2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks spanned a wide range of premium utility vehicles, from the upright, off-road-rooted G-Class to the family-oriented GL and ML lines and the long-wheelbase R-Class crossover. That variety matters because 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks did not use one universal tire size across the lineup. Eight different radial sizes appear across 11 models, with some shared among related vehicles and others reserved for AMG or upper-trim applications. The first thing to confirm is your exact model, since a G500, GL450, ML350, and R350 can all point you toward different rim diameters and tire dimensions before you narrow the choice to a specific product.
Which Tire Size Is Right for Your 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks
Eight tire sizes appear across 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks models, and they vary by model rather than carrying across the full range. The key decision is identifying the correct model and rim diameter first, since these radial sizes span several wheel diameters from 18 through 21 inches. Understanding that distinction before choosing a product saves time and helps match the tire to the right Mercedes-Benz truck or crossover.
Year(s): 2008|Fit(s): G500, GL320, GL450|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
265/60R18 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter section width, a 60-series aspect ratio, and fitment for an 18-inch wheel. This size serves the G500, GL320, and GL450, and no product range appears here with alternate sidewall or speed-rating choices to compare at the year-make level. It is the shared fitment among those specific models rather than a universal size across all 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks applications.
Year(s): 2008|Fit(s): G55 AMG|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
285/55R18 is a metric radial size that reads as 285 millimeters wide with a 55-series profile on an 18-inch wheel. This size is specific to the G55 AMG, so the model identification matters more here than simply knowing the year and make. It suits the more specialized AMG application within the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks range and should be chosen only after confirming that exact model.
Year(s): 2008|Fit(s): GL320, GL450|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19-in rim
275/55R19 is a metric radial size with a 275-millimeter section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and a 19-inch rim diameter. It applies specifically to the GL320 and GL450 rather than to the entire 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks lineup, and no alternate brand or sidewall spread appears here for comparison. Buyers choosing between GL fitments should confirm whether their vehicle uses the 18-inch or 19-inch wheel package before moving forward.
Year(s): 2008|Fit(s): GL550|Construction: Radial|Rim: 21-in rim
295/40R21 is a metric radial size that denotes a 295-millimeter width, a 40-series profile, and a 21-inch wheel diameter. This is a GL550-specific size, making it one of the most model-specific and largest-diameter fitments in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks range. It is the size to pursue when preserving the GL550's large-wheel look and intended stance.
Year(s): 2008|Fit(s): ML320, ML350, ML550, R320, R350|Construction: Radial|Rim: 19-in rim
255/50R19 is a metric radial size with a 255-millimeter section width, a 50-series aspect ratio, and fitment for a 19-inch wheel. It is shared by the ML320, ML350, ML550, R320, and R350, making it one of the broader crossover and SUV fitments within 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks. If your vehicle falls in that group, this size is a strong starting point before checking the exact wheel package on the vehicle.
Year(s): 2008|Fit(s): ML63 AMG|Construction: Radial|Rim: 20 in
295/40R20 is a metric radial size with a 295-millimeter section width, a 40-series profile, and a 20-inch wheel diameter. The available product in this size is the Nitto NT555 G2, offered as a Blackwall radial in 295/40ZR20XL 110W form, which carries a W speed rating with a 168 mph ceiling. This size is specific to the ML63 AMG and fits the more performance-oriented character of that model within the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks range.
Year(s): 2008|Fit(s): R320, R350|Construction: Radial|Rim: 18-in rim
255/55R18 is a metric radial size that translates to 255 millimeters of section width, a 55-series aspect ratio, and an 18-inch rim. It is specific to the R320 and R350 rather than shared across all 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks models, and no sidewall or speed-rating alternatives appear here to compare. R-Class owners should verify whether their vehicle uses this 18-inch fitment or one of the larger optional sizes before choosing a tire.
