wheels and tires for '06 ML350 w/ air suspension

[craigmo]

Hi All - I'm trying to determine if I should just replace tires (currently Michelin 255/50/R19's ) and possibly chrome the wheels OR buy a different wheel and tire package. Anyone have an idea on cost to chrome? Any recommendations on a wheel/tire package?

Thanks.....

[gawdfatha]

Sounds like you've got a pretty good package already. Mine came with the factory 17" wheels so I have just swapped them for some 19" Monet wheels, with Michelin Latitude 255/50/R19's. Looks sharper, but the lower profile tire sacrificed some ride quality, even with the Airmatic in comfort setting. I was concerned about tire rubbing, and tire diameter variation, but haven't noticed any problems.

I did not find a lot of aftermarket wheels with W164 fitment due to the offsets. If you want to go to a 20", there is the wheel/tire package that comes on the ML63 AMG. It was $4000 from the dealer, but they assured me it would fit the vehicle.

There is a recent service bulletin for chrome plating of wheels:

Feb 08, 2008 S-B-40.10/18a
All Models, Chrome Plating of Mercedes-Benz Light Alloy Wheels

I do not have access to the full text of it, but worth a look before you have anything chrome plated.

Good luck,
gawdfatha

[craigmo]

Originally Posted by gawdfatha

Sounds like you've got a pretty good package already. Mine came with the factory 17" wheels so I have just swapped them for some 19" Monet wheels, with Michelin Latitude 255/50/R19's. Looks sharper, but the lower profile tire sacrificed some ride quality, even with the Airmatic in comfort setting. I was concerned about tire rubbing, and tire diameter variation, but haven't noticed any problems.

I did not find a lot of aftermarket wheels with W164 fitment due to the offsets. If you want to go to a 20", there is the wheel/tire package that comes on the ML63 AMG. It was $4000 from the dealer, but they assured me it would fit the vehicle.

There is a recent service bulletin for chrome plating of wheels:

Feb 08, 2008 S-B-40.10/18a
All Models, Chrome Plating of Mercedes-Benz Light Alloy Wheels

I do not have access to the full text of it, but worth a look before you have anything chrome plated.

Good luck,
gawdfatha

Thanks for the reply - I have not received many replies on these Mercedes forums. I've been so accustomed to numerous replies from the BMW boards. Do you know how I can find out more about that bulletin?

[gawdfatha]

No, not for sure.

You could try emailing Wolfgang --- wolfgang@whnet.com

He maintains the MB Bulletin site: Mercedes-Benz W164, W251 and X164 (new ML, R, GL) TSBs

Or, last resort, try calling MB Technical Assistance in New Jersey. Sometimes you get someone who will pull up the bulletin and read it to you...

gawdfatha

[craigmo]

Thanks againg gawdfatha

[pwmorris]

wolfgang-
Do you know what this service bulletin is for Chrome Wheels?
Will Mercedes not work on these wheels or will chroming void warranty?

Thanks