In 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks blended luxury-brand refinement with serious SUV capability, covering everything from the upright, military-bred G-Class to the more road-oriented ML range. That mix matters because 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks did not rely on one universal tire size across the lineup. Four sizes appear across four models, with the G500, G55 AMG, ML350, and ML500 each taking their own fitment path and only the ML350 and ML500 sharing one size. The practical first step is to confirm your exact model, then verify whether your truck uses a 17-inch or 18-inch rim before narrowing down the correct radial tire choice.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks
Four tire sizes are used across 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks, and they vary by model rather than being shared across the full lineup. The real decision starts with confirming your exact model and whether it rides on a 17-inch or 18-inch rim, since every size here is a radial but the fitment changes between the G-Class and ML models. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps you match the right tire to the right truck.
Year(s): 2004|Fit(s): G500|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
A 265/60R18 is a radial tire with a 265-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks G500 rather than the full model range. It suits owners who need the proper fitment baseline for a G-Class truck and want to stay with the radial construction used for this application.
Year(s): 2004|Fit(s): G55 AMG|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
A 285/55R18 is a radial tire with a 285-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim diameter. This size is specific to the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks G55 AMG and is not shared across the broader 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks lineup. It is the size to focus on when matching the wider, more performance-oriented fitment associated with the AMG version of the G-Class.
Year(s): 2004|Fit(s): ML350|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17-in rim
A 255/60R17 is a radial tire with a 255-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. This size is used on the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML350 and does not carry across to the G-Class models. It is the right starting point for ML350 owners whose truck is equipped with the narrower of the two ML fitments used that year.
Year(s): 2004|Fit(s): ML350, ML500|Construction: Radial|Rim: 17-in rim
A 275/55R17 is a radial tire with a 275-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and a 17-inch rim diameter. This size is shared by the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML500 and certain ML350 applications, so it is the closest thing to a common ML fitment for the year. It is the size to compare against your current sidewall marking if you are sorting out whether your ML uses the wider 17-inch setup.
Four Mercedes-Benz truck and SUV models are covered for 2004. Tire size varies by model, and the ML350 even spans two fitments, so identifying the exact model is more important than relying on year and make alone. Select a model below to narrow your fitment history and see the tires that apply to that specific vehicle.
2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks G500
The 2004 G500 carried the classic G-Class shape that traces its roots to a rugged off-road platform, but by this period it had also become a high-end luxury SUV with unmistakable presence. Its tires mount on 18-inch rims, setting it apart from the 17-inch ML fitments used elsewhere in the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks range.
The 2004 G55 AMG took the G-Class formula in a more muscular direction, combining the upright body and off-road heritage with AMG performance character. Its tires also mount on 18-inch rims, but the size is different from the standard G500, so the AMG model needs to be identified correctly before choosing tires.
The 2004 ML350 was part of Mercedes-Benz's first-generation M-Class, a more modern, family-oriented SUV with a softer on-road character than the G-Class. It uses 17-inch rims and can appear with either of two radial tire sizes, making sidewall verification especially important on this model.
The 2004 ML500 sat higher in the M-Class range and emphasized stronger V8 luxury-SUV character while keeping the same general platform identity as the ML350. Its tires mount on 17-inch rims and use the wider of the ML-family fitments seen for 2004.
These FAQs sort out which radial sizes belong to the G-Class and ML models, how the 17-inch and 18-inch fitments differ across the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks range, and what to verify before driving or storing a low-use luxury SUV.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles?
2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles use four tire sizes across four model lines: 265/60R18 for the G500, 285/55R18 for the G55 AMG, 255/60R17 for the ML350, and 275/55R17 for the ML500 as well as some ML350 applications. The G-Class models use 18-inch rims, while the ML models use 17-inch rims. All four sizes are radial constructions.
That means year and make alone are not enough to choose tires for 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The first checkpoint is the exact model, and the second is the sidewall marking on the truck now, especially with the ML350 because it appears with two different sizes. Matching the rim diameter first narrows the search quickly and helps avoid crossing G-Class and ML fitments.
