I have been reading and reading and trying to find someone who can help me understand if there is a benefit to staying with the stock replacements or jumping to the Eagles?

I have an MY04, stock wheels, and do not drive in the rain. In fact my car is a garage queen on weekdays and only comes out on Saturdays and Sundays to play.

I really liked the stock tires, love the grip, did not love when hitting bumps at high speeds. Also did not care much for the longevity, but this is a sports car, so what the hey-


So with that said which is preferable? Will the 255's work with the GS-D3's?



RE050 Front 215/45-17:
Section Width - 8.3, Tread Width - 6.7, Overall Diameter - 24.8

RE050 Rear: 245/40-17
Section Width - 9.6, Tread Width - 9.0, Overall Diameter - 24.6


F1 GS-D3 Front 215-45/17
Section Width - 8.3, Tread Width - 7.1, Overall Diameter - 24.7

F1 GS-D3 Rear 255/40-17
Section Width - 10.2, Tread Width - 8.7, Overall Diameter - 25.1

 

IMO, I would stick with the oem's. I have an ap1, and would prefer to replace my tires with the s-02 . However, since my s2k is a daily driver, I need something with a longer treadlife and better handling in the wet than the s-02 can offer. Right now, I'm leaning towards the re050a pp. The size differences you listed are minute, but I wouldn't know the level of difference in terms of handling, performance, etc.. I'm sure Jim would be able to help you better!

 

I run F1s at 255 but if you are not driving in rain why not stick with the OEM fit unless you just fancy the change?

I would have but get 50% more tread life out of the F1s compared to the RE050 MZs.

 

I went to RE050A Pole Position from stock at 12k miles. Sizes are 225/45 and 255/40 on stock rims. After 700 miles of mostly fun driving I tjhink they are better than the OEM RE050's. The ride seems to be slightly better but the main thing is the tires communicate better than the stock tires and have loads of grip. I was concerned about going wide on the fronts but I have not seen any greater tendency to oversteer. If anything the car more neutral.

All of these differences are small and you definitely wouldn't lose a lot sticking with the stock tires.

I also looked pretty hard at the F1GSD3. In reading mostly the Tire Rack tests and comparos, it seems like the main reason to go with these is longer tread life and good wet weather performance(although the RE050A doesn't lose much here). They seem to be a little behind RE050A PP in dry performance. Again differences seem small.

I thought the Bridgestone pricing made them best value for my purposes. Bought them from Tire Rack and was pleased with the service.

 

Honestly I did not consider the RE050A PP's, I was looking at the F1's to see if I could get longer life and still have great handling.

I do not want to lose the handling that the stockers had. In checking prices it looks like the RE050S PP is even a lower cost then the RE050? Does this make sense to anyone?

 

Sounds like your use is about like mine..basically a nice day fun car. I put about 5k/yr on the car so if I can get 2 full years on a set that's OK with me. I also don't want to give up any performance.

I don't know why RE050 is more expensive. I notice that they are standard on several mercedes and also have some runflats so they may be built to a more expensive spec. But that's a guess.

Bear in mind that RE050A PP does not come in stock sizes(rear) but even one size up is still cheaper than the stock size RE050. They fit fine so I thought it was an easy decision, particularly with the $100 rebate that was in effect last month.

Not to mess with your brain but I also looked at RE01R and I probably would have gone that way had the 225/255 combo been available last month. It is now. It is even a better performance tire but may give up a little in treadware even though the treadware specs are the same. Apparently it is an autox street tire favorite these days. Tire Rack pulled a little over 1.0 G on their skid pad test.

There are some good threads on all this if you have the time.

 

Good stuff Suzukaboy, we drive about the same mileage (much to my wife's chagrin) looks like I need more studying. I can hold off on the purchase pretty much as long as I do not drive as I have about 15k on it now, and as long as I do not push hard I can prevent surprises.

I did push hard once with the wife in the car and almost crossed into another lane She was not happy with me!

Anyway I will check into the RE01R and will repost once I have a decision made.

Thanks for your help-

 

Well thanks to Suzukaboy I went with the RE01R 225/255 combo and they really made a huge difference in how the S handles.

I drove to the tire shop thru mountainous terrain and back the same way, the new tires provide more solid response from the car. Point the front end it goes no squirrley or oversteer as many would call it, very precise and firm.

Put 200miles on the tires in 1 day, and drove above the speed limit, great handling tire!

I will buy them again assuming there is not an upgrade later

 

Man, I'm jealous but I'm glad it has worked out for you. Actually I'm also happy with the RE050A PP's I put on recently. They are also a noticeable improvement over stock though probably not quite the uber tire yours are.

Neither of these tires figures to last a long time so I guess we'll both get another shot in a couple of years. Thanks for the mention.

 

Another question----Alignment

Do I need to have an alignment adjustment with the 225/255 combo assuming that there was not any abnormal wear with the 215/245 setup?

Thanks all-