Year(s): 2008|Fit(s): R350|Construction: Radial|Rim: 20-in rim
265/45R20 is a metric radial size with a 265-millimeter section width, a 45-series profile, and fitment for a 20-inch wheel. This size is exclusive to the R350 within the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks range, so it is not interchangeable across the broader model line without matching the wheel diameter. It is the correct path for an R350 equipped with the larger 20-inch wheel setup.
Eleven models are covered for 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks, ranging from the traditional G-Class to the GL, ML, and R-Class families. Tire size varies by model, and in some cases by wheel package within the same model line, so identifying the exact model is more important here than relying on year and make alone. Select your model below to narrow the fitment history and see the tires that match that application.
2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks G500
The G500 carried the long-running G-Class formula into 2008 with its upright body, body-on-frame roots, and unmistakable utility-focused styling. Its tire fitment mounts on an 18-inch wheel, which keeps it distinct from the larger-diameter GL, ML AMG, and R-Class alternatives elsewhere in the lineup.
The G55 AMG took the G-Class in a far more performance-focused direction while retaining the same iconic square-shouldered silhouette. Its tires mount on an 18-inch wheel, but the size is unique to the AMG version rather than shared with the standard G500.
The GL320 was Mercedes-Benz's full-size luxury SUV aimed at families who wanted three-row space with a more refined road character than a traditional truck-based utility vehicle. It appears with both 18-inch and 19-inch wheel fitments, so wheel diameter is the first thing to confirm on the vehicle.
The GL450 shared the GL's large luxury-SUV footprint while emphasizing smooth highway travel and upscale equipment. Like the GL320, it uses either an 18-inch or 19-inch wheel fitment depending on configuration, making the exact wheel package worth checking before choosing tires.
The GL550 sat at the upper end of the GL range and paired full-size utility with a more assertive luxury-performance image. Its tire fitment mounts on a 21-inch wheel, giving it the largest rim diameter in this 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks group.
The ML320 represented the midsize end of Mercedes-Benz SUV design in 2008, blending everyday usability with a more carlike driving feel than the G-Class. Its fitment uses a 19-inch wheel, shared with several ML and R-Class siblings.
The ML350 was one of the core midsize Mercedes-Benz SUV offerings of the period, positioned as a broad-appeal luxury utility model. Its tires mount on a 19-inch wheel, using the same size family seen on several other ML and R-Class applications.
The ML550 brought stronger V8 presence to the midsize ML platform without stepping into full AMG territory. It uses a 19-inch wheel fitment, sharing its tire size with the ML320, ML350, and selected R-Class models.
The ML63 AMG was the high-performance flagship of the ML range, combining the midsize SUV body with AMG tuning and a far more aggressive stance. Its tires mount on a 20-inch wheel, and the fitment is exclusive to the ML63 AMG within this year and make group.
The R320 occupied Mercedes-Benz's unusual crossover-tourer niche, mixing wagon, minivan, and SUV influences into a single long-wheelbase package. It appears on either 18-inch or 19-inch wheel fitments, so confirming the actual wheels on the vehicle is essential before narrowing to a tire.
The R350 was the higher-volume expression of the R-Class idea, aimed at buyers who wanted Mercedes-Benz comfort and interior room outside the usual SUV template. It spans 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch wheel fitments, making it the broadest fitment spread in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks range.
One product is available across one tire size for 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles. The 295/40R20 fitment for the ML63 AMG includes one Nitto radial with a Blackwall sidewall. Confirm your exact size first, since most 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks applications use different dimensions.
These FAQs cover how tire sizes split across the G-Class, GL, ML, and R-Class families, what the metric size codes mean, and what to check before fitting or driving a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks model on modern radial tires.
Size Basics & Fitment
What tire sizes fit 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles?
2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles use eight sizes across the model range: 265/60R18 for G500, GL320, and GL450; 285/55R18 for G55 AMG; 275/55R19 for GL320 and GL450; 295/40R21 for GL550; 255/50R19 for ML320, ML350, ML550, R320, and R350; 295/40R20 for ML63 AMG; 255/55R18 for R320 and R350; and 265/45R20 for R350. Rim diameters span 18, 19, 20, and 21 inches, so these are not all interchangeable.
