General Grabber ST tread       Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico Falken Ziex S/TZ01

M-class road tires

		load	speed	UTQG	driver comments	dia.
16 inch
Bridgestone Dueler H/T	255/65 R16	106	S	180 B B	wears fast	29.3"
Continental 4x4 Contact	255/65 R16	109	H	420 A A	"very happy, they handle well and are not noisy at all"	29.1"
Continental CrossContact LX	255/65 R16	109	H	560 A B	New premium highway all season tire	29.1"
Cooper Discoverer Sport HP	255/65 R16	109	H	260 A A	also available in Australia: "Quieter than the Dunlop, better roadholding, all round a very nice tyre."	29.05"
Dunlop Grandtrek TG 35	255/65 R16	109	H	300 A A	Drew's favorite; "a lot of wear" "mine lasted 52,600 miles"	29.1"
Dunlop Grandtrek TG 35	255/65 R16	109	T	300 B B	"last around 28k on average" "have 56k on them"	29.1"
Dunlop Radial Rover A/T	255/70 R16	109	S	500 A B	"I like them, more aggressive than standard"	30.1"
General Grabber AW	255/65 R16	SL		440 A B	"First impressions: much quieter, they handle fine (though I haven't really tried any hard cornering) and I am glad to save the $."	29.1"
General Grabber ST	225/75 R16	104	H	360 B A	"sharper handling, better grip, won't go back to the fatties"	29.3"
General Grabber ST	255/65 R16	109	H	360 B A	"I like them too. It's my kind of tire. Not sporty enough for some maybe, more a *grand touring* all season kind of tire similar to the Conti CH95 oem on the S and E or the Michelin MXV4" "pliable tire, comfortable ride" "on beach and snow, performed well up to 30,000 miles" "never had any complaints, gave me 3.5 years/45K of service""I replaced the original General Grabbers on my ML320 at 50,000 miles and still had tread on them."	29.3"
General Grabber ST	255/65 R16	109	T	360 B A	"comfortable ride, quiet, wear well 5 years, 35k mi" "replaced my Generals after 35K miles with...another set of Generals. I bought them at NTB with lifetime balance and road hazard for about $400 tax and all" "the difference between driving on the old Generals and the new ones is night and day. It's amazing what pavement does to tires!"	29.3"
Kumho ECSTA STX	255/65 R16	109	H	320 A A	"great in the snow. At LEAST as good as the Grandtreks. The ride is MUCH smoother, and they look awesome. I highly recommend them."	29.0"
Michelin Cross Terrain SUV	255/65 R16	109	H	520 A A	"better performance on road, highway and around town, both dry and wet conditions--noticeably smoother and quieter ride (than Dunlops)" "excellent, no problem in snow from a dusting to about 5-6" on the road, confident traction and stopping, very good in rain and/or slush, excellent ride and handling" "Never got close to the 65,000 miles wearout.""I got mine at Costo, one of the best place to get them IMHO. They use NITROGEN instead of air to inflate."	29.0"
Michelin LTX M/S	255/65 R16	106	S	440 A B	"low noise, good wet traction" "had 60k on them with 10k to go when I traded it"	29.2"
Michelin 4x4 XPC	255/65 R16	109	H	n.a.	"extremely happy" it's a tougher truck "LT" rated tire - see also the offroad tire table	29.3"
Michelin Pilot LTX	265/70 R16	111	H	400 A A	"like '80s Benz (super)"	30.6"
Pirelli Scorpion S/T	255/65 R16	109	H	320 A B	"were loud (compared to Michelin Cross Terrains)"	29.2"
Pirelli Scorpion S/T	265/70 R16	112	T	320 A B	"very pleased so far"	30.6"
Pirelli Scorpion Zero	275/60 R16	109	V	300 AA A	"ultimate SUV tire" "quieter, smoother, (than Dunlops), look good" "They are lasting longer, ride better, and I think much better in the wet. I wanted a larger foot print on the road."	29.0"
Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S G051	255/55 R16	106	S	500 A B	up to 51 PSI	29"
Yokohama Geolandar A/T+	255/70 R16	109	S	360 B B	"more sensitive to sidewind, used 35 PSI"	30.3"
17 inch
Continental 4x4 Contact	235/65 R17	104	H/V	420 A A	developed with Continental for the W164 M-class, standard on the V6 models	29"
Michelin Latitude Tour HP	235/65 R17	104	H/V	440 A A	developed with Michelin for the W164 M-class, standard on the V6 models	29.2"
Continental CrossContact LX	255/60 R17	106	H	680 A B	"quiet, corner well, comfortable, without being soft or spongy"	29.1"
Continental 4x4 Contact	255/60 R17	106	H	420 A A	"very happy, they handle well and are not noisy at all" "I was in Death Valley on the road to the Racetrack when one blew out." "This and the Dunlop are the best currently offered tires. It won a comparison test, and I can also recommended them. M+S rated. On much snow/ice consider a true winter tire since 4x4s don't brake better than 2x4s."	29.1"
Dunlop SP Sport 5000	255/60 R17	106	H	280 A A	"big difference, less float, more stability, better ride, better cornering (than Dunlops on 16" wheels)"	29.1"
Dunlop Grandtrek ST 8000	255/60 R17	106	H	200 A A	new	29.1"
Dunlop Grandtrek PT 8000	255/60 R17	109	V	280 A A	new	29.1"
Goodyear Eagle RS-A	255/60 R17	105	H	260 A A		29.1"
Michelin CrossTerrain SUV	255/60 R17	105	S	700 A B	not H speed rated like the OEMs	29.1"
Pirelli Scorpion STR	255/60 R17	106	H	520 A A		29.1"
Pirelli Scorpion Zero	255/60 R17	106	V	300 A A	new	29.1"
Michelin MXV4 Plus	235/65 R17	104	H	400 A A	up to 51 psi	29.1"
Michelin 4x4 Synchrone	235/65 R17	104	H	380 AA A	up to 51 psi	29.1"
Pirelli Scorpion A/T	235/65 R17	108	T	450 A B	"normal size A/T offroad tire for countries with stringent size regulations" also see offroad tire table	29.1"
Continental 4x4 Contact	275/55 R17	109	V	420 A A
Dunlop Grandtrek TG35	275/55 R17	109	H	300 B B	"still decent at around 40,000 miles" "a bit too wide and don't bite into the snow very well" was apparenty discontinued	29.1"
Dunlop SP Sport 5000 Symmetrical	275/55 R17	109	V	340 A A	"I have not had any regrets" "I have found the Dunlops (both Winter Sport M2 and SP5000) to be excelent choices." "We were in Arizona and New Mexico during the summer. There were some monster rain storms then and even with the size of the Dunlops they never skipped a beat!" These tires have an asymmetrical tread but are not uni-directional???	29.1"
General Grabber ST	275/55 R17	109	H	360 B A		29.3"
Goodyear Fortera HL Edition	275/55 R17	109	H	540 A B	"These tires are quiet, handle bumps with less jarring and leaning in turns is noticeably reduced. Glad I tried these tires."
Michelin CrossTerrain SUV	275/55 R17	109	H	520 A A	new, for SUVs "slightly stiffer, but quieter than Dunlops" "..am very disappointed. The ride quality over small bumps is MUCH worse than the Dunlops..." "can't get used to the handling" "I'm yet to see anyone complain of 'em not lasting long. 43k miles on this set of cross terrains and going strong.. :)"	29.1"
Nokian Hakkapeliitta	275/60 R17	111	T		"just got 250 miles on them. pretty happy, came of the 16 inch Generals. The sidewall is stiff enugh to provide a little better handling, yet the ride is better. PLUS they grip really well in the slick stuff. We've had ice around here for a few day and they perform much better than the Generals. Pretty quiet too." snow traction rated, see wintertires	30.6"
Pirelli Scorpion STR	275/55 R17	109	H	520 A A	new	29"
