I have a 2001 ML320 with the same wheel size mentioned above. Mine originally came with Dunlop Grandtreks. These were worn out after 40,000 miles. When I saw what the new ML's had on them I decided to go with a less trucky tire, since we almost never go offroad except to cross a highway median. But we do get snow.

Anyway I went for the Kumho Ecsta STX tire from Tire Rack. I was initially worried that the snow traction would not be as good as the Grandtreks, but was I ever wrong. These tires are great in the snow. At LEAST as good as the Grandterks. The ride is MUCH smoother, and they look awesome. I highly recommend any ML owner to give them a try.