Harsh ride on 18" Alloys?
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Saab 9-5 Aero
Harsh ride on 18" Alloys?
I'm contemplating purchase of A W211 E class 320CDI Sport 2009 model and notice that it has 18" alloys with fairly low profile tyres.
I'm concerned that the ride may be too harsh and that all road imperfections and pot holes would be felt........which would be a great pity , because the whole objective of choosing an 'E' is to obtain refinement
I drive mostly on A roads, not motorways. Should I be worried?
I'm concerned that the ride may be too harsh and that all road imperfections and pot holes would be felt........which would be a great pity , because the whole objective of choosing an 'E' is to obtain refinement
I drive mostly on A roads, not motorways. Should I be worried?
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2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
I've have / had both sport (18") and non-sport (17") models, but 2006 MYs. There is a noticeable difference in ride quality as you describe.
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Yes it is, but good part is that low profile will give you better feel on cornering.
Right now I have 1 car with 17" wheels and one with 16".
When I switch from 17 to 16 I have to adjust my driving style as 16" will give you the boat reaction.
We do have good roads in Vegas, so not much complain here, but when living in San Francisco area - I had to get rid off ML55 as with low profile tires it was giving lot of headaches and my wife could not ride it.
Right now I have 1 car with 17" wheels and one with 16".
When I switch from 17 to 16 I have to adjust my driving style as 16" will give you the boat reaction.
We do have good roads in Vegas, so not much complain here, but when living in San Francisco area - I had to get rid off ML55 as with low profile tires it was giving lot of headaches and my wife could not ride it.
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Harsh ride on 18" alloys
Thank you very much for such prompt responses to my question. Much appreciated.
In looking at the cars advertised for sale here in the UK, there seems to be quite a number with the Sport package, which suggests that it was a popular option. Maybe it was cheaper than the alternatives!......but I doubt it. These cars are described simply as 'E320 CDI Sport' or 'E280 CDI Sport', without any mention of Classic, Elegance or Avantgarde. Presumably the Sport was a dedicated package all on its own.
The model which I went to view was still in course of being prepared for sale in the Dealer's workshop and there was no opportunity to test drive, not as yet. I have experienced a similar E with a friend's car.....2007 model but not with the large wheels..........which seemed to be exactly what I'm looking for in terms of comfort, refinement and performance. (Although I still enjoy the power of my Saab Aero's 260 BHP, and I've been driving them for 25 years now, it's ride,suspension and noise levels are just not in the same class as the E. I have always been drawn to Mercedes over the years, having had rental cars fron time to time, and it has now become the brand of choice.)
I wonder whether the brand of tyres would have some bearing on all of this? I have found that Goodyear Eagle F1's to be excellent in all respects, not at all hard and noticably quieter running.
Many thanks again for your input.
In looking at the cars advertised for sale here in the UK, there seems to be quite a number with the Sport package, which suggests that it was a popular option. Maybe it was cheaper than the alternatives!......but I doubt it. These cars are described simply as 'E320 CDI Sport' or 'E280 CDI Sport', without any mention of Classic, Elegance or Avantgarde. Presumably the Sport was a dedicated package all on its own.
The model which I went to view was still in course of being prepared for sale in the Dealer's workshop and there was no opportunity to test drive, not as yet. I have experienced a similar E with a friend's car.....2007 model but not with the large wheels..........which seemed to be exactly what I'm looking for in terms of comfort, refinement and performance. (Although I still enjoy the power of my Saab Aero's 260 BHP, and I've been driving them for 25 years now, it's ride,suspension and noise levels are just not in the same class as the E. I have always been drawn to Mercedes over the years, having had rental cars fron time to time, and it has now become the brand of choice.)
I wonder whether the brand of tyres would have some bearing on all of this? I have found that Goodyear Eagle F1's to be excellent in all respects, not at all hard and noticably quieter running.
Many thanks again for your input.
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I never had good luck to Goodyear.
Never bought them myself, but the few that come with cars always ended in strange way. Might be my bad luck, but I am not buying the brand.
Tire choice is like choosing slot machine in casinos. Go to tirerack and read the reviews.
Lower the tire profile, the bigger difference rubber quality makes.
Never bought them myself, but the few that come with cars always ended in strange way. Might be my bad luck, but I am not buying the brand.
Tire choice is like choosing slot machine in casinos. Go to tirerack and read the reviews.
Lower the tire profile, the bigger difference rubber quality makes.
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Thank you for this input.
The condition of our roads throughout the UK is getting worse year by year due to public expenditure cutbacks and/or underfunding. Roads are not being resurfaced in the way they once were and potholes are just not being repaired as quickly as before, if at all. Thus the increased importance of a good suspension set up.
It looks like a choice between Elegance on 16", Avantgarde on 17" and Sport on 18". Avantgarde is perhaps the best compromise.
Thank you again
The condition of our roads throughout the UK is getting worse year by year due to public expenditure cutbacks and/or underfunding. Roads are not being resurfaced in the way they once were and potholes are just not being repaired as quickly as before, if at all. Thus the increased importance of a good suspension set up.
It looks like a choice between Elegance on 16", Avantgarde on 17" and Sport on 18". Avantgarde is perhaps the best compromise.
