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Are they actually any different? I don't need a manufacturer version for my Octavia, but often in the online searches the only option in a tyre that i want is a Mercedes fitment version. Does that just mean they can charge more for the same tyre for those with a 3 pointed star on their bonnet?
They are the the same size, speed and load ratings.
I have heard of this on motorbike tyres where a specific model of tyre would come in a kawasaki fitment. I seem to recall in that instance there was an extra 1mm depth on the tread
I can make a huge difference.
My Honda S2000 it has a specific Bridgestone with firmer/stiffer sidewall.
The non Honda version can make the car feel very sketchy when cornering.
Prices tend to be the same regardless of version
yes they are different.
OE tyres are tuned to match the characteristics of the car (in the eyes of the manufacturer).
There can be quite some difference....
In the aftermarket the price may not be any higher, but if you absolutely specify a dedicated tyre (for example the Merc 'MO' spec), then the price could be higher as it would not typically be stocked. (unless perhaps you go to the Merc garage for your tyres)
Besides vehicle tuned tyres there have been other reasons. Back in the late 80s early 90s Jaguar used special rims (odd beads) and specified tyres from Pirellie as an early attempts at run flat.
cheers. I won't bother with the MO versions then. Cant' even find Conti sport contact 3's in regular spec at the moment either.
When I've bought a new motorbike, the first thing I've done is change the tyres.
The Kawasaki and Yamaha OEM tyres inparticular seem to have a harder compound and offer very little grip compared to the non OEM version of the same tyre.
I had a particulary scary moment on a Yamaha R1 a few years ago and I've never used OEM tyres on a motorbike since.
I was told by a dealer that OEM tyres on some motorbikes were often fitted to give a longer wear rate rather than any performance advantage.
I just spoke to continental "technical" dept. They were a little vague, but seemed to think there wasn't actually any difference in the mercedes and regular version of this particular tyre. It's just that Mercedes have certified the tyre.
I would strongly doubt that....
They probably mean 'noticeable' difference.
If the price is the same then why not have the Mereceds spec?
Do you know if it's worse (or better) than the replacement spec tyre?
Normally speaking, that tyre spec is readily available because of stock excess due to production forecasting issues.
Conversely, I have Goodyear Eagle "N" spec (Porsche) Tyres on my Z4, as I was having difficulty finding non-Porsche tyres in the correct size. Goodyear told me it was to done only to identify precisely the correct tyre in a specific range that matched the (load requirements) requirements for a 911.
Using a lower load index made the cars squirm under heavy acceleration.
They fit perfectly and are a substantial improvement over the CSC3s they replaced.
But load index is already pre-designated by tyre size....
The N marking identifies a tyre which meets the Porsche requirements including whichever characteristics are deemed necessary by them.
I once owned a CSL and according to BMW they wouldn't warranty any claims against steering and suspension failure arising from any incorrect tyre fitment, and that my insurance may have been invalid if I had changed to different tyres due to it being a non-BMW approved modification. I'm sure it was balls though.