It's about time to replace tires on my 94' C280. Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus is a good choice however it's expensive. Consumer reports rate Dunlop D60 A2 fairly high, and it's cheap. However, I just found out that its load rating index (for 195/65/15) is just 89. The technical data in the manual recommands load rating index 91. Should this be a big concern?

------------------
Harry (94 C280)

I had those very same Dunlop's on my '84 SD when I purchased it. I couldn't wait to get them off the car! I replaced wheels and tires from my '83 SD which I traded. (15" wheels with crap generic tires, but it handles much better now.) I plan to get MXV4's as soon as the budget allows.

The Dunlop's made the car handle very "squirrelly" even going straight down the road.

They are H-rated, but they didn't seem like a good match for my car. If you want to save money, maybe call Tirerack and see if they'd recommend either Bridgestone Potenza RE930's or Pirelli P4000 super touring. Either should be better than the Dunlop's. I had the Bridgestone's on my late Acura Integra and they were pretty good in snow.

I think that tires are a definite area where you do get what you pay for.

------------------
Robert W. Roe
1984 300SD 165K miles

For a touring tire the Michelin Energy MXV4 cannot be beat. Have heard good things about the Bridgestone touring tire as well but still favor the Michelin. Tires are something where different brands, models, and sizes seem to work best with specific makes and models. Hence, what works great on the Consumer Reports test vehicle may not accentuate the qualities of your benz. The latest version of the MXV4, "Energy MXV4 Plus", will give you plenty of bang for the buck. Even if it is a bit more expensive than the Dunlops up front. Think of it as "how much per mile" and do the math. To beat the proverbial dead horse again...everything your vehicle does is dependent on those 4 contact patches.

Hope this helps...Lee