Benz_Guy

Recently I've noticed that while accelerating, everytime the car reaches 35-40 MPH, a rumbling sound comes from the tires and transfers not too much, but noticeable vibrations into the cabin. Highway driving would also be much smoother if it weren't for these vibrations.

We've had this car for only 1.5 years, and the tires already need replacing? Will it be a big drain on the wallet?

Thanks.

tarponbeach

My '08 CDI has 22k miles and Michelin Latitudes. They are worn out as well, and make the same rumbling noise also. The wear bars are also about to contact the road surface.

I checked Tire Rack for replacements, and was not really thrilled with what was available. To replace with the same crappy Michelins would be about $1100.00 with shipping. I ended up ordering 255 50 19 Toyo Proxes ST2 from East Coast Tires, in N.C. for about $900.00

As soon as I have them mounted, I'll post back on how they handle.

eaadams

I've heard good things about Toyo and Yokohama being much more quiet

gsrjc

Michelin Latitudes are the worst...

lkchris

All Mercedes come with high-performance tires, which are not the same thing as high mileage tires. Mileage in the 20K range is to be expected with OE tires.

sosh

The higher the performance of the tire and the higher the speed rating the lower the mileage. MB in their quest for safety uses high performance tires. This is particularly true with low profile tires which suffer even more than conventional tires.

eaadams

however high perfomrnace does not equate to noice. I find OE tires to be far louder and a harsher ride than others

sosh

Thats a pretty broad statement that all OE tires are not good. My experience disputes that. My current 05 ML500 has Continentals. I have 30000 miles on them, they are quiet and perform very well, Same experience with the 02 ML500 I had with Continentals and a good experience with the original 98 ML 320 that had Dunlops. On the last 2 E Classes I had my 01 had Michlins and my current 05 has Continentals. I have never had a complaint with any OE tires. In fact on both types of vehicles that I have owned I have never had to change any of the tires nor have I even been tempted to do so. I have a new 2010 ML550 coming very shortly and a new E coming next Feb.

Benz_Guy

Thanks for the replies,
Unfortunately we already replaced the stock tires with NEW stock tires.

I'm still interested in seeing how the Yokohoma/Toyo tires do!

Thanks,
Benz_Guy

tarponbeach

The Toyo's have been on for a few weeks, and I am very happy with them. Wet and dry traction is superior to the Michelin Lattitudes, as is handling. The ML seems to be much more stable at speed, as well. Very quiet, and ride quality is noticeably improved.

DUTCH

I have Yokohama Geolandar H/T-S tires on mine for a little over 6,000 miles. I am very pleased with them. They are quiet, do well in heavy rain puddles and are very stable, In fact, the car rides better now at 61k miles than it ever has - including when new.

It also looks at 6,000 miles that they will wear better and far outlast the Contis that came from the factory and the Michelin Latitudes that replaced the Contis at 30k miles.

And, they cost quite a bit less than either the Contis or the Michelins.

lkchris

This whole topic is perfectly described in today's Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000...150147524.html

lkchris

This is impossible for you to know unless on the same day and same roads you compared brand new versions of each.

New tires ALWAYS feel better than the old, worn ones just removed.

Benz_Guy

Thanks everyone but a few things worry me. First off which one is better; Toyo or Yokohama?

Also, I looked on the Toyo and Yokohama websites and used the Tire Finder functions to specify an 08 ML350; Yokohama yielded nothing, but Toyo yielded 275/40R20 tires which a) seem too big and b) are rated 1 star in off-road traction.
We do take this car on adventurous off-roading trips through rough roads with a lot of big rocks and such and the Michelins did fine, but the Toyo's won't stand that?

Also a little but is it possible to take the car to the dealer and get 2010 wheel rims fitted to the tires? I really like the 2010 rims

lkchris

I seriously doubt 2010 "wheel hubs" are different than previous years. Have you seen something that says that?

Benz_Guy

I'm sorry I might've caused confusion by saying "wheel hubs" rather than "rims." I meant "rims" and yes they sure are different for each model year. Is it possible to replace 2008 rims with 2010 rims?