Rascally Wabbit

Thinking ahead a bit but considering a set of dedicated snow tyres in the recommended 17" size. The E class 17" for 2010 & newer from my research are a 17x8 with the same offset & other measurements. As this is wider than what most people utilise, wonder if there are interference issues. Any & all comments are appreciated!

jrct9454

I run 17" wheels on my '14 GLK diesel all year round [235/60x17 Michelin MXV4s], but the wheels you want are those that fit a W204 C-class. The wheels I'm using came from Tire Rack and have been used on our '08 C300, '10 GLK350, and now '14 GLK250BT.

If you go this route, be aware that you'll need to switch to the shorter wheel bolts [same length as those used for the space saver spare]; the OEM 19" wheels use a longer bolt that is not compatible with the 17s.

Generally, any wheel that will fit the W204 C-Class will also fit the X204 GLK...obtainable from all the usual sources...

Rdub

What advantages and disadvantages are you experiencing with the 17 in vs the oem 19 in wheels?

I am guessing you have better and longer wear patterns, better mpg, more nimble handling, cheaper $$'s to replace, for starters.

Rascally Wabbit

@jrct9454, thank you for the tip on the lug bolts. The thing to watch on the W204 wheels is to avoid the sport set with the staggered width. As I recall, the standard model runs the square set-up. The E class wheels presently are more readily available but eventually the W204 square set will be also.
@Rdub, tyre selection is one reason many opt for the 17" although most go to that size for winter treads. Although I have not driven a GLK w/17", the taller sidewall will make the turn-in less responsive. Anyone have experience with this?

drumminj

My experience running 17s (C-class wheels - I have pics posted on some thread here) is that yes, the handling/cornering has suffered a bit, as with the higher sidewall you get some give/flex as you turn, whereas the Dunlop RunOnFlats were pretty stiff.

It was a trade I was willing to make for all the benefits described above.

jrct9454

Yes, pretty much all of the above. Also, better traction in rain and light snow, compared with any of the 19" choices.

Further, I carry a collapsible spare [from a gasoline GLK] and a compressor to deal with possible road emergencies. The OEM tires for this car are run-flats, and I hate run-flats. The Michelin MXV4s are top-rated by Consumer Reports for a reason - good ride, handling, wear, and QUIET. When I put the OEM Continentals back on our '10 GLK before trading it in, I could hardly stand how noisy they were compared to the Michelins.

Keep in mind, folks, that the OEM size in NEARLY EVERY MARKET EXCEPT NORTH AMERICA is 235/60x17...only around here is it considered necessary to run the low-profile 19s as standard....for the car magazines? Appearance? Whatever....

ferreirabill

We have something in the US called CAFE: Corporate Average Fuel Economy. This is a fleet fuel economy standard that all manufacturers which sell over a certain number of cars must meet.

The hard tires on 19-20" wheels deliver better economy so MB can sell more AMG gas hogs.

jrct9454

Exactly the opposite is true - the 19s cause more drag and higher friction than the 17s...switching to the higher priofile tires improves fuel consumption, not the other way around. Our mpg on the gasoline '10 GLK got better after we dumped the 19s.

Look, this is all about market expectations in North America, and MBUSA's fixation with making this car "sporty". Where function rules over fashion, the 17s are on the car when it's delivered.

Rascally Wabbit

Basically the 17" tyres have an aspect ratio which reflects a narrower tread width & taller sidewall. The tyre contact patch is smaller. Tire diameter should be about the same regardless of the rim diameter. Of course this does nothing for handling but it does provide lower rolling resistance. Personally I would rather have better handling capability in emergency situations. If I want fuel economy (yes, I do) our next vehicle will be diesel powered whether a MB or other brand.

rmfnla

You said you are looking for snow tires so raw handling is probably not a factor.

I would think the narrower tread would be an advantage with less flotation effect, but I live in L.A. so what do I know...