M-Class (W164) Produced 2006-2011: ML280CDI, ML320CDI, ML420CDI, ML350, ML500, ML550

Best Tires for ML 4MATIC

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Old 12-24-2020, 12:22 AM
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2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Best Tires for ML 4MATIC

Purchased a 2008 ML550 today. The truck will be in need of a set of new tires soon.

Interested to find out what you guys all think would be a good choice for an ALL SEASON tire, which will also work in the snow. However, I am in Northern CA and 95% of the time the ML will operate in dry or wet conditions, with an occasional trip up to the snow.

On my E350, I always ran Michelin and was always happy with them.

Thanks your help/input.

Last edited by S70Houston; 04-13-2021 at 11:43 AM.
Old 12-24-2020, 12:33 AM
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Old 12-24-2020, 05:55 PM
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I had high hopes when I installed the Michelin Primacy LTX tires which have a 60,000 mile warranty. Unfortunately I only got 18,000 miles out of them even though I always check tire pressure and have them rotated/balanced every 6,000 miles. I drive city/hwy and my style is average.

After researching I decided on the Continental Cross Contact LX25 tires which come with a 70,000 mile warranty. We'll see.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...n&autoModClar=
Old 12-24-2020, 09:56 PM
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2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Originally Posted by CLK Group
I had high hopes when I installed the Michelin Primacy LTX tires which have a 60,000 mile warranty. Unfortunately I only got 18,000 miles out of them even though I always check tire pressure and have them rotated/balanced every 6,000 miles. I drive city/hwy and my style is average.

After researching I decided on the Continental Cross Contact LX25 tires which come with a 70,000 mile warranty. We'll see.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...n&autoModClar=
Thanks very much, ....... Any input is greatly appreciated.
Old 12-24-2020, 10:25 PM
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I went cheap on my '08 ML350 4matic....

Achilles Desert Hawk UHP 255/50R19 107V XL

I just hit 5000 miles and did the first front to back rotation. No problems yet, they've been good in the rain and on the highway, and on beach sand, but I can't tell you about snow - I do know there is no siping in the tread blocks but it does have the snow rating on the sidewall.




Last edited by E55Greasemonkey; 12-24-2020 at 10:42 PM.
Old 12-26-2020, 07:09 PM
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GL550 X164
Michelin Crossclimate SUV looks interesting. I would try it as a 3 season tire with light winter use, but they don't come in the right size for me, unfortunately.
Old 12-26-2020, 09:37 PM
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2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Originally Posted by CLK Group
After researching I decided on the Continental Cross Contact LX25 tires which come with a 70,000 mile warranty.
Did you install those already? Do you have a verdict?

I have watched a few reviews as well on this tire, majority love it, but some say it is a loud tire? I am sure it matters on what vehicle it is installed on, so I am wondering if it is indeed loud on our ML's?

I have BF Goodrich All Terrains on our GMC Yukon. These have a very aggressive tread pattern and are in my opinion not loud at all. So how loud can these Continentals be?
Old 12-28-2020, 08:35 PM
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Ordered a set of CONTINENTAL Cross Contact LX25's today.

Let's see if they are as good as the reviews described. The guy at the tire store thought they were pretty darn good, comparable to the MICHELIN's and approx. $40.00 cheaper per tire.
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Old 12-31-2020, 04:47 PM
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Yes, I had them installed. Only have about 150 miles on them but so far I like them. No sound difference from the Michelins.
Old 12-31-2020, 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by CLK Group
Yes, I had them installed. Only have about 150 miles on them but so far I like them. No sound difference from the Michelins.
EXCELLENT!

I had mine installed this morning. Too early to tell, but so far so good. I also like the look of the tire.
Old 03-05-2021, 12:00 AM
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
I would not buy tires from Indonesia or China. Korea or Japan is fine.

Nexen's worth a shot at $539
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-265-45R20...s/373403450557

These Kumhos are def good at $615
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-265-45R20...s/303902997024

Not much available until you hit the Conti LX-25 at $931
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-265-4...s/324506537181

Which seals the deal, imo.
Old 03-11-2021, 01:19 AM
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
I found a set of like-new 18" Firestone Destination LE3 for $265 and a set of GL 18" wheels for $400, so under $700 for the set. The wheel style is totally correct for the period.

I've been buying a lot of Firestone. Not glamorous, but they get the job done, especially the Destination.





Last edited by Audi Junkie; 03-17-2021 at 05:32 PM.
Old 03-11-2021, 03:58 AM
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Originally Posted by S70Houston
Purchased a 2008 ML550 today. The truck will be in need of a set of new tires soon.

