Tire width - Benzworld.org

BigKutta · 06-17-2008, 11:50 AM

Hi all - I have a 2006 ML350 (standard suspension and 17" wheels). I need new tires soon and would like to go with something wider that will fit on the OEM rims on my truck. Currently my tires are 235/65R17 and i feel they are too skinny for this truck

What is the widest (ok, may be not the widest, but a bit wider) tire size I can go with that will mount on the current rims?

Thanks

CJzBenz · 06-17-2008, 01:02 PM

Personally I just bought (but have not mounted) new Yokohamas to put on mine and kept the original size. Right or wrong I believe that larger tires/contact patch/weight may improve looks at the cost of some (probably minor) fuel economy. What I would recommend for you is to call the Tire Rack and talk to one of their specialists.

vinceching · 06-17-2008, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigKutta

Hi all - I have a 2006 ML350 (standard suspension and 17" wheels). I need new tires soon and would like to go with something wider that will fit on the OEM rims on my truck. Currently my tires are 235/65R17 and i feel they are too skinny for this truck

What is the widest (ok, may be not the widest, but a bit wider) tire size I can go with that will mount on the current rims?

Thanks

i'm running the 19" gl 5 double spoke setup. 275 is how wide they are and it sticks just a mm or 2 out in the front. in the back it is still within the fender well

lkchris · 06-17-2008, 03:39 PM

How expensive does gasoline have to get before you stop making modifications that will lower your fuel economy?

The notion Mercedes has specified "too skinny" tires is inane.

vinceching · 06-17-2008, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

How expensive does gasoline have to get before you stop making modifications that will lower your fuel economy?

The notion Mercedes has specified "too skinny" tires is inane.

he isn't going to affect mpg by that much. maybe 2-3mpg at the most.

tires can be considered "too skinny" take for example the s class. the w140's standard tire width was 235/60/16. for the w220, they changed it to 225/something/16.

for a car as big as a s-class 225 are too skinny.

BigKutta · 06-18-2008, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

How expensive does gasoline have to get before you stop making modifications that will lower your fuel economy?

The notion Mercedes has specified "too skinny" tires is inane.

Are you an Environmentalist who drives a GL? LOL!!

bocabenz · 06-18-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

How expensive does gasoline have to get before you stop making modifications that will lower your fuel economy?

The notion Mercedes has specified "too skinny" tires is inane.

Purely for looks in this case. And (I genuinely ask) how much does a wider tire reduce efficiency? Obviously it adds friction- but with how much impact?

**MB-SV** · 06-19-2008, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigKutta

Are you an Environmentalist who drives a GL? LOL!!

Not likely driving that cancer stick GL, particulates sprayed all over the countryside.

Hope to live upwind from that. LOL

**MB-SV** · 06-19-2008, 08:37 AM

My preference is to stick with OEM tire-sizing. But the 17's are too small and no longer standard on the ML today. I threw away the 17's and upgraded to 19's and used the OEM-sized 255/50/19 tire, which is standard size on current ML. Just my 2 cents regarding preference. I noticed/calculated no measurable difference in gas mileage.

If you want to do it right, you are looking at different wheels (and you can still stay within OEM-specified sizing.)

**MB-SV** · 06-19-2008, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bocabenz

Purely for looks in this case. And (I genuinely ask) how much does a wider tire reduce efficiency? Obviously it adds friction- but with how much impact?

Very little, if staying within range specified by the factory for 18" and 19" wheels. Frontal area increase probably has bigger impact than the friction, still not significant.