Big_John

Hello everyone. This is my first post, but I have been lurking for the past week, searching and learning. Today, I pick up my lightly used 2010 GLK350 (26k miles), and it is going to need tires right away....especially here in the snowy country of Colorado.

I have a question that I cannot find the answer too.....

So, it is disappointing the number of tire choices for the 235 and even 245 sizes on the 19" rim. And certainly, the tires available are not what I am looking for. I really want a more all-terrain tire for my Colorado adventures, rather than a high speed sports car tire.

But, if I jump up to the 255/50R19....the choices abound. Matter of fact on a couple of tire websites, this 255 tire size actually pops up the GLK as the vehicle.

I called TireRack and they said that jumping to a 255 would increase the tire width by 0.8 inches, or 0.4 inches on each side. They assumed the tires would be just fine, as there isn't usually a concern on small SUV's until the size crosses the 1.2" larger threshold.

But, I was wondering if any has put on the 255/50R19's?

.....or if anyone has already done this search.

Thanks for thoughts and comments.

John

venchka

17" wheels & tires would be much more versatile for rough & ready use.

Wayne

Big_John

17" Rims....great suggestion. Matter of fact, with 17" tires running about $75-$100 less expensive than the 19's...I might be able to get the rims and tires for the same cost s the 19 tires.

But..... This will be an interest view for everyone....

Notice the differences in the three sizes. According to this website, if one stays below a 3% increase in diameter difference, then it should be ok. Also notice he similarties between the 255/19 and the 255/17....in every measuremen except sidewall height.

venchka

This is my story and I'm sticking to it:
The GLK 350 2wd/4wd should come standard with 17" tires and sufficient sidewall height for a variety of conditions on/off pavement, summer, winter, etc.
19"-20" wheels and reduced sidewall height should be optional at the buyer's discretion.
You asked for an all-terrain solution. 16"-17" wheels & tires answer your question. Select a different solution at your own peril.

Wayne

GLKKa2H

Why not concidering the by MB recomended winter wheel size 235/60/17? Diameter difference 0.54% and speedometer difference 0.543% too fast with regard to 235/50/19.

PS: Winter wheels are discussed in a number of threads, like:
https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...u-running.html
and
https://mbworld.org/forums/glk-class...ter-tires.html

ble2716

Just like GLKKa2H mention, this has been discussed before.

You do not want wider tires on snow.
If you find the 235 size is limited, then you can look into 225 size instead.

bop11

Thought you wanted to go off roading like Goodyear MT/R or Dura Trac or Goodrich T/A KO or Mud Terrain's like I had on my Defender. Sure they were noisy and so hard that they didn't stop in the rain on the road, but never got stuck in the wild. Fit? use a 'Mexican Speed Wrench' and any tire will fit. One other advantage, ove-rsized tires make the odometer turn slower so your warranty lasts longer.

Big_John

You guys are making good points, but I do not want dedicated snow tires. I want an all season, all terrain.

I had the Hankook DynaPro on my Touareg and those tires were awesome. Would love to have them on my GLK.

venchka

One more time. 16" or 17" wheels. Maximum.
Skinny sidewalls will trash your 19" wheels in a heartbeat.
I have no idea if they are still made the same way, but I got 50k miles each out of two sets of Bridgestone Desert Duelers on my 1989 Trooper II. Including off road in Canyonlands and 200 miles across glare ice in Mississippi. Good enough for me.

You have freedom of choice.

I'll bite. What size wheels were on your VW SUV?

Wayne

Big_John

Will 16" rims clear the brakes?



.......

dcjwlee

I believe the rotors have a 13" diameter up front, the rear are smaller, if that answers your question. They look small, but the clearance is rather tight up front.

GLKKa2H

17" rims is "shortest" diameter for GLK wheels according to MB specifications, as a reminder.

venchka

I apologize. I was using 16"-17" in the generic sense of the smallest that fits.
M-B offers a 17" wheel that does indeed fit the GLK. There may be others.

Wayne

Big_John

With a snow storm hitting the Rocky's tonight and tomorrow....and since we are headed up for some skiing, I couldn't wait for rims to be delivered.

I pull the trigger on a set for my 19" rims. I did plus size up to a 55 profile, but I stayed with the 235 width. The ride is far better, yet maintaining a very stable stance.

235/55R19

venchka

Good luck! Have fun! Be safe!

Wayne

packardbell

running that same size 235/55/19

Neel72

Thanks for the suggestion I am switching to 235/55R19, as I am having tough time finding 235/50R19 tire,most of the places have to do special order here in Colorado.

erlomd

just wondering...did you buy your GLK at the MB dealer? I bought mine certified pre owned at the MB of Miami and they had put a fresh new set of pirelli tires...they said that all their certified pre-owned cars get new brake pads and new tires among other things...
If so, I would definitely check with the dealer could save you a couple of $$$

as for snowy conditions, I've made several trips to heavenly mountain, mammoth mountain and big bear mountain this winter season all in very snowy conditions...and the car handled great with the pirelli 19''...i saw 4x4 chevy silverados, and dodge rams, lifted toyotas etc... all struggling. slipping and sliding everywhere and my little tank was a traction trooper...gotta love that!!! but I do agree for the best off road experience, I would go with 17"...thats my plan for next season.