Winter tires - GL550
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 381
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From: Cincinnati, OH
2021 GLS580 all black. 2014 GLK black (kids car). formerly: 2014 GL550 Palladium Silver (US)
Thanks. Our dealer did propose that and we considered that. For a number of reasons including smaller foot print, we are going with 20". I'm not looking forward to storing.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 35
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From: NYC
2011 GL550 Black/Black
, BTW, the 2011 GL we have is going on its third winter with the OEM wheels and there is not a spot of rust or tarnish, so the salt roads we have here in Ottawa Canada are not killing the wheels. I ordered a 2014 GL again and am going to stick to the same game plan, no second set of wheels and just winter tires. Save your money!! The wheels on our 2011 do not look like the winter did anything
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Joined: Mar 2011
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MBs
i agree- stock rims ate just fine- i've never stored and had a summer and a winter set- just make sure you keep em clean and polish every now and then- as for the pot holes during winter- well yea you take a chance, but on an SUV i thinks its ok..
i've used 18's, 20's and 21's in all diff seasons- honestly its no difference- sure folks may argue 18s/19s are softer and better for snow etc etc- but wer talking about an suv here- the difference is not that siginificant and some may feel it more /less than others.
storing is painful--
i've used 18's, 20's and 21's in all diff seasons- honestly its no difference- sure folks may argue 18s/19s are softer and better for snow etc etc- but wer talking about an suv here- the difference is not that siginificant and some may feel it more /less than others.
storing is painful--
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
SLS Irridium silver,2014 GL350 BT Irridium, 2015 White Dodge RAM Hemi Quad
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 9
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
SLS Irridium silver,2014 GL350 BT Irridium, 2015 White Dodge RAM Hemi Quad
i agree- stock rims ate just fine- i've never stored and had a summer and a winter set- just make sure you keep em clean and polish every now and then- as for the pot holes during winter- well yea you take a chance, but on an SUV i thinks its ok..
i've used 18's, 20's and 21's in all diff seasons- honestly its no difference- sure folks may argue 18s/19s are softer and better for snow etc etc- but wer talking about an suv here- the difference is not that siginificant and some may feel it more /less than others.
storing is painful--
i've used 18's, 20's and 21's in all diff seasons- honestly its no difference- sure folks may argue 18s/19s are softer and better for snow etc etc- but wer talking about an suv here- the difference is not that siginificant and some may feel it more /less than others.
storing is painful--
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2003
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Is it possible those no longer exist?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Panama, Republic of Panama
2015 Mercedes GL350 CDI (Euro 258hp)
Pirelli - Scorpion Winter (relatively good manners on regular roads)
Pirelli Winter Carving Edge (better for more extreme snow/ice, can even be Studdable)
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Glad they are available somewhere in that size cause on Tirerack and the actual Pirelli site they don't seem to be
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10
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From: Panama, Republic of Panama
2015 Mercedes GL350 CDI (Euro 258hp)
You may try looking here:
http://www.carid.com/pirelli-tires/w...-18313524.html
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/295-40r...rod11580785.ip
This size is available also on www.1010tires.com but right now they seem to be out of stock:
http://1010tires.com/Tires/295-40R21
Take care,
Alessandro
Last edited by Patarix; Feb 20, 2015 at 09:51 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
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From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
I personally have the Scorpion Winters and think highly of them...
NAnook...a fellow with a ML63 that lives way North in Canada had had the winter carving and wasn't that happy with them... The winters will drive in everyday use probably indistinguable from your summer tires...
Just 2 cents.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
G550
As an alternative to the Pirelli winter tires, may I gently suggest the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7's in a 295/40/21. These tires are simply amazing in the snow and ice - but mine are studded so I can only use them through March/April depending on where I'm traveling. Available in both studded and non-studded. Slight increase in road noise - with the windows open at slower speeds. Otherwise I don't really notice them at all. GL's are pretty insulated from noise.
No affiliation, but I picked them up from tiresbyweb.com. Had them on my doorstep within 5 days after ordering and installed shortly thereafter, with great traction and safety for the family ski/snowboard trips.
