I have been emailing and calling various people but I have not recieved any solid answers to date. What is the deal with Michelin discontinuing the Pilot HX MXM? If they are, why not make those sizes (particularly 235/50/16) in Pilot SX GT tire? Why is the 235/50/16 Michelin Pilot impossible to find anywhere? Mich. says they are not discontinued, but nobody can get them.

Dunlop makes the SP 9000 in 235/50/16 for sale in the UK and europe. However Dunlop does not sell it in the US. I can't seem to be able to get a set over here. Stories range from that size being DOT certified to marketing conflicts. If anyone has some hard answers or knows a source to get them in the US I'm all ears.

In any case, the Mich XGT Z4's on the 500E are inadequate and less than a millimeter off the treadbars. The XGT's are not a bad tire, just overwhelmed by the 500E. 245/50/16 seems the most likely alternative. In that size I'm leaning toward the Mich MXX3, Dunlop 9000, or Firestone SZ50. (3 different budget levels)

Of course, I welcome all info/recommendations/personal experience/etc.

Lee

Just wanna throw in a comment Yokohoma, is that an alternative concern ?
They are that pricy, and I am sure about the good dry traction.

Thanks for the input but;
A) What yokohama tire are you refering to? A520, AVS S1, AVS Sport, AVS Intermediate, Nexus?

B) I sincerely doubt any but the AVS Intermediate are available in 235/50/16 or 245/50/16. What sizes are you talking about?

In the wet the AVS Intermediate have quite a reputation for being spooky and twitchy. It rains like hell here in Atlanta so wet traction is a concern of mine. Not to mention at $175 a tire (235/50/16) for the AVS Intermediate I can find better cost-handling options.

Incedentally, two options have surfaced. I know I can get 235/50/16 Pirelli P6000 (summer ultra-high performance tire not P6000 touring) for about $190 a tire. Last price I was quoted for the Michelin Pilot MXM was $205 a tire. I will likely get one of those two tires shortly. I'm leaning toward the Michelin but if I can't get it I will just get the Pirelli. Of course, any experiences with either of those are welcome.

Lee

92' Fire Breathing 500E needing new shoes soon.