Tremek

Hey all, thread title says it all - I'm trying to figure out what the smallest wheel (diameter and width, offset would be nice too) that I can run on a '10 GL550 for winter rubber. Any wheel and/or tire suggestions would be appreciated... After thinking about our winter roads (and the unfortunate conclusion of our Cayenne Turbo last year) I think 21" all-seasons are a fool's game to run.

Thoughts and input appreciated, thanks!

itb76

Tire Rack says 265/60-18 or 265/55-19. There seem to be more tire choices in the 18" size but the wheel selection isn't as good. I just bought a 2010 GL550 so I will be doing this in a month or two.

Tremek

Maybe I should know this, but does the 550 have bigger brakes than the 320/350/450? That was my other concern, getting the wheel over bigger calipers/rotors. I had that problem with my Cayenne Turbo S.

itb76

It appears that it does, I see that different rotors are listed for the 550 than 450, but if Tire Rack says the 18" will fit I would trust that. In about a month I'll be ordering from them, there's no way I want to drive on snow on 21's.

sak335

I've been ordering wheels/tires from Tire Rack for over 20 years and I've never known them to be wrong. I put winter wheels on our 2012 GL 350 last year (from Tire Rack..went with Blizzaks), in the 18" size, since bigger/wider is the wrong way to go for winter. The thing is an absolute beast in the snow now. I even got caught in a storm with 5" of snow while towing my 24' trailer and it was no problem at all. I crushed through the 3 foot drifts in my driveway parking the trailer, and it was like they weren't even there. I have to admit laughing out loud while I was doing it.

a2j

I bought used OEM 18 rims just for the winter set.

itb76

I was thinking about that but I couldn't find any at a price I like.

a2j

I just don't like the idea of getting aftermarket rims for GL. I got my set for $400. I don't think you can find aftermarket rims for less that that.

itb76

You got a good deal!

BlownV8

If you look, you should be able to get close to that deal on aftermarket wheels. I had a GL wheel crack as have others on this forum. I'm not particularly impressed by the durability of the stock GL wheels.

tmurphy25

Hi I just bought a set of MB 19in wheels for a GL450. I plan on using them for snow and putting on Blizzaks. any issues I might run into? (other than cost

sll914

Same question here, Can anyone recommend an OEM MB 18" or 19" wheel that'll fit my 2011 GL550 without spacers? Looks like the 8.5"x19" GL450 have the same +56 offset as the AMG 10"x21" so would need a 19mm spacer to have same outer lip position. Width difference= 1.5" so 0.75"(19mm) on either side... Do I have that right?

So are spacers considered a 'no-no' on such a heavy vehicle? I guess you'd need longer wheel studs too?

BlownV8

The offset of the GL450 wheels and the GL550 wheels is not the same. The GL550 has an ET of 37 and the 450 is 56. You are better off getting a different wheel with the right offset vs running spacers.

sll914

Thanks for the reply. So I would need an 8.5" x18" wheel to have an offset of et18 to keep the same outer lip position. Doesn't appear to be available in an OEM MB wheel. Does anyone have a wheel number that they've used that worked well? Not trying to reinvent the wheel here... (pun absolutely intended ;o)

BlownV8

Call some wheel retailers or do a search on EBAY for the right wheel. Also, make sure the wheel is load rated for the GL.