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Excuse the dirty girl, will post a better pic once we get her cleaned up. Another snowstorm on the way tomorrow.
We just got the new wheel and tire setup mounted today. Very pleased, all fit perfectly.
Wheels: Asanti ABL 27 Dynasty
Front - 22x9 - 32mm offset
Rear - 22 x 10.5 - 35mm offset
Tires: Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Front: 285/45 R22
Rear: 305/40 R22
Rides better than the stock 23's, a little more rubber but not too much. WAAY more traction in the cold weather vs those stock summer only slicks.
This setup was purchased through Troy with BBwheels, he was very responsive and helpful. I was in the dark with what to get, all I knew was I can't drive this car in the snow AT ALL, it was seriously dangerous with the stock 23" wheels with even a coating of snow on the road!.
Excuse the dirty girl, will post a better pic once we get her cleaned up. Another snowstorm on the way tomorrow.
We just got the new wheel and tire setup mounted today. Very pleased, all fit perfectly.
Wheels: Asanti ABL 27 Dynasty
Front - 22x9 - 32mm offset
Rear - 22 x 10.5 - 35mm offset
Tires: Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Front: 285/45 R22
Rear: 305/40 R22
Rides better than the stock 23's, a little more rubber but not too much. WAAY more traction in the cold weather vs those stock summer only slicks.
This setup was purchased through Troy with BBwheels, he was very responsive and helpful. I was in the dark with what to get, all I knew was I can't drive this car in the snow AT ALL, it was seriously dangerous with the stock 23" wheels with even a coating of snow on the road!.
Awesome. Glad you found something that would work for you! Looks great.
Yes, its salt, I usually at least rinse it off with a hose but we have been getting back to back snowstorms and they salt the hell out of the roads here in NJ
Yes, its salt, I usually at least rinse it off with a hose but we have been getting back to back snowstorms and they salt the hell out of the roads here in NJ
I’m speechless. What an environmental disaster, and a tragedy for all cars, including those that have proper winter tires.
I’m speechless. What an environmental disaster, and a tragedy for all cars, including those that have proper winter tires.
You are correct - salt is harmful to the environment. However pretending that there are better ways to keep traffic, emergency vehicles and School buses mobile is futile.
Your State of Oregon uses Magnesium and Calcium Chloride, which is arguably more damaging than Sodium Chloride (rock salt).
I monitored stream damage for a couple of years as part of a Thesis. After presenting the results (peer-reviewed), the DOT decided that injuries and damage avoided plus Emergency Vehicle mobility was more valuable than the streams. BTW they all break down into HCl, hydrochloric acid.
It goes on - sanding roads won't work unless it's mixed with a de-icer (MgCl or NaCl), otherwise it just freezes on the trucks. And then it pulverizes to PM2.5, which is also hazardous.
OR you could never treat roads and pour thousands of gallons into diesel plow trucks and fall behind.
The only to avoid this "disaster" is to get humans off the roads. There's no easy answer.
edit: BTW the most damage to waterways I found, was poorly maintained septic systems, not de-icer.
Last edited by mikapen; Feb 12, 2021 at 06:08 PM.
Reason: to add "edit"
Excuse the dirty girl, will post a better pic once we get her cleaned up. Another snowstorm on the way tomorrow.
We just got the new wheel and tire setup mounted today. Very pleased, all fit perfectly.
Wheels: Asanti ABL 27 Dynasty
Front - 22x9 - 32mm offset
Rear - 22 x 10.5 - 35mm offset
Tires: Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Front: 285/45 R22
Rear: 305/40 R22
Rides better than the stock 23's, a little more rubber but not too much. WAAY more traction in the cold weather vs those stock summer only slicks.
This setup was purchased through Troy with BBwheels, he was very responsive and helpful. I was in the dark with what to get, all I knew was I can't drive this car in the snow AT ALL, it was seriously dangerous with the stock 23" wheels with even a coating of snow on the road!.
Nice looking wheels and tires on your GLS. The 22 inch set up is the tallest sidewall in MB sizes, so the ride may be best on 22 versus the 21 or 23. I put Michelin Defender LTX MS tires on my old ML and they were awesome and would have done it again on the GLS. They are perfect balance of "All Season performance" for the small amount of winter driving I typically do. Since I am a "Snowbird" I don't want winter tires or summer only tires. I got the 22 inch option wheels with Summer Only tires, on my GLS 580 because in Canada we could only get 22 or 23 with summer only tires. I eventually went to 21 inch wheels for my all season tire set up. I wanted to retain the 22's with all season tires too, but I had concerns over the tire height differences front to rear for the 22 inch sizes available. The only all season option for MO spec. tires for the GLS is in 21 inch or smaller, and Mercedes has no other recommendation. The electronics etc. on this vehicle may not like the 305/40/22 rear tires being 1/2 inch shorter than the fronts 285/45/22. Tire balance etc. has been my number 2 problem with some of my past Mercedes so I am overly cautious when changing tires and affect of that on performance and warranty. Please let me know what, if any problems you encounter (besides speedo accuracy) due to the tire change. I don't mean to raise alarm bells you may never have an issue. This may be more of a problem for Canadian and like vehicles because we do not have TPMS sensors in the wheel like you do in the US. The tires are monitored in Canada for height comparing wheels to determine if one tire is low. I would like to go back to the original 22inch wheels with your tires if I can, so any input is appreciated.