What does 265/60R18 mean on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tire?
On a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tire, 265/60R18 means the tire is 265 millimeters wide, has a 60-series aspect ratio, uses radial construction, and fits an 18-inch rim. That exact size belongs to the G500 in this model range. It is a modern metric radial size rather than an older numeric or alphanumeric classic-car designation.
For a G500 owner, that code is the quickest way to confirm whether the truck still carries the correct basic fitment family. If your sidewall reads 265/60R18, you are working with the proper 18-inch G500 format. If it shows another code, compare it carefully against the wheel diameter and model identity before moving ahead with replacement tires.
Do all 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks models use the same tire size?
No. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks models do not share one universal tire size. The G500 uses 265/60R18, the G55 AMG uses 285/55R18, the ML350 uses either 255/60R17 or 275/55R17, and the ML500 uses 275/55R17. Only the ML500 and some ML350 applications share the same size.
That model-by-model spread reflects the difference between the boxy G-Class and the more road-focused M-Class, along with trim-level distinctions inside each family. If you are starting from a registration card or a title rather than the sidewall, identify the model before anything else. That one step eliminates most fitment confusion for 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
Buying the Right Tire
What sidewall styles are available for 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tires?
Every tire size used on 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks is a modern metric radial, so sidewall appearance generally follows contemporary SUV styling rather than vintage wide-white or pie-crust themes. The visual goal with these vehicles is usually factory-style proportion and profile, not an antique or mid-century restoration look. That is especially true for the G-Class and first-generation M-Class, which belong to a much newer design era than traditional collector cars.
For most owners, the sidewall decision comes down to keeping the truck visually consistent with its original 2004 character. A G500 or G55 AMG often benefits from a purposeful, squared-off performance SUV appearance, while an ML model typically looks most natural with a clean OEM-style radial profile. Checking photos of stock wheel-and-tire combinations can help if appearance matters as much as fitment.
What brands make tires for 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles?
Tire choice for 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks centers more on the correct size and intended use than on one historically tied reproduction brand, because these are modern radial SUV fitments rather than prewar or muscle-era sizes. The key brand question is whether the tire is built for the exact 17-inch or 18-inch fitment your model uses and whether its design suits luxury-SUV road use, all-season driving, or a more performance-oriented setup.
That makes your vehicle identity especially important. A G55 AMG owner may prioritize a different driving character than an ML350 owner, even though both are shopping in the same broad premium-SUV category. Once the correct size is confirmed, compare brand options by road manners, speed rating, sidewall appearance, and how closely the tire matches the way you actually use your 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
Should I choose the 255/60R17 or the 275/55R17 for my 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks?
That choice only applies to the 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks ML350, because the ML500 uses 275/55R17 and the G-Class models use 18-inch sizes. Both 255/60R17 and 275/55R17 are radial 17-inch fitments, so the decision is not about bias-ply versus radial construction. It is about matching the exact wheel-and-tire setup your ML350 already has.
The safest approach is to read the current sidewall and verify the wheel diameter before replacing anything. If your ML350 still carries its established fitment, staying with that same size keeps the truck in its existing specification. If the truck has changed wheels at some point, compare the wheel size and consult a Mercedes-Benz specialist before switching between the two 17-inch options.
Fitting & Setup
Do 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tires require inner tubes?
2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tire fitments are modern radial SUV sizes, and these applications are normally associated with tubeless tire design rather than tube-type vintage construction. The four sizes used here—265/60R18, 285/55R18, 255/60R17, and 275/55R17—belong to the era when tubeless radial use was standard practice on production luxury SUVs.
Even so, the final check should always be the sidewall marking on the specific tire you choose and the condition of the wheel itself. A damaged bead seat, corrosion, or an aftermarket wheel issue can create sealing problems that are separate from tire size. If your 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks has non-original wheels, inspect them closely before installation.
Can the original 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks wheels be used with all tire sizes?
No, not across the full 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks range. The G500 and G55 AMG use 18-inch tire sizes, while the ML350 and ML500 use 17-inch tire sizes. That means wheel interchange by tire size starts with rim diameter, and the G-Class and M-Class fitments are not one shared wheel-and-tire family.