Thank you again
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I've got the sports package on both cars, don't really notice a difference between 17 and 18. The thing is, in the US, the cars with all the options or as many as likely all come with the sports package. It was usually the luxury package that were somewhat stripped down base models. So while I would have preferred the luxury model, if you want the fun options, you're probably stuck with the sports model. The sports model had a lower suspension by about 1 inch over the luxury model. Less suspension travel makes for a harsher ride.
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Thank you cetialpha5.........that's very helpful to hear that.
I think that the 'E' which I was viewed may now be available to test drive and I may have the opportunity this weekend. We may see if the 18"/lowered will rattle my fillings on our UK roads!
I think that the 'E' which I was viewed may now be available to test drive and I may have the opportunity this weekend. We may see if the 18"/lowered will rattle my fillings on our UK roads!
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Thank you for that 2Merks
I'm in Northern Scotland and I have had a look at Big Perms website..................they look like an interesting bunch!
Unfortunately, they are located in South West Wales, which is a good 500 miles from where I am. I'll keep them in mind though, because they look like they would be a good source of tuning advice.
I'm in Northern Scotland and I have had a look at Big Perms website..................they look like an interesting bunch!
Unfortunately, they are located in South West Wales, which is a good 500 miles from where I am. I'll keep them in mind though, because they look like they would be a good source of tuning advice.
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W223 S500 LWB 4-Matic, W222 S450 LWB 4-Matic, A238 E400 Cabriolet 4-Matic
I would say yes. If you have 18s, run the 245/45/18 or larger side profile if it will fit. I have 245/40/18s now 'cause I got a banging deal on a new set of 4 summer style tires recently and you feel just about every road seam, but boy is it fun in the corners 
After these wear out, its back to the 245/45/18s
After these wear out, its back to the 245/45/18s
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I would say yes. If you have 18s, run the 245/45/18 or larger side profile if it will fit. I have 245/40/18s now 'cause I got a banging deal on a new set of 4 summer style tires recently and you feel just about every road seam, but boy is it fun in the corners After these wear out, its back to the 245/45/18s
After these wear out, its back to the 245/45/18s
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W223 S500 LWB 4-Matic, W222 S450 LWB 4-Matic, A238 E400 Cabriolet 4-Matic
Never had a problem with the 245/45/18s and any system warnings or noticeable speedo offset. I do know that a tyre manufacturer's claimed outside diameter will vary as much as a 1/2" between different manufacturers.
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Sorry but I have been AWOL over the weekend, but thanks to both Sleeper B and to Bahnstormer for your contributions. Interesting idea.............to use deeper profile on the 18" rims. I would imagine that there would not be a problem on the rear wheels, but I wonder whether there would be sufficient clearance on full steering lock on the fronts?
I had a test drive of the 320CDI Sport and its 18" alloys yesterday, and was impressed overall and pleasantly surprised that my (dental) fillings remained undisturbed. Yes, I could feel the imperfections on the road surface, but not to the extent which I was expecting. What did come across to me, however, was the point made previously about the handling; I can imagine that the experience in a 16" Elegance would be rather diffferent and perhaps be more inclined to be 'wallowy' or 'boaty'. The Sports suspension set up seems to have much to recommend it.
The suggestion of deeper profile tyres on the lowered suspension is worth pursuing.
Thank you again
I had a test drive of the 320CDI Sport and its 18" alloys yesterday, and was impressed overall and pleasantly surprised that my (dental) fillings remained undisturbed. Yes, I could feel the imperfections on the road surface, but not to the extent which I was expecting. What did come across to me, however, was the point made previously about the handling; I can imagine that the experience in a 16" Elegance would be rather diffferent and perhaps be more inclined to be 'wallowy' or 'boaty'. The Sports suspension set up seems to have much to recommend it.
The suggestion of deeper profile tyres on the lowered suspension is worth pursuing.
Thank you again
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
Check my signature. Though it’s an expensive mod, It answers your question about how to get a super smooth ride with 19” wheels while providing a host of other benefits.
Last edited by pinebaron; Jun 18, 2018 at 07:45 AM.
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Hi Pinebaron
Thank you for your input.
As a Newbie, I'm not entirely sure what "check my signature" means...but I see the specification of your wheels and suspension there.
Those are low profiles!!...at 30 and 35. Gosh! I wonder if the smoothness comes from the Bilsteins or if you have air suspension (which I don't think the car I'm looking at has). It all sound very sophistocated.
Thanks again
Thank you for your input.
As a Newbie, I'm not entirely sure what "check my signature" means...but I see the specification of your wheels and suspension there.
Those are low profiles!!...at 30 and 35. Gosh! I wonder if the smoothness comes from the Bilsteins or if you have air suspension (which I don't think the car I'm looking at has). It all sound very sophistocated.
Thanks again
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
Hi Pinebaron
Thank you for your input.
As a Newbie, I'm not entirely sure what "check my signature" means...but I see the specification of your wheels and suspension there.
Those are low profiles!!...at 30 and 35. Gosh! I wonder if the smoothness comes from the Bilsteins or if you have air suspension (which I don't think the car I'm looking at has). It all sound very sophistocated.
Thanks again
Thank you for your input.
As a Newbie, I'm not entirely sure what "check my signature" means...but I see the specification of your wheels and suspension there.
Those are low profiles!!...at 30 and 35. Gosh! I wonder if the smoothness comes from the Bilsteins or if you have air suspension (which I don't think the car I'm looking at has). It all sound very sophistocated.
Thanks again
Last edited by pinebaron; Jun 18, 2018 at 08:00 AM.
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2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
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From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
