AlaskanAviator

Our 2000 ML430 is the worst-handling AWD vehicle I have ever driven on ice and snow, and after 40 years of driving in Alaska I have driven a lot of AWD and 4WD vehicles. It refuses to steer, and wanders everywhere, especially on rutted pavement. We put new stock size (275/55-17) all-weather Yokohamas on it 2 years ago, but they are no better than the stock tires that came on it when we bought it in 2003. I'm thinking of changing to 16" tires on narrower rims for winter use (ML320 tires/wheels). Anybody have an opinion on the ideal setup for winter handling for the ML430?

SEGRI01

I live in Ottawa, Ontario and just picked up a 2000 ML320 for a winter vehicle. I haven't got any feedback or advice yet for winter tires but will certainly be watching this thread for any advice on what tires are best in the snow and cold!

termite

My brief experience has been the exact opposite. I just bought an '01 ML430 w/ stock [albiet new] dunlop sp5000's and was pleasantly surprised by it in the snow this past weekend. Conditions were 32F w/ 3" of freezing slush/snow on the roads. Obviously not true winter conditions w/ hard snow pack but sort of like driving on ball bearings. of course there were several SUV pileups in sight. We were at a swim meet and the road out of the pool was a pretty steep grade from a light. The ML went up it as if it were dry pavement w/ no drama of any type and drove two hours home in similar conditions at a pretty good clip; again, no issues of any type. I felt as if I was driving any of the half dozen Quattros that I have owned in the past. I still plan on buying a set of Pirelli Scorpions to get up the driveway in Vermont but could probably do w/o...

55fanatic

I ran snow tires(Blizzacks) for 3 years on Moda R3 wheels and I found that between the ML's weight, and the thinner profile of the 17" snow tire I had what I thought to be the perfect combination for winter. Numerous occasions I was able to drive through snow(from a standstill) up to 30" deep when my truck would get snowed/plowed in, in my driveway... with out having to use low range...

AlaskanAviator

I've never had any problem with traction as far as starting from a dead stop in deep snow or up an incline - the ML430 is great as far as that goes. I do have a huge problem with its handling once it gets moving. (This is just the opposite of our experience with our previous 2WD 300E - it was hard to get moving on the slick, but once you were moving handling was outstanding). With most 4WD/AWD vehicles, if you point the front wheels the direction you want to go and give it a little gas, it goes the direction the tires are pointed. Not this car! At speed on an icy road, it is downright scary. After much research, I think I have decided to go with Blizzaks, either 16" or 17". Now I just have to find a set of stock rims for my winter tires.

55fanatic

If you got 17" check out the wheels I am selling above... not OEM but still work great at that width(thinner tire then OEM)

MLPanzer

Nokian Hakka's....

http://www.tirefactory.net/nokian2.htm

Stiggs

I used to always use Michellins cross terrains. They were awesome! Now I have Michellin lattitudes HP. I'm not sure I like them as much. I felt better in the cross terrains. This might be all in my head. Anyone else have lattitudes? Are they good in the snow?

brianbender

I have seen posts for winter tires for the ml 430 and no answers were given. My Ml 430 stinks in the snow. When i need to pull out of snow i am fine. When i am on the highway i am all over the place. Even the rear wheel drive cars do better than i. I have had car dealers tell me because the tire is so wide that i am pushing the snow and that is why it is bad in the snow. I currently have 275/55 r17 109# on now. Any one on here have success and can relate. What did you do to correct the snow problem. Thanks in advance.

brianbender

Have you found out the problem with your tires in snow yet. My ml 430 stinks in the snow.

gIzzE

That was 5 years ago.

I used 235.65.17 tyres, Michelin Latitude Tour HP's and that was so much better than when on 255.60.17s, so I expect 275's to be awful.

And Latitude Tour HPs are classed as a summer tyre in Europe, although still has the M+S symbol.

offroadingml

first icey nite in the Ml430 was all over the place and did loose it hitting a berm before 2 mature maples sideways. That mound of frozen soil what stopped me. tires about 60% worn on all seasons but (I have had worse and not loose it like that), so I will give it another winter..not skeptical.. I can get Generals I run on my other veh.
Question...would there be any issue running LT 235 or larger/70/17's?? 70 is as wide as they come! any thoughts on tires would be appreciated. I like running on /off road untill winter..then snows

taitsi

Just bought a ml430 with 16" 225/70 winter tires, ordered four new MS 225/70R16 minerva eco stud suv 103xl - dubbat tires, which are due to arrive in two weeks, once they arrive and have driven them I will post my experience with these tires.