Pirelli Scorpion Zero	275/55 R17	109	V	300 AA A	"absolutely loved them" "best tires I have ever driven on"	29.1"
Toyo Proxes S/T	275/60 R17	111	V	420 A A	"very good tires"	29.9"
Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S G052	275/55 R17	109	H	460 A A	"they are great tires"
Yokohama Geolandar A/T Plus II	275/65 R17	113	H	360 B A	"more sensitive to side wind, used 35 PSI" "good performance, a little noisy, still good after 40,000 miles, changed due to sidewall puncture" "They do not rub; exceptional traction (beach)" "Was concerned with the Q rating on the BFGs; I ran mine on the road to "the racetrack" in Death Valley. The tires survived"	31.3"
Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S	275/65 R17	115	H	500 A B	new offroad design	31.3"
Toyo Proxes S/T	285/60 R17	114	V	420 A A	"wanted wider than 275"	30.4"
18 inch OEM wheel, Lorinser LM-3 10 x 18
Continental 4x4 Contact	255/55 R18	105	H or V	360 A A	developed with Continental for the W164 M-class, standard on the V8 models	29"
Michelin Latitude Tour HP	255/55 R18	105	H/V	440 A A		29.2"
Michelin XPC 4x4	255/55 R18	109	H	440 A B	super duper; offroad All-Terrain	29"
Continental 4x4 Contact	265/60 R18	110	H or V	360 A A	developed with Continental for the GL-class, standard on the V8 models	30.5"
Dunlop SP Sport 5000M	265/60 R18	110	H	200 A A	"performance tire designed for the Mercedes-Benz GL450"
Bridgestone Dueler H/P	285/50 R18	109	H	300 A A		29.2"
Dunlop SP Sport 9000	285/50 R18	109	W	280 AA A	"excellent in dry or wet weather, and they last surprisingly long for Max Performance tires, but they're worthless in more than 1/4 inch of snow." "I like them for the rain" "tend to get a flat spot when they're on a stationary vehicle for a few weeks at a time. It seems like the lack of a 5000 lb vehicle will remedy this" "I love the 9000s. I got 30k miles on a set. They're amazing in dry or wet weather. Very good handling, minimal noise, and NO hydroplaning at any speed. They stink in anything more than 1/2 inch of snow though, so I got the WinterSports."	29.2"
Continental CrossContact UHP	285/50 R18	109	W	320 AA A	"very happy with them. They hold the road well and are relatively quiet." "was concerned at first that they might not do well in the rain because they are so wide, but I have to say that the tires treated the wet road, with standing water, like it was dry. I really like them."	29.3"
Michelin 4x4 Diamaris	285/50 R18	109	W	220 AA A	"absolutely fantastic"
Pirelli Scorpion Zero	285/50 R18	109	V	300 A A	"better grip in snow than the OEMs" "have become increasingly louder as they wear" "I use the Pirrelis. They are a sensational tyre. Great dry road grip, great wet road grip, good dirt road grip and OK in mud. They have even handled 1/2 a day on my favorite race track! They have been on my car for over 25,000 km (15,500 miles) and still have plenty of tread left to go. When they do finally wear out I will certainly be getting them again. Also, with regard to ride quality and tyre pressures, I run my tyres on 40 psi all day every day, a firm ride with good raod holding, the bonus is I get much better fuel economy than everyone else seems to, 14-15 l/100 km around town. Ian B MY96/00 RA llye MY98 WRX RA GroupA/PRC Mercedes ML 500 www.sidewaysaction.com.au"	29.2"
Toyo Proxes S/T	285/50 R18	109	V	420 A A	Toyo Proxes S/T were used on the ML55 AMG Kleemann world record car.	29.1"
