Gentlemen,

I own a 2000 E320purchased around mid- 2005 and have done about 26K milesin asummer environment in 3.5 years. The car came fitted with brand newBridgestone Turanza GR 80 tires and I must say that the ride they offered was very nice with little road noise and good cushioning. However, for the past 1K miles or so, the ride has become rough and the road vibrations can be felt throughout the car.

Would 3.5 years of driving in a hot desert climate with temperatures going up to 52C result in tire fatigue leading to the vibrations and rough ride, although the treadis almost intact and the tires look like new?What would be the normal tirelife span for a gently driven (no wheelspin - no fast cornering) E320,in terms of mileage and years?

Also, if i need to replace the tires, what are your preferences? The options are Bridgestone Turanza GR 80 @ US$ 145, Bridgestone Adrenalin @ US$ 160, Michelin Primacy @ US$ 188 and Continental @ US$ 240?

All comments welcome, and TIA!

 

My recent research into tires for my E320 yielded two basic design's. Performance and touring. High performance tires usually have stiffer sidewalls, more agressive tread, and softer compunds. The result is great handling with a sacrifice to life and sometimes road noise. I have had two sets of Michelins, One set of Dunlops, and last week after much research have bought a set of Goodyear Assurance comfort treads through tire rack.

In my case my wife drives the Mb and ride quality, and life is much more important than handling. She drives like an old lady. Made a 500 mile round trip on the new tires and I am very pleased with the ride quality. will know more in several years. Paid @ 450$ delivered from tirerack and another 100$ balanced and mounted.

You need to analyze your needs, do some research, make your choice. The Tirerack website has a good comparison feature.

 

If the tire pressure is proper and the tread is full and uniform across the tire,it is not a tire issue.
Look to a bad engine mount,bad suspension bushings and sway bar downlinks.Inspect all suspension components.

 

Michelin. Good luck finding the MXV4 Energy series... they are discontinued and getting really hard to find. The Primacy series are the replacement line offered by Michelin. I have had some drama with other brands but the Michelin tires always seem to be the quite, steady guy in the room. You pay more up front but you don't have to worry or complain about them. I'm a converted Yokohama buyer and will buy Michelin from this point forward. Good luck.