I am thinking about upgrading the wheels on my ML, and I would like to get WIDER 17 " wheels and tires. Is it possible to get WIDER wheels? If yes, where can I buy some nice wheels? Thanks

 

I just bought a set of ML430 wheels and tires for my ML320. They are 275/55 17" versus the 320s 255/65 16". They haven't been delivered yet, but I'm told they just bolt on and don't require any spacers or anything. I'll let you know how they work.

Does anyone know if gas mileage suffers much with this setup due to the wider tires' increased rolling resistance?

 

The gas mileage theoretically will decrease with wider tires, but there is more factors in the tire, than the width to change it.
This way, or another the difference is going too small to measure.
What you might want to consider is the thread life of the lower-profile tires. Years ago I bought super-sporty tires for our Volvo.
The car performed on cornering 3 steps better, but the tires lasted for few months only, so I went back to Michelins with 80,000 miles warranty.

 

I'm sure there will be some mileage penalty, but since these are stock ML430 wheels and tires, I feel like the wear will be consistent with that of the ML430. I'm hoping it will be a good marriage, since I think the ML320 rides a little too soft for my tastes and the ML430 rides like a brick. The 430s wheels and tires with the 320s softer suspension setup should be just right.

 

Funny you mentioned ML 320 riding soft.
I just bought myself replacement 99 E320 wagon and my wife fell in love with it, saying it rides soft, when ML320 rides like a brick.
I guess it is all in the eyes (maybe other part ) of beholder.

 

OK, I finally put my 430 wheels and tires on this week and here are my observations:

Impact harshness is a tad higher, but less than I expected.

Road noise is a good bit higher than the stock wheels, but I expected that. It's not annoying.

I was a little concerned that acceleration would suffer due to the increased mass of the huge tires, but I have noticed no difference. Braking feels the same as well.

Overall I'm very pleased. The lower profile tires are a nice match with the 320's suspension.



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hi

what tires are the 275/55R17.
I am looking for a set for my 2003 ml 350.

 

They're actually just the OEM Dunlop Grandtreks. The wheels & tires were pulled off an ML430 barely used.