Are these tires decent on snow or will I need another set for the winter? Thoughts?

 

I have these on my wife's 2011 GL and I ordered the winter versions, big difference in the OEM.

 

What's the winter version?

 

I found the 295 on the 21s quite slick in the snow and ice (though I have the contis).
I'm guessing he's referring to the Pirelli scorpion ice and snow which is a dedicated winter tire. Many dealers in Canada are creating winter packages of rims and tires with the scorpions.

 

You are right, I should have clarified but it is indeed the pirelli scorpion ice/snow, night and day for winter, and I also stuck with the stock size of 295/35/21, highy reccomend it.

 

What tires and wheels are 550 owners using for winter? We just realized that the stock Contis will be a problem.

 

I also have the stock Contis in my 2009 GL550. Any advise on what replacement tires to use for the winter or an all season tires. Do you guys recommend I buy one set of winter tires and one set for the summer months? decision, decision

 

Cincy8 I have the same problem as well. I would like to know how what others are doing. I live in New England, so winter here is bad

 

My dealer will give me a discount on the 20" AMG wheel. The cost will be $825/wheel (vs. $950 msrp) plus $110 for TPMS with my MB Club card.
Their Tire price is $426 vs. $368 at TireRack so I'll probably just go with the dealer vs. the hassle of having them rim mounted by 3rd party.

He says that MB isn't showing a package price for the GL550 which he was expecting. But I'm guessing it wouldn't have the AMG wheel if they did.

Total is $5,444. (gulp)
The biggest hassle is storing them. My husband has winter wheels for his BMW too.

I'm guessing my wheel warranty won't cover these, but I'll ask.

(all US prices).

 

Well here is what I did on my 2012....
I have the AMG 21" (in canada there is something called an avant-garde package that comes with the fender flares and the 21" /295 Contis amongst other goodies). I think these are the same size as the 550s.

They are terrible in the snow (kind of like having 4 toboggans on)....

I went on Ebay and got (pretty much new) OEM MB 19" rims for GLs for ~900$ and ordered the same pirelli ice and snow tires the dealer had from costco (best price I could find in canada; same as tire rack's price in US).

So for under $3K I got pretty much the same "package" as the dealer was offering for $5500. I have the luxury of having decent size shed so I do not have worries about storing 4 wheels. I have already put on the winter tires this year as it has snowed already and the snow will now stick around till spring

 

You can get brand new 19" wheels on ebay fro $465/each.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-OEM-Mercedes-Benz-GL-Class-X166-19-7-Spoke-Wheel-/261152807178?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3ccdeb990a&vxp=mtr
I haven't done this yet, trying my 21" wheels yet this winter, but might next year.

 

I just got my winter wheel and tire package installed today. I went with the recommended 19" wheel with Pirelli ice and snow tires total cost $3600 including taxes. All US $$$. I am glad I made the decision to go with the winter only wheel and tires package. I want to thank you guys for helping me make that decision. Thanks to those who responded to my private messages. Now let it snow

 

My dealer says that MB just told them that they are going to offer a GL550 winter tire package deal but he is still waiting on the specifics. So I have to figure out if we're waiting or not. Snow next week! But since with only 1200 miles, I'm probably ok with my Continentals.

My husband wants to do 20". Besides the AMG option, there is another 20" choice (10 spoke) that would be $1,260 less than the AMG (same tires & TPMS). I'm guessing that will be the wheel in the package, but we'll see.
Again, this is USA.