ML320 Tire Recommendation?
 

Anyone have a good recc for replacement tires on my 99 ML? I'd like to stay at or very near the 255/65/16s currently installed and will stay with the stock rims. I'm not particularly impressed with my OEM Genaral Grabbers other than their long life, and I haven't heard glowing reviews of the OEM Grantreks either. I'm looking at the new Michelin Cross terrains, but they go for 50% more than everything else (name cost or are they that good). I've got the new Dunlop SP Sport 5000s on my wife's car and would likley go with those but they only make the 17 inchers that fit the new MLs. I've mostly road driving with periodic beach sand and mountain snow. I checked the Tire Rack options, but wondered what the ML guys out there think. :confused:

I'm looking at replacing my ML tires soon, but I will probably stay with the OEM Grabbers for the reason you stated...long life!

I have three MBs to deal with when it comes to tires. Just replaced the second set on the W124 this summer, and the SL looks to need a set by next year as well. This would be a very expensive budget buster if I had to shod each one with sticky sports performance tires...so long life is VERY important to me.

I've been satisfied with the Grabbers, and my use of the ML is primarily for highway travel and weekend jaunts to soccer games and retail hunting and gathering.

I don't ask much of the ML, no shaloms, rock climbing trails, or snowy treks through Donners Pass or anything, just easy paved road cruising.;)

We get a little better comments on the Dunlop Grantreks compared to the General Grabbers. If price were no major consideration (it is!) I'd opt for the Michelin Cross Terrain's though.

Gilly

I replaced the OEM Grabbers on my wife's 99 ML320 at 34k miles with Pirelli Scorpions. A friend of mine has just done the same on his 99 ML320.

The tread pattern is really good in the wet and they run quieter than the OEM Grabbers. They also seem to have a slightly stiffer sidewall which has imoroved the handling. Can't give you any info on wear patterns because they are still only 2k miles old.

99ML320
98 RR 4.0

Thanks for the info everyone. For G-Benz, you might want to look at pricing for both the Grabber AW and the ST. The AW has a little smaller tread block than the ST currently on your truck. A while back, one of the sites (not sure if it was Tire Rack or Tires.com) had the Grabber AW on a special for $40. I almost bought a set even though I didn't need them yet, couldn't believe that price. The wear, noise and handling rating numbers are much better for the Michelin Cross terrain than almost anything else out there. I'll probably take the plunge and splurge. Looks like I'll be the guinea pig on this one. Will let you know what I think.

I’ve been happy with the General’s on my ML. They work well in snow (my primary criteria), however on the supposition that this will be a typically snowy year around here and the fact that I will probably be in snow country more than ever (read that in excess of 50 days), I am leaning strongly to some Nokia tires. They are considered the best of the pack...

Dunlop Grandtreks are great...
 

I have dunlop grandtreks and they are awesome, great handling and turning.. with no skid in the rain, I haven't tried the other ones but i recommend them because I use them myself and never had a problem with them... put a little megiuars endurance shine and any old tire would look brand new! heheh

I've replaced my Gran Treks with the Cross Terrains from Michelin. The Michelins have a more refined ride and are quieter. They are also much more expensive. I won't go back though.

In that size, this is my suggestion.

Michelin Cross Terrain SUV
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Cross+Terrain+SUV&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=565HR6CTSUV

We have the Dunlop SP5000 on our '02 ML320 and I like them.

I agree with TABO; Dunlop Grandtreks do a great job. However, the Michelins are tempting- but they cost about twice as much. I'll have to check my bank account when my Dunlops wear out!:D

Tires
 

The OEM tires on my M were Dunlop GrandTreks. These were replaced with Yokohama Geolandar AT+ at about 40k miles. The
Yokos were replaced with Michelin LTX M/S also at about 40k miles. I had few options besides the LTX's because these were replaced during the height of Ford's Firestone fiasco and many models/sizes were locked up by Ford owner demands. Here are my data points on these (un-scientific and polarized):
best on-road tire (dry)=GrandTrek
best off-road tire=Geolandar
highest road noise=Geolandar
lowest road noise=Dunlop/Michelin
best on-road wet=Michelin
best wearing=Michelin (LTX will probably go to 60K)
worst flat prone=Geolandar
would buy again=Michelin

The LTXs are heavily siped and are excellent on wet roads. Have not had them in heavy snow yet. Dunlops were bad on wet pavement and in snow.

Go for the Nokian Hakka type WR. After about 300 miles on mountain hiway driving, I am really happy with the improvement over the OEM tires (Generals). The ride is notably softer, the tires are almost sticky in snow/ice, and are not as noisy as the predecessors. With this, what is wrong?

And, BTW, why is it that OEM tires are always so anemic on the performance front? D’oh, that’s right, those dang EPA fuel numbers!

Happy Hakkapeliitta

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.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=83547&highlight=cross+terrains

Found link to this subject with search function. You may want to check it out.

at 105,000 I bought Kumho Etsta's for my 1999 ML320. They are now ready for replacement AT 150,000.
The Kumho's were about $400 total installed at Belle who matched the tire rack price.
They never slipped or hinted at slipping when pulling my boat out of the water , driven on sand or in the Michigan Winter. 99.9% of my driving is on streets. I would like quiet cheap tires this time. Still shopping.