Ml 350 tyres for soft ride
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From: cheshire uk
ml350amg slk 320
Ml 350 tyres for soft ride
I'm now desperate to replace the contis with 5mil left , in search of a comfortable ride on my rough riding 350 with airmatic.
Seems Michelin Tour HP are favourite from some owners but my dealer says I have to have 107 W, whereas the contis are 103 W. I will never do 149 mph with 975 kilos on board!
Will the 107's give a firmer ride than 103's? I am not concerned about price or mileage, I simply want the softest ride over our rubbish UK roads
Any thought please?
Thanks
Seems Michelin Tour HP are favourite from some owners but my dealer says I have to have 107 W, whereas the contis are 103 W. I will never do 149 mph with 975 kilos on board!
Will the 107's give a firmer ride than 103's? I am not concerned about price or mileage, I simply want the softest ride over our rubbish UK roads
Any thought please?
Thanks
Last edited by paulwith; Apr 7, 2021 at 07:01 AM.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
I'm now desperate to replace the contis with 5mil left , in search of a comfortable ride on my rough riding 350 with airmatic.
Seems Michelin Tour HP are favourite from some owners but my dealer says I have to have 107 V, whereas the contis are 103 W. I will never do 149 mph with 975 kilos on board!
Will the 107's give a firmer ride than 103's? I am not concerned about price or mileage, I simply want the softest ride over our rubbish UK roads
Any thought please?
Thanks
Seems Michelin Tour HP are favourite from some owners but my dealer says I have to have 107 V, whereas the contis are 103 W. I will never do 149 mph with 975 kilos on board!
Will the 107's give a firmer ride than 103's? I am not concerned about price or mileage, I simply want the softest ride over our rubbish UK roads
Any thought please?
Thanks
Last edited by Barry45RPM; Apr 7, 2021 at 11:06 AM.
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The 103 vs. 107 is simply the load index (load rating) of the tires. It has nothing to do with the ride quality or the speed (that's the "W"). Given the weight of the ML, consider yourself lucky that you didn't have a blowout with the 103 LI tires especially if you were running lower pressures. You do need 107 or 108 LI tires. Are you on 19" or 20" rims?
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ml350amg slk 320
The 103 vs. 107 is simply the load index (load rating) of the tires. It has nothing to do with the ride quality or the speed (that's the "W"). Given the weight of the ML, consider yourself lucky that you didn't have a blowout with the 103 LI tires especially if you were running lower pressures. You do need 107 or 108 LI tires. Are you on 19" or 20" rims?
I presumed that if the load index is greater then the tyre must be stiffer? Is that not correct?
I'm on 19" rims running at 32 psi
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The Continentals that I had on my ML were probably the worst tires I've ever had on any car (in more ways then one). Michelins with the proper SUV load rating are a definite step up in terms of handling, wear, noise and ride comfort. If you want all-seasons, my top choice by far would be Michelin CrossClimate SUV tires that come in the required 255/50ZR19 107Y XL size and spec. I'd also stay away from Pirellis - they grip well at first, but like the Contis they get hard and noisy and don't wear evenly.
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'10 C300, '15 ML250BT, '22 M850i Vert
My 2015 RWD ML350 came with Dunlop tires on it... I got 50,000 miles on them before I replaced them. This is the first vehicle I have owned that didn't have Michelins on it, the Dunlops are shockingly quiet, and nice riding, and also relatively inexpensive. I'm a happy customer with them.
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From: cheshire uk
ml350amg slk 320
Not really. It means that the tire carcass construction is different and has stronger or more plies (layers), but it doesn't mean that the tire sidewalls are any stiffer. And, 32 psi is much too low and you're risking a blowout. I'd bring them up at least to the pressures indicated on the inside of the fuel filler door (35 or 36 psi at all four corners IIRC).
The Continentals that I had on my ML were probably the worst tires I've ever had on any car (in more ways then one). Michelins with the proper SUV load rating are a definite step up in terms of handling, wear, noise and ride comfort. If you want all-seasons, my top choice by far would be Michelin CrossClimate SUV tires that come in the required 255/50ZR19 107Y XL size and spec. I'd also stay away from Pirellis - they grip well at first, but like the Contis they get hard and noisy and don't wear evenly.
The Continentals that I had on my ML were probably the worst tires I've ever had on any car (in more ways then one). Michelins with the proper SUV load rating are a definite step up in terms of handling, wear, noise and ride comfort. If you want all-seasons, my top choice by far would be Michelin CrossClimate SUV tires that come in the required 255/50ZR19 107Y XL size and spec. I'd also stay away from Pirellis - they grip well at first, but like the Contis they get hard and noisy and don't wear evenly.
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From: cheshire uk
ml350amg slk 320
According to the manual tyres should be 103W. The Contis fitted are this rating.
However I can only find the tyres I would prefer (michelin latitude tour hp) in 107W or 103 V.
As I want the softest ride would 103V be ok? (we have a 70mph limit ! )
Thanks
However I can only find the tyres I would prefer (michelin latitude tour hp) in 107W or 103 V.
As I want the softest ride would 103V be ok? (we have a 70mph limit ! )
Thanks
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The speed rating is different from the load rating, and a V speed rated tire (240 km/h / 149 mph) is certainly fine - but again, keep in mind that the speed rating is only applicable when the tire is at the recommended pressure.
