[cypee]

Hi,
Plan to get a set of 19" or 20" wheelset for my year 02' ML320. (original is 17" 265x65x17)

Actually i plan to use 19" but workshop tell me 20" and 19" tire price is difference between around $100, so better go for 20"

My problem is 20" will make my car underpower or not (BUT IT'S LOOK NICE) and which size of type should i use for 19" and 20"

the suggest using mechelin because will more comfort to driving.

 

[pdxgrease]

any increase in overall weight of the combined wheel + tire will rob you of power, braking effectiveness, and make bumps worse. Theoretically if you could get a wheel and tire combo in a bigger size that weighed less you would have a winner. Problem is in nearly all cases going to a larger rim size will result in increased unsprung weight. Considering you have a v6 you might want to consider the downsides of this upgrade. Really the only "benefit" is going to be looks.

 

[docL]

I have used MB ATI 16 x 8 alloy wheels on my 99 ML430 for snow tires. There is plenty of clearance. These were recommended by Tire Rack as alternate size for vehicle. They are for your ML320 per Tire Rack, and there is a set on EBAY now. The tires to fit are less costly too, though they will not be very low profile. The taller tire will run softer.

 

[porschenut]

You won't feel a heck of a lot of difference between 19's and 20's. However, I think 20" tires are more commonly found. Can anybody ocrrect me on this? Anyway, I think 20's are the way to go since they look great and still have enough sidewall to protect the wheels.

 

[pdxgrease]

right but 20's on a ml55 are gonna feel different than 20's on a 320. The performance "loss" with greater unsprung weight probably cant be felt when you have almost 400ft lbs of torque on the twist.

 

[porschenut]

I agree completely. There's a huge difference in drivability when I go from my 18" AMG wheels up to my 22's. However, if he's already decided to go with a minimum 19" wheel, he might as well buy 20's anyway.

 

[pdxgrease]

Can you describe the difference - im just curious. Im sure the 22's give you that "on rails" feeling... but can you briefly compare / contrast.. ?

 

[boardboy330]

I have 16" wheels with 33" tires....mine weigh an EXCESSIVE amount. The unsprung weight isn't so much the issue as the diameter. I say...if you want them...get them. TRY to get the lightest possible...but keep in mind you'll save weight on the rubber so overall youll make up the difference most likely.

 

[cypee]

which michelin tires is suiltable for ML?

 

[docL]

wheels

19" and 20" low profile tires look great, but MB service guys told me, as they were changing a low profile tire that had torn away from wheel, that the low profiles don't do well when you corner hard. You can put enough lateral force on the short sidewall to pull the tire bead away from the wheel edge. This also can happen with potholes, road defects, and other objects that put excessive forces on sidewall.

 

[porschenut]

Can you describe the difference - im just curious. Im sure the 22's give you that "on rails" feeling... but can you briefly compare / contrast.. ?

There's a slower response when turning with the 22's especially noticeable just off center. Far less road comfort and slightly slower braking and acceleration. It think it's worth the compromise, but then that's just me. As for feeling like it's on rails, it does have seem to have slightly more confidence when cornering hard but I don't slide the ML around corners like I do with my cars.

I think for most, the 20's would be the way to go over the 22's. In fact, I sometimes wish I'd bought 20's instead of the 22's.

 

[solstice]

As per robbing of power having changed to 22" wheels here it doesn't seem to make a difference at all. What i have noticed however is that i get better grip on asphalt and thus seems to make up for it. I think the big thing to consider when upgrading Rims and tires is the total weight factor of the rim+tire. Basically my combo has the exact same weight (well 200 grams lighter) then the stock 17" setup. Thus probably don't notice anything difference. Weight i think plays a bigger issue.

As per the cornering comment, I think it is important to remember to buy a quality tire, not some junk. However i do agree with the pothole issue, as there is less give aka space between rim and tire it is easier to pinch the sidewall causing it to collapse. Had to replace the tires here a couple times do to this. However, there hasn't been any issue do to cornering. I can't really tell if this is due to my new suspension system or tires, but cornering on 22's with 10" diameter seems to be a lot better.