Difficult
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Mercedes
Difficult
I have a 2012 Mercedes E350 4matic. I need new wheels, 2 of the oe’s are bent. Should I replace with the 17x8.5 that’s on now (245/45/r17) or replace with 18 inch rims. It’s very confusing which way to go. It seems 18 are easier to purchase. But 18 inch tires are more costly. Anyway, I don’t care about performance, I like comfort and easy riding. Larry
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2012 E350 4Matic
With 18" wheels you'll have to run a tire with a shorter sidewall to keep the overall height the same or close to stock, so that your speedometer remains accurate. The shorter sidewall is better for cornering and deforms less under hard acceleration, but ride quality suffers a bit. 18's will also be somewhat more susceptible to damage again due to the shorter sidewalls, less rubber to protect the rim. Since comfort is your main consideration I would stick with 17" wheels and good tires.
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From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
When more rubber gives you better comfort, the comfort also depend on rubber quality.
I had 18" wheels with high-performance tires giving better comfort than 17" wheels on hard-rubber Michelins.
You have more factors to consider since you mentioned the cost.
Last time I check, the 17" tires were less popular and you had to pay more for them.
I had 18" wheels with high-performance tires giving better comfort than 17" wheels on hard-rubber Michelins.
You have more factors to consider since you mentioned the cost.
Last time I check, the 17" tires were less popular and you had to pay more for them.
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I had the 18's on my E350. One cracked rim and two bent ones. The 17's weren't as bad, just two bent rims. I got the 18" tires at Costco, they seem to run a sale every 2 months where it's a $70 rebate on Michelin and 1 cent installation. They just have the $70 rebate now. Got a set of 18 inch tires for slightly under $700 installed with a 5 year road hazard, free rotation and balancing. Had to wait a few days for them to come in as they didn't seem to keep that size in stock. For the 17's I got Purecontacts, but the price seems to have gone up a little, they used to be $126 a tire. You could get the contiprocontacts which are $133 or the general Altimax which are $120 a tire. They get decent reviews on other car brands but don't seem to be that popular on a Mercedes.
http://www.tiresdirect.net/TireSizeS...atio=45&rim=17
Also you can get the old bent rims bent back. Local guy around me charges $95 a wheel. Most tire shops should know someone who bends them back. Or check the local yelp reviews.
http://www.tiresdirect.net/TireSizeS...atio=45&rim=17
Also you can get the old bent rims bent back. Local guy around me charges $95 a wheel. Most tire shops should know someone who bends them back. Or check the local yelp reviews.
