Old People Suspension
#26
#27
MBWorld Fanatic!
The only reason the 17" tire would have a lower sidewall is it was a smaller size. Sidewall height is determined by multiplying the section width by the ratio. In other words a 245/45r17 tire has a sidewall height of 110.25 mm the same as a 245/45r18 tire. The only difference is the overall diameter due to wheel size.
#28
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Southeastern USA
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2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Good catch
You are correct, I typed it the reverse of what it really is.
The sidewalls on the tires on 17" wheels are higher. The 18" wheels have to have tires with smaller sidewalls.
If you look at two cars with the different wheels, you can easily see the larger sidewall on the tires on 17" wheels. This is one reason why the cars with 17" wheels also easily clear curbs and parking bumpers, whereas the Sport models with 18" wheels hit them.
The sidewalls on the tires on 17" wheels are higher. The 18" wheels have to have tires with smaller sidewalls.
If you look at two cars with the different wheels, you can easily see the larger sidewall on the tires on 17" wheels. This is one reason why the cars with 17" wheels also easily clear curbs and parking bumpers, whereas the Sport models with 18" wheels hit them.
Last edited by El Cid; 05-07-2018 at 09:34 AM.
#29
I bought the sport package only because the old fashioned luxury grill looked too outdated for my wife. Happy wife = happy life
Well, I did have trouble buying 245/45-17 tires because the local stores seem to not stock them. That's why I went with the 245/45-18 setup. Both sizes have the same sidewall dimension of 4.3" so the ride is about the same.
Well, I did have trouble buying 245/45-17 tires because the local stores seem to not stock them. That's why I went with the 245/45-18 setup. Both sizes have the same sidewall dimension of 4.3" so the ride is about the same.
#31
Come to think of it, why are we talking about 245/45R17 anyway if he is looking for comfort? My luxury edition E300 has 225/55R17, which indeed has a larger sidewall than 245/45R18
#33
MBWorld Fanatic!
At Tire Kingdom I was told that 245/45ZR17 Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires (on my BMW) were in short supply and had to be ordered whereas the 18" size was in stock. I go through a lot of tires due to city driving road hazards. I'm on my second set of Pirelli P7's on my E300 with less than 3,000 miles on the clock.
#34
At Tire Kingdom I was told that 245/45ZR17 Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires (on my BMW) were in short supply and had to be ordered whereas the 18" size was in stock. I go through a lot of tires due to city driving road hazards. I'm on my second set of Pirelli P7's on my E300 with less than 3,000 miles on the clock.
#35
MBWorld Fanatic!
The 17" tires were for my BMW road car, not the E300. Here it is summer year 'round. Temps were in the 90° F range in February.
Unfortunately here the only folks that carry Pirelli tires in stock are car dealerships.
Unfortunately here the only folks that carry Pirelli tires in stock are car dealerships.
#36
Former Vendor of MBWorld
May get an E400 Coupe this fall with premium level three.
If ordered,I'd like to know what suspension option (for US) best fits my wants under the SPECIFIC parameters set below:
I'm old,& my joints begrudge any loss of height that makes it harder getting in & out of the car.I don't care about having the car look sportier with lowered suspension.
The car will never leave the Comfort setting.I stay within 5 mph of the speed limit,& won't be taking curves at speed.
I want the most comfortably feeling ride I can get.
Specifically WITHIN the above driving-use restrictions,will the Air-matic option really make that much of a ride difference?
In the US,can you get the car without lowered suspension?
Thanks for your input (as he turns,mumbling to himself, & shuffles away,creaking all the time).
If ordered,I'd like to know what suspension option (for US) best fits my wants under the SPECIFIC parameters set below:
I'm old,& my joints begrudge any loss of height that makes it harder getting in & out of the car.I don't care about having the car look sportier with lowered suspension.
The car will never leave the Comfort setting.I stay within 5 mph of the speed limit,& won't be taking curves at speed.
I want the most comfortably feeling ride I can get.
Specifically WITHIN the above driving-use restrictions,will the Air-matic option really make that much of a ride difference?
In the US,can you get the car without lowered suspension?
Thanks for your input (as he turns,mumbling to himself, & shuffles away,creaking all the time).
ABC actively fights back with the bumps in roads as well as the vehicle sway from everyday driving conditions. Resulting in a very comfortable ride. Smaller rims also also additional comfort so that would also be recommended.
#37
Summer tires don't mean they're what you should use in the summer. They'e more referred to in that way because they are not at all appropriate for anything but summer conditions. Summer tires are for racing/super outrageous performance for sporty driving. They will last a short time compared to other tires and not be nearly as comfortable. In an e300, they are not appropriate unless you like a rougher ride while putting around and like to burn through lots of tires. I'm sorry some dealer is leading you astray compared to what tire fits your driving habits.
#38
MBWorld Fanatic!
They are perfect on my BMW road car. I rarely get more than 2,000 miles on tires under the best circumstances so mileage doesn't matter. Road hazard tire replacement coverage is what counts in addition to the tires being made in the EU when I purchase tires. Unfortunately the Pirelli P7's that came on my E300 are not made in the EU and have no warranties.
#39
They are perfect on my BMW road car. I rarely get more than 2,000 miles on tires under the best circumstances so mileage doesn't matter. Road hazard tire replacement coverage is what counts in addition to the tires being made in the EU when I purchase tires. Unfortunately the Pirelli P7's that came on my E300 are not made in the EU and have no warranties.
