zenapw

Hey all, I'm looking for some input....Living in western Canada, where it's a matter of time before we get a big dump of snow, I need to make a decision for winter tires for my 2014 GL63 (which I've now owned for two months). Previously I was driving a Lincoln Navigator where I never needed to switch the tires from season to season. My local MB dealerships first suggestion is to switch out my 21' tires with 20' Pirelli Scorpion winter tires and new rims ($6400 CND) which I've ordered and tentatively booked a switchover date, this was their recommendation. They said a second option is to keep my same rims and switch out to a 21' Pirelli Scorpion winter tires ($2500 CND). Any thoughts about downsizing the size of tire/rims for winter driving (why the smaller tire?) OR does it make sense just to switch out the same size tire? I'm starting to think I should just get the 21' tire instead of the 20', also because of the the pricing.
Thanks!

JimBarnhart

If you were going to switch tire sizes, I think I'd go to the 19". In general the more rubber and less wheel help for winter. It could be that the GL63 calipers don't allow 19" though, I'm not sure.

Of course not getting a second set of rims adds more hassle to swapping out since they have to be remounted and balanced every spring/fall.

zenapw

Thank you for your reply Jim. The MB's parts dept didn't mention anything about going to 19', I'm guessing it must be due to the callipers, they're pretty big.

cyclrder

I have the 21 scorpion winter on my gL63 and they are fabulous...I have never gotten close to getting stuck..(16 inch blizzards last year). On my previous gL550 I would dropped to a 20inch amg ml63 wheel and used Dunlop 3d winter sport... Great tire too but not made in 21s.

I would stick with 21s... You will be very happy or you could use your OEM 21s for winter tires and then put 22s on for summer!

zenapw

Thanks cyclrder. I got the impression from the parts guy that I would feel a bit nervous with the 21's. Hmmmm. However, that's what I'm siding with and good to know your experience with the 21's has been positive. I know my hubby would be much happier paying for 21's. Ahhh, 22's would look pretty sweet next summer (this may be where hubby raises an eyebrow, haha). Great suggestion!

cyclrder

you have to remember that the GL63 will handle differently than any other 4matic that you have driven solely on the fact that it is a locked 40/60 split... it is kinda archaic compared to the much more flexible system that would be on a normal 350/450/550. No matter, with the 40/60 split the car drives like a dirt track racer and once use to it is fine... definitely performance oriented.

I too had originally been concerned that the super wide tires would be an issue... it is of little concern now. The 63 will go anywhere you need to go...in as deep of snow that you dare without knocking off the front spoiler or tracking fine on a highway covered with snow.

one thing to remember.... as with the summer tires on the truck... 45 degrees is the turning point on when to switch tires from summer to winter. The OEM summer tires are rather ineffective below 45 and the winters chew themselves up above 45.

Cheers

zenapw

Super info and you've made some great points. Much appreciated! I totally understand what you mean by "drives like a dirt track racer". My first drive was an eye opener. We have a Maserati Gran Turismo and I love my car much more than the Mas. I will take into account the temperature with regards to switching to winter tires (7 celcius). I've learned a few good things today in this forum. Fantastic! Thank you once again!

blittle

Agree

cyclrder

19s will not fit over the AMG brake calipers.

smayshusband

http://www.nokiantyres.com/

The best winter tires hands down in my opinion, I previously had a GL 550 and the OEM continental were horrendous in bad weather. I had purchased a set of the Nokians WRG3 21 inch all season tires which are rated for snow and ice but are not dedicated snow tires, and didn't have any trouble at all last winter here in the north east and we got pummeled with snow. Keep in mind these are not dedicated snow tires, but they performed as if they were. They literally transformed the vehicle into a mountain cat. I can't tell you how impressed I was and can only imagine how well it would've been with the dedicated snow tires on.

cyclrder

You also had a GL550 vs GL63.... the 550 4matic will compensate for lesser tires than the GL63 ... go with the dedicated winter tire.. especially if you are going to go through the trouble of changing tires every season..

btw... MB forced Continental to give those tires an all season rating... but they really aren't.

jiffi

Hi,
Go for 21" as you won't spoil the look of your car. If possible try to get "Nordic" winter tyres tailored for proper snow and winter conditions. These have a more soft rubber mixture than other tyres in order to be able to Handel really cold weather better. Nokian should be good. I run 21" Studded Nokian Hakka SUV on my gl 350. Have great experience from these tyres as I have had them on an ml 63 as well.

Dalema

Do you guys ever keep your winter tires on during warmer weather with no snow on the ground? Just wondering what that does to handling and how much it shortens tire life by.

cyclrder

Anything above 45degrees will eat winter tires up...I try to wait as late into the season to swap as possible.

Your absolute best solution is to put the Pirelli scorpion winter 21s...they will not hurt your dry/wet performance... In fact I bet you wouldn't be able tell the difference unless you are on a track...

cincy8

I have the 20" with Scorpion winter tires and wheel set for a GL 550 and worked great in the Midwest USA with all our snow and ice last year. I'd go with what was recommended. They refer to an engineering doc when making recommendations.