Tires for GL550
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 648
Likes: 144
From: Yeast Coast, Canada
GL550 X164
You may have posted your tire/wheel size already and I didn't see it. If you're running 19 or 20" wheels, consider the Michelin CrossClimate for 3 seasons. They seem to be a good option for a 4 season tire, actually. Depending on where you live, they could be a year round tire for you. I would definitely run those as a summer option if they came in 21s, but they don't. I am on the Canadian East coast. I have a dedicated winter setup on 19s.
Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 226
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In the market
I have stock 21's. It came with DWS's and it was great in winter. My wife preferred it to her Honda Pilot on Nokian All-Weathers at the time. (Minnesota)
So I am thinking I will go back to those and maybe sell the winter tires when it snows. We are thinking the GL550 will be with us another 2 years before we don't need it for the third row. My wifes X5 xDrive40i will be our boat tow vehicle after that unless my next winter car has that ability.
I am debating which discount tire exclusive tire SRS or DWS's. The SRS winter rating of 4.5 is encouraging. Costco said they could get some type of Michelins, but are $50 a peice more.
https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/continental-control-contact-sport-srs/p/39634#treadwell-data
https://www.discounttire.com/blog/continental-controlcontact-sport-srs
So I am thinking I will go back to those and maybe sell the winter tires when it snows. We are thinking the GL550 will be with us another 2 years before we don't need it for the third row. My wifes X5 xDrive40i will be our boat tow vehicle after that unless my next winter car has that ability.
I am debating which discount tire exclusive tire SRS or DWS's. The SRS winter rating of 4.5 is encouraging. Costco said they could get some type of Michelins, but are $50 a peice more.
https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/continental-control-contact-sport-srs/p/39634#treadwell-data
https://www.discounttire.com/blog/continental-controlcontact-sport-srs
Last edited by not2fast; Jun 8, 2021 at 12:23 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 648
Likes: 144
From: Yeast Coast, Canada
GL550 X164
Not sure about Costco tire policy (not knocking them, I just don't have experience with them). Discount Tire usually stands behind what they sell. I would assume they would be more flexible/accomodating with an exclusive to them tire. If the ratings between the SRS and 06 are similar, you could try out the SRS (is it cheaper than the 06?) and if you don't like it, switch to the 06.
I take the ratings with a grain of salt. Especially if they are from the manufacturer. I usually try to gauge the tire from reviews of drivers with the same or similar car. The GL is heavy and it will eat tires. It is in its DNA. Plus towing doesn't help the tires either. I wouldn't expect a 50k threadwear rating to actually last 50k on a GL in normal driving conditions, towing included. Discount tire should give you prorated credit if the tires are done before the mileage warranty. I'd check with your local store about the mileage warranty on both and how they handle it for each tire. That would be a main sticking point. Consider that the SRS might come with free flat repair or other perks not available with the 06. Ask the shop for all the perks.
I'm set on Geolandar X-CV as replacement when my PZeros are done. Those seem to offer plenty of winter performance to handle a freak early or late winter storm/snow. I use the winter setup from late November to early April.
I take the ratings with a grain of salt. Especially if they are from the manufacturer. I usually try to gauge the tire from reviews of drivers with the same or similar car. The GL is heavy and it will eat tires. It is in its DNA. Plus towing doesn't help the tires either. I wouldn't expect a 50k threadwear rating to actually last 50k on a GL in normal driving conditions, towing included. Discount tire should give you prorated credit if the tires are done before the mileage warranty. I'd check with your local store about the mileage warranty on both and how they handle it for each tire. That would be a main sticking point. Consider that the SRS might come with free flat repair or other perks not available with the 06. Ask the shop for all the perks.
I'm set on Geolandar X-CV as replacement when my PZeros are done. Those seem to offer plenty of winter performance to handle a freak early or late winter storm/snow. I use the winter setup from late November to early April.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 302
Likes: 43
From: Saint Louis
2010 GL550 | 2020 S560
When I was traveling all highway and not towing I got about 12k miles on them. I usually only travel highway. I've never towed anything with my GL.
Again I have the factory AMG rims for 2010 and the size is 295-40-21.
I've always used Continental.
About 6 months ago, I purchased 4 new tires from my local dealership and I had a factory blowout. I was going down hill at approximately 65mph.
I maintained control and surprisingly had amazing traction with the other 3 tires.
I did strike a large curb. My insurance ended up replacing 3 new factory AMG wheels and Mercedes replaced the tire 100% for free.
Mercedes even gave me a 2020 E-Class for 3 weeks because the AMG wheels had to be ordered from Germany.
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 226
Likes: 24
In the market
The DWS is clearly an all season tire hence, D.W.S.
When I was traveling all highway and not towing I got about 12k miles on them. I usually only travel highway. I've never towed anything with my GL.
Again I have the factory AMG rims for 2010 and the size is 295-40-21.
I've always used Continental.
About 6 months ago, I purchased 4 new tires from my local dealership and I had a factory blowout. I was going down hill at approximately 65mph.
I maintained control and surprisingly had amazing traction with the other 3 tires.
I did strike a large curb. My insurance ended up replacing 3 new factory AMG wheels and Mercedes replaced the tire 100% for free.
Mercedes even gave me a 2020 E-Class for 3 weeks because the AMG wheels had to be ordered from Germany.
When I was traveling all highway and not towing I got about 12k miles on them. I usually only travel highway. I've never towed anything with my GL.
Again I have the factory AMG rims for 2010 and the size is 295-40-21.
I've always used Continental.
About 6 months ago, I purchased 4 new tires from my local dealership and I had a factory blowout. I was going down hill at approximately 65mph.
I maintained control and surprisingly had amazing traction with the other 3 tires.
I did strike a large curb. My insurance ended up replacing 3 new factory AMG wheels and Mercedes replaced the tire 100% for free.
Mercedes even gave me a 2020 E-Class for 3 weeks because the AMG wheels had to be ordered from Germany.
We shopped GLE's before my wife got her X5. The GLE was sweet, but to get a GLE450 we had to special order it. It was going to be 88k vs 65k for comparable X5. I was certainly surprised.
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Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 226
Likes: 24
In the market
The reviews are great. I am thinking that is the route I will go. I need to get this figured out before it rains.