Edit to remove a statement that was just too general in hindsight. Do your research and make sure the tires you are choosing have the characteristics you need. If you do that, I have nothing to add aside from not limiting yourself based on the E.U.
Best of luck to you.
Last edited by ProtonCharlie; 05-07-2018 at 02:13 PM.
#40
Super Member
#41
MBWorld Fanatic!
In the 70's and 80's I purchased three full sets of tires each year that were made in Asia, North America or Europe. I found that tires made in the EU regardless of brand performed better and lasted longer. My last work vehicle before I switched to flying was a Mercedes 300d with well over 350,000 miles on the clock and never a flat in 5 years. City driving is hazardous. If you drive in the city you will probably get a flat tire every month or so which means a new tire every time because rft's can't be repaired. I don't wear out tires, they go flat! M+S tires (city) go flat more often than summer tires (highway).
You really think that M+S tires being pushed by dealers as "all season" (think Ford/Firestone) are actually safer than performance tires designed for speed in hot dry summer climates? That may be OK for those who don't have cars for specific purposes, but like most of my neighbors, I have vehicles designated for a specific purpose. My BMW for road trips (think Pensacola to Tucson in a day) has summer performance tires, my E300 has factory M+S tires for city driving only, ... I don't think the E300 has been in a gear higher than 5th since new.
IMO the worst summer tire made in the EU is superior to M+S tire brands such as Goodyear, Firestone, Westlake, AKS, Telluride and Compass that are made elsewhere.
You really think that M+S tires being pushed by dealers as "all season" (think Ford/Firestone) are actually safer than performance tires designed for speed in hot dry summer climates? That may be OK for those who don't have cars for specific purposes, but like most of my neighbors, I have vehicles designated for a specific purpose. My BMW for road trips (think Pensacola to Tucson in a day) has summer performance tires, my E300 has factory M+S tires for city driving only, ... I don't think the E300 has been in a gear higher than 5th since new.
IMO the worst summer tire made in the EU is superior to M+S tire brands such as Goodyear, Firestone, Westlake, AKS, Telluride and Compass that are made elsewhere.
#43
Super Member
Wow! Not happy with the 19" RFTs that came on my 2018 E400C due to the harsh ride and will replace all four at some point. So far, however, they've survived beyond your 2K barrier despite the increasingly bad roads here in SoCal. I'm partial to Michelins, will consider Pirellis, not fond of Continentals or Goodyears. Any recommendations?
#45
Junior Member
Wow! Not happy with the 19" RFTs that came on my 2018 E400C due to the harsh ride and will replace all four at some point. So far, however, they've survived beyond your 2K barrier despite the increasingly bad roads here in SoCal. I'm partial to Michelins, will consider Pirellis, not fond of Continentals or Goodyears. Any recommendations?
I have just ordered 18 inch rims and Michelin Pilot Sport AS 3+ in 245 45 R18 and I'm hoping to see as much ride comfort improvement as I did on the BMW
I carry a slime/compressor kit and some plugs and hope I don't have a flat that I can't fix. If it's a big slice in the tire I will call the MB assistance line
Last edited by herbkell; 05-07-2018 at 05:32 PM.
#46
Senior Member
I did that when I had my 06 Lexus SC430. Came with horrible 18 inch Dunlop RFT’s. Found a spare for it and bought Michelin non RFT and it was like a different car. I no longer braced myself when going over a bump in NJ. Put the spare in the back for long trips to upstate NY. Roads are so much better here in SWFL.
#47
MBWorld Fanatic!
This was posted a long time ago, but here it is again. You may find equivalents at your local junk yard.
MB Part Numbers (expensive)
Compact spare: 213-400-06-00
Jack: 164-580-02-18
Ratcheting jack handle: 414-581-00-49
Lug wrench: 221-581-00-01
Container TireFit: 000-583-31-100
MB Part Numbers (expensive)
Compact spare: 213-400-06-00
Jack: 164-580-02-18
Ratcheting jack handle: 414-581-00-49
Lug wrench: 221-581-00-01
Container TireFit: 000-583-31-100
#48
My wife's Nissan Rogue is far more comfortable and quieter. For long trips that's the one we take.
I would recommend you take long distance rides in several competitor cars. If you really want comfort as priority one, check out Lexus-if you can get past the world's ugliest grills.
Incidentally the wheel situation is that the 17" wheels have low-profile tires and ride harshly, whereas 18" wheels have "normal" profile tires which can absorb more shocks.
I would recommend you take long distance rides in several competitor cars. If you really want comfort as priority one, check out Lexus-if you can get past the world's ugliest grills.
Incidentally the wheel situation is that the 17" wheels have low-profile tires and ride harshly, whereas 18" wheels have "normal" profile tires which can absorb more shocks.
#49
MBWorld Fanatic!
How about getting a S400/450 Coupe instead?
Esp. the S400 can be found CPOed for a reasonable price, similar to the E400.
If you want the most comfortable coupe, the C217 ticks all the boxes and could be better for you than the E.
Esp. the S400 can be found CPOed for a reasonable price, similar to the E400.
If you want the most comfortable coupe, the C217 ticks all the boxes and could be better for you than the E.