The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 sits in the modern luxury SUV world with the kind of power, weight, and road manners that make tire fitment more than a cosmetic decision. Owners often balance everyday drivability with the need to preserve the vehicle’s intended stance and wheel setup. For this exact ML550, the primary fitments are radial sizes 255/50R19 and 265/45R20, so the first step is confirming which wheel diameter is on the vehicle. Because both sizes are modern metric radials, the real choice centers on matching the correct wheel, maintaining proper proportions, and checking any wheel or suspension changes before replacement.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 uses two primary tire sizes, and the difference comes down first to wheel diameter. One setup uses a 19-inch rim with 255/50R19 tires, while the other uses a 20-inch rim with 265/45R20 tires. Before choosing a replacement tire, confirm which wheel is actually on the vehicle, especially if the ML550 has changed hands or has had wheel upgrades.
255/50R19 is a modern metric radial size in which 255 refers to nominal section width in millimeters, 50 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 19 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550, this size suits the 19-inch wheel setup and keeps the fitment in the modern radial format the vehicle uses. Buyers looking at this size should focus on maintaining the correct wheel match and overall vehicle balance. It is a strong starting point for owners keeping the ML550 on its original 19-inch wheel diameter.
265/45R20 is also a modern metric radial size, with 265 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, 45 indicating aspect ratio, R for radial construction, and 20 for the wheel diameter in inches. For the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550, this size belongs to the 20-inch wheel configuration rather than the 19-inch setup. The practical difference is not just the tire code itself, but the wheel diameter it is built to fit. This is the size to evaluate when the vehicle is already equipped with 20-inch wheels and the goal is to stay with that fitment.
Fitment is straightforward here because the covered ML550 sub-model uses either of the two radial sizes already associated with this vehicle. Checking the exact wheel diameter still matters, since the tire choice changes between the 19-inch and 20-inch setups.
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2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 Base
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 Base uses radial tire fitments in either 255/50R19 or 265/45R20, depending on the wheel setup on the vehicle. Tire selection starts with confirming whether the ML550 Base is on 19-inch or 20-inch rims before comparing replacement options.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs focus on the exact tire sizes used on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550, how to confirm the correct wheel setup, and what to inspect before replacing tires on a modern luxury SUV.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550?
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 uses two primary tire sizes: 255/50R19 and 265/45R20. Both are radial sizes, and each one corresponds to a different wheel diameter rather than a simple interchangeable choice between the two.
The key step is confirming which wheels are actually on the vehicle before ordering tires. A 255/50R19 tire belongs on a 19-inch rim, while a 265/45R20 belongs on a 20-inch rim. If the ML550 has aftermarket wheels or a previous owner changed the setup, check the wheel itself and the tire sidewall rather than assuming the original configuration is still in place.
What size rim does a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 use?
A 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 can use either a 19-inch rim or a 20-inch rim, depending on the tire setup. The 255/50R19 fitment uses a 19-inch wheel, and the 265/45R20 fitment uses a 20-inch wheel.
That makes rim diameter the first thing to verify before buying replacement tires. Even if two tires have similar overall proportions, the bead seat must match the wheel diameter exactly. Looking at the current sidewall code is the quickest check, and it is especially important on an ML550 that may have been fitted with different factory-style wheels or later wheel upgrades.
Why does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 have more than one tire size?
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 has more than one tire size because it was fitted with more than one wheel diameter configuration. One setup uses 255/50R19 tires, and the other uses 265/45R20 tires, with both remaining in radial construction.
This does not mean every ML550 can use both sizes without further checking. The correct choice depends on the wheels currently installed on the vehicle. Tire buyers should confirm the actual rim diameter first, then stay with the matching size unless they are intentionally changing wheels and evaluating the full package for clearance, proportions, and compatibility.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550?
Start with the correct size for the wheel setup on the vehicle: 255/50R19 for 19-inch rims or 265/45R20 for 20-inch rims. Because both fitments are modern radial sizes, the first decision is not construction type but correct wheel match and maintaining the intended overall setup.
