Ride quality with 20 inch wheels
11-26-2010, 08:12 PM
#1
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Ride quality with 20 inch wheels
Im pondering a +1 upgrade on my 07 CLS63. My plan is to upgrade from a 255/35/19 to 255/30/20. I would like input from other drivers on impressions, and road feel after switching. If its not worth it, I'll just settle for 19's on my existing setup.
Thanks..
Thanks..
11-27-2010, 12:47 AM
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06 CLS55 AMG
You really won't feel much of a difference in ride quality in reference to the new tire aspect ratio (lower profile tires), but what you may notice is, if the 20" rims are heavier then the 19" rims you have, you may feel what will seem like a loss of power, or your car "dragging" a bit...
I regretfully went from 19's to 20's on my CLS55 just a few months ago, and even though the 20's I put on where just slightly heavier then the OEM AMG 19's I had, I immediately noticed a difference in the way the car accelerated and stopped. The combination of weight, and larger diameter wheel, made quite a noticeable difference in the performance arena. I wasn't a happy camper to say the least...
I've since sold the 20's I had on, and got lighter 3pc 19's in place of the OEM 19's, and as you can imagine, the car now feels even quicker and more nimble...
So if you're looking for 20's, and you don't want to compromise performance, see how much more they will end up weighing (not just alone, but with the appropriate tire) in comparison to the wheels you're running...
Just some food for thought...
I regretfully went from 19's to 20's on my CLS55 just a few months ago, and even though the 20's I put on where just slightly heavier then the OEM AMG 19's I had, I immediately noticed a difference in the way the car accelerated and stopped. The combination of weight, and larger diameter wheel, made quite a noticeable difference in the performance arena. I wasn't a happy camper to say the least...
I've since sold the 20's I had on, and got lighter 3pc 19's in place of the OEM 19's, and as you can imagine, the car now feels even quicker and more nimble...
So if you're looking for 20's, and you don't want to compromise performance, see how much more they will end up weighing (not just alone, but with the appropriate tire) in comparison to the wheels you're running...
Just some food for thought...
11-27-2010, 10:51 AM
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2006 CLS500 with 55 AMG motor, 2008 Infiniti G35, 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager
Don't feel much of a difference at all. Car handles better with the wider tires in turns etc.
11-27-2010, 07:14 PM
#7
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You really won't feel much of a difference in ride quality in reference to the new tire aspect ratio (lower profile tires), but what you may notice is, if the 20" rims are heavier then the 19" rims you have, you may feel what will seem like a loss of power, or your car "dragging" a bit...
I regretfully went from 19's to 20's on my CLS55 just a few months ago, and even though the 20's I put on where just slightly heavier then the OEM AMG 19's I had, I immediately noticed a difference in the way the car accelerated and stopped. The combination of weight, and larger diameter wheel, made quite a noticeable difference in the performance arena. I wasn't a happy camper to say the least...
I've since sold the 20's I had on, and got lighter 3pc 19's in place of the OEM 19's, and as you can imagine, the car now feels even quicker and more nimble...
So if you're looking for 20's, and you don't want to compromise performance, see how much more they will end up weighing (not just alone, but with the appropriate tire) in comparison to the wheels you're running...
Just some food for thought...
I regretfully went from 19's to 20's on my CLS55 just a few months ago, and even though the 20's I put on where just slightly heavier then the OEM AMG 19's I had, I immediately noticed a difference in the way the car accelerated and stopped. The combination of weight, and larger diameter wheel, made quite a noticeable difference in the performance arena. I wasn't a happy camper to say the least...
I've since sold the 20's I had on, and got lighter 3pc 19's in place of the OEM 19's, and as you can imagine, the car now feels even quicker and more nimble...
So if you're looking for 20's, and you don't want to compromise performance, see how much more they will end up weighing (not just alone, but with the appropriate tire) in comparison to the wheels you're running...
Just some food for thought...
Upsprung weight is very important. Im contemplating a set of ADV1's, but wanted feedback from others first. I'll have to compare stock wheel weight - against the 20's Im looking at. Thank you DucatiGuy.