The practical takeaway is that year and make alone are not enough for 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks fitment. You need the exact model, and on GL and R-Class applications it is also wise to confirm the wheel package already on the vehicle. Matching the tire to the correct rim diameter comes first, then you can narrow to the specific size code and any available product options for that application.
What does 265/60R18 mean on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tire?
On a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tire, 265/60R18 is a metric radial size. The 265 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, meaning the sidewall height is 60 percent of the section width, R indicates radial construction, and 18 is the wheel diameter in inches. For 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks, that size appears on the G500, GL320, and GL450.
That code matters because it identifies both the overall fitment family and the wheel diameter the tire must mount on. A 265/60R18 cannot be substituted onto a 19-inch, 20-inch, or 21-inch wheel without changing the wheel itself. If you own a GL320 or GL450, double-check whether your vehicle uses the 18-inch setup or the alternate 19-inch package before comparing products.
Do all 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks models use the same tire size?
No. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks models use different tire sizes depending on the model, and in some cases the same model family uses more than one size. The G500 uses 265/60R18, the G55 AMG uses 285/55R18, the GL320 and GL450 use either 265/60R18 or 275/55R19, the GL550 uses 295/40R21, the ML320/ML350/ML550 use 255/50R19, the ML63 AMG uses 295/40R20, the R320 uses 255/50R19 or 255/55R18, and the R350 uses 255/50R19, 255/55R18, or 265/45R20.
That spread reflects how different these Mercedes-Benz models were in purpose and trim level, from off-road-flavored G-Class versions to luxury GL and ML models and the distinctive R-Class crossover. If you are unsure which model-specific size applies, start by reading the size already on the tire sidewall or checking the factory placard on the door jamb before moving on to brand or tread selection.
Buying the Right Tire
What brands make tires for 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicles?
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks size with a current product range here is 295/40R20 for the ML63 AMG, and that fitment is available from Nitto in the NT555 G2 series. It is a radial Blackwall tire marked 295/40ZR20XL 110W. Other 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks sizes on this page identify fitment by size and model, even where a matching product range is not summarized at this level.
Brand choice matters most after you confirm the exact size your model uses. An ML63 AMG owner comparing 295/40R20 tires is looking at a performance-oriented radial application, while owners of other 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks models first need to match the correct wheel diameter and size code. Once that is settled, sidewall style and speed rating become the next meaningful filters.
What sidewall styles are available for 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tires?
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks product range summarized here includes a Blackwall sidewall for the 295/40R20 ML63 AMG fitment. That matches the modern, performance-oriented character expected on a late-2000s AMG sport utility application. Other sizes on this year-make page are identified by fitment and size family, but the sidewall treatment is only confirmed here for the ML63 AMG size.
For a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks buyer, sidewall style is usually a finishing detail rather than a primary fitment issue. Start with the correct size and wheel diameter, then choose the sidewall appearance that suits the model's character and your goals for the vehicle. On later Mercedes-Benz utility models, a clean Blackwall often aligns naturally with the original late-model look.
How do I choose the right tire for my 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks model?
Choosing the right tire for a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks model starts with the exact model name and the wheel diameter already on the vehicle. The fitment range includes 18-inch, 19-inch, 20-inch, and 21-inch applications, and several model lines such as the GL and R-Class can use more than one size depending on wheel package. All of the sizes here are radial, so the core decision is proper fitment rather than bias-ply versus radial construction.
After confirming the size, compare the tire's intended character with how you use the vehicle. A standard ML or GL used for regular road driving calls for a different emphasis than an ML63 AMG on a 295/40R20 performance fitment. Checking the sidewall code on the tire currently mounted is often the fastest way to narrow the correct path before you compare brands, speed ratings, or appearance.
Fitting & Setup
What rim width do 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tires require?
