19" wheels OK on GL550 for winter??
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 629
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
19" wheels OK on GL550 for winter??
Since the stock Conti's on the stock 21's are like driving on a skating rink in the winter, I'm going to be picking up some new wheels and tires for winter. I'm considering going with 19x8.5" wheels (with proper offset of course) with Toyo Celsius CUV 275/55/R19 tires. They are supposed to be all seasons with strong snow/ice capabilities and a 60k tread warranty. I know this is the stock tire/wheel size for the GL450, but I'm wondering if anybody else has run this size wheel/tire combo on their GL550 in the winter with good results? Also wondering if anybody has any experience with the Toyo Celsius tires?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 629
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
The stock Conti Cross Contact UHP tires are like driving on hockey pucks in the winter. It is nearly impossible to accelerate or stop in any amount of snow or ice. I'm sure there are better performing all-season tires out there for these rigs, but the low profile and 295 width of the standard tires will make any tire this size a challenge in anything other than dry or rain above freezing. That's why I'm going down to a 19" wheel with a higher profile tire and narrower track with snow tires for winter. I just want to make sure that a 19" wheel will clear the brakes OK and see if anyone has any experience with the Toyo Celsius CUV tires.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2018 GLS 550
The stock Conti Cross Contact UHP tires are like driving on hockey pucks in the winter. It is nearly impossible to accelerate or stop in any amount of snow or ice. I'm sure there are better performing all-season tires out there for these rigs, but the low profile and 295 width of the standard tires will make any tire this size a challenge in anything other than dry or rain above freezing. That's why I'm going down to a 19" wheel with a higher profile tire and narrower track with snow tires for winter. I just want to make sure that a 19" wheel will clear the brakes OK and see if anyone has any experience with the Toyo Celsius CUV tires.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 889
Likes: 148
From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
They should fit as long as your car is not an AMG model. I have a 2015 ML and have 2014 GL (19 ") on it. 19 inch wheels were standard on GL350 and GL450
Last edited by Isawelvis; Nov 5, 2018 at 04:22 PM. Reason: added additional info
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 629
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
I remember when many of the auto rags opined that MB was very late to the full sized SUV party when they introduced the GL for the 2007 model year. It should be interesting what they have to say about finally BMW coming along 12 years later.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 629
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
I put the new wheels/tires on 2 weeks ago. We've had a lot of snow since last weekend and the difference is night and day. Running Toyo Celcius CUV "all weather, not all season" size 275/55R19. I no longer have to white-knuckle it in the snow and ice and can leave them on year round if I want....but I won't. They are a little more comfortable, but I really haven't noticed much of a drop-off in handling. Kind of surprising going from a 21 to 19" wheel.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
I put the new wheels/tires on 2 weeks ago. We've had a lot of snow since last weekend and the difference is night and day. Running Toyo Celcius CUV "all weather, not all season" size 275/55R19. I no longer have to white-knuckle it in the snow and ice and can leave them on year round if I want....but I won't. They are a little more comfortable, but I really haven't noticed much of a drop-off in handling. Kind of surprising going from a 21 to 19" wheel.
Not full winter tires but not all seasons....
"TOYO CELSIUS® engineered for better snow and ice traction than typical all-season tires and longer tread life than winter tires. Celsius delivers year-round versatility and convenience plus winter-weather safety in one."
Dave, I assume you will be using the 21" rims and tires in the summer?
In just interested in the thinking behind this tire. Why not go to a full wjnter tire? And if you are perhaps worried about handling performance and treadwear why not choose one with a mileage warranty.
I just bought my replacement winter rubber for this season and opted for michelin pilot alpin 5 suv in 255-55-19. They're v rated and supposed to be great in dry and ice and they have a 30k mileage warranty.
I hope these will do better in dry handling than the blizzaks they replaced.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 629
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
I'm not really understanding the marketing gooblygook from toyo about your tires.
Not full winter tires but not all seasons....
"TOYO CELSIUS® engineered for better snow and ice traction than typical all-season tires and longer tread life than winter tires. Celsius delivers year-round versatility and convenience plus winter-weather safety in one."
Dave, I assume you will be using the 21" rims and tires in the summer?
In just interested in the thinking behind this tire. Why not go to a full wjnter tire? And if you are perhaps worried about handling performance and treadwear why not choose one with a mileage warranty.
I just bought my replacement winter rubber for this season and opted for michelin pilot alpin 5 suv in 255-55-19. They're v rated and supposed to be great in dry and ice and they have a 30k mileage warranty.
