Friday, Mar 28, 2003 at 01:16
The introduction of 17" rims into the Australian market, started late in 2001 with the ML series of MB 4WD.
This was done by MB, because of their desire to improve the braking, over the previous models. Many people did not like the change, because of the shortage of any tyres, let alone off road.
On the ML at least, you cannot fit the earlier wheels, because the rotor/caliper will not clear the inside of the rim.
Now we have in the space of one week, two more 4WD which have changed to 17" rims.
I do not know why Toyota upgraded the tyre size, it could have nothing to do with the USA market, as the Prado is not sold there.
However the MB powered diesel Grande Cherokee, now comes with the 17" rim, but I suspect that is to keep the rolling circumferance of the tyres the same as the ML270, which would save at least twiging the computor, as their engine and transmission, is a direct transplant from the ML270.
I do know that in talking to
John Smith, at Coopers in
Brisbane, that he is now stocking 17" tyres, and I would expect others will follow.
Bridgestone bring down 17" tyres, and they are very reasonable in price, but are not off road tyres.
The big thing is the ride, have driven an early ML with 16" rims, the ride is much better with the 17" rims.
The new Prado is a good car, but I suspect the tyres are not the best for hard work.
Regards
Col Tigwell
Adelaide
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