A specific rim-width range is confirmed here for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks 295/40R20 fitment used on the ML63 AMG because that size has an available product summary. The Nitto NT555 G2 in 295/40ZR20XL mounts on a 20-inch wheel, but a rim-width range is not carried in the summarized details here. The other 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks sizes are tied clearly to their wheel diameters, which are 18, 19, 20, or 21 inches depending on application.
Wheel diameter is the first hard checkpoint, but rim width still matters before installation because it affects how the tire sits and performs on the wheel. If you are working with factory Mercedes-Benz wheels, verify the wheel specifications against the exact tire you plan to use. If the vehicle has aftermarket wheels, that check becomes even more important before mounting a replacement tire.
Do 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tires require inner tubes?
The available 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks product summary here does not point to a tube-type collector application. The 295/40ZR20XL 110W Nitto NT555 G2 used for the ML63 AMG is a modern radial performance tire, the kind of fitment normally associated with tubeless wheel-and-tire setups rather than inner tubes. The broader 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks range also consists entirely of modern metric radial sizes.
That said, the wheel itself still matters. If a wheel has been damaged, modified, or replaced with an aftermarket design, confirm compatibility with the tire you intend to mount rather than assuming every 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks wheel behaves the same way. For routine replacement on factory late-model Mercedes-Benz wheels, the right tire size and proper wheel condition are the priorities.
Maintenance, Storage & Longevity
How should I store a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks when the tires are fitted?
A 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicle should be stored in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight, standing water, heaters, motors, welders, or other ozone-producing equipment that can age rubber prematurely. Keeping the tires clean and properly inflated before storage helps the sidewalls and tread hold their shape. Because these are modern radial sizes, they generally cope with short-term standing better than vintage bias-ply tires, but long idle periods still deserve attention.
Moving the vehicle periodically helps avoid flat spotting and keeps the contact patch from carrying the same load month after month. If the vehicle will sit for an extended season, some owners use tire cradles or stands to reduce stress on the tires and suspension. A simple storage routine pays off when it is time to put a GL, ML, G-Class, or R-Class back into regular service.
How long do tires on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks typically last?
For a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicle, tire age is usually more important than mileage alone, especially on lower-use luxury SUVs and crossovers. A sensible rule is to begin evaluating tires closely at about five to seven years of age and to treat around ten years as a serious replacement point regardless of tread depth. The DOT date code on the sidewall is the easiest way to identify the tire's age.
A vehicle that looks lightly driven can still be riding on old rubber with hardened tread and weathered sidewalls. Heat cycles, storage conditions, sunlight, and inflation habits all affect service life, even when tread wear appears minimal. If a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks model still wears older tires, age should be part of the decision just as much as size, brand, or cosmetic appearance.
How often should tires on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks be inspected?
Tires on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks should be checked before every drive, with a more thorough inspection before any longer trip or highway run. Look for cracking, cuts, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and pressure loss, and pay close attention to the shoulders and inner sidewalls if you can safely access them. On larger, heavier Mercedes-Benz utility models, small problems can become more noticeable quickly once the vehicle is loaded and moving at speed.
A monthly pressure check is a good baseline even when the vehicle is parked frequently, and an alignment review is worthwhile if wear appears heavier on one edge or the steering no longer feels centered. If the spare is still part of your road-trip plan, inspect that tire too. An older spare with full tread can still be unusable if it has aged out or lost pressure.
Restoration & Authenticity
What tires were originally fitted to the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks G500?
A 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks G500 falls in a modern era where radial tires were standard equipment, and its fitment here is 265/60R18. That means the authentic starting point for a factory-style replacement is the correct metric radial size on the proper 18-inch wheel rather than any earlier bias-ply or classic-style substitute. If originality matters closely, the exact sidewall branding and market-specific specification are best confirmed through factory literature or Mercedes-Benz enthusiast sources.
