[Orlando]

I have a few thousand miles left on the original Dunlops 5000 SP tires and I was planning to replace them with the Michelin Cross Terrains. When I went to Costco to take advantage of their current $60 discount they told me that they did not carry the tires for my 2002 ML-320. In 2002 Mercedes switched to H-rated tires and Michelin only makes an S rated Cross Terrain in the ML's size. I also went to Tirerack and I could not get the Cross Terrain to come up as an option.

The choices of H rated tires in the ML's size is rather limited. Does anyone know why MB changed to H rated tires in 2002? Any recommendations for H rated tires other than the Continental or Dunlop OEM tires? Although 90+% of my driving is in non-snow conditions, I still want a tire that also performs well in the snow for the ski trips to Lake Tahoe.

Thanks,

Orlando

 

[traveller]

They have neverswitched. It have always been an H-rated tire (I have a 2000 ML320, USA version). Topspeed of the ML320 is 190km/h (minimum) and an S-rated tire is approved up to 190 km/h (190 km/h = +/- 120 mls/h).
EJ

 

[Radomir]

there was a lady at costco the other day when I was having mine changed, and she was told the same story (hers was '03 350).

they were going to call Michelin for her and check whether they can use the S rated ones...


however, mine (275/55...) were H rated, so I didn't have any problems...

 

[jdanish]

ML 430's take the 275/55R17 "v" rated. 240km/hr or 149mph

s rated only good for 180km/hr or 112 mph

w or z rated 270lm/hr or 168mph

jd

 

[BlackHawk]

If I remember correctly the manual says the tires are rated up to 130mph, probably H rated not 100% positive, costco will NOT downgrade your tire only match or exceed, I went down with my dad to get some new tires on his delorean, and we realized we had lower grade tires

 

[jdanish]

Sorry,here is the rest : H rated is 210km/hr or 130mph
T rated is 190km/hr or 118mph
U rated is 200km/hr or 124mph
Y rated is 300km/hr or 186mph
V rated is 240km/hr or 149mph
R rated is 170km/hr or 105mph
S rated is 180km/hr or 112mph
W rated is 270km/hr or 168mph
ZR grade can be from 168-200mph
all from g though o not listed range from 55 to 99mph and do not apply

 

[RickT]

I have noticed that the load rating also seems to change when the speed rating changes. Not sure if this is true with all tires? In any event, if you ever tow or haul anything, you should also consider load rating as an important factor.

 

[Orlando]

I have contacted Michelin's customer service and they forwarded a request to product management to consider making an H rated tire in the ML's size. If anyone is considering Michelin replacement tires, you may also want to contact Michelin and express your interest. As the OEM tires begin to wear out, the potential market should be much larger.

I will post any response that I receive.

 

[marcelc]

Orlando - 1/31/2005 8:09 AM

I have contacted Michelin's customer service and they forwarded a request to product management to consider making an H rated tire in the ML's size. If anyone is considering Michelin replacement tires, you may also want to contact Michelin and express your interest. As the OEM tires begin to wear out, the potential market should be much larger.

I will post any response that I receive.

I have written twice to Michelin UK asking for Michelin tyres in 255R60/17, I mentioned that there are thousands of ML's in the UK and also said that the Michelin Cross Terrains (only available west of the Atlantic) receive excellent reviews.

The answer was the same both times - "we have passed your comments on to the marketing department" which I took to be a fob off.

I would love to replace my Continentals with Michelins at the next opportunity (probably next year).

 

[trong_l]

Ladies and gents,

Forget about the xterrain tires from costco. $60 is quite a discount for a set of tires until you find out that they don't have what you need. In my case, I went to a local Les Schwab afterward, and with some helps from a friend, the store manager gave me a heck of a deal for a set of Toyo Proxes ST tires. I wont say how much but they're about 15% off their regular prices and way less that those xterrains. I have to say they're one of the quietest tires I've known. The ride is way better, and guess what they're rated V, not just H or S.

Just so you guys know.

 

[bigcatny]

Tirerack has H rated cross terrains listed for the ML. I just got off their site.

 

[redeye]

Orlando, have you considered going up in size to 275/55R17 (same as ML430/500)? If so, the X-Terrain is available in that size as 109H rating.