So what winter tire wheel is preferred?
12-07-2007, 12:59 AM
#1
Almost a Member!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
White/Cognac E-350 Sport 4Matic
So what winter tire wheel is preferred?
2008 E-350 4Matic Sport. Tire size on the car is 245/40/18.
Tire Rack recommends the 17" wheel in 245/45/17. And Tire Rack suggests a European high-speed tire.
I was thinking a bit more ice traction, and I certainly do not rip-snort around in the winter. So, I'm thinking the Blizzak WS 60 if I go 17" or the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D if I go 18" (I'd do the Blizzak but it doesn't appear they come in an 18" size).
What do you guys think?
Tire Rack recommends the 17" wheel in 245/45/17. And Tire Rack suggests a European high-speed tire.
I was thinking a bit more ice traction, and I certainly do not rip-snort around in the winter. So, I'm thinking the Blizzak WS 60 if I go 17" or the Dunlop Winter Sport 3D if I go 18" (I'd do the Blizzak but it doesn't appear they come in an 18" size).
What do you guys think?
12-07-2007, 03:07 AM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Europe
Posts: 6,377
Received 295 Likes
on
247 Posts
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I would go for 225/55/16 where you can get "real winter tyres". I'm pretty sure these would fit even if the car only came with larger wheels in the USA, 16" is likely the factory standard in Europe (but should double check).
Perhaps your winter isn't asking that much tyre performance or you may have emphasis on better looking wheels, then 17" would do.
Perhaps your winter isn't asking that much tyre performance or you may have emphasis on better looking wheels, then 17" would do.
12-07-2007, 12:17 PM
#3
Almost a Member!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
White/Cognac E-350 Sport 4Matic
I hear all this stuff about thinner tires to dig down through the snow... OK, maybe in deep snow conditions or when there is lots of slush on the express way--cars do get pushed around when they hit deep slush.
But what about ice traction? That's what most concerns me. Wouldn't a larger contact patch increase traction? Just as it does on dry pavement... er, the "concrete road surface" for those of you who think the pavement is the sidewalk!
And 16s!
Horrors! 
Remember, you are talking to a Cowboy who may
keep a gun in his car! 
(There will be no mall slaughter if I'm on the scene!). We don't do tiny wheels! 
But what about ice traction? That's what most concerns me. Wouldn't a larger contact patch increase traction? Just as it does on dry pavement... er, the "concrete road surface" for those of you who think the pavement is the sidewalk!
And 16s!
Horrors! Remember, you are talking to a Cowboy who may
keep a gun in his car! (There will be no mall slaughter if I'm on the scene!). We don't do tiny wheels!
12-07-2007, 12:57 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Europe
Posts: 6,377
Received 295 Likes
on
247 Posts
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
I knew you wouldn't like the the 16" wheel idea 
I guess you would laugh my W221 with 17" winter tyres. But it is more embarrassing if you find yourself off road when there is ice
If you really are concerned about ice, you should put studded tyres. I assume those are not allowed where you live.
Grip on ice is pretty complicated, at some conditions a wider winter tyre works equally as a narrow one, very infrequently even marginally better. But most times a narrow one works better. In any case, the tyre type makes the most difference. The tyre should be specifically made for winter, all seasons are far worse. On the other hand, good winter tyres are not good to drive on a dry and warm road, they handle worse. Better wait for local advice, winter for one means totally different from what it means for another one.
I guess you would laugh my W221 with 17" winter tyres. But it is more embarrassing if you find yourself off road when there is ice
If you really are concerned about ice, you should put studded tyres. I assume those are not allowed where you live.
Grip on ice is pretty complicated, at some conditions a wider winter tyre works equally as a narrow one, very infrequently even marginally better. But most times a narrow one works better. In any case, the tyre type makes the most difference. The tyre should be specifically made for winter, all seasons are far worse. On the other hand, good winter tyres are not good to drive on a dry and warm road, they handle worse. Better wait for local advice, winter for one means totally different from what it means for another one.
12-07-2007, 01:49 PM
#5
Almost a Member!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
White/Cognac E-350 Sport 4Matic
Yes, Pooey Pooey on 16s!
I do agree very much with the need for specialty tires. I always buy dedicated snow tires for winter driving.
Here in southeast Michigan we get moderate amounts of snow (rarely more than a couple of inches at a time) and roads are quickly salted. However, until roads are salted, and within a couple of hours afterward, the roads become icy.
We also get as much rain that turns to ice as we get snow.
I'm specifically looking at the R rated Blizzak WS 60 in 17 inch size. If I go 18", I'd probably go with Dunlop Winter Sport 3Ds that are HR rated.
This is a two year lease, so if I don't keep the car, it may be more cost effective to just switch the tires on the stock rims, though I know this is more complicated and thus expensive with the tire pressure monitors.
If I drove the car hard I would gravitate towards a higher speed rated tire.
I do agree very much with the need for specialty tires. I always buy dedicated snow tires for winter driving.
Here in southeast Michigan we get moderate amounts of snow (rarely more than a couple of inches at a time) and roads are quickly salted. However, until roads are salted, and within a couple of hours afterward, the roads become icy.
We also get as much rain that turns to ice as we get snow.
I'm specifically looking at the R rated Blizzak WS 60 in 17 inch size. If I go 18", I'd probably go with Dunlop Winter Sport 3Ds that are HR rated.
This is a two year lease, so if I don't keep the car, it may be more cost effective to just switch the tires on the stock rims, though I know this is more complicated and thus expensive with the tire pressure monitors.
If I drove the car hard I would gravitate towards a higher speed rated tire.
12-07-2007, 05:24 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: New York Area
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
'14 E350 wagon; BMW G12 (2020) G01 (2019)
I would think that 16's would not fit on the wheels anyhow -- wouldn't there be a problem with the disks/calipers? Or am I misinformed? seems to be there has to be some absolute smallest size that will fit on the wheels. A 2 inch difference could be too much. The OP has 18's now.
12-08-2007, 03:40 AM
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Europe
Posts: 6,377
Received 295 Likes
on
247 Posts
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Goes off topic but you are right, 16" wheels would not go for a sports package car (option code 950 or 952). A standard E350 4-Matic would take those.
Smaller wheels than the smallest from factory for US cars may often fit, the standard wheel size in the US is usually larger than that in Europe. But not in the concerned case.
Smaller wheels than the smallest from factory for US cars may often fit, the standard wheel size in the US is usually larger than that in Europe. But not in the concerned case.
