrhanky]

Ive been very impressed with the Uniroyal rain sport 3's on my E55K. Dry grip is very good and in the wet they are amazing.

 

[Will]

It's a bit wider and so the side wall ends up being a bit more square. I prefer it anyway.

Mb/AMG chose those tyre sizes when they made cars that handle like boats, draw your own conclusions. I personally think a 255 tyre on a 350bhp car with equivalent torque is perfectly reasonable.

Tom, Vred's are a good choice, only tyre I'd change them for would be michelin pss' but they're overkill for the CLK.

The CLK55 is not exactly a sports car, more of a powerful/luxury GT. That's why they have auto boxes and a spec that is truly heavyweight. They handle just as you would (should) expect. M3 for people in a hurry, CLK55 for those who like a nice car with plenty of grunt

Premium quality tyres with plenty of grip, precise and predictable handling and reasonable noise levels/wear rates are what I would look for in a tyre for cars like this

 

[sspeed]

Goodyear Eagle F1's on my rears.. Noticeably quieter than the Pirelli P Zeros that were on.

 

[Leabrooks]

Another vote here for Goodyear Eagle F1 AS2's...superb tyres, just had two fitted to my rear wheels last week and have noticed a marked improvement on the Conti's. Bought mine online at Lovetyres for £105 each and paid £10 per tyre for fitting at my local tyre place, absolute bargain.