17" Rims instead of 18"
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 46
Likes: 8
From: Northern Arizona
2011 E550 Cab
17" Rims instead of 18"
Is it possible to put 17" inch rims on a 2011 E550 Cabriolet that currently has the 18" rims. I know you're thinking why would I do this? For the ride comfort as the stock tires have an extremely short sidewall and my wife would like a smoother ride. Would I have to stick with the stagger sizing front to rear our could I go with the same size all around. Any help would be appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 973
Likes: 376
From: Austin, TX
2013 SL550 BiTurbo
yes, you can use some of the stock 17's, just not sure which. I know for a fact that TSW makes 17's for them as I have the 19" Bathurst and they make a 17" that is compatible with my 2012 in the same wheel.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 46
Likes: 8
From: Northern Arizona
2011 E550 Cab
So there would be no problem going with the 17" that would not be staggered as my 18" are. And would using 17" rims affect the traction control?
Last edited by northridgeaz; Jan 25, 2021 at 06:09 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 961
Likes: 103
10-second E550
Depends on your brakes - 17s won't fit in the front with larger factory brakes. Look at the smallest gap between the inside of the rim and brake caliper; if not appreciably more than 1/2", a 1" smaller wheel will have interference. Not all wheels are equal, but this is a way to roughly tell.
Another option is going up in tire size on the same wheels. E.g. 245/40r18 front and 255/40R18 rear.
Another option is going up in tire size on the same wheels. E.g. 245/40r18 front and 255/40R18 rear.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 46
Likes: 8
From: Northern Arizona
2011 E550 Cab
Thanks for the tip, I measured and I have 7/8 of an inch gap between the caliper and the rim. I do like your idea of going up in tire size, with the existing 18" rims, but is that the max I can go? Also any recommendations on a tire that is pliable enough in the sidewall flex to give a better ride. I currently have Nexen N5000 Plus and they seem extremely stiff.
Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 158
Likes: 56
From: Madison, Alabama
13 E550 Coupe & 99 C280
I just installed a new set of Milestar 932 XP+s on my 13 E550 coupe. They replaced the OEM Michelins that were all date coded 2012. They had 5/32" left on them and were as hard and noisey as you could get. The Milestars are a W rated tire and seem to be a little less stiff in the sidewall. $360 with Discount matching Walmart's pricing. A TON quieter as well ! They are the OEM staggered sizes.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 973
Likes: 376
From: Austin, TX
2013 SL550 BiTurbo
Here are all the 17" TSW wheels that will fit your coupe: https://fitment.tsw.com/fit-details?...20Coupe%20C207