You are correct - salt is harmful to the environment. However pretending that there are better ways to keep traffic, emergency vehicles and School buses mobile is futile.
The only to avoid this "disaster" is to get humans off the roads.
Or we could give every car a free set of Blizzak’s, and then we’d have few accidents, no salt, no sand, and happy commuters.
I asked my dealer today if they have any 2021 GLS63 winter tires available yet. He looked it up and indeed the Pirelli Winter Scorpion is in the system in the staggered 22 inch size, (yay!) but they are out of stock (boo!). He predicts that I should be able to order some in August for next winter. That’s great news! So I won’t need to order a separate set of wheels. To get through the rest of this winter, I will just drive my 2017 GLS63 which has those tires.
Nice looking wheels and tires on your GLS. The 22 inch set up is the tallest sidewall in MB sizes, so the ride may be best on 22 versus the 21 or 23. I put Michelin Defender LTX MS tires on my old ML and they were awesome and would have done it again on the GLS. They are perfect balance of "All Season performance" for the small amount of winter driving I typically do. Since I am a "Snowbird" I don't want winter tires or summer only tires. I got the 22 inch option wheels with Summer Only tires, on my GLS 580 because in Canada we could only get 22 or 23 with summer only tires. I eventually went to 21 inch wheels for my all season tire set up. I wanted to retain the 22's with all season tires too, but I had concerns over the tire height differences front to rear for the 22 inch sizes available. The only all season option for MO spec. tires for the GLS is in 21 inch or smaller, and Mercedes has no other recommendation. The electronics etc. on this vehicle may not like the 305/40/22 rear tires being 1/2 inch shorter than the fronts 285/45/22. Tire balance etc. has been my number 2 problem with some of my past Mercedes so I am overly cautious when changing tires and affect of that on performance and warranty. Please let me know what, if any problems you encounter (besides speedo accuracy) due to the tire change. I don't mean to raise alarm bells you may never have an issue. This may be more of a problem for Canadian and like vehicles because we do not have TPMS sensors in the wheel like you do in the US. The tires are monitored in Canada for height comparing wheels to determine if one tire is low. I would like to go back to the original 22inch wheels with your tires if I can, so any input is appreciated.
So far no issues, ride quality is excellent. We have put a few hundred miles on already and so far so good. I will def. let you know if any problems do arise.
Is there a way for the dealer to recalibrate the speedometer for aftermarket tire diameters?
My dealer says no but I can't see how Mercedes would have so many different tire heights for this model and expect customers to accept the large speedo inaccuracies. Mine is now off by just over 7% with factory specified 21 inch sizes. It was off by just under 3% with the 22 inch factory sizes. Contrary to what my dealer said, I would be very interested to know if anyone is aware of any way the speedo can be corrected to adjust for tire height. In my other vehicles the speedo is always over the actual speed by less 1 or 2% max. The very worst case I have owned with factory specified wheels and tires was a Mercedes Sprinter which was off by 9%. On the Sprinter I fixed the problem by installing taller Michelin Defender LTX which were not even showing signs of needing replacement after 90,000 kms. I put these on lots of my vehicles including my Airstream which BTW are standard equipment on my model!
My dealer says no but I can't see how Mercedes would have so many different tire heights for this model and expect customers to accept the large speedo inaccuracies. Mine is now off by just over 7% with factory specified 21 inch sizes. It was off by just under 3% with the 22 inch factory sizes. Contrary to what my dealer said, I would be very interested to know if anyone is aware of any way the speedo can be corrected to adjust for tire height. In my other vehicles the speedo is always over the actual speed by less 1 or 2% max. The very worst case I have owned with factory specified wheels and tires was a Mercedes Sprinter which was off by 9%. On the Sprinter I fixed the problem by installing taller Michelin Defender LTX which were not even showing signs of needing replacement after 90,000 kms. I put these on lots of my vehicles including my Airstream which BTW are standard equipment on my model!
I'm sad to read your report. It's really unacceptable for a speedo to be that much with MO tires.
