ML430 mercedes

 

ML320 test


 

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 updated 7-5-2001


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Alternative 18" tires for Mercedes-Benz M-Class SUV


 There is a wide range of tires that can potentially replace the stock size of the M-Class

255/65 R16 for the ML320

275/55 R17 for the ML430.

285/50 R18 for the ML55

If you are aiming for looks and performance, 18 inch wheels & tires are the hottest ticket.

Plenty of different alloy designs are available from BRABUS, Carlsson, AMG, Borbet etc.

Some truly exotic sizes of up to 22" wheels are available through specialty dealers in Germany


The following tires sizes fit the M-Class.
I listed the real diameters & loss or gain of torque relative to the ML320's tire size - the ML430's tire size is about the same.

 brand  model    size  loss or gain of torque

Michelin  4x4 XPC  255/55 R 18 28.17 " 0.8 %
 Avon  Ranger H   28.17 "  0.8 %
 Goodyear  Wrangler HP    28.20 " 0.7 %
 Continental 4x4 Winter Contact    n/a  n/a 
 Dunlop  SP Sport 8000/9000   n/a   n/a
 Pirelli  Scorpion S/T    27.90 ''  1.8 %
 Pirelli  Scorpion Zero    28.19 "  0.7 %
 General Tire XP 2000 x4 Sport     n/a  n/a
 Fulda  Tramp 4x4 H   28.20 "   0.7 %
 Pirelli   Scorpion Zero  255/45 R 18  26.10 " + 9.1 %
 Dunlop  SP Sport 9000   26.26 "  + 8.4 %
Pirelli  Scorpion Zero   265/55R18 28.26 "  - 0.5 % 
 Bridgestone  Dueler HP 680  265/60 R 18  29.55 " - 4.1 %
 Yokohama   AVS V801    29.66 "  - 4.5 %
 General Tire XP 2000 x4 Sport      29.63 "  -4.3 %
 Goodyear  Wrangler F1   29.63 "  - 4.3 %
 Fulda Tramp 4x4 H    29.66 " - 4.5 %
 Bridgestone Dueler H/P 680  285/60 R 18  30.47 " - 7.1 %
 Bridgestone Dueler HTS 686    29.76 "  -  4.8 %
 Pirelli  Scorpion Zero    30.19" - 6.2 %  
 Pirelli   Scorpion Zero  285/55 R 18  29.29 " - 3.2 %
 Yokohama   AVS V801    29.48 "  - 3.8%
 Pirelli    Scorpion Zero  285/50 R 18  27.85 "  2.0 %
 Dunlop   SP Sport 9000 MFS    28.32 " 0.2 %
 Continental 4x4 Sport Contact     n/a n/a 
  General Tire  XP 2000x4 Sport     28.32 "   0.2 %
 Yokohama  AVS V801    28.40 " 0.0 %
 General Tire Grabber ST 255/65 R 16  28.39 "  0.0


Winter tires for the M-Class

 You'll find a wide selection of wheels & tires in the 17 inch section.


If you are looking for off-road performance tires you'll find a wide selection in the 16 inch section.



For off-road use it is best to have as much rubber between the harsh ground and the rim.



My personal opinion: BFGoodrich tires are unsurpassed off-road champions