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11-27-2010, 09:29 PM
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06 CLS55 AMG
Here's a HUGE list of wheels and their weights. They don't have every wheel out there, but the list is pretty extensive...
http://mechdb.com/index.php/Wheel_weights
It's great to get an idea of each wheel compares in terms of weight and build.
http://mechdb.com/index.php/Wheel_weights
It's great to get an idea of each wheel compares in terms of weight and build.
11-28-2010, 02:28 PM
#11
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My hard lesson was, DO NOT get 25 series tires. If you hit a moderate pothole, you are quite possibly done. I have 255/30/20 fronts and 295/25/20 on the rear, and have cracked two rims (Vossen 083's), one front and rear on passenger side. I had to replace those from a hit on a small pothole, but it was deep. Recently, one rim on the drivers rear has a slight bend in it.
Also, as noted above, you will feel a difference in power or lack thereof. You will have better cornering, but a little less power. If going with forged, you will fare better than cast but even those will crack and bend with enough of a hit. Forged rims will be lighter, but not too much, depends on the wheel. STF or Bing it, do your research. All rims cast or forged are not created equal.
After talking with Butler Tire (high performance shops local here in GA) they informed me that I could have gotten a 35 front series and 30 rear and would have had less damage. I was told by (I don't want to call names) that I could not run 35 series tires, they would rub. Butler Tire guys showed me about 10-15 CLS and S Class cars that have 35 fronts and 30 rears. They DO NOT put 25 series tires on cars anymore due to the harsh ride.
So yes, you will feel a difference. Now, I am debating on either going with different 20's with 35/30 aspects on tires or just going back down to 19's.
11-29-2010, 07:49 PM
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CLS55
Ditto.
My hard lesson was, DO NOT get 25 series tires. If you hit a moderate pothole, you are quite possibly done. I have 255/30/20 fronts and 295/25/20 on the rear, and have cracked two rims (Vossen 083's), one front and rear on passenger side. I had to replace those from a hit on a small pothole, but it was deep. Recently, one rim on the drivers rear has a slight bend in it.
Also, as noted above, you will feel a difference in power or lack thereof. You will have better cornering, but a little less power. If going with forged, you will fare better than cast but even those will crack and bend with enough of a hit. Forged rims will be lighter, but not too much, depends on the wheel. STF or Bing it, do your research. All rims cast or forged are not created equal.
After talking with Butler Tire (high performance shops local here in GA) they informed me that I could have gotten a 35 front series and 30 rear and would have had less damage. I was told by (I don't want to call names) that I could not run 35 series tires, they would rub. Butler Tire guys showed me about 10-15 CLS and S Class cars that have 35 fronts and 30 rears. They DO NOT put 25 series tires on cars anymore due to the harsh ride.
So yes, you will feel a difference. Now, I am debating on either going with different 20's with 35/30 aspects on tires or just going back down to 19's.
My hard lesson was, DO NOT get 25 series tires. If you hit a moderate pothole, you are quite possibly done. I have 255/30/20 fronts and 295/25/20 on the rear, and have cracked two rims (Vossen 083's), one front and rear on passenger side. I had to replace those from a hit on a small pothole, but it was deep. Recently, one rim on the drivers rear has a slight bend in it.
Also, as noted above, you will feel a difference in power or lack thereof. You will have better cornering, but a little less power. If going with forged, you will fare better than cast but even those will crack and bend with enough of a hit. Forged rims will be lighter, but not too much, depends on the wheel. STF or Bing it, do your research. All rims cast or forged are not created equal.
After talking with Butler Tire (high performance shops local here in GA) they informed me that I could have gotten a 35 front series and 30 rear and would have had less damage. I was told by (I don't want to call names) that I could not run 35 series tires, they would rub. Butler Tire guys showed me about 10-15 CLS and S Class cars that have 35 fronts and 30 rears. They DO NOT put 25 series tires on cars anymore due to the harsh ride.
So yes, you will feel a difference. Now, I am debating on either going with different 20's with 35/30 aspects on tires or just going back down to 19's.
But i do agree with you that the performance is much better on 19's, thats what most of the trackheads run with.
Also when they mounted the 20's, I was in awe how thin the tire was, when they say rubber band, it really is.
