GL 550 Tires
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Maine
GL 550
GL 550 Tires
Recently purchased a 2012 GL 550. We live in Maine and didn't notice the tires were Pirelli P Zero 295/40 R21. Took it out in 8" of snow Wednesday and even with AWD was the worst car I've ever driven in the snow. Pirelli now makes a Scorpion Winter tire in a 21". Anybody tried these out in the snow or should we bite the bullet and buy smaller rims and tires?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
Likes: 84
From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
I've always bought smaller-diameter snow tires than the summer tires that I run on any vehicle.
In general, for any vehicle you will run narrower tread and taller sidewalls on snow tires. Narrower tread because you want to concentrate the weight of the vehicle over a smaller patch in order to increase the ability of the tire to flash-melt the snow and provide better traction. Taller sidewalls because it gives you more leeway if you prang a curb in the slippery stuff.
I'm on my second season with a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks on the GL and I'm very happy with them. I'd run other Blizzaks on BMW's with good success in the past. My GL350 has 21" summer tires, but I run the winter tires on 18's. They look fine and I'm more concerned about traction than looks; the car is covered in muck anyway.
In general, for any vehicle you will run narrower tread and taller sidewalls on snow tires. Narrower tread because you want to concentrate the weight of the vehicle over a smaller patch in order to increase the ability of the tire to flash-melt the snow and provide better traction. Taller sidewalls because it gives you more leeway if you prang a curb in the slippery stuff.
I'm on my second season with a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks on the GL and I'm very happy with them. I'd run other Blizzaks on BMW's with good success in the past. My GL350 has 21" summer tires, but I run the winter tires on 18's. They look fine and I'm more concerned about traction than looks; the car is covered in muck anyway.
Recently purchased a 2012 GL 550. We live in Maine and didn't notice the tires were Pirelli P Zero 295/40 R21. Took it out in 8" of snow Wednesday and even with AWD was the worst car I've ever driven in the snow. Pirelli now makes a Scorpion Winter tire in a 21". Anybody tried these out in the snow or should we bite the bullet and buy smaller rims and tires?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
09' GL550, 05' S55 (sold), 04' Yukon Denali XL, 05' 745il (sold), 01' 740il (sold)
This why I looking for some 22" wheels.
The issue is I would prefer replicas but I most have these have balancing issues and I don't want any vibrations.
Any recommendations on who sells the best replicas?
The issue is I would prefer replicas but I most have these have balancing issues and I don't want any vibrations.
Any recommendations on who sells the best replicas?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 626
Likes: 19
From: Austin, TX
14 GL550; 14 E63s
www.formymercedes.com. Several board members have bought wheels from them and have been very happy.
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 198
Likes: 4
GL550
I found someone that will fix the wheel and warranty it as long as I own it. Put it in writing, ect...
The dealer wanted to mark-up a repair it would subcontract to.
I have to take it to his place which is not far from home. Also have to have the tire dismounted too.
I can live with that.
The dealer wanted to mark-up a repair it would subcontract to.
I have to take it to his place which is not far from home. Also have to have the tire dismounted too.
I can live with that.
