This might sound backwards but with the idea of a softer ride has anyone installed 17" wheels and tires on a E coupe? We currently have a CTS and we've moved to a area with poor roads and the CTS is very harsh. We are older 70+ and have fallen in love with the E coupe but would like the best ride possible.

We tested a 2013 E sedan with the Luxury package and it was much better than the Cad. We would like to order the car soon and we would at some point like to buy custom wheels and tires so the extra expense of changing over wouldn't be a big deal.

 

I would recommend checking the specs. I know that the E-Coupe with the AMG package comes with brakes so large that they require 18-inch wheels. Minus the AMG package, who knows. I haven't actually seen one.

 

I just checked the specs on the brakes, and they are the same size regardless of AMG appearance package. 17" wheels are not going to fit over the front calipers.

 

Welcome.

Doesn't sound backward at all. In fact, prior to the 2013 model year, the E350 coupe shipped with 17" wheels as standard. It is not clear to me if that is still the case. In reviewing the 2013 specs, 18" wheels are listed as standard in two different places, but in a third place it still states that 17" wheels are standard with 18" wheels optional.

At any rate, you can fit the E350 with 17" wheels without front brake clearance problems, as they are smaller than the E550's. If the car comes set up for 18" wheels however, you may have to make some other changes to accomodate the smaller diameter wheels, such as a speedometer change. Others here can speak to this more knowledgeably.

If you want the E550 model, then you're stuck with 18" wheels.

Ride quality is not just dependent on wheel size in the E coupe series. It seems that you can now order an E350 with 18" AMG wheels/Appearance Package so it looks better (it really does look much better IMO), but not be stuck with the Sport Suspension, which has now been made a separate option and not a mandatory part of the Appearance Package and which absolutely makes the car ride significantly harsher (although improving the handling qualities and adding to the driving "fun").

So, if you order the E350 with 18" AMG wheels for looks, but opt out of the Sport Suspension and also the Dynamic Handling Package which I see is now available as an option for the E350 (it was exclusive to the E550 in prior years), you may well mitigate the poor roads/rough ride problem significantly.

With the E550, you cannot opt out of the Sport Suspension nor Dynamic Handling Package. Of course, you do get that pretty AMG lower body treatment, not available on the E350 on U.S. models, as well as one hell of an engine!

When I first test drove an E350 coupe (2010), I was shocked at how poorly the car handled bad roads. It was equipped with the 18" wheels and sport suspension. A second test drive in an E350 with the standard 17" package was noticably better. Both versions of the car were excellent on smooth roads and the sport suspension undeniably gave a more confident feel to the handling.

While waiting for the 2012 models to arrive with the improved engine/trans, I fought with myself over sticking with the better riding 17" wheels and tires or going for the 18" and a look this car absolutely needs to achieve its full style potential. (Many go bigger than 18" but that's my personal limit). I settled for looks and ordered the car with the larger wheels and the sport suspension I could not avoid getting at that time along with the Appearance Package.

Bottom line, you may be OK with the larger wheels for looks, but with the standard suspension for ride quality - an option we haven't had until the 2013 model year. Naturally, I can't promise it. You must get an E350, not an E550, for this combination.

And of course, the 17" wheels/tires and standard suspension will give you the "softest" ride possible with this car.

Hope this helps.



P.S.: The Specifications changes I've cited above are all based upon what the current mbusa.com specs are saying. The website is notorious for inaccuracies early in a new model year - and we are still relatively early in the year. Best to check with a knowledgable MB salesperson. Some are better than others at getting the facts straight.

 

There is a 17" option listed in the owner's manual, however:

1. If you go to MBUSA.com, they specify the standard (base) wheel for an E350 (or E550) as an 18" (this was true of the 2012, as well);
2. I tried searching for replacement rotors for 2010-2012 E350C - only two are available: non-sport (regular vented) and sport (cross-drilled), both measure 344mm;
3. I've never seen an E-coupe with 17" wheels, nor have I heard of anyone with them.

The spacing is tight with the factory 18" wheels. If there is a set of 17" wheels that will fit over the calipers, I'd be surprised. I can guarantee most won't, though. Next time you are at the MB dealer, ask them what's available. I'd like to see if they actually have a deliverable 17" package.