No affiliation, but I picked them up from tiresbyweb.com. Had them on my doorstep within 5 days after ordering and installed shortly thereafter, with great traction and safety for the family ski/snowboard trips.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 16
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From: Canmore, Alberta
GL 350
Buy the Winter tires
In addition to the tread design for winter tires, also remember that the rubber compounds are designed for weather less than 7 degrees - winter tire rubber is more flexible and responsive in colder temps. We live where Winter is just a fact of life. Just buy the Winter's and don't look back. You'll be happy - your car will be happy and you'll be able to stop and steer. A great thing at any time of the year. The GL winter combo will be based on19" wheels with a taller tire so that the diameter remains the same. Almost like they planned it, eh? The Pirelli Scorps for Winter are great. Don't think about it - just put them on.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 379
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GL550
I have a slightly different situation and looking for advice. GL550 with 21 Conti CrossContact UHP that say they are M+S.
I'm in CA and my snow needs are only when I'm up to the mountains (we have a place so up there periodically over winter).
So not sure I need dedicated snow tires, but don't really see any alternatives in M+S.
I guess I could buy a set of rims and snow tires, but would be spending a lot of time around home at 50-60oF temperatures. Not too concerned about tire wear.
Any new developments - would welcome thoughts? Would love to put Nokian WRG3s on but don't think available.
I'm in CA and my snow needs are only when I'm up to the mountains (we have a place so up there periodically over winter).
So not sure I need dedicated snow tires, but don't really see any alternatives in M+S.
I guess I could buy a set of rims and snow tires, but would be spending a lot of time around home at 50-60oF temperatures. Not too concerned about tire wear.
Any new developments - would welcome thoughts? Would love to put Nokian WRG3s on but don't think available.
Last edited by Dalema; Aug 17, 2015 at 05:20 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
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GL550
A little research shows me that a 265/50R19 or a 265/45R20 is the same diameter as the 295/40R21 that I currently have.
So - first question, as it relates to my GL550 - a 19 or 20 inch wheel should fit?
I do see that Nokian makes the WRG3s (which are M+S but apparently very good in the snow) in both those 19 and 20 inch sizes. Maybe I could get a set of them and run them during the winter months.
Is that weird to get a different wheel size and not run dedicated snows?
I also see there is a Nokian WRG3 in a 275/40R21 - wonder how much difference that would make.
So - first question, as it relates to my GL550 - a 19 or 20 inch wheel should fit?
I do see that Nokian makes the WRG3s (which are M+S but apparently very good in the snow) in both those 19 and 20 inch sizes. Maybe I could get a set of them and run them during the winter months.
Is that weird to get a different wheel size and not run dedicated snows?
I also see there is a Nokian WRG3 in a 275/40R21 - wonder how much difference that would make.
Last edited by Dalema; Aug 17, 2015 at 05:50 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
I don't think that you can put 19s on a 550 as I believe the calipers are bigger on the 550 vs 450 (at least that was the case of my x164 GL550.... And if you have a Gl63 forgetaboutit!
I cringe at running my snows above 45 degrees.... Lastly, putting 20s and certainl 19s will degrade the handling of a 550...doesn't make a lot of sense to have spent the money on a 550 and then handicap the sportiness of it....
I strongly recommend the winter scorpions...I have put my AMG into some pretty incredible snow situations and the car handled it fine.. The 4matic on the 550 is much better than my fixed 40/60 setup... Can't see why you would need anything more aggressive than the scorpions... With these tires you retain 95% of the handling characteristics and 10x the winter performance over anything else.
I cringe at running my snows above 45 degrees.... Lastly, putting 20s and certainl 19s will degrade the handling of a 550...doesn't make a lot of sense to have spent the money on a 550 and then handicap the sportiness of it....
I strongly recommend the winter scorpions...I have put my AMG into some pretty incredible snow situations and the car handled it fine.. The 4matic on the 550 is much better than my fixed 40/60 setup... Can't see why you would need anything more aggressive than the scorpions... With these tires you retain 95% of the handling characteristics and 10x the winter performance over anything else.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
GL550
I don't think that you can put 19s on a 550 as I believe the calipers are bigger on the 550 vs 450 (at least that was the case of my x164 GL550.... And if you have a Gl63 forgetaboutit!
I cringe at running my snows above 45 degrees.... Lastly, putting 20s and certainl 19s will degrade the handling of a 550...doesn't make a lot of sense to have spent the money on a 550 and then handicap the sportiness of it....
I strongly recommend the winter scorpions...I have put my AMG into some pretty incredible snow situations and the car handled it fine.. The 4matic on the 550 is much better than my fixed 40/60 setup... Can't see why you would need anything more aggressive than the scorpions... With these tires you retain 95% of the handling characteristics and 10x the winter performance over anything else.
