18" Considerations
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
2016 E63S AMG, 2012 ML350
18" Considerations
I am thinking about moving up to 18" wheels for my 06 E500. Any disadvantages to doing so: Ride quality? Handling? MPG difference? Any comments welcome.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 339
Likes: 0
From: Michigan, USA
'05 E320 CDI, '07 VW Touareg V10 TDI, 2007 Porsche GT3
I went with BBS forged 18x8" wheels and 245/40 tires on our CDI, and I've been quite pleased. Ride quality is better, if anything (!), and braking and cornering performance are improved. The only drawback seems to be a 4-5% fuel mileage penalty, probably imposed by the high-performance tires I've fitted. The OE Michelins I replaced apparently were selected primarily for low rolling resistance, as they were noisy and performed poorly in general.
Suggestions:
-Do your homework. Your owners manual lists approved wheel and tire sizes and wheel offsets. Stick closely to them.
-Go with a well-known brand of wheel such as BBS to avoid quality issues that can occur with cheapie wheels.
-If possible, choose wheels that are lighter than OE. My wheel/tire combo weighs 47# as opposed to the 49# OE wheels/tires. This is a reduction in unsprung rotating mass that can only do good things for performance. Some aftermarket wheels are monstrously heavy!
-Your new wheels will likely use different lug bolts than the OE wheels. Be sure to carry a set of OE lug bolts for your spare, as well as a lug wrench that'll work with your new wheels.
-Make sure the price you're quoted includes lug bolts and centering rings (if needed).
-www.tirerack.com is an invaluable resource.
Good luck. Overall, I'm happy with the results of what I did.
Suggestions:
-Do your homework. Your owners manual lists approved wheel and tire sizes and wheel offsets. Stick closely to them.
-Go with a well-known brand of wheel such as BBS to avoid quality issues that can occur with cheapie wheels.
-If possible, choose wheels that are lighter than OE. My wheel/tire combo weighs 47# as opposed to the 49# OE wheels/tires. This is a reduction in unsprung rotating mass that can only do good things for performance. Some aftermarket wheels are monstrously heavy!
-Your new wheels will likely use different lug bolts than the OE wheels. Be sure to carry a set of OE lug bolts for your spare, as well as a lug wrench that'll work with your new wheels.
-Make sure the price you're quoted includes lug bolts and centering rings (if needed).
-www.tirerack.com is an invaluable resource.
Good luck. Overall, I'm happy with the results of what I did.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 811
Likes: 5
From: Bay Area
08' S550, 04' E320 4matic, 03' Acura TL-S 6 speed, 1968 Vespa P150
Depending on what you're trying to go after. I went with 19, and I'm glad I did. When I see the E on the road with 18's it looks too small for the car. I have 235/35/19 all around. Ride is not that bad.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Get at least 19"! You will definately be glad you did. If you are already thinking of spending your hard earned money might as well get a nice one. 19" shouldn't be that much more than 18". I guess it would depends on type of wheel and tires you are looking at, but DO look in to it. Ask more people and check out other E-class in this forums. Hey, how about 20"!
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ont Canada
GL350
Just a note.Make sure you keep the tirepressure as "recomended"..It should NOT be too high as most wheeldealer will advise you. I can not remember the numbers, but i took the OEM CLS values since their stock is our upgrade and the car has similar weight.
BTW..i hydraulics and i ride on sport 1 mode...still very comfortable even in the city
BTW..i hydraulics and i ride on sport 1 mode...still very comfortable even in the city
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