ProtonVehiCROSS

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I have a 2007 SLK55 with stock tires. The tires don't have enough grip and it's pretty easy to have the ESP kick in when accelerating up a freeway ramp at full-bore.

Obviously the engine has a lot of torque, and maybe there's not much that can be done about this, but I wonder if stickier tires are available that won't be so prone to spin-out? Has anyone else found something with noticeably better "road suction?" As it is, I dare not turn off the ESP.

Also, in heavy rain, I've found the vehicle to be scary. It doesn't stick the road like my Isuzu VehiCROSS (SUV) and is easily flustered by heavy rain or puddles on the freeway. Even going 40 mph the other day, I felt the car drift significantly to the point where I felt at risk of it going out of control, even though it doesn't weigh very much much less than my 3900lb-4200lb VehiCROSS. The vehicles are very different (SUV vs. roadster) but I was really taken by surprise at just how mediocre-handling the SLK was in a Seattle downpour.

DansSlk

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What state are the tires in, I've driven many SLK55's in just about every weather condition i can think of and the stock tires stick quite well, not so good in the wet obviously but then it is trying to put down 360hp and a sh1t load more torque.

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ProtonVehiCROSS

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The tires are in Washington state. I guess you meant what condition they are in. :-). They only have 6500 miles as the is nearly new and they appear to be in good condition. I didn't pay attention to the brand, but on my SUV I've been happy with Toyo Proxes and Pirelli Scorpion Zero. Maybe part of the problem is that I am not used to RW drive which is less stable on wet roads than AWD like my SUV...

smoothbnzf4n4tc

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There was a cloud burst in Europe with my 55 on the highway. I was a bit hesitant at first, knowing its a small car and has a big engine. However, I was going comfortably and 65-70mph and the car felt extremely stable. Please note that the car only had a 1000 miles by then so the tires were relatively new.

midget fidger

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Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric work great in the wet and dry. From a standstill in the rain, slamming on the accelerator does not result in ESP intervention...but then again this is on a 350 .

mtiede

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I went through some storms on our recent trip and the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 seemed to do very well. However, I probably didn't do the speeds or acceleration you may have done. TireRack is a pretty good place to get people's opinion of tires. The PS2's seemed to get top ratings in all categories.

Dolebludger

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If you don't care about ride smoothness, go with your selection of a "Y" speed rated tire. It is speed rated to about 200 mph. It will generally have a soft and grippy tread, but have a very stiff sidewall. This means that your ride will stiffen up, but the grip on the tread will be better -- though tread life will be rather short-lived. Go to the tire rack board on this forum, and inquire. You will be able to find the tire that fits your criteria -- whether you buy from tirerack or not.

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FishtailnZ

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I'm VERY happy with Bridgestone RE-01R's - not a great wet weather tire, but absolutely astounding in the dry!

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- Bill

Waiting on a 2009 C63 Opal Fire Red/Alpaca Grey

R.I.P. 2006 SLK55 Caspian Blue/Beige
Stock 1/4 mile results: ET 12.72, trap 110.80, 60' 1.80

Some guys they just give up living and start dying little by little, piece by piece. Some guys come home from work and wash up and go racin' in the street... - B. Springsteen

F111F

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Recommend getting a tire that was made in Germany, like Bridgestone or Goodyear.
The Goodyear GS-DS1 or F1 Assymetric should work well in the rain and dry when accelerating. I have GS-DS1's for everyday driving and they are very similar to F1 Assymetric. Bridgestone RE-01R, which I like here in Texas is not a good rain or cold weather tire. Get a Bridgestone RE-50 or Bridgestone tire designed to work in your weather conditions. Also, it is not unexpected to have to replace your rear tires, if you have been punching it a lot, even after 6500 miles.

Use the TireRack click ad on this site and look at tires that will perform and the reviews. Also, call TireRAck (tell you got the number through SLKWorld.com!) and they can help answer your questions.

Hope this helps.