Going from 17" wheels to 18" on E500? Feedback Needed.

Oct 16, 2007 | 06:14 PM

MB500

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Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 413

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From: San Diego

2021 Tesla M3SR+, 2017 GLS550, 2011 E350 Bluetec, 2007 GL450 (GONE), 2003 E500 (GONE)

Going from 17" wheels to 18" on E500? Feedback Needed.

Guys,

I would like to upgrade my factory 17" wheels with 18" non-staggered set up. I have E500 with Airmatic suspension. Could anyone please let me know if my ride quality would degrade and become much stiffer? And if so, by how much?

Thank you in advance!

Oct 16, 2007 | 06:39 PM

Scambo

Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 293

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From: Austin, TX

'13 E550 W4

It was only a slightly higher level of road noise and ride stiffness, and a very positive difference in looks and handling. I usually ride with Airmatic 2 anyway, so when you shift to 18's, the difference you will experience will be about like going from 0 - 2 on the airmatic with 17's, except you will be looking sweeter and taking curves like a madman.

Oct 16, 2007 | 07:37 PM

Barry45RPM

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 5,017

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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA

2015 ML 350

I had an 04 non sport w/ 17s (non staggered) and now have an 07 Sport with 18s (Staggered). The ride is noticably harder, but not annoyingly so. I drove both in suspension setting #1, but do not like setting # 2 on the 18s... # 2 was ok enough on the 17s though. There is also a noticable "slapping" of the rubber to the seams in the concrete sections of a highway with the 18s.

Depending on where you live you might bend an 18 on bad road if you're not a carefull pot hole navigator.

I really like the look of the '07 Sports Pkg wheels better than most of the other available wheels 04-07. Thats why I didn't hesitate to get the Sports Pkg. All in all, the 18s are fine.... but we'll see how the rubber wears.

Last edited by Barry45RPM; Oct 16, 2007 at 08:24 PM.

Oct 16, 2007 | 07:47 PM

weinschela

Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 429

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From: New York Area

'14 E350 wagon; BMW G12 (2020) G01 (2019)

I went from on 05 E500 w/sport package and 17" to 08 E550 with 18" staggered setup. I was running Pirelli P Zero Neros on the 05. The 08 has Michelins. I ran the 05 at setting 1 and the 08 at setting 1. The 08 ride is superior IMHO. I don't think you will have a problem.

Oct 16, 2007 | 08:29 PM

La Costa

Junior Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 49

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From: San Diego, CA

2004 E320, 18" Monoblock, Grill & Flat badge, Debadged, Trunk Spoiler, Clear Sides

I live here in San Diego as well. I went from the stock 17" to 18" Non staggered. I leave my Airmatic on Comfort and the ride is great. For what is worth, Looks wise I wish I would have gone with 19"s.

Oct 16, 2007 | 08:35 PM

georgedaman

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Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 375

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From: Toronto Ont Canada

GL350

I been riding on 245/40 18" for over a year.My car also lowered slightly.The ride quality is still fine but since i live in the city (bad roads,potholes etc) i bent all the wheels over the year.Just changed the tires to ones with rimguards,big improvement..when i hit a pothole..lol.

Oct 19, 2007 | 10:44 AM

fmanfrank

Junior Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 54

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E500 sports pack with AMG kit

My E500 AMG came with the factory 18" AMGs and they ride pretty nice, specially with the continental tires. it does get a bit stiff if your on sports2 setting, but nothing all that drastic.