I was browsing through the wheels, and it recommends 285/55/19 for 19" wheels on your site. I thought that the proper size was 285/45/19. It looks like a misprint to me. Just thought I would let you know.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx 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
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

Although the 285/55-19 is a taller size it is the recommended size due to the load carrying capacity of the tire. The 285/45-19 is closer to the factory diameter and is the factory installed tire on the new BMW sport ute it does not have the capacity that is recommended for the ML's
Thanks, Luke

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Luke Pavlick
Performance Specialist (ASE Certified Master Tech)
The Tire Rack
(click banner at top of the page
to visit Tire Rack)

Wouldn't the larger size through off many of the electronics on my ML thoguh if i went with 19" 285/55/19s. That is almost 2" taller then stock.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx 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
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

Your truck isn't quite as precise as most other Benz's. So, although, there will be a difference in the diameter you vehicle will not be significantly effected.
Thanks, Luke

Here is another annoying questions but if the BMW X5 SUV weighs more 4800 lbs while my 99 ML430 weighs roughly 4550 lbs. Why does my ML need a greater load capacity then the X5 when the X5 weighs more then my ML430 and the 285/45/19 fits the X5. Also does that mean that the 20" size of 295/40/20 is not recommended for my ML430, or does that have the load capacity.

Also If I did go 19" carlsson or something, and had to wear a tire that is 2" taller, wouldn't I run into problems with my ML being lowered this summer.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx 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
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

Mercedes requires more load carry capacity due to the vehicles towing ability and for a greater margin of safety. I will double chack my facts on this issue and post the findings if they are different than previously stated.
Thanks, Luke

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Luke Pavlick
Performance Specialist (ASE Certified Master Tech)
The Tire Rack
(click banner at top of the page
to visit Tire Rack)

Thanxs, I really appreciate the research.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx 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
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)

I was doing a little researching to, and I found out that the exact vehcile weight of the $60,000 2000 BMW X5 4.4i (unit body construction) is 4828lbs with a 6000lb towing capacity. My $45,000 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML 430 (A Real Truck) is about 4550lbs (the 2000 is almost 4700lbs, I guess GPS system and that extra leather/sound proofing quilty interior upgrades is really heavy ) with a 5000lb towing capacity.

I guess it is all about the great margin of safety.

Another question:

Performance wise, wouldn't 18" wheels be better.

I could live with 18x10" and 285/50/18. I just want the best performing setup. (Thats why I have been praying somebody make 315/45/18 or something. I was estatic to find out Nitto makes SUV tire in wide sizes. But they only have 31.2 and 31.8" sizes (305/55/18, 305/20/18.) Do you think you can influence any tire manufactuers (Like a Michelin Pilot LTX) to start prodcution in that size many tire manufactuers have the 255/55/18 already No persussion possible) Oh well all is good.

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Chirag (Charlie) Patel

- 99 Mercedes-Benx 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
- 2001 C-Class - Maybe (if 190E sells)