Hi, Luke.

Just got new '01 ML320 which came with 255/65HR16 Dunlop Grandtrek TG35(109H load index) on 16x8 wheels. Hate the dry ride/handling on these. Do not know about rain/snow, but think will keep them as snow package. Want to change to 18x9 AMG 163 wheels you carry(same as ML55).

Would like to go with 255/55-18 all around, as Pirelli Scorpion Zero is the only "all-season" tire in 285/50-18 size.

255/55-18 tire choices in no particular order:

A. Pirelli Scorpion Zero 109V load
B. Pirelli Scorpion S/T 109H load
C. Michelin Energy MXV4 plus 105H(?) load
D. Michelin Pilot LTX 104V(?) load

Questions:

1. Is lower then original load rating on Michelins is a problem for a 4,700lb SUV? If yes, then they are out.

2. I will use ML320 mostly in bad weather so best dry traction is NOT important since I assume(please, correct me if I am wrong) that shorter sidewall will cure the OE tires handling. Best all around tire in regards to ride/handling dry/wet & snow(very important) traction is what I am looking for.

I know that it sounds like I want everything, but...

Please, rate them 1 thru 4.

Thank you very much in advance.

P.S.: I welcome respond from anyone who actually done what I am planning to do.

1.) Scorpion S/T
2.) Pilot LTX
3.) Energy MXV4
4.) Scorpion Zero (not good in snow)


Load rating on any of these tires is acceptable and would work fine on your ML320. We do carry the AMG wheels and they are the same ones that are on the ML55.
Thanks, Luke

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Thank you very much, Luke.

When I upgrade, I would consider using the Yokohama AVS S/T n 285/50/18. I wouldn't really worry about All-Season traction ratings, just because a cross-section of that wide would hae trouble biting in snow even if it were all-season.

I have an ML430, with the stock 275/55/17 for the winters, thought it would do better then my Bridgestones. Didn't work so well either. My ESP is kicking in alot more then I would like, and slides alot more.

I would consider using 255/55/18 if you really are concerned about All-Season traction and don't want to change tires. Michelin XPC RF are used as standard tires by Range Rover 4.6 HSE. They give up alot in traction for the All-Season capability. The others are All-Season, but I could tell you that you will hardly notice the difference. The other Michelin's are ok in the snow, have heard alot about them not biting well after a little bit of wear. Also the MXV4 are really car tires, and I don't like the idea of car tires on my SUV.

My opinion, keep the 285/50/18 on the 18" wheels, and stock 255/65/16 for snow.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel
--------------------------------------------
- 03 Mercedes S600 Sport TTV12
- 97 Acura NSX-T
- 99 BMW E36 M3 w/500+ HP
- 04 Lexus RX330
- 04 Dodge Dakota Quad 4x4 V8

4 Sale:
- 99 BMW M3 E36 Coup with Dinan SC, Upgraded to an RMS Stage 3 with Aftercooler, 12psi, and 500+hp @ flywheel.

Thank you.

Get the Michelin 4x4. Best SUV tire I think. They feel very car like in construction. Great ride and handling.

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1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E

Thanks everyone for your responses.

But...

...Isn't Michelin 4x4 XPC biased more toward "off-road" vs. "on-road" since it is an OEM for the off-road king, Range Rover? Same applies to Pirelli Scorpion S/T, an other OEM on Range Rover.

...Isn't Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus in 255/55-18 an OEM on a BMW X5 - hardly a car and very much the only true competitor to the ML?

Since I will drive ML only in the NYC area (no planned off-roading at all - it is not good at it), what I need is a tire that will better original Grandtreks in the on-road feel, handling, will cure or tame body roll while at least match the OEM Grandtreks in their supple ride, wet and snow traction(e.g. they are 12/32 depth vs. 10/32 for all above mentioned).
Need not "just" a better SUV tire for the above conditions, but a better tire for the ML320 specifically.

Luke.

Michelin 4x4 XPC and Pirelli Scorpion S/T are frontrunners, but I still keep Energy MXV4 Plus in mind for I thing it is very good tire choice for ML320 specifically in all above mentioned categories except snow traction. Am I correct?

Thank you very much in advance.

4x4 is SERIOUSLY supple (very surprising). They work fabulously on MLs. BTW, take note that these tires are also made in STOCK size 255/65/16, so the wheel upgrade isn't really necessary. The way I do upgrades when I do them is to pick my tire first, and get a wheel that looks good and fits it. For performance upgrades, this is the way to go. Pick tire, then wheel. For cosmetics, wheel then tire is usually okay.

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1988 Mercedes-Benz 260E

The Michelin 4x4 XPC is a little more aggressive and does lean towards an offroad design and is the factory Land Rover tire. Michelin has come out with a new tire which is called the Cross Terrain. It is specifically designed for SUV's.
I know it doesn't come in the proper 18" size for the M class but, I thought I would mention it any way.
Thanks, Luke

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Please, call me to place orders or for more info
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