I fear my new 1999 ML320 is coming with the General ties and would like something better. Any recommendations? Tirerack doesn't list much that fits. Mostly road use and no rough terrain use.

olc-
I can't share any personal experience with you because I don't own an M-Class. (Although I was extremely impressed with the ones I drove for our "Customer On-Track article")

While surfing the web I found this site that might help you:
http://4x4abc.com/index.html

Be sure to look at the section called "4WD-101". The author of the site seems to prefer the 265/75R16 BFGoodrich All Terrain Tires. Let us know what you finally decide to buy and why.


------------------
Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

olc,
What are your priorities? Do you want mostly car-like traits that do best on pavement or are you looking to tackle some serious offroading obstacles? Looking for better snow traction? If Tirerack (hence the tire industry) does not make/carry many tires in the OEM size have you considered changing sizes slightly? A swap to ML430 rolling stock might help. Let us know what you are looking for and we will be more than happy to help out. As always, give Tirerack a call and talk with their staff. They are well versed in helping you find the best fittment for your needs.

Hope this helps...Lee

Most of the mileage will be on paved roads. I don't anticipate any serious off-road use at all, just an occasional realtively smooth backroad or a beach. I really don't want to replace the wheels, just upgrade the tires. Going to plus-sizing would require I give up the space to a full size spare since the ESP would freak out with different tire sizes.

Stock size is 255/65-16. The Michelin/LTX M/S is supposed to be excellent but Michelin's web site doesn't show this size any more. I could go down to a 245/70-16 I suppose, which is about 1/4 inch larger radius.

OLC,
In size 255/65/16, Tirerack shows both the Michelin LTX (for $106) and the Pirelli Scorpion S/T (for $127) available. My recommendation would be towards the Michelin but you may want to talk to Tirerack's staff to get a good second opinion. In either case, you should give Tirerack a call. Let us know how it turns out.

Hope this helps...Lee

P.S. ESP/ASR/ABS will freak out if a different rolling radius wheel/tire is fitted at the same time. If the rolling radius stays the same you are okay. Since the 275/55/17 ML430 setup is .5% shorter than OEM, any spare tire differences would not be a problem at all.

I finally got the Michelin LTX M&S, and they've been on a few days. Handling is greatly improved over the Generals. My brother, who got an ML320 the same day I did, replaced the Dunlops that came with his and notices less change. The ride seems better on smoother roads, but a little more harsh on rougher pavement. Do tires need to "break in"? Road feel seems up.

Overall a good deal at $280 to swap, including mounting, lifetime balancing (which they did within 1/100 of an ounce) and rotating, road hazard replacement warranty , and tax. I don't usually buy the warranties but it seemed to be part of the deal which gave me full retail price on the trade-ins.