GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

not sure which 19" tires to choose?

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Old 05-29-2014, 06:49 PM
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GL 350
not sure which 19" tires to choose?

I need new rubber on the 450 (08').

I've read all the posts. I've narrowed it down to the OEM Contis or the Michelin Lattitude Sports. A few things to consider in my case:

- I will be switching to dedicated winter tires so snow grip is irrelevant.
- Although I understand the benefit of grippy soft tires, I don't drive the GL very hard-meaning no abrupt take offs etc. I drive it like a 5300lb. SUV (its our road trip car)
- I don't go off road at all
- I drive at very high speeds on average and would prize aquaplane resistance above all else
- Lastly I like Michelins (I had PS2s on my last 911 and the latitude sport is the same tread)

I hate it when tires wear on the inside and have to be replaced with decent tread on the rest of the tire (as is the case with the hankooks on the car now). I know thats a function of the mercedes suspension and that I can rotate them too. But even thought the Michelin's are soft and have a low tread wear rating, Michelin summer tires always have super durable compounds. Its their defining trait....?

Anyone have anything to say about this? I don't care if I need new tires in 20,000 miles (less than that I'd be a little upset). No one ever comments on feel? I know its not a BMW, but surely an H rated all season Conti should feel a little different than a V rated Michelin summer tire?

Thanks,
DRP

Last edited by 560SEL; 05-29-2014 at 06:54 PM.
Old 05-29-2014, 09:30 PM
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Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
Originally Posted by drpesq
I hate it when tires wear on the inside and have to be replaced with decent tread on the rest of the tire (as is the case with the hankooks on the car now). I know thats a function of the mercedes suspension and that I can rotate them too. But even thought the Michelin's are soft and have a low tread wear rating, Michelin summer tires always have super durable compounds. Its their defining trait....?






Since the mid 90's there has been no accurate Camber and Caster adjustment facility fitted OEM!

Only current adjustment is front and rear Toe.

To attempt to return vehicle to factory specs to resolve premature inner edge tire wear, improve traction, fix steering pull the only alternative for Camber and Caster is to fit offset, slotted bolts.

But these are inaccurate one only position bolts with a minuscule .3 of one degree adjustment (3mm).

After installation it's no wonder many owners then go on to stating dealerships or alignment shops still did not get it right/fix the problem.

We saw the need therefore "to fix it right the first time" by designing, developing, patenting (and re-instating from the 1990's) fully adjustable front suspension for virtually all models.

The current K-MAC kits have up to 4 times the adjustment of the one position offset bolts (both Positive or Negative). And unlike the bolts can be accurately adjusted - under load, direct on alignment turntable (no need to jack and reinstall each time).

Ongoing precise adjustment of both Camber and Caster settings if altering suspension height, fitting wide profile tires/wheels or for curb knock damage with the unique K-MAC patented design is just a single wrench/no disassembly.

For the rear, similar kits for precise Camber adjustment with additional Toe to compensate for the new Camber facility. Unlike adjustable arms K-MAC rear kits do not move top of tire outwards reducing all important clearance to outer fender when adjusting to reduce premature inner edge tire wear/improve rear traction.

Bonus with the four front and four rear bushes is that they are designed with twice the load bearing area and also replace the highest wearing suspension bushings. And with K-MAC no special tools are required to fit.


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