 

Are you sure they were 17" and not the base 18" with a different tire option? I can tell you since I owned both a 2011 (Michelin Primacy) and 2012 (Pirelli PZero Nero) that the Michelins were smoother/softer while the Pirellis were stiffer and more responsive.

 

FYI, TireRack.com lists some 17" wheels for the E350 coupe. But I would check with the dealer. If TireRack matches wheels based on the Owner's manual but the brakes are all 344mm, then they just aren't going to fit.

 

Yes, the standard tire/wheel size for the 2010-2012 E350 coupe was 17," with the standard Agility Control (non-Sport) suspension. Almost no one bought the car that way though, as the car just didn't look right. Dealers rarely stocked them that way for the same reason. It was by shear luck that I found one to test drive.

The standard 17" tire was by Continental, at least while I was looking and researching. The 18" (as are mine) were initially Pirelli P Zero Nero UHP's exclusively. Approx. sometime during 2011, MB began shipping 18" as both the P Zero's and Michelin Primacy (Grand Touring type) tires. I saw the Primacy's on some E350's, all Cabs. They were a no-cost option, complete with their own ordering code. Had my salesman pointed it out to me, I would have chosen the Michelins over the P Zero's for the somewhat better ride.

With respect to the E550, standard tire/wheel size has always been 18."

Totally agree with your assessment of ride quality re the Primacys and the P Zeros.

 

Not surprsising. Even the 18" standard wheels are/were pretty unattractive. The AMG wheels were the only good-looking ones.

MB is rather confusing. The vehicle specification page for a 2013 E350 shows 18" wheels standard, but the owner's manual shows a 17" option. I wonder which is right?

I wonder which model? Probably ContiContact - I've noticed them on a lot of C- and E-class. Likely more giving/softer than UHP all-seasons.

It was kind of surprising that the Michelins were not only more comfortable, but seemed to offer better traction than the Pirellis. But the PZeros communicated better. Put the two together and you'd have a great tire.

But the Continental ExtremeContact DWS are better than both the Michelin and the Pirellis. Better traction, quieter, and smoother than the others despite the extra width. And every bit as responsive at the Pirellis.

 

Even the 18" standard wheels are/were pretty unattractive. The AMG wheels were the only good-looking ones.

AMEN!

MB is rather confusing. The vehicle specification page for a 2013 E350 shows 18" wheels standard, but the owner's manual shows a 17" option. I wonder which is right?

I pointed this inconsistency out to the OP above, along with the admonishment that mbusa.com is often inaccurate on the nitty-gritty details right after a new model year begins.

I wonder which model? Probably ContiContact - I've noticed them on a lot of C- and E-class. Likely more giving/softer than UHP all-seasons.

Wish I could remember. Sorry. ProContact maybe.(?)

It was kind of surprising that the Michelins were not only more comfortable, but seemed to offer better traction than the Pirellis. But the PZeros communicated better. Put the two together and you'd have a great tire.

But the Continental ExtremeContact DWS are better than both the Michelin and the Pirellis. Better traction, quieter, and smoother than the others despite the extra width. And every bit as responsive at the Pirellis.

Yes, tire manufacturing seems to be a compromise deal, especially when it comes to "all-season" tires and more especially when they try to be all things to all people. Invariably, some designs are better than others in achieving an acceptable compromise. How's that for a worthless response?

But seriously, at the time I was researching, the Primacy (grand touring type, not the Sport version) was rated at the top of the tire pile by some important review resources, e.g. TireRack's consumer feedback survey chart, Consumer Reports testing.

 

as an input to someone that will read this in the future: 17s fit on the c207 with the amg appearance package, (drilled rotors and stuff), there is maybe even space for 16s as they are listed as a size. 17s are plenty comfortable and offer good handling.

 

I have 17" wheels factory fit on my 2010 E350 SE CGI coupé - lovely comfortable ride!

 

For the future, if anyone's interested, this is how the E500 with AMG Package and Dynamic Handling Control looks like on 17”. Nice, ugly, a matter of taste. objectively comfortable and enough effective for an old car, even with big engine.

I bought my E500 on 20-inch wheels, which ruined the shock absorbers, steering rack, and the rims themselves were cracked. Was lucky, that sunroof did not crack.
The E500 is heavy, so it will never be sporty, and it's exceptionally hard for a Merc. In sport mode, it's very precise, but it doesn't knock your teeth out. On 18, 19, even 20 nich - it will never be a Miata.
I also bought an original 786 AMG, but only to have complete genuine AMG Package, won’t ride them. Tire width max 245? It's 2026, and today even all-season tires from Michelin or Pirelli have better traction than some Pilot Sport 2, developed in 2008 - even if it was 275mm

 

Hi Korba, great post thank you. I have just put a deposit on an E500 Coupé to upgrade from my E350 SE CGI.

I am very interested to see your 17" wheels fit OK over the bigger brakes on the E500. Can you post a link to them - they look like an aftermarket wheel rather than an OEM offering.

My new toy comes with 18" staggered 8J/8.5J - did you get staggered set up with yours? - I am a little nervous about ride comfort levels moving to a sportier suspension / heavier engine / bigger wheels and sportier tyres after my touring set up...


I started on Michelin Primacy in 2019 and put Continental Pemium-contact 7 on recently - both touring tyres. Unfortunately neither primacy or the conti are available in the 255/35 R18 size for my new ride - I feel myself being excluded from the 'touring' options and obliged to buy a harder riding performance tyre... (I don't zoom around, I like to waft and the V8 is just a last chance to play before there are none left!)

https://www.wheel-size.com/size/merc...e-500--382-030

Wheelsize.com shows two OE 17" options for the E500 (Europe) in both staggered and non staggered flavours. If I get too harsh a ride on the 18" here where I live in Pothole Town England, I may buy a set of 17's to give me more cushioning physically and more tyre choices for a more comfortable ride.

What tyres did you choose?

 

Hi RichyK2000,
Rims on the photo are OEM, they come from GLC, part number: A2534010500, they're square 7.5x17 ET36 with Pirelli SF3. Rims are only stripped out of the paint and diamond cut on the face, painted gloss black inside. Caliper from my E500 fits enough. I was looking for full face wheels, but finally I took OEM.
This was my cold/winter set up, but as I tried them, I thought it's pointless for me to run 18' 786 (they're staggered, as you wrote) - once comfort is great (I'm riding offen on country roads with all windows down), and second - the level of grip is fantastic - is hard to squek even when I'm flooring. The only thing is, that the wear is higher when hot outside.
Pirelli is only in 235/45R17 (when I was choosing the size, I didn't have many kilometers behind me in the E500 and I was sticking to the book) so next time I'll take Brigdestone Turanza AS6 in 245/45R17 square.

I tried 4 sets of rims in 2025 (from 17 to 20) - won't be bad on 18", but for sure on the cobblestones 18 will be terrible compared to 17, 20" were not drivable. You just need to define your requirements and conditions, what is more important to you - trying to improve sluggish handling (in my opinion it will be hard in E500, it's damn heavy) or comfort.
BR

 

Hi Korba, that was really useful thank you!

I have found these online, available from several sellers. They are OE for the E class coupe so they have the correct ET 45 and also are listed as a guaranteed fit: what a bonus!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/326955470...wAAOSw4j5nflao


I will drive my new car with 18" wheels for a bit first, they have Continental Premiumcontact 5 at present with 5mm tread. This will use some existing rubber and allow me to get a feel for how the ride is. My current car is on Premiumcontact 7 with 17" wheels so I know what that is like already (minus the sport suspension and heavier engine of the E500.)

I will update the thread once I have driven the car a few thousand miles and can form an opinion from behind the wheel.

I will also check with my insurance company about the 'modification' of smaller wheels..! 😅🤪

 

17" Wheels.... Progress.

Borbet make one to OE Spec.

https://www.borbet.de/en/wheels-conf...630874!5191484

17" x7.5J ET45 Which is one of the size variations listed as OEM in 'square' spec.

Borbet offers online documents on their website above which to my reading show this wheel as having a TuV type approval for the E500 Coupé. So not only will it fit but its should please the insurance companies. Even the centre bore is sized for Merc centre caps...

This wheel appears to be available from here in UK:

https://www.mrwinterwheels.co.uk/17-...wheels-en.html

And I have dropped them a note for confirmation it is the exact same model I found on the Borbet website. As a 'winter wheel' it should, theoretically, not cause a price hike when declared to insurer....