blittle

The manual recommends the same for the GL450........265/60 R18 110H......unfortunately NOBODY is manufacturing a "winter tire" in that size in that load and speed rating. It may be listed on various manufacturers websites but I guarantee you...you can't get it. I've worked with Tirerack and local dealers for 3 months......nothing available. BETO and Wolfgang............great pictures but those are not 265X60 R18 110 H are they???

Wolfgang

It usually takes some time until (winter) tires for a new car model become available. The Conti 4x4 WinterContact ML MO 265/60 R18 110 H is "in preparation" according to Conti, whatever that means. The MO indicates that it is made to Mercedes specs, and production usually starts not before there is some demand for replacement tires.

As another example just today MBUSI in Alabama gave the go ahead for the Pirelli Scorpion Zero Assimmetrico 255/50 R19 103 W and so I listed it. Pirelli will start production now and will ship them to Tirerack and similar shops, but it may still take several months until they can be purchased.

PS. The tire in the pic is a different size, a BFG All-Terrain KO 285/75 R16.

BETO

No, no surprise at all. I carry the certificate with me all the time in case they stop me and ask me to install chains, to which I'd say "no, thank you"
The tyre on that pic is 16, I have 18's on my ML500

You guys don't know about Wolfgang's page? I got all my info from there, and collaborated with Dave taking pics, check the DV Challenge and you'll see my black ML

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/x164.html

scottybdiving

I can't tell you how many sets of BFG's I have worn out. They have been real workhorses on HD pickups. I started using them in the early 90's after a series of sidewall punctures on OEM's like Goodyears. Was told at that time that they had the strongest sidewall on the market. They didn't wear too well and became very noisy toward the end but were pretty bullet-proof and great mudders. Of course these were 16's as well.

It seems that the Pirelli Scorpion Zero in a 275/55 19 might be a choice. They meet MB specs. We have had two sets of Pirellis on the Excursion, the last being fairly new when we traded it off last weekend. The first set held up well for 45K miles. That's pretty good on a Ford superduty that is notorious for eating rubber.

Is it necessary to have a tire rated for 130, for a GL 320. I know I will never see anything close to that. For that matter, I probably will never see 100. I ask because maybe I'm missing something in the ratings. Is there more to it than how fast you may drive the vehicle?

blittle

That was my thought as well.......however, when I brought that up with the Tirerack guys they pointed out that there is a potential "liability issue" for any installer who knowingly installs tires with lower speed and/or load ratings than the vehicle specifies. As a result, many installers will not do it.

scottybdiving

Interesting! Everything boils down to liability. Will a GL 320 do 130, because I will never know if mine will or not?

Prefo

An interesting question - curious to know how fast has someone has had their GL 320 up to.

oknish

OMG, you just gave STP an idea. Bet you money that he will now try to fly his 320.

dunderhi

I can't answer for the 320, but the 450 will hit the limiter easily. I've been within 5mph and it was still pulling.

Danno4x4

I had mine at 120 this past weekend, and it still felt like it had lots left.

WordSmith

I aggree with you. I have them on my two Escalades and I'm very happy with them. I'm surprised that the GL550 I have on oder comes with such "passenger car" style tires. Then again, they're probably trying to keep the road noise to a minimum.

mbslk350

Blittle: How are the Yokos holding up so far? I'm thinking of dumping the Contis before winter and getting the Yokos also. It's too soon for a winter report, so how are they doing in the rain, etc? Any changes in MPG since you got the new tires?

blittle

Well....the mileage has not changed......still 14 or 15 around town and 19 to 20 on the trips. Have put 3000 miles on them.....no sign of any wear. They do a better job in heavy rain with regard to hydroplaning than the Contis. did.
They are just a tad bit more noisy ( at high speeds) than the Contis ...........but even at that the vehicle is quieter than my previous Grand Cherokee or Yukon. The ride is just as comfortable as the Contis. No difference in overall handling at any speed. No snow yet of course but having read the tirerack snow reviews of the tire.....I am expecting better than what the Contis do. All that being said.......Dunlop now has a dedicated winter tire available that meets the specs for the GL450......but I would rather not be into changing tires/wheels each season.....I'm

mbslk350

OK, thanks for the good news and the detailed report. I'll probably pick up a set before the snow flies.