I hope these will do better in dry handling than the blizzaks they replaced.
Yes, the stock 21's are going back on in April. I've found that dedicated snow tires are really only good for up to 10k miles and then need to be replaced. I'm sure these Toyos will last several years for me.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg
CLS 55 AMG , 14 GL 350 Bluetec ( Sold)12 ML 350 Bluetec 2007 S65 AMG , 2008 CL63 AMG
I just bought a 2013 GL350BT with the 21” Conti’s. I live in Winnipeg which you guys might know as Winterpeg. Anyways. These wide 21” tires are horrible to drive on. So my question is : I found a set of Nokian winter tires for sale in a 295/35/21 size. So basically just a bit smaller diameter then the factory size would I be safe to put it on the truck or would I be damaging anything with them? I assume the speedo might be out a bit I’m just worried about Transsmision issues. Please any input would be appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
I can understand where you are coming from, but the michelin and the blizzaks aee the correct rating load wise. I wouldn't ever risk the safety of my family. Ill add some photos but they are 111 I believe.
The width isn't an issue l, it is actually recommended to go a little less wider so they will not float above the snow. The narrower width allows the tires to sink in and through the snow to gain optimal traction.
The Mercedes recommended winter tire in my owners manual is actually 265-55-19. A ridiculous tire size with only one tire made...Dunlop. A pure racket in my opinion.
Tire rack recommends 255-55-19 and there are plenty of options for winter tires.
As for using the 21" rims, if you have to use them you can certainly use the tires you mentioned without any issue. There will be no mechanical issues or drag. As long as you use the same tires al around you will have no issues with the transmission or the differential.
if possible and if you are able to source smaller rims I would recommend looking at 19" winter tire sizes. Thrree just isn't that much available in your 21" size ; and ultimately you want snow traction and not floating over the snow with too wide of a tire.
19" rim sets are available in eBay ; I got my oe set fur 400 ; USA rim.com also sells replica mercedes rims which are highly recommended by users and are affordable. Oewheels llc is also an option.
Midwestern wheel and tire sells mercedes takeoff rims by the piece. They are also useful if you need it.
Hope it helps and let us know if you have any questions! Dialogue and discussion is important!
The width isn't an issue l, it is actually recommended to go a little less wider so they will not float above the snow. The narrower width allows the tires to sink in and through the snow to gain optimal traction.
The Mercedes recommended winter tire in my owners manual is actually 265-55-19. A ridiculous tire size with only one tire made...Dunlop. A pure racket in my opinion.
Tire rack recommends 255-55-19 and there are plenty of options for winter tires.
As for using the 21" rims, if you have to use them you can certainly use the tires you mentioned without any issue. There will be no mechanical issues or drag. As long as you use the same tires al around you will have no issues with the transmission or the differential.
if possible and if you are able to source smaller rims I would recommend looking at 19" winter tire sizes. Thrree just isn't that much available in your 21" size ; and ultimately you want snow traction and not floating over the snow with too wide of a tire.
19" rim sets are available in eBay ; I got my oe set fur 400 ; USA rim.com also sells replica mercedes rims which are highly recommended by users and are affordable. Oewheels llc is also an option.
Midwestern wheel and tire sells mercedes takeoff rims by the piece. They are also useful if you need it.
Hope it helps and let us know if you have any questions! Dialogue and discussion is important!
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg
CLS 55 AMG , 14 GL 350 Bluetec ( Sold)12 ML 350 Bluetec 2007 S65 AMG , 2008 CL63 AMG
I’ll see if I can get some 19” rims. I believe it would be better than these wide 21”. I just liked the idea of only spending $800 for some studded winters rather then putting out a couple grand right after just buying the car.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 629
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post7605746
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 149
From: Bethesda, MD
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
See posts 8 & 9 in this thread to see what I went with. $1650 for new wheels, tires, sensors, mount & balance. These tires have been great so far in the snow (we've had over 12 inches over the last week). And I don't have to be in a hurry to take them off in the spring as they can also be used in the summer too if I wanted. But I'll be swapping the stock 21's back on when the weather warms again and use these for winter. The stock Conti's on 21's are downright treacherous in snow and ice.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post7605746
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post7605746
The rims that dave posted are actually really cool looking.
Or if you want oem and don't care what they look like
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-MERCED...-/401624203690
Or if you do
https://www.ebay.com/itm/19-MERCEDES...-/382593195495
Or a different style
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-GL...-/332648806594
Plus the sensors dave posted are what I also had to purchase for my winter set.
And tires will run about 800...so dave is spot on with about 1700 otd.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes
