CLK320 Tires vs. Clk420 Tires
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3
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From: Chicago
CLK320
CLK320 Tires vs. Clk420 Tires
Hi.
I recently purchased a new CLK320 and am considering changing out the wheels and tires to something equivolent to what a CLK420 has. I am doing this to enhance both performance and the look of the car. I am set on getting the same AMG rims that are on the 430, but am unsure what tires to get. I have two questions for the board:
1. Will changing my 320 wheels and tires to 430 wheels and tires enhance the performance, handling and ride of the car?; and
2. Which tires that would fit on the 430 rims would you choose? I want the tire to be able to handle abit of snow as I live in Chicago, so is there a decent all-season option?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I recently purchased a new CLK320 and am considering changing out the wheels and tires to something equivolent to what a CLK420 has. I am doing this to enhance both performance and the look of the car. I am set on getting the same AMG rims that are on the 430, but am unsure what tires to get. I have two questions for the board:
1. Will changing my 320 wheels and tires to 430 wheels and tires enhance the performance, handling and ride of the car?; and
2. Which tires that would fit on the 430 rims would you choose? I want the tire to be able to handle abit of snow as I live in Chicago, so is there a decent all-season option?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 44
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Welcome to the board!
I have the 430 wheels on my 320. I found that the car corners a little bit better with the new wheels, but there is also increased road noise and you can feel the bumps far more. The 430 wheels are staggered and therefore you cannot rotate.
As for tire choice, Michelin came out with a new tire called the Pilot Sport A/S (All Season). Several members of this board recommended them, and they may be your best bet outside of swapping for snow tires in the winter.
Hope this helps.
I have the 430 wheels on my 320. I found that the car corners a little bit better with the new wheels, but there is also increased road noise and you can feel the bumps far more. The 430 wheels are staggered and therefore you cannot rotate.
As for tire choice, Michelin came out with a new tire called the Pilot Sport A/S (All Season). Several members of this board recommended them, and they may be your best bet outside of swapping for snow tires in the winter.
Hope this helps.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 628
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2018 E400 COUPE SOLD -> Porsche Taycan 4S
its because the larger size wheel from 430 (17inch) uses less rubber tire (thinner) than a 320 (16inch). tire/wheel size depends also if you are going to lower the car. michelen makes good all season tires.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
CLK320
Thanks so much for the response! Do you believe it would be worth it to just upgrade the tires on my 320 and keep the original wheels? In other words, will moving to the Pilot Sport tires increase the cars steering and handling response? Thanks again.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 35,855
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From: Southern CA
If you are spending the money on new wheels, I wouldn't get less than 18". The road noise is due to the tire compound, not the size of the wheel. You can rotate the staggered tires from side to side with most tires including Pilot Sports. However, you may wish to consider getting Bridgestone S-O3s which are both cheaper and better.
