19in Tires....
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
19in Tires....
Unfortunately....if your GL has these (as mine does), there are very few manufacturers and all available seem to have very poor tread life, varying degrees of bad weather traction, tend to get noisy quickly, and are prone to cupping and rough ride! At least that's what I am reading here and on the tirerack reviews. A vehicle of this quality should not have to be degraded by poor tires. 
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 207
Likes: 17
From: Captiva Florida
14 GL 350, 23Chevy Bolt EV and 22 EUV
Things aren't that bad. I am on my 3rd set of 19 inch tires. The original Contis lasted 30,000 mi as did the Michelin Diamante. I thought I would try a new brand, and Hankook was highly recommended. They are nice tires, I only have about 2000 miles but they perform well and are very quiet. The tread life should be better for these tires, but only time will tell.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 574
Likes: 2
From: Pennsylvania, USA
2011 GL450, '06 R500 traded, '08 ML350 sold
I know people don't like to hear this but a tire that has "good" tread life is usually not a very good performer . They use harder compounds which translates to poorer traction on certain conditions as compared to other tires of lesser tread life rating. In my view, it is not unreasonable at all to need new tires every 25-30K miles.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
I agree.....20 to 30K on a tire of this size is certainly reasonable. 12k and poor traction in Northeast winters ( original Contis on my vehicle ) is not acceptable to me. So.... i tried Pirelli Scorpions.... had them road force balanced, etc. For the first 5 or so K the ride was smooth and no noise. After 10k, the tread is still good for whatever the winter may throw at me this year...BUT... the ride is rough, tread is cupped and they sing like mud tires! Winter tires in the 19in size with the proper load rating don't exist. Just saying that I had much better success in with the 18's that I could choose from for my original 07 GL. Contis in all sizes are great if you don't have to deal with snow ( you don't need to worry about rapid treadwear as much )
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 857
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From: NC
2019 Volvo XC90 Magic/Amber, '95 E320 Cabriolet Midnight,'14 GL350 Lunar/Almond was '07 GL320CDI
I agree.....20 to 30K on a tire of this size is certainly reasonable. 12k and poor traction in Northeast winters ( original Contis on my vehicle ) is not acceptable to me. So.... i tried Pirelli Scorpions.... had them road force balanced, etc. For the first 5 or so K the ride was smooth and no noise. After 10k, the tread is still good for whatever the winter may throw at me this year...BUT... the ride is rough, tread is cupped and they sing like mud tires! Winter tires in the 19in size with the proper load rating don't exist. Just saying that I had much better success in with the 18's that I could choose from for my original 07 GL. Contis in all sizes are great if you don't have to deal with snow ( you don't need to worry about rapid treadwear as much )
If I only get 20k from them, I'm fine with it as they are quiet and offer great handling...hopefully I can get more from them, tho. Either way, Michelins again. Oh and I'll never order another wheel that requires such a bizarre tire size either!
