sleepy1950

Winter is coming and I need to decide on a winter setup for my 2014 E63S. I've read everything on this topic on this forum and would still appreciate input. I'm looking at either 1. A square set-up on dedicated winter wheels (255/35/R19 tires/19x8.5x32 or 35 offset wheels) or 2. Staggered set-up on OEM wheels (changing tires on same wheels summer and winter). My questions:

1. I'm basing the 32 or 35 offset on what comes up for my vehicle on various websites,when looking at 19x8.5 wheels. Will these offsets work ok for Option 1? I've also seen a 45 offset come up for this wheel size. Would 45 work?
2. Setting aside the cost of having tires changed on the same wheels twice a year with Option 2, how significant is the risk of damage to the wheels from the frequent changes, if I use the same wheels year round?
3. I've often read that only the Pirelli Sottozero Series II are available for the staggered set-up on OEM wheels and that is the only option that comes up on Tire Rack' site. However I've read mixed reviews on those tires especially on snow. It seems many prefer the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4. I notice the Michelin Canada site shows the Pilot Alpin PA4's available in 285/30R19/XL 98W and 255/35R19/XL 96V. Slightly different load and speed ratings, but would this be another option for the staggered set-up on OEM wheels, or am I missing something?

Sorry for the long post (and for a new thread on this old subject), but I would appreciate your comments

Ralcbah

I ran the pirellis on OEM wheels for a winter in Denver. Spent almost every weekend (and some weekdays) in the mountains. Had absolutely no issues driving in cold weather, snowy weather, etc. Roads were typically well plowed, but I did experience some tougher driving and the tires/car held up very well and inspired confidence. I'm not a super experienced winter driver by the way; just took my time.

I'm in Calgary a good bit, and realize your winters are a bit ' more', but hopefully this helps a tad.

...never driven another winter tire, so can't compare.

Amg63-

I have a set of 18" c63 rims mounted on winter tires.

Would I be able to use these on winter tires for the e63s and if so,which winter tire sizes would be the best to run them on?

right now they are mounted on a square 235/40/18 setup on pirelli winters. Not sure if this would work on this car.

Astolfo

Dedicated 19", the 20" in the snow and ice have an extremely low profile. the first ice bump or small sinkhole in the pavement and you will buying a brand new wheel.
The Pirellis are just OK, more like an more winter oriented all-weather tire. I have a set with literarily 265mi on them and replaced then with Nokians and their own wheels. now the car is so much more stable and does not rattle itself to pieces.
look for a post I followed someone's setup.

otakki

I would get dedicated winter wheels. "Replika" brand wheels have some good choices. Canada Wheels carries the brand. Touchless mounting equipment along with skilled operators wouldn't hurt the wheels. I have more concern with the stretching done once or twice a year to both the regular and winter tires from mounting and dismounting. Doing so after a few seasons also don't make economic sense.

looney100

+1

Winter rims can be had without spending a fortune if you're not too fussy on style. Swapping tires twice a year gets expensive, especially when with just a jack, you could do the rim swap yourself for free.
I also would worry about risk to the TPMS sensors.
My first choice of tire, based on numerous reviews I have read is the Pilot Alpin PA4 - unless you could find the Hakka 8s in a size that worked for you, and you don't mind the noise of the studs.

Tylbran

I purchased Replika wheels and Michelin Alpin PA4's along with TPMS sensors for my 2016 E63S wagon last year and they were perfect (255/35R19's) Dedicated winter rims are the way to go.

benyl

No.

The 2014+ require 19" wheels to clear the AWD shields.

I'm running 255 Square on OEM wheels with PA4 tires in Calgary. Works good.

Amg63-

so maybe the best solution for my case would be a good set of all season tires.

What would be the best choice of all season tires to run that would perform well in all weather conditions?

Astolfo

The point here is that it is way better to get a 19" as it gives you a slightly higher sidewall for more mechanical compliance, and the winter (snowflake in the US?) give you a rubber compound that flexes more at lower temperatures.
If your driving temperatures are at around freezing a winter (snowflake in the US?) will give you about 7-16% molding than an all-weather, keep tire temperature, and reduce coupling/uneven tread wear(?). sorry English is not my first language
There is a great article written by the Citroen and Michelin rally teams somewhere in their sites.
the Pirellis will be better in traction than an all-weather but have a very thin sidewall and are a compromise between a 19" winter and a 20" all-weather.


Winter and summer tires are good for a couple of changes after that you need a new set so consider that too.

