Mercedes M-Class (W163) Tire Size Guide by Model Year & Trim
The Mercedes M-Class (W163), produced from 1997 to 2005, features a range of tire sizes depending on the model year and trim level. Standard tire width and rim diameter vary, typically falling between 235/70R16 to 255/55R18 sizes. Rim widths for the W163 generally range from 7 to 8.5 inches in diameter.\n\nLower trim levels on early model years usually come with 16-inch rims, while higher trims and later models upgrade to 17 or 18 inches. Comparing trims requires attention to tire width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter to maintain vehicle performance and safety.\n\nAlways check specific year and trim tire markings to ensure compatibility. The rim width × diameter reference is essential for selecting aftermarket wheels or replacement tires. Proper sizing maintains handling characteristics and avoids interference with suspension components.
| Make / model / trim | Year | Tire size | Wheel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 230 | 2005 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 270 CDI | 2005 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 350 | 2005 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 350 4-matic | 2005 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 400 CDI | 2005 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 430 | 2005 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 500 | 2005 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 55 AMG | 2005 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 230 | 2004 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 270 CDI | 2004 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 350 | 2004 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 350 4-matic | 2004 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 400 CDI | 2004 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 430 | 2004 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 500 | 2004 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 55 AMG | 2004 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 230 | 2003 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 270 CDI | 2003 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 350 | 2003 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 350 4-matic | 2003 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 400 CDI | 2003 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 430 | 2003 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 500 | 2003 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 55 AMG | 2003 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 230 | 2002 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 270 CDI | 2002 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 320 | 2002 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 350 | 2002 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 400 CDI | 2002 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 430 | 2002 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 500 | 2002 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 55 AMG | 2002 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 230 | 2001 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 270 CDI | 2001 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 320 | 2001 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 400 CDI | 2001 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 430 | 2001 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 500 | 2001 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 55 AMG | 2001 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 230 | 2000 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 270 CDI | 2000 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 320 | 2000 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 430 | 2000 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 55 AMG | 2000 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 230 | 1999 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 270 CDI | 1999 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 320 | 1999 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 430 | 1999 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 230 | 1998 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 320 | 1998 | 255/65R16 | 8" × 16" |
| Mercedes M-Class (W163) ML 430 | 1998 | 275/55R17 | 8" × 17" |
For bolt pattern (PCD), offset ET, center bore, and mounting details, open the bolt pattern page for Mercedes M-Class (W163).
FAQ
- What tire sizes are common for the Mercedes M-Class (W163)?
- Common tire sizes include 235/70R16, 255/65R17, and 255/55R18, varying by trim and model year.
- How do I compare tire sizes across W163 trims?
- Compare rim diameter, width, and tire aspect ratio listed on your current tires or owner's manual to match trim-specific sizes.
- Can I use larger rims on a W163 without modifications?
- Upgrading to larger rims may require suspension or brake adjustments; always verify clearance and tire size compatibility.
Tire size calculatorShow
Compare two tire sizes — diameter, speedometer error, and clearance change.
| Size 1 | Size 2 | Diff | Diff(%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 25.0" | 25.4" | 0.5" | 1.89% |
| Width | 7.7" | 8.5" | 0.8" | 10.26% |
| Circumference | 78.4" | 79.9" | 1.5" | 1.86% |
| Profile height | 5.0" | 4.2" | -0.7" | -15.08% |
| Turnover per mile | 807 | 793 | 14 | -1.73% |
| Clearance | - | - | +0.2" | - |






Speedometer Error
(First wheel OEM size)
| Reading | 20 mph | 30 mph | 40 mph | 50 mph | 60 mph | 70 mph | 80 mph | 90 mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | 20.4 | 30.5 | 40.7 | 50.9 | 61.1 | 71.2 | 81.4 | 91.6 |