After confirming size, compare the tire’s proportions to the vehicle’s current configuration and intended use. An ML550 used mainly for normal road driving may simply need a correct replacement in the same size, while a vehicle with wheel changes, suspension changes, or appearance modifications should be checked carefully for clearance at full steering lock and through suspension travel.
How do I choose between the available 255/50R19 and 265/45R20 tires for a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550?
The choice between 255/50R19 and 265/45R20 is determined by the wheel diameter already on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550. These are not alternate versions of the same tire for the same rim; each size is tied to a specific wheel diameter.
Once the wheel diameter is confirmed, selection becomes much simpler. Stay with the size that matches the rim, then evaluate the condition of the wheels and whether the vehicle has been modified in ways that could affect fitment. Choosing between the two sizes should never be based on appearance alone, since the wrong bead diameter will not match the wheel.
What rim-fitment details should I compare when choosing tires for a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550?
The most important rim-fitment detail is diameter. A 255/50R19 tire requires a 19-inch wheel, while a 265/45R20 requires a 20-inch wheel. That dimension must match exactly before any other comparison matters.
Beyond diameter, inspect the wheels for any non-original changes that may affect tire placement in the wheel well. An ML550 with different offsets, wider wheels, or suspension alterations can behave differently than a standard setup. Matching the proper tire size to the actual wheel on the vehicle helps preserve clearance, stance, and road manners without introducing avoidable fitment problems.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 restoration or refurbishment?
Yes. Even on a modern vehicle like the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550, staying with the correct tire size for the actual wheel setup helps preserve the intended look and overall proportions. The two proper fitments here are 255/50R19 and 265/45R20, each tied to a different rim diameter.
A refurbishment-minded owner should confirm whether the vehicle is being kept in its current wheel configuration or returned to a different factory-style setup. Tire size has a visible effect on stance and wheel-to-tire balance, so using the wrong size can change the appearance even before it causes practical issues with wheel fit or clearance.
How does tire size affect the appearance of a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550?
Tire size has a strong visual effect on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 because the vehicle uses either a 19-inch or 20-inch wheel package. A 255/50R19 and a 265/45R20 are both modern radial sizes, but each is proportioned around a different rim diameter.
That means the tire choice should support the wheel setup already on the vehicle rather than trying to create a look by forcing the wrong size. Owners aiming for a clean, factory-inspired presentation should keep the wheel and tire relationship consistent, then inspect ride height, wheel style, and overall stance before making any appearance-driven changes.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 even when the vehicle is using one of its correct basic sizes, 255/50R19 or 265/45R20. Wheel changes, offset differences, suspension lowering, or body alterations can all change how much room the tire has.
A vehicle with aftermarket wheels should be checked for clearance at the fender, inner wheelhouse, and suspension components. Steering travel matters too, especially on the front axle. Even when the sidewall size looks familiar, the full wheel-and-tire package can behave differently once offset or ride height has changed from the original setup.
What should I inspect before driving a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 on new tires?
Before driving a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 on new tires, confirm that the tire size matches the wheel diameter and that all four tires are properly mounted and inflated. It is also smart to inspect the wheels for damage and make sure there is no obvious interference at rest.
A short, careful road check should follow the installation. Listen for rubbing, feel for vibration, and turn the steering from lock to lock to confirm clearance. On a vehicle that sees mixed use or long periods of storage, it also helps to inspect suspension condition and alignment-related wear so the new tires are not compromised early.
How often should tires on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 be inspected?
Tires on a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML550 should be inspected regularly, not only when tread looks worn. A quick visual check for cuts, cracking, bulges, uneven wear, and air loss is worthwhile before routine driving, and a more thorough inspection makes sense before longer trips.
Low-use vehicles deserve the same attention as daily drivers because age and storage conditions can affect tire condition even with limited mileage. Pressure should be checked consistently, and any change in steering feel, vibration, or ride quality should be taken seriously. Catching a problem early is especially important on a heavier performance-oriented SUV like the ML550.