For late-model vehicles like a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks G500, restoration authenticity usually centers on keeping the correct size, wheel diameter, and overall visual character rather than chasing early-era construction differences. A door-jamb placard, original handbook, or marque specialist can help settle details such as market package differences. That approach keeps the tire choice grounded in what the vehicle actually used when new.
Does correct tire fitment matter for showing a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks?
Yes, correct tire fitment matters when showing a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks, even though the standards differ from those used in prewar or mid-century concours judging. On a modern Mercedes-Benz truck or crossover, judges and knowledgeable enthusiasts still notice whether the tire size matches the model, whether the wheel diameter looks appropriate, and whether the overall stance reflects the vehicle's original character. An ML63 AMG on the wrong sidewall profile or a GL550 without its proper large-diameter fitment can look visibly off.
Authenticity on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks vehicle is often less about antique construction details and more about avoiding mismatched proportions or incorrect trim-level presentation. If the vehicle is being prepared for marque judging, consult event rules and model-specific Mercedes-Benz communities before mounting replacements. That extra step helps prevent a tire choice that is mechanically serviceable but visually out of place for the class.
Why does tire size authenticity matter on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks R350?
Tire size authenticity matters on a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks R350 because that model could appear with more than one wheel package, including 18-inch, 19-inch, and 20-inch fitments. The R-Class has a distinctive long, low profile, and the wrong sidewall height or wheel diameter can change its appearance more noticeably than on a more conventional SUV. Keeping the size aligned with the intended wheel package preserves the balance Mercedes-Benz gave the vehicle.
That does not mean every R350 must wear the same tire, but it does mean the correct size should match the specific wheels actually on the vehicle. Owners restoring or preserving an R350 should compare the tire sidewall, wheel markings, and factory reference information before replacing anything. Doing that helps maintain both visual accuracy and the road manners expected from the model.
Safety & Road Use
Are 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tires safe for highway driving?
Yes, 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tires are suitable for highway driving when the tires are the correct size, in good condition, and appropriate for the vehicle's wheel package. The confirmed product range here includes a 295/40ZR20XL 110W tire for the ML63 AMG, and a W speed rating carries a 168 mph ceiling. More important in everyday use, though, is matching the tire to the correct model and keeping it properly inflated, undamaged, and within its service life.
Highway safety is not just a speed-rating question on a late-model Mercedes-Benz utility vehicle. Tire age, alignment, brake condition, suspension wear, and load carried all affect how stable the vehicle feels at speed. Before longer interstate use, make sure the tire size matches the vehicle exactly and that the full chassis is in sound condition, especially on heavier GL and R-Class models.
What inflation pressure should I use for 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tires?
Inflation pressure for 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks tires should follow the vehicle's factory tire placard or owner's manual for the exact model and size installed. The confirmed 295/40ZR20XL 110W product for the ML63 AMG carries its own load and pressure capability as a modern radial, but that does not automatically become the correct everyday operating pressure for other sizes or models. Pressure is tied to the specific vehicle, axle load, and tire size.
The safest approach is to use the Mercedes-Benz recommendation as your baseline and then make sure the tire you choose is suitable for that application. Do not transfer pressure habits from an ML63 AMG to a G500, GL450, or R350 simply because they are from the same year and make. A quick pressure check before a trip is one of the easiest ways to improve ride, wear, and stability.
What should I check before taking a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks on a longer drive?
Before taking a 2008 Mercedes-Benz Trucks on a longer drive, inspect all four tires for cracks, cuts, punctures, bulges, uneven wear, and proper inflation. Confirm that the size on the tire matches the model and wheel package, and check the spare as well if the vehicle still carries one. On performance applications such as the ML63 AMG, it is also smart to verify that the speed-rated tire condition still matches the kind of driving the vehicle will see.
A tire check should be part of a broader pre-trip inspection that includes brakes, suspension, fluids, and lighting. These vehicles were engineered for serious road use, but age, deferred maintenance, and mismatched replacement tires can undermine that capability. A few minutes spent confirming tire condition and pressure can prevent vibrations, heat buildup, and roadside trouble later in the trip.