I cringe at running my snows above 45 degrees.... Lastly, putting 20s and certainl 19s will degrade the handling of a 550...doesn't make a lot of sense to have spent the money on a 550 and then handicap the sportiness of it....
I strongly recommend the winter scorpions...I have put my AMG into some pretty incredible snow situations and the car handled it fine.. The 4matic on the 550 is much better than my fixed 40/60 setup... Can't see why you would need anything more aggressive than the scorpions... With these tires you retain 95% of the handling characteristics and 10x the winter performance over anything else.
I saw there are also 21inch Scorpion Zeros that are M+S - wonder if that would be better given my situation. Not sue if they would be any better than the OEM contis.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
Thanks for the input. So you are thinking the best alternative are the 21inch Scorpion Winters - even if the majority if the time I'll be driving in 55-60 degree weather.
I saw there are also 21inch Scorpion Zeros that are M+S - wonder if that would be better given my situation. Not sue if they would be any better than the OEM contis.
I saw there are also 21inch Scorpion Zeros that are M+S - wonder if that would be better given my situation. Not sue if they would be any better than the OEM contis.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 663
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From: Bucks Cty, PA
2015 gl450
Wobble and squirm is not something you want with a 5000lb truck taking an off ramp.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
Beyond tire wear, you'll also be dealing with squirm. The snows big tread blocks, that work so well evacuating slush and biting into snow, soften and will wobble when above 40-45 degrees.
Wobble and squirm is not something you want with a 5000lb truck taking an off ramp.
Wobble and squirm is not something you want with a 5000lb truck taking an off ramp.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 663
Likes: 49
From: Bucks Cty, PA
2015 gl450
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
GL550
Looks like there is a new All Season tire in the GL550 21" size, that may be a good fit for my Californian needs.
Reviews sound very positive - not a sport tire but good handling in the dry and wet, with limited experience in snow except for one tirerack test I found (but expected to be decent based on the last version).
Anyone have experience with the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Contact+DWS+06
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=199
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=201
http://www.tirerack.com/survey/Surve...3D94YR1DWS06XL
Reviews sound very positive - not a sport tire but good handling in the dry and wet, with limited experience in snow except for one tirerack test I found (but expected to be decent based on the last version).
Anyone have experience with the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Contact+DWS+06
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=199
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=201
http://www.tirerack.com/survey/Surve...3D94YR1DWS06XL
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 247
Likes: 17
From: Chicago, IL
2015 - GL 550
Looks like there is a new All Season tire in the GL550 21" size, that may be a good fit for my Californian needs.
Reviews sound very positive - not a sport tire but good handling in the dry and wet, with limited experience in snow except for one tirerack test I found (but expected to be decent based on the last version).
Anyone have experience with the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Contact+DWS+06
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=199
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=201
http://www.tirerack.com/survey/Surve...3D94YR1DWS06XL
Reviews sound very positive - not a sport tire but good handling in the dry and wet, with limited experience in snow except for one tirerack test I found (but expected to be decent based on the last version).
Anyone have experience with the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Contact+DWS+06
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=199
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=201
http://www.tirerack.com/survey/Surve...3D94YR1DWS06XL
I am too interested in these and been watching it for a while, my 550 is @ 11000Miles so in winter definitely it needs a set, but this tire on paper rocks with UTQG: 560 AA A of this caliber is exciting.
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
GL550
Only have a 1,000 miles on ours - but the crosscontact UHP are just not going to cut it in the cold. Looks like we may actually get some weather here this winter!
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 721
Likes: 78
--
Looks like there is a new All Season tire in the GL550 21" size, that may be a good fit for my Californian needs.
Reviews sound very positive - not a sport tire but good handling in the dry and wet, with limited experience in snow except for one tirerack test I found (but expected to be decent based on the last version).
Anyone have experience with the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Contact+DWS+06
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=199
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=201
http://www.tirerack.com/survey/Surve...3D94YR1DWS06XL
Reviews sound very positive - not a sport tire but good handling in the dry and wet, with limited experience in snow except for one tirerack test I found (but expected to be decent based on the last version).
Anyone have experience with the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06?
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....Contact+DWS+06
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=199
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...y.jsp?ttid=201
http://www.tirerack.com/survey/Surve...3D94YR1DWS06XL
Last edited by bonboon; Oct 24, 2015 at 02:23 PM.
