We are picking up our e500 this week, and we want to put rims on it. I want to get expert opinion on those who have changed their rim size up to 18's or 19's. I want to find out how mich of a difference did you notice on the feel of the car.

 

19's are smooth. I got them on my W210, no problems. Just watch out for the curbs and potholes.

 

I think 19" would be great. Handling should be noticeably better if you go with the right tires. Smoothness... I cannot vouch for, but I think you'll feel more bumps along the way.

 

Do wheels/rims alone have any effect upon handling, apart from the effect of the tires mounted on the wheels/rims? I've got the standard E500 17" wheels and I'm not inclined to spend good money for purely cosmetic dress-up, if that's all that different "rims" amount to. I would like to improve the handling and ride of the car, and I've got some suggestions for different tires that may do that. Is there any functional benefit to changing the wheels/rims along with the tires?

 

There is some merit to having a lower profile tire... which you'd have to get if you move up to 19" rim. The thinner the profile, the less flex in side walls... which should improve handling.

 

If you get wheels and tires then you should get the springs and shocks to make it all worth it. If you've ever seen a car with nice wheels and tire then not lowered it look like your car is a skateboard. The gaps between the body and tire looks horrible. Thats just me though. If you want comfort go with Eibach springs. I like those better than H&R's. Its on you though. I say if you're going to do it do it right. Then no regrets.

 

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but it seemed to beg the question: how low (as far as low profile tires are concerned) is low enough?

As y'all know, the standard rubber on my E500 is 245/45. I recall not too long ago that "50" sidewalls were considered very low profile. OK, "not too long ago" is more like 20 years ago. But FWIW, standard tires on a 1984 Ferrari Testarossa were 225/50 in the front and 255/50 in the back.

While "thinner" sidewalls obviously flex less than "fatter" sidewalls do, there has got to be a point of diminishing returns, IMHO. Right?

 

I upgraded to 18's on my E500 when I had it. It was as far as I would personally want to go. It was right at the limit where if it got any harsher it would start to become noticeable. 19's will give a sharper turn in feel to your steering. 18's are going to be about the best you will do for grip. (lower profile tires don't generally offer more grip but do tend to feel more precise)

 

Car comes stock w/17" 1 pc wheels that LOOK like 18's, dont buy 18's WASTE of money, minimum pick up 19's.

 

i have two sets of carlssons 18's and 19's. the ride on the 18 is feels much better for all around driving, but the look of the 19's (staggered) is nicer.