Excuse the dirty girl, will post a better pic once we get her cleaned up. Another snowstorm on the way tomorrow.
We just got the new wheel and tire setup mounted today. Very pleased, all fit perfectly.
Wheels: Asanti ABL 27 Dynasty
Front - 22x9 - 32mm offset
Rear - 22 x 10.5 - 35mm offset
Tires: Michelin Defender LTX M/S
Front: 285/45 R22
Rear: 305/40 R22
Rides better than the stock 23's, a little more rubber but not too much. WAAY more traction in the cold weather vs those stock summer only slicks.
This setup was purchased through Troy with BBwheels, he was very responsive and helpful. I was in the dark with what to get, all I knew was I can't drive this car in the snow AT ALL, it was seriously dangerous with the stock 23" wheels with even a coating of snow on the road!.
Just one caveat, the defender LTX is not a snow tire. Dont expect it to behave as such. M/S tires are simply all seasons. I hope your area does not get significant snow. If the tire does not have the snowflake on the mountain badge (only snow and allweather tires) don't expect them handle snow any differently from regular allseason tires. If your seller told you otherwise he's ripping you off.
Just one caveat, the defender LTX is not a snow tire. Dont expect it to behave as such. M/S tires are simply all seasons. I hope your area does not get significant snow. If the tire does not have the snowflake on the mountain badge (only snow and allweather tires) don't expect them handle snow any differently from regular allseason tires. If your seller told you otherwise he's ripping you off.
We don't get significant snow, on average 2 or 3 snow events a year. This year we had more like 6 storms total. But average yearly snowfall here is only 24 inches. No need for a true snow tire. Very happy with the winter weather performance of the Defenders so far, but if we were up in Vermont or somewhere with a ton of snow, I would have looked at a true winter tire.
My dealer says no but I can't see how Mercedes would have so many different tire heights for this model and expect customers to accept the large speedo inaccuracies. Mine is now off by just over 7% with factory specified 21 inch sizes. It was off by just under 3% with the 22 inch factory sizes. Contrary to what my dealer said, I would be very interested to know if anyone is aware of any way the speedo can be corrected to adjust for tire height. In my other vehicles the speedo is always over the actual speed by less 1 or 2% max. The very worst case I have owned with factory specified wheels and tires was a Mercedes Sprinter which was off by 9%. On the Sprinter I fixed the problem by installing taller Michelin Defender LTX which were not even showing signs of needing replacement after 90,000 kms. I put these on lots of my vehicles including my Airstream which BTW are standard equipment on my model!
I'm curious how much my MPH is off now, I'll have to test it with GPS speed app or something.
I'm curious how much my MPH is off now, I'll have to test it with GPS speed app or something.
That is how I did it. I set the cruise and checked it as the GPS will keep changing slightly even with steady speed. I don't know if the speedo is taking the speed from the front tire or rear tire or if it is from the transmission how will it deal with the size difference front to rear? The 4matic system in the GLS is now variable 0-100% rear wheel biased so I would guess the rear would be where the speed is taken from. I wish I could confirm with MB some of the impacts of tire size change but I have not found a source. MB standard answer is you cannot change anything except with what comes from the factory or their parts dept. I don't want to experiment with sizes etc. and have to accept that MB won't or can't repair a problem and blame the tires.
BTW All Season can be a winter wheel set up. That works best for some if us. I avoid the snow by going south and I don't want to risk cracking the summer tires in the cold which the manufacturer warned against if used in freezing temperatures. Too bad All Season MO spec tires or correct sizes at least, are not available for the 22 or 23 inch wheels. The Michelin Defender LTX m/s is excellent in snow. The main drawback vs snow tires in my opinion is that snow tires have a softer tire compound in cold and will grip better on bare roads and ice to a certain extent.
you are right, I should have titled the thread 'all-season' wheel/tire setup instead of 'winter', is there a way to change thread title lol?
In fact yes! Before dedicated snow tires came around, tire stores would "sipe" your tires. In effect, making cuts to the tread bkocks. I doubt any one does that any more since it would void the warranty😄
That is how I did it. I set the cruise and checked it as the GPS will keep changing slightly even with steady speed. I don't know if the speedo is taking the speed from the front tire or rear tire or if it is from the transmission how will it deal with the size difference front to rear? The 4matic system in the GLS is now variable 0-100% rear wheel biased so I would guess the rear would be where the speed is taken from. I wish I could confirm with MB some of the impacts of tire size change but I have not found a source. MB standard answer is you cannot change anything except with what comes from the factory or their parts dept. I don't want to experiment with sizes etc. and have to accept that MB won't or can't repair a problem and blame the tires.