PeterUbers

I just put on continental extreme contact dws all seasons ... So far they are quiet and grippy in dry and wet; another apparent benefit is that my heavy power steering is now light in driveway and parking lot maneuvers; something I thought was wrong with my rack or pump before ...

the tires plus alignment out the door was 1300

otakki

Those shields are only in the front. Thus the rear can still take 18". Of course that might look a little funny.

Conti DWS is the best out there at this time IMO.

sleepy1950

Thanks, would appreciate the details of what wheels you purchased - model no., size, offset.

PeterUbers

I'm curious how my new Conti dws will perform in the snow this year ... I don't plan on doing much driving in the snow in this thing but will once for curiosity's sake

crazy1eye

i bought aftermarket wheels for the summer & use the stockers for winter with a square setup... 255/35/19 Hakkapalitta R2's 👍

tsmyth

We had the same or similar Conti tires on an Audi A6 4.2 a few years ago (255/40/17). They were great in a straight line even with full throttle (remember this was an old Audi, not an AMG), but had a quirk in turns: they behaved like snowboards If I cracked the throttle at the right time while turning at a low speed, the car would slide sideways.

This may be a characteristic of all wide tires, not just the Contis.

Experiments were in Whistler...

crazy1eye

https://www.replika.ca/ either the R157 or the R183

As for the offsets, the stock rear offset is 52, which is millimeters, on a 9.5" wide rim so dropping down to an 8.5" rim, which is ok with a 255 tire, would give you 1/2" or 12.7mm a side so 52 - 12.7 = 39.3...

A 35mm offset would bring the wheel out 4.3mm & 7.3mm out for the 32 offset, no problem there.

As for the front which has a 37 offset on a 9" rim, so 1/4" or 6.35mm a side, the 32 offset wheel would put it in more by only 1.35mm vs 4.35 with the 35 offset

Tylbran

I purchased Replika R157 (black). I am not sure of what offset my tire store purchased but I do not have any clearance issues with the installation. Here is a picture of the installation.

sleepy1950

Thanks for the detailed reply. Have to admit offsets were just a number to me before, but your analysis really helped. And thanks for pointing me to the two Replika rims. I like them both, particularly the R183, but would be concerned that the machined lip on that one might not wear well, with the salt used on Calgary roads in winter.

sleepy1950

Thanks for your reply. The post before yours helped me with the offset question and suggested a couple of options for Replika rims, one of which was the R157 you chose. The picture you posted really helped. I think the rims look great! I have the sedan in diamond white. I thought black rims would look good with the white body, but that black rims and black tires might be too much black. However I can see by your pic that the red brake calipers add color and show up really well against the black.

quandary

Can someone explain why the staggered setup is worse than a square one? I didn't see anyone address it but it seems to be the consensus.

crazy1eye

You're welcome!

Yes, Montreal too loves using salt. Yes the unpainted lip might now wear to well but it would break up the black wheel/tire combo.

When it comes to snow tires, the narrower the better for cutting through the snow.

V8Avant

Thanks for the info, Tylbran. I have the same car as you (2016 E63S Wagon, night package) and am considering these wheels. How do you feel about the quality? How shiny is the finish compared to the matte black our OEM wheels came with?

I really appreciate you posting the pic. They look good. Still not sure if I'm going to buy dedicated winter wheels or switch rubber twice a season (as I've always done before).

Tylbran

The Replika rims are a glossy finish (not a matte finish like the OEM rims). They are great for winter tires particularly with all the salt that is used on our roads in Ontario. Good quality for the price ($249 ea). I am using Replika rims on my wife's SLK as well and they look good and have performed perfectly for 2 seasons. I prefer dedicated rims for winter tires (much easier to switch out and no impact on the OEM rims - mine are platinum colour). Here is a closer picture of the rim after one winter (need a bit of detailing)

tfsiii

I used CONTIS on my SAABS before trying them on E63, and never had issues, Before the DWS came out, they had the Extreme Contact, which performed almost as well as a dedicated snow. I also talked directly to Continental, and they assured me those DWS in the OEM size would perform well. I purchased them for my 2012 E63, and as expected , they did a satisfactory job in any winter conditions. There was a problem however, on dry roads. These tires in the OEM sizes have softer sidewalls, and this can be problematic in cornering and any direction changes that are not slow and gradual. Even strong cross winds had an effect. Traction was not an issue, and you can get a false sense of confidence. A sticky tread and a flexing sidewall is a problem combination, somewhat analogous to a tankslapper on a motorcycle. And they label these tires as Ultra High Performance . Maybe this condition is no longer with the AWD E63s, but this was my experience with the RWD. ymmv... regards, Tom