Yokohama AVS S/T (V801) world record tire Brabus M V12	285/50 R18	109	V	320 A A	"can't say enough good things; handle well in snow, quiet, great on pavemt" "Only approved tire on Brabus M V12" "I chose the Yokohamas originally because they were one of the few 18" tires in the correct size back then designed specificallly for "sport trucks"/SUVs. ...also quiet and comfortable." "on 18 x 10 Lorinsers" "performed well on the Stillen GTM 430 S/C"	29.3"
Michelin Cross Terrain SUV	275/55 R18	109	S	420 A B	"ride nicer and make less noise. Highly recommend them on the ML. When I changed wheels, I raised the front up about 2" on top of the 1" the wheels lifted it. In my opinion it now looks like it should."	30.1"
Michelin Pilot LTX	285/55 R18	111	V	400 A A		30.3"
Pirelli Scorpion Zero	285/55 R18	113	V	300 A A	"better grip in snow than the OEMs; 0.7" lift"	30.6"
Michelin Pilot LTX	285/60 R18	120	H	400 A A	"They are proving to be very quiet and great handling on the road.. Magnitude times better than the OEM B/Duellers." "also having great results. Very Quiet and nice soft ride."	31.3"
Toyo Proxes S/T	285/60 R18	116	V	420 A A		31.4"
19 inch new M-class with sport option; TOORA T950 8.0 x 19
Bridgestone Turanza ER30	255/50 R19	103	W	140 A A	Used for M-class road rallye, summer tire, sticks well in curves, rides smooth, no good on snow; OE tire on ML and R for Japan, North and South America and Europe.	29"
Continental CrossContact UHP	255/50 R19	107	Y	420 AA A	street/sport truck summer tire	29.1"
Michelin 4x4 Diamaris	255/50 R19	103	V	220 AA A	high performance summer tire	29.1"
Michelin Latitude Tour HP	255/50 R19	107	V	440 A A	developed with Michelin for the new M-class	29.1"
Pirelli PZero Rosso Asimmetrico	255/50 R19	103	W	300 AA A	folks seem to like them on the ML, better all season tire than stock	29.1"
Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico	255/50 R19	103	W	420 A A	new tire made for MBUSI, starting August 29, 2007	29"
Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico	255/50 R19	107	W	420 A A	folks seem to like them on the ML, better all season tire than stock	29"
Continental 4x4 Contact Mercedes	275/55 R19	111	H	360 A A	"all season tire specially designed for the Mercedes-Benz GL450"	30.9"
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx Mercedes	275/55 R19	111	V	240 AA A	"ultra-performance tire specially designed for the Mercedes-Benz GL450"	30.9"
Michelin 4x4 Diamaris Mercedes	275/55 R19	111	V	220 AA A	"summer sport truck tire specially designed for the Mercedes-Benz GL450"	31.1"
Pirelli Scorpion Zero Mercedes	275/55 R19	111	H	450 A A	"summer sport truck tire specially designed for the Mercedes-Benz GL450"	30.1"
20 inch Lorinser RS3, LM-3 10.0 x 20, Brabus Monoblock IV or VI 9.5 x 20, HRE 645R 20 x 9.5
ContiSportContact 2 Mercedes	265/45 R20	104	Y	280 AA A	max performance summer tire, standard on R63 AMG	29.4"
Pirelli PZero Rosso Asimmetrico Mercedes	265/45 R20	104	Y	-	Max performance summer, standard on R63 AMG	29.3"
Continental CrossContact UHP Mercedes	275/50 R20	109	W	420 AA A	summer sport truck tire developed for Mercedes GL-Class	30.8"
Michelin 4x4 Diamaris	275/50 R20	109	W	220 AA A	summer sport truck tire used on the GL450 Premier edition, wears fast, sometimes loud	31.1"
BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW	295/40 R20	106	Y	300 AA A	ultra high performance summer tire on the RENNTech ML60RS	29.3"
ContiCrossContact UHP Mercedes	295/40 R20	106	Y	420 AA A	OEM on ML63 AMG, Made for Mercedes, FR rim protection	29.3"
