2012 E350BTC - 16" wheels?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
W126 1987 300SDL
2012 E350BTC - 16" wheels?
I may be one if the few that miss the 16" wheels (from a ride quality perspective) I had on my old W211. I have searched the forums and the internet and can't seem to determine if 16" rims would fit. Anyone out there running 16"'s?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
W126 1987 300SDL
Great advise. I had the stock Goodyear ROF's replaced with a set of the Conti PureContracts about 3 weeks and 600 miles ago. They had great reviews, but the set I had installed had a roaring noise above 65 mph, a lot of road noise below 65, and while the tires were perfectly balanced they still caused vibration (out of round?). So, I have taken advantage of the Conti Satisfaction Trial and I'm having those replaced with the Conti Extreme DWS. I hope that resolves the noises and provides a nice smooth and quiet ride. If not, when these wear out, I'd like to see if the 225/55/16 on a W211 rim would work.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 60
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From: New England
2015 ML250 Bluetec, 2014 GLK350
Do you have the sport package on your E350BT? If so, 16" will not fit as the brake disc's diameter is a tad bigger than the 16" wheel interior. 17" do fit with a very minimal clearance between the edge of brake disc and the wheel itself. I too miss 16" wheels and the ride comfort they offer. If you have the luxury version, they might fit but I am not sure.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
W126 1987 300SDL
Thanks. I do have the Luxury Version and I must say that it was a challenge to find one. I read a blog post from a guy in Malaysia that indicated they have 16", but that doesn't mean that the US Spec would be the same.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 603
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From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
I also prefer the luxury and smaller wheels which is quite rare these days.
Are you sure there wasn't a defect on the ProContacts? I have 2 on my car now and like them alot, and DWS on another would say the are about the same...
Are you sure there wasn't a defect on the ProContacts? I have 2 on my car now and like them alot, and DWS on another would say the are about the same...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
W126 1987 300SDL
They were the Pure Contracts. There may be a defect with them, but if I replaced them with the same and they had the same problem, I'd eat the money to ship them back. I have found this is the one disadvantage of working with tire rack. If you need to return a tire, you have to either pay shipping or pay for the new tire mount/balance.
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 603
Likes: 8
From: Maryland
2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
Yeah that is a good point on TireRack, you end up eating shipping both ways. I did mean PUre Contacts, used to have Procontacts in the past and think the DSWs are better ride for less price...
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
W126 1987 300SDL
Extreme Contacts mounted and driven for 300 miles. These are significantly quieter and provide a better ride then the Pure Contacts did. I may never know if the Pure's where a defective set or not. I'll revisit tire choice when these wear out.
