What effects will changing rim size have on my E350
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What effects will changing rim size have on my E350
I have an 08 E350 Luxury which comes stock with 17" rims, but I want to switch out for the 18" AMG rims from the 09 sport package.
I like the way they look better, but what adverse effects will it have on ride comfort, performance, durability, etc.
Thanks!
I like the way they look better, but what adverse effects will it have on ride comfort, performance, durability, etc.
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 538
Likes: 89
From: Hollywood, CA
W209, W124
I swapped from 17s to 18s on my CLK. I moved to AMG rims from CLK63, so totally kosher in all other regards.
Definitely notice harder impacts on bumps. Tighter cornering for sure but on a daily basis I notice the hard bangs far more than the better handling.
And much harder to notice when tires are low due to lower aspect ratio. Which has led to more flats. When got first blow out the tire guy asked me if I wanted new TPMS unit. Now I know why the 63 had that, since you can’t really tell by looking, would be nice to know when they drop below 30.
On to the vanity side. I had felt the original CLK500 rims dated it, the newer style certainly make it appear newer/sportier. So right now, happy with them. That night that we had 2nd blow out in 6 months on the 110 with giant trucks and methed out buzzboxes roaring by inches away as I got out the jack while my other half tried to keep the 2 pups calm, well that night I really regretted it.
Definitely notice harder impacts on bumps. Tighter cornering for sure but on a daily basis I notice the hard bangs far more than the better handling.
And much harder to notice when tires are low due to lower aspect ratio. Which has led to more flats. When got first blow out the tire guy asked me if I wanted new TPMS unit. Now I know why the 63 had that, since you can’t really tell by looking, would be nice to know when they drop below 30.
On to the vanity side. I had felt the original CLK500 rims dated it, the newer style certainly make it appear newer/sportier. So right now, happy with them. That night that we had 2nd blow out in 6 months on the 110 with giant trucks and methed out buzzboxes roaring by inches away as I got out the jack while my other half tried to keep the 2 pups calm, well that night I really regretted it.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 67
Likes: 4
2008 W211 E350 4MATIC, 1985 W123 300D Turbo, 2002 C5 Allroad, 2002 B5 S4, 2008 MkV R32
I’d just mention checking tire sizes as well and if the overall diameter is different, that will affect your speed and odometer readings. I know some cars have a calibration for these changes but not sure if our MBs do.
I’m thinking of switching to AMG E63 wheels myself from the Sport wheels I have but mainly because my wheels have corrosion and I want something easier to clean (slightly lighter helps too).
But I might end up getting something different entirely if I get new wheels since reducing weight and a slightly more flush offset is most important to me.
If you want the best performance, in general, you want the smallest diameter wheel that will fit over your brakes, widest that properly fit your tire sizes, lowest offset that won’t rub your fenders and lightest you can get within those dimensions.
I’m thinking of switching to AMG E63 wheels myself from the Sport wheels I have but mainly because my wheels have corrosion and I want something easier to clean (slightly lighter helps too).
But I might end up getting something different entirely if I get new wheels since reducing weight and a slightly more flush offset is most important to me.
If you want the best performance, in general, you want the smallest diameter wheel that will fit over your brakes, widest that properly fit your tire sizes, lowest offset that won’t rub your fenders and lightest you can get within those dimensions.
