ACS ML550

Getting a great price on a new custom order 2011 ML550 this weekend. MSRP 69,000 with options. Purchasing for $61,000 bc of dealer incentives, etc. I'm struggling between ordering it with 19 vs 20 inch wheels. I have heard the 20 inch make the ride a little rougher and are poor in the snow. I live in New England and snow is one guarantee each winter. Any thoughts? Also, is the $1,100 for keyless entry worth it? Thanks...

roadrutz

I'm surprised you have a choice of wheels. 2010 ML550's came with the AMG appearance package as standard, which includes 20-inch wheels (21 inch in Canada). These are really not intended for use in very cold conditions or snow, so those of us who live in snow country buy a second set of wheels equipped with dedicated winter tires.

Keyless entry is nice. "Worth" $1,100? That's for you to decide.

DJ GAINS BOND

if you can get it separate from the harmon, then probably. I dont think i saw where i could separate it from the bluetecs' order. Once you get it though, you'll be hooked and every car after, you'll look puzzled for second.

aggst1

Keyless Go is the way to go. If you are spending 60k plus you will regret not getting it in the future. I have it on my R500 and absolutely love it. On weekdays I don't even see my keys as they are in my briefcase at all times. All I have to do is get in the car and push a button. Great feature.

ACS ML550

The 2011 ML550 doesn't automatically come with the AMG package. It's $780 to upgrade from 19" to 20" wheels.

As for the keyless entry. I have the funds to add it however, I don't like wasting $1,100 if most other people find it more of a hasstle than not...or find it not very useful.

Thanks for your insight(s)

QuadBenz

It's not a hassle at all. IMO, it's one of the best options you can get. In the W164, it works very well. Worth every penny.

aggst1

The ONLY drawback of Keyless-Go is that you get spoiled. I ve gotten so used to it, that when I use my other vehicle that doesn't have it, I stare in space trying to press on the ignition...

eeferber

both the 19" wheels (standard) and 20" (optional) are AMG wheels. I don't know what the difference is in tire footprint, but it can't be much. I wonder if there is a difference in tire selection between the wheels sizes.

I opted for the keyless-go system. 1 day's use and I'm hooked.

edit: the OE tire that came on my 20" wheels was Pirelli Scorpion Zero - not a tire noted for traction in snow.

VelociRaptor

Seen quite a few 550s come through the line this week.

ACS ML550

VelociRaptor....did you see mine come through??? Just kidding. Thanks to all for the input. Just as an FYI, I ended up getting the 20" wheels and Keyless Go for my 2011 ML550.No one had anything bad to say about either and I didn't want to regret it at a later date...so I just went with them.

Also, Eeferber: My wife's X5 had Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires...they were horrible. They didn't pass inspection after only 2 years (19,000 miles). I put Michelin on the X5 and 2 yrs later (18,000) miles they still have a couple of years of tread left in them. I will never buy Pirelli again.

eeferber

Which model Mich. did you put on the BMW?

I put Mich. Cross Terrain on my '99 ML430. GREAT tire. Excellent in snow and great tread life. 38k on the set I have now and still have 7/32" tread left. Too bad Mich. is making these in only very limited sizes at this point (nothing over 18").

roadrutz

Presumably you put Diamaris on the X5. I had them on mine for the longest time. Good tires, but noisy as they aged.

I'm surprised about the Pirellis. I had Scorpion Winter Sports on my X5 and liked them so much I put the same ones on my ML's winter wheels. I guess the Zero line must have much softer rubber, so wear faster.

ACS ML550

Actually, the Michelin tires I put on where "Latitude". They are much better in rain/snow and last almost twice as long. Think the Pirelli Zero have much softer rubber.