Interested to find out what you guys all think would be a good choice for an ALL SEASON tire, which will also work in the snow. However, I am in Northern CA and 95% of the time the ML will operate in dry or wet conditions, with an occasional trip up to the snow.

On my E350, I always ran MicheliMiches and was always happy with them.

Thanks your help/input.
Following for updates. Need full set as well. I usually run with Michelin pilot sport z rated, but I like the Latitudes for quiet and less road noise. Costco has them on sale but internet to see this time around what others indicate they like. Cheers

Last edited by 2008ml550_0104; 03-11-2021 at 04:01 AM.
Old 03-11-2021, 10:29 AM
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
The Uniroyal seems to be a bargain at $520 in 18"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-245-6...8/124581258095

Michelin makes Uniroyal (ducks for cover)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In 20" the Scorpions Plus for $800 seems like a bargain. I don't feel that a high end 20" tire is a necessity on an SUV nor does it really bring much to the table.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-Pirel...2/383083568101

The Plus II are $940...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-265-4...s/333909490226

"Good in snow" to me means Nokian WRG 3...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-Nokia...0/383391137872

or WRG 4, which are killer...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nokian-WRG4...s/333533135457

Michelin vs Conti....I would go with the Contis
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-265-4...s/324506537181

inc the DWS-06 if you care about snow....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Continental...s/324090153192

My choice in a 20" tire was an 18" tire.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Firestone&tireModel=Destination +LE3

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Firestone&tireModel=Destination +LE+2


Building on the world-class LE2....Cayenne guys love them for the 2-3x wear and best in class handling.

I hope my posts can help someone out.

Last edited by Audi Junkie; 03-12-2021 at 12:36 AM.
Old 03-11-2021, 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Audi Junkie
The Uniroyal seems to be a bargain at $520 in 18"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-245-6...8/124581258095

Michelin makes Uniroyal (ducks for cover)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In 20" the Scorpions Plus for $800 seems like a bargain. I don't feel that a high end 20" tire is a necessity on an SUV nor does it really bring much to the table.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-Pirel...2/383083568101

The Plus II are $940...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-265-4...s/333909490226

"Good in snow" to me means Nokian WRG 3...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-Nokia...0/383391137872

or WRG 4, which are killer...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nokian-WRG4...s/333533135457

Michelin vs Conti....I would go with the Contis
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-265-4...s/324506537181

inc the DWS-06 if you care about snow....
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Continental...s/324090153192

My choice in a 20" tire was an 18" tire.
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests...y.jsp?ttid=256

Building on the world-class LE2....Cayenne guys love them for the 2-3x wear and best in class handling.

I hope my posts can help someone out.

I am all about the Uniroyal, now. Attaboy Michelin. Making that stout choice to rebrand it for us. We all know it’s a Michelin, and I’m ok with seeing on my Mercs.
Old 03-12-2021, 12:37 AM
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
Uniroyal is bigger in Europe than in USA.

They seem like a good choice with a heavy SUV as they are wear-oriented.

Last edited by Audi Junkie; 03-12-2021 at 12:39 AM.
Old 03-12-2021, 12:52 AM
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
I have to add that the GL wheels seem like a good deal in 18", especially since the style is so very OE correct, and the quality is high.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2008-M...4/333617816552

I put my set together for under $700 total, but whatever, a $1000 for a nice set with new decent tires like the Uniroyals or Kumho seems like a step in the right direction.

I fully expect an improvement in steering feel, ride, handling and a cushier ride, all from the reduced mass, and more narrow tread, thicker sidewall, etc etc....tires 1/2 the price of 20" with better selection is a bonus going forward; I'll toss on some 15mm spacers too.

Probably put my 20" set on ice until I sell the ML so I don't have to worry about putting $1000 tires on it to trade in or whatever.

Last edited by Audi Junkie; 03-12-2021 at 10:36 AM.
Old 03-13-2021, 01:13 AM
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
I took a peek at 19" size tires, and wow, the Destination LE2 for $419 new....my pet tire. Read the Tire Rack staff test.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-255-5...9/124578051452

Nexen Winguard Sport 2 is an amazing fast all-weather / snow. My wife loves hers on her Golf SW 6M 4Mo. I can back that up with some European reviews...$573

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-Nexen...9/383648906206

Nokian Hakka R3s, literally one of the very best Nordic snows made...$780 but I would just assume have the Nexen, honestly they are that good.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-Nokia...9/383657231253

Nokian Zline a very nice fast summery tire that still has an all-season compound, so it works in cold wet and light snow....$600

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-255-5...9/353386517022

Tiger Paw $640

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-Uniro...s/363273099138

Last edited by Audi Junkie; 03-13-2021 at 01:17 AM.
Old 03-13-2021, 01:16 AM
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
This channel is excellent, but not every tire model translates to American market from Europe, they are a generation and a half ahead of US.

