[chrish32]

Hello all,
I need to replace all four tires on my 2003 ML-350 (90k miles)
I narrowed down the type of tires between Hankook Ventice and Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza.

I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with these types of tires and
have any recommendations or if I'm completely offbase in even looking at these.

Hankook has a pretty good deal running now so the price difference between the two is about $250-$300, but I don't want to put tires that cost less now and cost me more in the long run.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Wiley430]

Just put on Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza with a $100 rebate. I am amazed how quit they are and feel very stable. ( I always have been running the ML with 34psi all around)
Tire place recommended alignment after all 4 where changed and they have a Hunter alignment equipment. I was standing right in front of the monitor when the mechanic started and a warning sign popped up on the screen "Stop, this car can only be aligned at a Mercedes Dealer and needs a special tool for the front end! The monitor showed something like a bar with disks on each side (or something like that).
I told the mechanic to stop and made an appointment with my dealer $95 4 wheel alignment and the SA told me that my front "toe-in??) was turned way to much inside and thats what ruined my old Toyo Proxes after 10,000 miles.
I do not think that any alignment place has this "tool" and maybe is just compensating for it... I don't know, I am no alignment guy or mechanic.
For $95 I gladly go to the dealer and on top qualify for free roadside assistance..

 

[Noodles]

The special tool is actually called a toe bar if I recall correctly.
I have gotten the best alignments at the dealer and they always give a good price like
the $95 you posted. Some dealers get $140 to do an alignment.

 

[[email protected]]

my dealer never touched my chamber tho!! i HATE my dealer!! they are pretty much stealers!! they left the chamber the way it was and just adjusted the toe on the front and rear, theres no point of adjust that without a chamber and caster adjustments!! thank god that my caster wasnt a mess. they left my bros caster as it was tho. so stupid!! oh and they charge 120 for a alignment here.

but the tires....i wanna know what is a good tire! the 04 needes new tires before winter/snow hits!

 

[Noodles]

Dealer service quality varies wildy. I am sorry you had to deal with schmucks.

As far as tire goes I don't think you see the amounts of snow we get up here in WI. Are you keeping the
big wheels on or going to a smaller wheel for winter? That will make a huge difference and
keep tire costs lower.

 

[[email protected]]

yeah sad what i have to deal with lol...n then told me i was wrong

but no the 04 has my stock 05 rims. but for the 05 ill keep my big wheels. never had a big problem with them yet.

 

[Noodles]

What size tire are you using now?

 

[atmsmshr]

Hello all,
I need to replace all four tires on my 2003 ML-350 (90k miles)
I narrowed down the type of tires between Hankook Ventice and Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza.

I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with these types of tires and
have any recommendations or if I'm completely offbase in even looking at these.

Hankook has a pretty good deal running now so the price difference between the two is about $250-$300, but I don't want to put tires that cost less now and cost me more in the long run.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sounds like you are down between Bridgestone and Hankook. Anyway, we put on Kuhmo Roadventure AT in the spring after ordering them with a price match at Goodyear with Tire Rack listing. Had the same tire on our Lexus for 3 years and got 45K miles before replacing prior getting to the wearbar. (I replace tires early, and consider them a safety margin issue).

Kuhmo's are quiet on the ML, and handle well in the rain. Just over $800 including alignment. Though in the future, I'll take Wiley's lead and get the alignment at the dealer.

However, the Kuhmo's have mediocre reviews for snow. (Which I don't worry about in Florida ) Also got stock tire size - next time I'll ovesize to fill the wheel well a bit more for better looks.

 

[gotca]

wheel alignment special tool

.... a warning sign popped up on the screen "Stop, this car can only be aligned at a Mercedes Dealer and needs a special tool for the front end! The monitor showed something like a bar with disks on each side (or something like that).

The special tool is actually called a toe bar if I recall correctly.

anyone has a picture of this special tool?
drawing maybe?

i just want to make sure the dealer has it when i'm going in for the wheel alignment next week.

 

[marie14]

I have a 2003 ml 350 have whine noise when driving do you have any suggestions

 

[Hirnbeiss]

I have a 2003 ml 350 have whine noise when driving do you have any suggestions

Whining in the straight ahead direction, or when turning?

Also, no tired kids in the backseat?