Within the ML range, the two sizes are both 17-inch, so they belong to the same basic wheel-diameter category. Within the G-Class range, both sizes are 18-inch. Before reusing original wheels, confirm the exact model and compare the current sidewall code to the wheel diameter stamped on the wheel or identified in factory literature.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks when the tires are fitted?
A 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks should be stored on clean, properly inflated tires in a cool, dry, dark space away from direct sunlight, electric motors, battery chargers, furnaces, and other ozone-producing equipment. Moisture and long-term static weight are the main enemies during storage. Even modern radial tires can develop temporary flat spotting if the truck sits in one position for extended periods.
Move the truck occasionally if practical, or use stands correctly if the vehicle will be parked for a long seasonal layup. Keep the tires off oily or chemically treated surfaces, and avoid covering them with plastic that traps moisture. Good storage habits preserve both ride quality and sidewall appearance on a low-use G-Class or M-Class much better than mileage alone would suggest.
How long do tires on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks typically last?
On a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks, tire age usually matters more than mileage, especially on collector-minded or lightly used SUVs. A sensible rule is to begin careful evaluation around five to seven years of age and to treat the ten-year mark as a serious replacement point regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the clearest way to judge age.
Many luxury SUVs from this period cover relatively few miles each year, which can make old tires look better than they actually are. Hardened rubber, internal aging, and sidewall cracking can develop long before the tread is worn out. If the truck still carries very old tires, replacement is usually a wiser decision than trying to stretch one more season out of them.
How often should tires on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks be inspected?
Tires on a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks should be inspected before every drive, with a more careful check before highway trips or longer outings. Look for sidewall cracking, cuts, punctures, uneven wear, bulges, and any sign that the tire is losing pressure. Because these vehicles are often driven intermittently, pressure loss can go unnoticed between uses.
A quick inspection takes only a few minutes and can catch age-related issues early, especially on older SUVs that may spend more time parked than driven. Include the spare in that routine, since an untouched spare can age out just like the road tires. If one tire shows abnormal wear, inspect alignment and suspension condition before replacing only the rubber.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, the radial tire sizes used on 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks are modern highway-capable formats when the tires are in good condition, properly inflated, and correctly matched to the vehicle. Safety depends less on the size code itself than on age, condition, load capacity, and speed rating of the exact tire installed. On a 2004-era Mercedes-Benz SUV, the tire should be treated as one part of a complete roadworthiness picture.
That broader picture matters because a G-Class or M-Class can feel mechanically sound while still riding on aged tires. Brakes, suspension, alignment, and steering condition all influence highway confidence just as much as the rubber does. Before any extended drive, confirm that your 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks has fresh-enough tires and that the rest of the chassis is ready for sustained speed.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tires?
Inflation pressure for 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks should follow the factory vehicle recommendation for the exact model and tire size, then be checked against the tire manufacturer’s own maximum pressure marking on the sidewall. The correct pressure for a 265/60R18 G500 tire is not something to borrow for a 255/60R17 ML350 tire, and the same caution applies across the other sizes.
Use the placard or owner’s manual as your first reference, because Mercedes-Benz calibrated each model around its own weight distribution and intended use. Then confirm the chosen tire’s sidewall information so you understand its maximum-rated pressure and load context. Keeping pressures matched side to side helps ride quality, handling balance, and tread wear on these heavier SUVs.
What should I check before taking a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks on a longer drive?
Before taking a 2004 Mercedes-Benz Trucks on a longer drive, inspect each tire for cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, irregular wear, and correct cold inflation pressure. Check that the sidewall size on the truck matches the model’s intended fitment family, and do not forget the spare. A long drive is also the right time to look at valve stems, wheel condition, and any sign of slow leakage.
Because these are older premium SUVs, tire inspection should happen alongside a broader mechanical review. Brake condition, fluid levels, belts, hoses, battery health, and suspension components all deserve attention before an extended trip. Catching one weak tire or one dry-rotted valve stem in the garage is far better than discovering it after the truck is loaded and already on the road.
