I just bought a 2010 ML350 4Matic for my son. It came with a free set of rims, A2514011002, 7.5x17. I wasn't sure these work on the 2010, but they do. However all the applications I can find for finding tires show the 2010 uses 19" rims. Should I sell these and buy some 19s? Or is it the case that the smaller rims would be better for snow tires? I've found that swapping to a set of studded snows for my wife's W166 provides traction, stopping and going, whatever the conditions in Winter.

 

Rim size has very little bearing on what would or wouldn't work as long as they clear the brake calipers, have the correct offset, and are rated for the weight of the vehicle. Those numbers sound like the wheels came off the R class, which is mechanically very similar to W164. The R class is also heavier than the MLs, so the rims are fine from a strength perspective. The MLs use the same tire size as the R class so the 17" R class tire sizes should work.

Here are the pros of going to 19s: ability to install larger brakes, less sidewall can make the SUV feel more sporty (tire dependent), possibly larger selection of tires, and looks better (entirely subjective, I personally don't think so).

17" pros: smoother and cushier ride due to more sidewall, less unsprung and rotating weight improves suspension and acceleration performance (minor), and tires are generally cheaper. Also lower chance of damaging your rims when hitting potholes, but that's only really a concern with 21" and larger wheels.

 

If you switch to 17, you'll also likely need a set of the shorter lug bolts - the ones for the 19s will be too long it's possible to run them in too far if you use on the 17s.
I switched because there were more tire options, and more affordable. Fun fact, low pro tires are also less fuel efficient, usually.

The 19s, especially if you continue with approved run-flats are very ahem, upmarket.
I don't have the urge or 'need' to drive 50 miles on a flat tire, personally.
If my son were going to drive it, I wouldn't hesitate to put the 19s on the shelf until ready to sell it, and let him beat on the 17s.
(Unless he wants to skin the 19s).

 

Thank you for this help. I'll check carefully on the bolts. I did find that if you look up tire sizes for the 06 ML350, you do find options for the 17 rim. I can't find any options listed for the 17 rims when I search 2010 ML350. Anyway, the option listed is 235 65 17, which, if I can use the comparison tool correctly, are essentially the same size as the 255 50 19s, which is what is on it now.

I've searched and it looks like you can get a set of studded snows, 235 65 17 for around $650. So I think I'll purchase them and get them installed on the 17" rims that I have. I checked and it looks like have after market TPMS monitors. I'll try purchasing the OEM ones and see if I can get them installed as part of the package.

 

If the TPMS sensors are 433 hz., they should work. It's possible MB changed this wit model refresh.
But from memory (always suspect!), they used a different frequency earlier on rather than later. Mine is a 2008 model.
These worked fine for me:

Amazon

Amazon

I think the bolts came from an eBay seller, many places step on these pretty hard.
Sorry I don't have the length, but they are shorter. The 19s are thicker where the bolts go through.
I would first look them up on one of the dealership online parts sales sites (https://www.mboemparts.com/)

 

Using smaller rims is the better solution for running winter tires. This because if you fit the size tire Mercedes specifies for these rims you will be fitting a narrower tread width tire … narrower is better than wider for snow traction (and avoiding aquaplaning).

ALL Mercedes wheels applicable to your ML use the same lug bolts … except perhaps the donut spare wheel.

 

>ALL Mercedes wheels applicable to your ML use the same lug bolts … except perhaps the donut spare wheel.
Not true.

If I tried to run the ones which came on my car all the way to snug after changing wheels to 17"x7.5" (seven spoke), the bolts protruded through the hub flange roughly 1/2 inch and impacted the carrier.
That is, the 19"x8" (five spoke) wheels are thicker at the hub between the bolt seat and inner face.

The stock bolts for 19s have shaft 45mm, 17s 7 spoke use 28mm shaft.