Chrismak

I have the Bluetec and they come with 16 inch wheels from factory.

I know the e 350 gasses have bigger wheels up to 18 inch without any issue.

From what I've read the diesels don't ride as well on bigger rims.
I recently picked up a set of Donal MB rims 17 inch I was planning on putting winter tires on.
The rims have 245/45/17 tires.
I'm not sure what model these came off but should I find similar size tires or stay with the 225/55/17.
According to http://www.1010tires.com
The radius on these are actually smaller than the 16's if I'm reading it right.

Any recommendations . Should I keep the 17 inch rims for summer and put winters on stock 16.

marc hanna

The diesel will handle a larger diameter rim and tire combo better than a gasser on account of the greater torque. However it's best to stick with the factory diameter setup for the best fuel economy for city or mixed city/highway driving.

To calculate diameter (based on rim width stated in mm): rim diameter + (rim width x profile/100 x 2)/25.4

Also take into consideration the offset

marc hanna

Offset is based on distance of the hub face from centreline of the rim. So a rim that has the same offset but is a inch wider with stick out a half inch more (affecting alignment with fender flare) and extend inside a half inch more (affecting interference with suspension and wheel well liner)

Carsy

My C Class diesel has a much better ride with 16" rims compared with 17".

I have standard 205/55/16 tyres.

Talri

I also have the same imprsion that the 205/55/16 are better.

marc hanna

If we're talking about ride comfort, taller tires are always going to make for a softer ride regardless of the vehicle.

Carsy

The ride difference between the 16" & 17" rims made the difference on whether I bought the car or not.

marc hanna

Why not just change the rims?

Carsy

Thankfully I found a lower spec car with the 16". At A$62,000 an extra grand or so for rims was not an option. !!