I recently purchased a '00 ML 430 and noticed the Stock Dunlop GrandTrek 275/55-17 tires are IMHO a "budget" tire, with "B"-rated traction and temperature.

The only other tire that I know of in this size is a Pirelli Scorpion Zero. A much better tire in comparison of specifications.

I am wondering if other ML 430s came from the factory with the same Dunlop tires or if Mercedes ever put the Pirelli's on as OE. (I doubt it since the price difference between these two is double).

Also, I'd like to know how these tires subjectively compare. Anybody out there take off the Dunlop Grandtreks and replace them with the Pirelli Scorpions?

Thank You

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'87 300E
'88 560 SEL
'98 SL 500
'00 ML 430

I made arrangements with the dealer to purcahse my OEM tires with only 1.8 miles on them. They were happy to take them back in 1999 because thats when all the ML320 owners wanted the ML430 wheels and tires. I ended up purchasing Bridgestone Duelers because I didn't need the cost or performance of the Pirelli's. I have gone thru one winter with the Bridgestones, and have noticed that they are reasonablly well in adverse weather but worked harder then other MLs would because of the Sport-geared tread.

Since you are in the Las Vegas area, I don't think you have to worry about a couple inches of snow. So I think either Pirelli or the Bridgestones would be fine. The BRidgestones will definitely give you more wear and you wouldn't notice the difference unless you really pushed your ML, and I think your ML would give up before you could notice the difference in either tire's performance. AFter all it is an SUV. Hope that helps.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benz ML 430 V8 w/custom TV, Video, UHF, speaker system
- 93 190E 2.6 (4-sale) w/ an amp, equalizer, and CD-changer, integrated w. stock stereo for integrated cellular phone speaker system
- had a 93 190E m103 3.2, 5-speed trans,
- had a 88 300E 2.6
- had a 84 300TD w/275k+ miles
- 2002 S500/S600 - Maybe in a little more then a year

good response Charlie. I agree whole heartedly.

Thanks, Luke


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Luke Pavlick
Performance Specialist (ASE Certified Master Tech)
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