Rubbered up the wrong way

I purchased ex-demo E Class 320 CDI WITH 4,500 miles in March this year from MB Direct, is 58 reg. It has now completed 9,500 miles. I had cause to return to dealer as a warning light appeared. The garage undertook routine safety checks and advised the rear tyres were legal but approaching the 3mm mark and as recommended by MB should be replaced. I was quoted £490 including VAT. The existing tyres are Continental 265/35 R18 97Y Sports Contact 2. Is replacement after such low mileage usual? If so are these the best tyres. The fronts are the same except 245/40 R18 93Y.

Asked on 6 March 2010 by J.H., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John

The problem is that these are ridiculous wheels and tyres for the car. 265/35 R18 rears and 245/40 R18 fronts will inevitably wear quickly, give poor ride comfort and be vulnerable to kerbs, potholes and speed humps. The best thing to do is ascertain the smallest wheels that will fit round the brakes, then fit wheels of that size (16" or 17") with deeper profile tyres. These cars are actually nicest to drive on 16” wheels with 225/55 tyres.

Tags: wheels and tyres technical issues owning

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