BTW All Season can be a winter wheel set up. That works best for some if us. I avoid the snow by going south and I don't want to risk cracking the summer tires in the cold which the manufacturer warned against if used in freezing temperatures. Too bad All Season MO spec tires or correct sizes at least, are not available for the 22 or 23 inch wheels. The Michelin Defender LTX m/s is excellent in snow. The main drawback vs snow tires in my opinion is that snow tires have a softer tire compound in cold and will grip better on bare roads and ice to a certain extent.
There are 2 snow tires in 21 size. 275/45R21. Vrederstein and Pirelli. Don't expect many more options, ever. Winter tires bigger than 20 are few.
regarding speed accuracy, if the diameter of the tire is less than 5% difference there is nothing to worry about. More than 5 may in fact be dangerous given all the tech that is associated with wheel rotational speed (its much more than the speedometer now). Im sure there is an engineering menu somewhere to adjust that but that is another complication to avoid.
There are 2 snow tires in 21 size. 275/45R21. Vrederstein and Pirelli. Don't expect many more options, ever. Winter tires bigger than 20 are few.
regarding speed accuracy, if the diameter of the tire is less than 5% difference there is nothing to worry about. More than 5 may in fact be dangerous given all the tech that is associated with wheel rotational speed (its much more than the speedometer now). Im sure there is an engineering menu somewhere to adjust that but that is another complication to avoid.
I won't be buying any winter "Mountain/Snowflake" tires but would buy All Season if better 22 inch options were available.
Are you saying up to 5% difference front to rear is OK or 5% versus original spec sizes?
Where can you direct me to confirm that there is an engineering menu to adjust that? That would be very helpful. It makes sense there is that capability to adjust that due to the tire size variants.
I won't be buying any winter "Mountain/Snowflake" tires but would buy All Season if better 22 inch options were available.
Are you saying up to 5% difference front to rear is OK or 5% versus original spec sizes?
Where can you direct me to confirm that there is an engineering menu to adjust that? That would be very helpful. It makes sense there is that capability to adjust that due to the tire size variants.
Tire diameter has to be the same all around. Tire diameter is not on the tire anywhere you have to look it up. Whats printed on the wheel is width. The formula is: 2(sidewall) + (rim size). To get the sidewall simply multiply the tire width by the aspect ratio. eg 275x 0.45 =123mm
21 inch rims are 533 mm. (2x123) +533= 779mm diameter. + or - 5% of that should be fine 🙂
Tire diameter has to be the same all around. Tire diameter is not on the tire anywhere you have to look it up. Whats printed on the wheel is width. The formula is: 2(sidewall) + (rim size). To get the sidewall simply multiply the tire width by the aspect ratio. eg 275x 0.45 =123mm
21 inch rims are 533 mm. (2x123) +533= 779mm diameter. + or - 5% of that should be fine 🙂
Easier method is to look them up on tiresize.com. I have checked all GLS tire size combinations from the factory and available tire sizes that fit the rims. MB GLS staggered tires are generally very close in diameter front to rear but with factory sizes can be .7% different like the 21 inch sizes are. The previous poster Jere M. with the 285/45/22 305/40/22 Michelin Defenders LTX is out by 1.6% front to rear and is the reason why I didn't go to that tire size combo over concerns with problems that may result from the larger variance. ie. Canadian non AMG GLS don't have TPMS tire pressure readings and measure tire rpm to determine if there is a low tire so that is one problem potentially and other issues could arise too. I am interested if Jere M. has any problems with the combo, but he says so far none have presented.
C4004matic replied previously "regarding speed accuracy, .......Im sure there is an engineering menu somewhere to adjust that" Where can you direct me to confirm that there is an engineering menu to adjust that? That would be very helpful.
Last edited by marchgroupinc; Feb 26, 2021 at 04:24 PM.
Reason: tire size correction
Easier method is to look them up on tiresize.com. I have checked all GLS tire size combinations from the factory and available tire sizes that fit the rims. MB GLS staggered tires are generally very close in diameter front to rear but with factory sizes can be .7% different like the 21 inch sizes are. The previous poster Jere M. with the 285/45/22 305/40/22 Michelin Defenders LTX is out by 1.6% front to rear and is the reason why I didn't go to that tire size combo over concerns with problems that may result from the larger variance. ie. Canadian non AMG GLS don't have TPMS tire pressure readings and measure tire rpm to determine if there is a low tire so that is one problem potentially and other issues could arise too. I am interested if Jere M. has any problems with the combo, but he says so far none have presented.
C4004matic replied previously "regarding speed accuracy, .......Im sure there is an engineering menu somewhere to adjust that" Where can you direct me to confirm that there is an engineering menu to adjust that? That would be very helpful.
Sorry I can't help you with that since I don't know. If some MB tech could chime in that would help.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
