Some interesting tips to share......I am also looking around for 18-inch tyres for my W126 soon,but meanwhile,I am still delibertaing what is my priorityry/wet performance,noise and comfort level.The ratings "D/W/C" are out of 10.
--------------------------------------------------------
LEVEL A PLUS- STREET TYRES

Superlative performance from this group and will certainly satisfy the hard core enthusiast. No practical consid*erations like comfort, noise and tread wear. Just sheer perform*ance. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NOVICES, unless otherwise stated.

BRIDGESTONE RE 710. 60, HR. D7,W8,C5,

Tremendous performance in both dry and wet. Perhaps the best 60 series performance tyre available, certainly likes wet condi*tions. Performance figures reach levels of the 50 series tyres but as a 60 series tyre they are slightly more better riding than 50 series tyres and has gentle handling characteristics. Noisy but still recommended. Replacement due.

BRIDGESTONE POTENZA S-02, 50, ZR, D7, W8, C6

Following in the name of the S-01(Expedia), the S-02 is actually a Potenza range. The Pole Position monkier means it has a softer compound. Dry performance is very good in this top echelon though not stunning. But its wet performance is. The way this tyre stays planted and handles itself is nothing short of superb. The dry performance is mitigated by very good handling balance which allows progressive handling with an European character as opposed to Japanese hi-grip characteristics. The S-02s are moderately noisy but do a reasonable job cushioning the occupants. Recommended even for Novices.

FALKEN AZENIS, 50,45 VR. D8, W7, C5

Latest Falken looks extremely aggressive with a wild looking pattern. It promises performance and does not disappoint. As expected grip levels whether cornering or braking is superb. Steering is positive in corners but a tad light straight-ahead. On-limit handling is a characterized by massive grip and if power is kept on, the levels are certainly ear flattening but needs care as progression to oversteer is quick but predictable. Wet weather performance is excellent but aquaplaning resistance may be lower than GRB. Japanese style hi-grip but really great performance. A favorite. Recommended for petrol heads.

FALKEN FK-451, 50, ZR. D7.5, W7.5,C6

Yet another Falken joining the top ranks. This time it decides to chase the S-02 with more European characteristics. The pronounced V-pattern looks like the Goodyear F-1s. Falken uses a new Silica, really sticky and soft compound so the grip is really good and it even feels sticky to touch like a race-tyre. The numerous drainage channels drain water very well for very good aquaplaning resistance but it reduces the amount of tread left for dry grip. By using a sticky compound Falken pushes performance up. Comfort is decent and wet performance is confidence inspiring, putting it quite nearly on the top rung. An interesting S-02 challenger and represents Falken’s European push. Recommended even for Novices.

FALKEN GRB, RS TUNE II 50,45 VR, ZR. D8,W7,C5

Top notch performance. These tyres have been used to tremendous advantage in Showroom Standard racing where a race-like compound finds its way into the tread pattern of a street-going tyre. Falken is now using Silica filler particles to give it durability and improve wet performance. Superb steering, grip, handling with very good wet performance. Comfortable for a 45 series tyre. Noise is mildly improved. Pricing is reasonable. If you want balance and performance, this is it. Recommended.

MICHELIN PILOT SPORT, 45, 50 ZR D8,W7,C6

Back with a vengeance, Michelin is again in the race. The new Pilot Sport was developed to address the shortcomings of the previous SX. Aquaplaning resistance is improved with the V pattern and it has more progressive wet handling. Dry performance has been improved and yet it has also managed to keep its progressive handling as would be expected for a European tyre. Big grip but not sticky. The biggest improvement has come in comfort where the super stiff sidewall of the SX is replaced by a flexible one in the Pilot Sport. This also means higher inflation pressures are needed to get the most out of the new tyre. An excellent all rounder with no significant weakness. Recommended even for novices.

PIRELLI P-ZERO 50, ZR. D8,W7,C6,

This is still a personal favourite even if its replacement is imminent. Performance is top-drawer stuff. The complete tyre as it is decently quiet and rides rather well. OE specification for several supercars. Very possibly the light*est performance tyre, size for size. Superb grip is available in the dry and wet. Steering feel is quite simply the best, giving a very positive, progressive feel. Near race-tyre performance but so comfortable. Pirelli really pulled out all the stops for this P-Zero. No compromises, unfortunately that goes for the price too. Expensive but currently one of the best. Recommended. Due for replacement in early 2000.

LEVEL A * STREET TYRES

The next best attainable performance with practical considerations like cost and comfort. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NOVICES unless otherwise stated.

DUNLOP FM 901, 50,VR. D8,W6,C6

Replacing the Formula W1, RSV, the Dunlop FM 901 performs better than the SP 9000 in the dry because of the extra tread it has in comparison. Handling characteristics are similar but stands up to hard treatment better. Grip is very good but not very sticky . Wet handling is good but aquaplaning resistance is slightly less then the SP9000. Needs high inflation pressures to perform. The compound used being similar to the SP9000. Curiously the FM 901 suited the Torsen differential of the test car and produced interesting results. A borderline A Plus contender.

DUNLOP SP-9000. 50, ZR. D7,W6,C7

Dunlop has decided to make a comfortable sports performance tyre. The SP9000 does not set higher performance levels than the outgoing SP8000 but it is the best in low noise in this class and maybe better than many so-called comfort tyres. The tyre has balanced handling and decent grip even in wet conditions. Does not raise eyebrows though. But once fitted, the low noise is a revelation but leaves you wishing for a bit more grip. Want low noise? This is the best. Recommended for novices.

GOODYEAR EAGLE F-1, 50 VR. D7,W7.5, C5

Goodyear’s top range tyre has not the grippiest of compounds but its handling balance is very good. Drifting is done so progressively and predictably. This is the key to its success. Steering has a soft feel but becomes positive when engaging a corner. Noise levels had a raised broad spectrum noise which fortunately precludes a beat frequency. Wet performance is near excellent mainly because the confident balance is still there, with excellent aquaplaning resistance. An easy to like tyre and fairly comfortable. The sort of tyre even novices can start with. Recommended.