Highly recommended. The host is cool.

/TyreReviews

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Old 03-14-2021, 01:30 PM
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Tyrereviews is a reliable source.
Old 03-17-2021, 05:34 PM
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
Originally Posted by Audi Junkie
I found a set of like-new 18" Firestone Destination LE3 for $265 and a set of GL 18" wheels for $400, so under $700 for the set. The wheel style is totally correct for the period.

I've been buying a lot of Firestone. Not glamorous, but they get the job done, especially the Destination.



I guess the quasi-Gothic font of the name Firestone is sort of Germanic or Teutonic, kind of cool.
.
.

Last edited by Audi Junkie; 03-17-2021 at 05:37 PM.
Old 04-15-2021, 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by S70Houston
Ordered a set of CONTINENTAL Cross Contact LX25's today.

Let's see if they are as good as the reviews described. The guy at the tire store thought they were pretty darn good, comparable to the MICHELIN's and approx. $40.00 cheaper per tire.
OK, after 2300 miles, I have determined that the CONTINENTAL Cross Contact LX25's are junk!!!!!!!!
  • At Highway Speeds, the truck feels like it is “Swerving”, which gives a very uncomfortable feeling. (I need to take extra care and hold on to the wheel).
  • The tires are also pretty loud, compared to what I am used to.
I NEVER experienced anything like this in all my years of putting Michelins on my cars. Guess I should have followed my instincts and go with Michelin in the first place. ☹ The truck had an alignment done immediately after the tires were installed, as well as most front suspension components were replaced.

With that said, the Continentals will come off tomorrow and I am going back to Michelin. Hoping the MICHELIN PRIMACY TOUR A/S will provide a much better ride quality than these Conti's did.


MICHELIN PRIMACY TOUR A/S


Last edited by S70Houston; 04-15-2021 at 06:48 PM.
Old 04-15-2021, 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted by S70Houston
OK, after 2300 miles, I have determined that the CONTINENTAL Cross Contact LX25's are junk!!!!!!!!
  • At Highway Speeds, the truck feels like it is “Swerving”, which gives a very uncomfortable feeling. (I need to take extra care and hold on to the wheel).
  • The tires are also pretty loud, compared to what I am used to.
I NEVER experienced anything like this in all my years of putting Michelins on my cars. Guess I should have followed my instincts and go with Michelin in the first place. ☹ The truck had an alignment done immediately after the tires were installed, as well as most front suspension components were replaced.

With that said, the Continentals will come off tomorrow and I am going back to Michelin. Hoping the MICHELIN PRIMACY TOUR A/S will provide a much better ride quality than these Conti's did.


MICHELIN PRIMACY TOUR A/S

the continental brand name is a great product. I’m not sure which Merc you put these on but if it’s the ML (they came with in the W164 Continental from Tuscaloosa, on) snd I cannot remember the model. The Michelin’s are a step down from the OE continentals and again cannot remember their model but I just put a brand new set of them on and they are amazing. In wet weather and with the high winds we have had for the last two weeks in Chicago the ML 63 I drive has been straight and unwavering. Pun intended. Confirm with your dealer or do some research on which set up from Michelin’s, that belong on your car.

if I’m not mistaken, merc is still putting these on their new vehicles.
Old 04-15-2021, 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by S70Houston
OK, after 2300 miles, I have determined that the CONTINENTAL Cross Contact LX25's are junk!!!!!!!!
  • At Highway Speeds, the truck feels like it is “Swerving”, which gives a very uncomfortable feeling. (I need to take extra care and hold on to the wheel).
  • The tires are also pretty loud, compared to what I am used to.
I NEVER experienced anything like this in all my years of putting Michelins on my cars. Guess I should have followed my instincts and go with Michelin in the first place. ☹ The truck had an alignment done immediately after the tires were installed, as well as most front suspension components were replaced.

With that said, the Continentals will come off tomorrow and I am going back to Michelin. Hoping the MICHELIN PRIMACY TOUR A/S will provide a much better ride quality than these Conti's did.


MICHELIN PRIMACY TOUR A/S

Are your Conti's designated as an XL (Extra Load) tire? Our ML's are heavy and require an XL tire.
Old 04-15-2021, 09:29 PM
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Originally Posted by E55Greasemonkey
Are your Conti's designated as an XL (Extra Load) tire? Our ML's are heavy and require an XL tire.
my ML has a different one I think, and does weigh more than yours as it’s the AMG and uses a similar rating. (Speed and width different but weight too). Let me get back to you on whag it says on tire.


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