Dunlop SP Sport 9000	295/40 R20	SL	Z	280 A A	max performance summer tire on the Lorinser K43, "gets 4 seconds 0-60 with my ML55 AMG Kleemann on HRE 645RE 9.5J x 20"	29.3"
Falken Ziex S/TZ 01	295/40 R20	106	W	420 A A	M&S rated all season performance	29.3"
Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico SL MB	295/40 R20	106	Y	420 AA A	all-weather tire, standard on ML63 AMG	29.2"
Toyo Proxes ST world record tire ML55 AMG Kleemann	295/40 R20	114	V		Kleemann used them on the ML55 AMG K for the SUV world record of 282 km/h.
Yokohama AVS S/T	295/45 R20	110	W	320 A A	used by Brabus	30.5"
21 inch BBS RX II 10.5 x 21
?	265/40 R21	-	-	-	to be optional on R63 AMG starting late 2006	-
ContiCrossContact UHP Mercedes	295/40 R21	111	W	-	standard on USA/Canada MY2008 GL550 on 5 spoke AMG alloy, XL, FR rim protection, M+S rated	~30.3"
Michelin 4x4 Diamaris	325/30 R21	104	W	220 AA A	"My 2002 ML55 has 21" BBS RX-II's with Michelin Diamaris 325/30-21 tires, made specifically for the ML. Check-out www.bbs.com for pictures. The looks is fantastic and handling superb - no rubbing! Only prob is the tires are not M+S rated."	28.9"
22 inch HRE 640 series, Oz Racing Vella ST 10.5 x 22, Artec Bigfoot FS1, Cobra Sahara 10J x 22
Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico	265/35 R22	102	W	420 A A	"With all the horror stories I heard from other people with 22's on their ML's it actually rides nice. Handling is much improved." Used by Brabus on the front wheels; The RocktheR R-Class special edition has them on 22" Lowenharts.	29.4"
Continental CrossContact UHP	295/30 R22	103	Y	420 AA A	summer performance sport truck	29"
Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico	295/30 R22	103	W	300 A A	"i have brabus monoblock VI...22" love the way they look but rubbing issues with my drop, and when i cut the wheel left or right have rubbing." Brabus uses these tires on the rear wheels.	29.3"
Sumitomo HTR Sport H/P	285/35 R22	106	H	480 A A	on Brabus monoblock VI double spoke wheels
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx	305/30 R22		Z		maximum performance for luxury sport vehicles; developed in Hanau, Germany	29.3"
23 inch Maybach Exelero rim 11J x 23, Ronal, ATP-Excentric in Bremen
Fulda Carat Exelero	315/25 R23		Z		ultra high performance tire licensed up to 350 km/h. Was introduced on the Maybach Exelero with a speed record of 351.45 km/h in Nardo. more	29.3"

Original equipment tires are marked in green.

Tire size calculator with speedometer error

Fulda Carat Exelero 315/25 ZR23 ultra high performance tire

Toyo Proxes S/T were used for the ML55K world record car

Continental 4x4 tire brochure

Wheel Hanging Tool (The Ulimate Garage)

M-Class tire/wheel alignment specs (data from Gary's 2001 ML430)

Tire Pressure Monitors tire pressure monitoring wireless autolocation option code 475 Beru supplies their TSS system to many different MB models. Continental's ABS based system is standard on the new ML, R and GL outside the USA. MEMS specialist SensoNor in Norway supplies e.g. Mercedes CL500, S-Class tire pressure monitors. In addition to pressure, they sense temperature, battery voltage and radial acceleration. Schrader won a contract to supply Mercedes starting in 2007. This is for their new WAL (Wireless Auto Location) snap-in sensor. Aftermarket system: SmartTire presssure monitoring system (from igazan)

Recommended tire pressures can be found on a label inside the fuel filler flap, like in this 1999 ML320.

winter tires

offroad tires

shoptalk

Where the rubber hits the road.

Wolfgang's ML Page