baybombers

I had planned on parking my '14 E350 AWD Sport for the winter but things have changed. I now am looking into putting a set of winter wheels to save my OEM AMG wheels. Any recommendations from my fellow northern friends on tires and wheels? For those with sport model, did you go down to a 17" rim?

Thanks for your feedback.

Arrie

I recommend 17" as it softens a little bit the harder tires in winter conditions.

fitzbenz

Looking for a winter setup as well, and preferring to drop to a 17", which I presume fits... What's the ET on OE 17" rims, and what tire width are people generally running on a 17" winter setup - I've seen 245/45-17 as a "factory" size, and that is closest to the stock 18" (245/40-18), but I'd prefer to go with a narrower tire... 225/50-17... anybody run that? (Sorry... figured I'd piggyback on your thread...)

I'm historically partial to Nokians, long life (not less than 6 seasons on the 3 sets I've owned), and impressive performance. Hakka R2s available in all sizes mentioned above, load rating isn't a problem, though they are a lower speed rating (R) than most others are likely to be. They used to be particularly pricey, but a quick look around and they seem to be reasonable among major brands.

Here's a tire size comparison calculator:
https://www.discounttiredirect.com/l...ize-calculator

telemakhos

Hi

The 17" wheel wasn't available when I needed winter wheels so I stuck to the 18". My favourite tire is the Nokian Hakka R and soon to be the R2 (assuming you are going with a non-studded tire.) My Hakka Rs were fantastic and maintained excellent grip even as they wore down.

If I were you, I would drop down to the 17" and stay with the factory recommended size for the 17".

In the US, you can check out TiresbyWeb. They have free shippping.

Good luck!

Gasmiser2000

After searching for a reasonable 18" option, I've decided to re-purpose my current 17" Audi wheels

I'm going to have them machined from 57.1 centre bore, to accept the 66.6 Mercedes. They are 235/35/17 on a 7.5" width, which is a close fitment, and the ET is 35

I'll post some pics in a month on the wagon, and I think the fitment will be pretty nice - I am aiming for a flush fit, I doubt they will poke out.

mikemargolis

I have a diesel, so run flats (which I love, by the way).

I had a HORRIBLE experience with Axis wheels from tirerack, and 200% recommend OEM wheels.

I am in Connecticut, and do run 225/45R-17 on all four wheels, Blizzaks. The 17's will give you a smoother ride and less chance of denting when (not if, but when) you smack a pot hole.

I was able to buy some 17" OEM MB wheels from a guy on this forum who put BBS wheels on his car. You should be able to get the wheels for $200 ish each.

raja777m

Just to put a word out there.
I'm looking to trade my 'stock 17s 4matic factory wheels with plenty of tread, A/S tires' to 'OEM 791 model AMG 18s wheels with a good amount of tread tires'.
I'm near UNCC area, Charlotte, NC.
PS. The e350 I own is the only way of my commute and I don't own a garage.
Please PM me to discuss any options.

thanks in advance.

Arrie

Shouldn't it be 245/45 R17?

mikemargolis

Remember these are run-flats. Regular tires are 245, but in run-flat snows, the choices are very very limited.

I have 225/45R17 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 RFT winter tires. Nobody makes a 235 or 245 i RFT, or at least they didn't last fall when I bought the RFT snows.

There is plenty of discussion to support that a 225 is actually better than a 245 for winter, as it puts more pressure per square cm on the ground with a smaller diameter.

mellonc

My winter set up (even for such cold place like Los Angeles) is also 17 inch wheels with 225/50. I use all season tires (Michelin Premier). it rode and handled so well (from earlier part of this year) that I'm thinking of using them all year round. I'll try it again when the rainy season starts here and see what how they make out.....

BTW. The 245's are great for that long sweeping highway entrance where I can pull some serious g's........ but the "thump" "thump" around highway expansion joints and ponderous in-town handling along with higher cost doesn't make for a great replacement. I get that it pulls 0.86g according to car and driver but the benefit seems marginal........

check out this informative article on upsizing and downsizing of wheels.

https://www.caranddriver.com/feature...d-tires-tested