550GL - Need to replace tires after only 14K miles, which ones?
 

Dear Forum

A little disappointed having to replace the tires after only 14K miles...but they're done and the unbalance driving experience on the highway now with this car is terrible. Yeah I know 21" tires and a very heavy car...but come on!

My question to you guys - which tires would you buy as replacements that will last a little longer than the standard Continental's?

Thanks for any advice!

Regards...Mikael

not sure about which tire, but you should try to get credit if the tires you had didn't live up to their mileage warranty

What part of the country are you in? Not sure what kind of weather you come across but I enjoy my Nokian WRG3 tires.

We're in Maryland, but I checked and Nokian isn't making that tire in 21"?

I'm almost there as well, but given that I have a dedicated snow tire/wheel set, I'm looking for a 21" summer performance tire (not m + s). Any opinions/suggestions?

(Sorry, not trying to hijack your thread - just broaden the responses) :zoom:

I would say 14K is on the lower end of 1st-set-tread-life, but not out of the park.

Frankly - 1st set of tires from manufacturer - across all models and across luxury brands - I suspect have a softer tread than - replacement set will last longer.

2nd set of OE Continentals will last about 25% longer - I would also recheck your driving tire pressure and "try" about 2 PSI more - if that feels OK over a week or two - +2 psi will also help to extend tread life.

Curious why you would think that - have never heard that suggestion before

Unless something has changed, it's not like we have many choices if you are sticking with stock 21" rims. Conti or Pirelli. I've always gone with the Conti UHP's and they have performed well although I live in Texas so no need for a winter type tire.

If you plan on keeping the car a while, you could upgrade to 22" rims where there are more tire choices available and likely cheaper. You'd probably save enough money in tires to pay for the rims over the life of your ownership. Then you could sell your OEM rims. Just a thought.

For what its worth...I have had the best luck with Michelin tires on all my Mercedes. The Contis aren't bad but for wear and performance the Michelins have always worked for me. Usually run all seasons here in the Northeast. My S was delivered with Goodyear F1's. At only 1000 mi. not enough experience to see what will happen with this brand. I'm not a fan of Goodyear but will keep an open mind.

You can try these tires : http://www.performanceplustire.com/p...reDataID/35757

I used to have Hankook Ventus on my old GL350 and it was great tires. This is the only other option if you don't like Conti or Pirelli for GL550.

They make it in 21 inch but I think the offset is a 265 45 21. I'd have to double check for you. If you're looking for a summer tire they offer a "Z line". The contis are below average tires in my opinion.

http://www.nokiantires.com/summer-tires/nokian-zline-suv/

Here you go.http://www.nokiantires.com/summer-tires/nokian-wrg3-suv-2/

14K isn't unheard of. We are on our 3rd GL and had 19" and 20"s in the past. Ours have been lasting around 20k miles. These are heavy vehicles and the OEM tires are fairly soft. Ofcourse, if you do more city driving and take sharp corners often, they'll wear out sooner. As someone said, check the tire pressure regularly and rotate them every 5k-7.5k miles.

Do not go with 22s. The choice is very limited. 22/35/305... Pirelli scorpion. (Actually not better a selection in 21s either)

I have 21 pirelli scorpion winter... They are great. And I would recomend the Pirelli summer tires too..

If you don't keep your pressure up at 38 or so... You will burn through tires... The centers will thin quite fast.

Had 3 GL's over the years..... the first two had 18" rims...the 3rd had 19"s
The OEM tires on all were Continental's and I never got better than about 16k on any of them..... on the first two GL's I tried different brands....Bridgestones and then Nitto....ultimately, on the 2013 GL I learned my lesson........ the best handling, best ride are still the Continentals. Will they last long.... nope! Are they the best in snow....nope! ...overall, however, when they are new they are very good!