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2010 CTS 3.6 L. AWD, 1996 XJS 4.0 L. Convert., 2014 K 1600 GTL
C43 Coupe Winter wheels and tires recommended
Hello everyone,
I would appreciate if you could help me make the right choice.
I have ordered a 2017 C43 Coupe with the AMG Driver's Package (19" wheels, summer performance tires etc...) I like the AMG Performance Exhaust system.
I am thinking of swapping the 19" wheels for a set of 18" wheels or perhaps purchasing a set of 17" wheels if possible to give me more cushion for the winter (lots of potholes).
The OEM tire sizes are:
Front: 225/45 R 18 (95 Y)
Rear: 245/40 R 18 (97 Y)
What are the offsets required Front and Rear and what would be the tire sizes for the 17" wheels?
also,
Would 225 and or 235 sizes fit for both Front and Rear?
You might need 15mm spacers to clear the front caliper with 18". Easy to install but you will need longer lug bolts (kit at dealer for spacers and bolts was $200).
For what it's worth, I have a C450 with OEM 19's and have winter tires on them right now. I put a lot of miles on my car so I go through a winter set with one season. As a result, I just use my OEM rims all year. I live in northern Maine with terrible potholes, severe frost heaves, etc. 19's have not been a problem.
2010 CTS 3.6 L. AWD, 1996 XJS 4.0 L. Convert., 2014 K 1600 GTL
thank you PR2000, thank you jonandgwen.
I live in Prince Edward Island and like you jonandgwen, we have a lot of roads damadged caused by the frost.
What type of winter tires do you use on your 19"?
I am thinking about Michelin Ice
You might need 15mm spacers to clear the front caliper with 18". Easy to install but you will need longer lug bolts (kit at dealer for spacers and bolts was $200).
thank you PR2000, thank you jonandgwen.
I live in Prince Edward Island and like you jonandgwen, we have a lot of roads damadged caused by the frost.
What type of winter tires do you use on your 19"?
I am thinking about Michelin Ice
Pirelli SottoZero Serie II run flat. Next time I'll get standard (non runflat) and throw in a tire fill kit in the trunk. Saves money and less stiffness overall. Michelin's are excellent as well. I had Michelin's on my Porsche with good results.
Pirelli SottoZero Serie II run flat. Next time I'll get standard (non runflat) and throw in a tire fill kit in the trunk. Saves money and less stiffness overall. Michelin's are excellent as well. I had Michelin's on my Porsche with good results.
I put standard (non-runflat) 19" SottoZero 3's on my stock AMG 19" split-spoke wheels, not a single problem throughout the entire winter here in Ohio.
2010 CTS 3.6 L. AWD, 1996 XJS 4.0 L. Convert., 2014 K 1600 GTL
Thank you again, it is good to know that 19" can do the job with winter tires.
The planned delivery of the car is July 05, so I have plenty of time to make the choice.
I shall see how comfortable the 19" are.
Thank you again, it is good to know that 19" can do the job with winter tires.
The planned delivery of the car is July 05, so I have plenty of time to make the choice.
I shall see how comfortable the 19" are.
My only recommendation is if you don't drive a lot, you may eat up a lost of costs pulling off the summer and putting on the winters. You do that three times in your lease, and storage, and you may have a set of 18" rims and tires instead.
In my case I put so many miles on my C450, along with my desire for deeper treads on my winter tires, I have to swap my winters out after every winter season . This being the case, a second set is a waste for me as it doesn't reduce swap out costs and I find the 19 inch rims perfectly fine for year round use. I am on my second winter having purchased my car 10/15. My Porsche however, has a dedicated winter tire set because I drive it sparingly in the winter and put maybe 2,000 on it all winter, in addition I bought them on sale for very inexpensive despite being Porsche brand and NO spec tires. Swapping out new tires with balance etc, costs $149 US at my local Mercedes dealer. I think it's really a matter of math not really 19 vs 18 on frost heave/pothole roads. As I said, no problems so far in terms of ride, etc.
Ahhhh! How has the car been treating you? I know you were pretty pumped for it during the waiting period. Everything you imagined???
Our first Mercedes and it has been pretty good so far.
Compared to Lexus GS350 Fsport the C43 is a step up in "peppy" and feels sporty enough for a sedan.
Sport steering wheel has a nice feel. Lots of neat gizmos and technology we are adapting to.
Not a big fan of this transmission. S+ shifts points are erratic and artificially harsh IMO.
Our first Mercedes and it has been pretty good so far.
Compared to Lexus GS350 Fsport the C43 is a step up in "peppy" and feels sporty enough for a sedan.
Sport steering wheel has a nice feel. Lots of neat gizmos and technology we are adapting to.
Not a big fan of this transmission. S+ shifts points are erratic and artificially harsh IMO.
Overall...
Glad to hear you're enjoying it! The car definitely feels special in a lot of ways.
I'm going to echo your comment about the transmission. When it's in comfort it feels silky smooth, but the second you pop it in to Sport+, the transmission starts behaving really erratically. I love it except for when the infamous rocking back and forth happens. I've gotten pretty good at predicting how the car will shift up and down in Sport+, but the first time I put it in Sport+ for the wife, she promptly told me off lol