[R129 SL] Bad Tires

[George Jenner]

Jan, I also changed out my original wheels and tires (1996 SL500 with 16" 
stock set up) I picked up a set of original AMG 18" wheels off of a 1996 
Sport Package SL.  I really like the look of these wheels and because they 
are wider in back they give the SL a more aggressive stance.  I looked 
around for reasonably priced Z rated tires and found that Michelin had come 
out with such a tire under the brand name Rykin Raptor.  I was able to 
obtain a set of these at just over $400 and had them mounted locally.  Right 
away I noticed a difference in the ride (it is rougher) but that was 
something I expected.  This setup certainly meets my expectations for 
performance but I have not had them on the car for a full year yet.
Happy Motoring - George

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jan Kuylaars" <J.kuylaars at kpnplanet.nl>
To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 6:33 PM
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] Bad Tires



> Never buy 18 inch Chinese Wanli tires !

> I bought last year 4 new tires and I must after 3500 miles replaces them 

> now

> for new.

> I have 6-7 mm profile and from the outside the tires looks perfect .

> But seen from the centre of the car every tires has over the side little

> cracks.

> I must replace them for new. The mechanics told me that everybody who 

> bought

> Wanli tires had the same complaints. My deliverer tells me there is no

> warranty on the tires. He will give 40 Euro discount for every new tire. 

> And

> because I always have trouble with my 18 inch wheels, and the driving is

> also not comfortable , I consider to set the original 16 inch wheels back

> again. However the 18 inch wheels looks formidable, I had the same problem

> already with Pirelli P6000. I now always look that the pressure is minimal

> 2.5 bar. I believe one of the reason could be the traffic speed limit bars

> they use a lot here in the Netherlands. But when I drive my 124 station 

> with

> original 16 inch wheels and Michelin tires I never had this problem. After

> driving 30 000 miles the profile was gone. Now I have also a Mazda 929 

> with

> 15 inch wheels and Michelin tires and I have also no problems. Maybe I

> should use 17 inch wheels? It is between ; Better performance and also

> better look?

>

>

>

> Jan Kuylaars Westerhoven

>

>

> The MB Coupes Website!

> R129 SL Mailing List

>

>

> -- 

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.26/752 - Release Date: 4/8/2007 

> 8:34 PM

>

>