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ml350amg slk 320
Where do you see that? Technically, Mercedes only approves special tires that meet their own manufacturing and certification criteria and are clearly labelled as such with an MO suffix, and I do know for a fact that the MO tires from any manufacturer or brand contain additional plies and/or a different tire carcass construction from the same model tire that may be made for the general market. At any rate, I find it hard to believe that they have specified a 103 load tire anywhere, although I have not looked. Can you please show me where you see that information? Thanks.
The speed rating is different from the load rating, and a V speed rated tire (240 km/h / 149 mph) is certainly fine - but again, keep in mind that the speed rating is only applicable when the tire is at the recommended pressure.
The speed rating is different from the load rating, and a V speed rated tire (240 km/h / 149 mph) is certainly fine - but again, keep in mind that the speed rating is only applicable when the tire is at the recommended pressure.
The info is taken from page 307 of my manual supplied with the car for the" Ml 350 Blue Tech 4 Matic" 255/19/103W Under "Summer
tyres", although for Winter tyres it specifies 107 H XL m+s?
Thanks for you input
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While I am in Canada, I looked over my own (printed) as well as the US manual (online) and I can find no such reference anywhere. I can't comment as to what may be in your manual and whether it is a misprint, but a 103 LI tire is not even XL rated and sounds dangerously low for any SUV, let alone for a German (read: safety + performance) one that weighs 5400+ lbs empty. I would never put anything lower than a 107 XL tire on the ML, and especially if your primary concern is with ride quality and you're likely to run tire pressures at the lower end of the allowable range. A blowout is the last thing you'd ever want to experince.
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That makes sense. If they are MO tires, they are made to Mercedes specifications and have additional plies in the carcass (which addresses the load bearing issue).
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ml350amg slk 320
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ml 350 bluetec
Good afternoon, thank you all for the contributions, I am very interested in this subject since I have to make the change of tires soon, those who now assemble my ml 350 bluetec, are thought of some brand that I do not know, I was thinking about the MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE SUV 255/50 R19 107Y tires, you have some opinion on this tire, some better recommendation. thank you all.
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No - you can get them through any half-decent tire supplier (at least here in Canada). I thought you were looking for better tires though? Unless someone gave me a set free of charge, those Contis would not be anywhere on my list, and furthermore, they are summer tires only so even in the UK you would not be able to use them year-round.
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Good afternoon, thank you all for the contributions, I am very interested in this subject since I have to make the change of tires soon, those who now assemble my ml 350 bluetec, are thought of some brand that I do not know, I was thinking about the MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE SUV 255/50 R19 107Y tires, you have some opinion on this tire, some better recommendation. thank you all.
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ml350amg slk 320
No - you can get them through any half-decent tire supplier (at least here in Canada). I thought you were looking for better tires though? Unless someone gave me a set free of charge, those Contis would not be anywhere on my list, and furthermore, they are summer tires only so even in the UK you would not be able to use them year-round.
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ml350amg slk 320
Seems I can now buy Latitude Tour HP in 107W or 103V. OR Latitude Sport 3
Do I take it that 103V is unsafe. Can't seem to get any sense from MB
Do they have a tech contact site?
Thanks again
Do I take it that 103V is unsafe. Can't seem to get any sense from MB
Do they have a tech contact site?
Thanks again
Last edited by paulwith; Apr 22, 2021 at 01:18 PM.
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ml350amg slk 320
Update
Fitted 4 Michelin Latitude Tour HP on my 2014 ML350
Vehicle is transformed! Ride is now smooth, soft and quiet .It's a different car with the Continentals gone.
If you want a better ride for you Ml, don't hesitate, worth every penny, if you can find them!
Thanks to all who suggested them.
Fitted 4 Michelin Latitude Tour HP on my 2014 ML350
Vehicle is transformed! Ride is now smooth, soft and quiet .It's a different car with the Continentals gone.
If you want a better ride for you Ml, don't hesitate, worth every penny, if you can find them!
Thanks to all who suggested them.
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E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
OEM MO tyres are no different than standard tires. The difference is simply the contractual arrangements between the mfg and supplier. Availability, defect rate and performance specs like LRR or DB rating. AO and MO tires usually suck, with low grip and econo car ride. Browse Tire Rack and see the very worst tires on the market as oem.
Higher load WILL ride stiffer, given the same-same model tire.
Every brand makes good and bad models.
Avoid tires made during Covid...like the plague.
105 load, like 245/60-18 carries over 2000lbs each, the ML is 6000lbs 103 load is very close behind, over 1900lbs each tire.
I have a set of Kumhos in 255/55-19 going on. Consider a larger size like this for comfort, price and durability. When comparing different size, like the 245/55-19 I tried, just look at the (standard) load of both tires. A taller, but mostly higher load will ride and last better. The stock 255-50-19 are kinda lame in my book. IDK if UK....you can use different sizes, lol.
Higher load WILL ride stiffer, given the same-same model tire.
Every brand makes good and bad models.
Avoid tires made during Covid...like the plague.
105 load, like 245/60-18 carries over 2000lbs each, the ML is 6000lbs 103 load is very close behind, over 1900lbs each tire.
I have a set of Kumhos in 255/55-19 going on. Consider a larger size like this for comfort, price and durability. When comparing different size, like the 245/55-19 I tried, just look at the (standard) load of both tires. A taller, but mostly higher load will ride and last better. The stock 255-50-19 are kinda lame in my book. IDK if UK....you can use different sizes, lol.
