tire size question 2014 350 4 matic
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
s430
tire size question 2014 350 4 matic
How much softer is the ride on 245/45/17 tires versus 245/40/18 tires. I have fancy AMG 18" wheels but ride can be a bit rough on rough roads. Are the AMG wheels worth much to sell if I switch to smaller MD wheels? Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,373
Likes: 945
W212 FL
I had driven 245/45 R17s before now I use 265 / 35 R18 (Front ) 245 / 40 /18 rear tires. Honesty, not much difference probably not a difference at all on the smooth roads . However, I have to say AMG wheels are equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Tires . Other brands could differ but those still should be minimal
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 1,555
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
I have both a sport with 18" and a luxury with 17", since my luxury sits an inch higher on different springs, It's hard to say how much the 17" contributes to the night and day ride difference, I'd like to say the 17" is less prone to pothole damage, Iv'e only bent one 17" in 13 years and have bent three on the sport in 12, but I have 32k on the luxury and 103K on the sport, so its pretty even,
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,373
Likes: 945
W212 FL
On the paper , it should but 18s definitely worth it as I don't feel bumpier than I used to have with the 17s at all. 17s could be softer with the Airmatic suspension than steel spring equipped 18s . Another factor could be the fact that W212s came with 3 different model line up : Elegance / Luxury , Avantgarde and AMG .
For instance : Elegance / Luxury models have softer suspension settings therefore those should me slightly more comfortable on the rough roads than 18s AMG models .
In general , I have driven various Mercedes-Benz models . 18s in my opinion are quite comfy and worth it .
For instance : Elegance / Luxury models have softer suspension settings therefore those should me slightly more comfortable on the rough roads than 18s AMG models .
In general , I have driven various Mercedes-Benz models . 18s in my opinion are quite comfy and worth it .
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 1,555
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
More tire sidewall is always softer, but as I mentioned above, I have never switched them up to see if the 17'" makes my sport softer, the ride difference between the sport and luxury is obvious and very noticeable since I have both,
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 245
Likes: 105
2014 E350
I'd say no, if! If you have AMGs which are staggered, I'd say sell em. To me it's merely extra cost at tire replacements, and whatever mileage warranty you get on tires is reduced, all with no real-world benefit unless one simply loves the look. But the stock "regular" wheels, I don't think you're going to get an appreciable ride impreovement going down to 17 from the 18s. And the tire options are fewer with 17s so I'd personally stick with 18, just not a staggered set IMO.
You can try a higher sidewall aspect ratio on your 18s, say 5% higher on a 245 width. But the most difference in feel will be at your tire choice: "summer" or "performance" is always going to give you stiffer walls by design. Go to a "touring" tire and whatever ultimate cornering grip you sacrifice will bring you a softer, quieter ride. Also what are your air pressures, keep em in in the 32-34 range.
Edward
You can try a higher sidewall aspect ratio on your 18s, say 5% higher on a 245 width. But the most difference in feel will be at your tire choice: "summer" or "performance" is always going to give you stiffer walls by design. Go to a "touring" tire and whatever ultimate cornering grip you sacrifice will bring you a softer, quieter ride. Also what are your air pressures, keep em in in the 32-34 range.
Edward
Last edited by Edward993; Aug 18, 2025 at 12:15 PM.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
To know the difference you have to run the exact same tire brand and model in both sizes and as I did I can say there is no difference that I can feel driving the car.
My normal setup is the staggered 245/40-18 front, 265/35-18 rear. I bought American racing 17” wheels with 245/45-17 tires all around. I did this after I lost a tire and bent the rim.
I put the original setup back under my car as it looks better with the staggered setup and the 17” are collecting dust probably never going back.
My normal setup is the staggered 245/40-18 front, 265/35-18 rear. I bought American racing 17” wheels with 245/45-17 tires all around. I did this after I lost a tire and bent the rim.
I put the original setup back under my car as it looks better with the staggered setup and the 17” are collecting dust probably never going back.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 11
From: Berlin...ish
2015 W212 E300 (M276) 4Matic
I have 18" summer tyres and 17" winter tyres and I notice no difference in terms of ride comfort. Cornering just a bit more spongey with the 17". Sure there are some differences due to compound but I am no expert here. I would say brand also plays a small factor in comfort. I am running goodyear assymetric for the summers. I know if I ran Continentals ide get a bit more comfort. I don't think you should go lower than 18 😊
