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I recently purchased a used W213 E400 wagon and am looking to upgrade the tires for a better driving experience. Based on my research, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 from Costco seems like a solid choice.
My current tires are 245/45ZR18 100W (see picture 1). If I go with the Michelin 245/45R18 100Y Pilot Sport 5, will it be a direct fit?
Also, I noticed a label on the car (picture 2) showing the recommended tire and rim sizes as 245/35ZR20 (front) and 275/30ZR20 (rear) — which really surprised me. I understand there are pros and cons to upsizing, but I’ve never driven on wheels that large, so I’m a bit hesitant.
Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences — should I stick with 18" or consider moving to the recommended 20"? Thanks in advance!
I recently purchased a used W213 E400 wagon and am looking to upgrade the tires for a better driving experience. Based on my research, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 from Costco seems like a solid choice.
My current tires are 245/45ZR18 100W (see picture 1). If I go with the Michelin 245/45R18 100Y Pilot Sport 5, will it be a direct fit?
Also, I noticed a label on the car (picture 2) showing the recommended tire and rim sizes as 245/35ZR20 (front) and 275/30ZR20 (rear) — which really surprised me. I understand there are pros and cons to upsizing, but I’ve never driven on wheels that large, so I’m a bit hesitant.
Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences — should I stick with 18" or consider moving to the recommended 20"? Thanks in advance!
Japanese spec vehicle? I see, all good shouldn't affect anything but the general thing about going up size is that it looks better but the ride will be harsher (especially if you have run-flats) and the tires are more susceptible to damage from potholes.
I recently purchased a used W213 E400 wagon and am looking to upgrade the tires for a better driving experience. Based on my research, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 from Costco seems like a solid choice.
My current tires are 245/45ZR18 100W (see picture 1). If I go with the Michelin 245/45R18 100Y Pilot Sport 5, will it be a direct fit?
Also, I noticed a label on the car (picture 2) showing the recommended tire and rim sizes as 245/35ZR20 (front) and 275/30ZR20 (rear) — which really surprised me. I understand there are pros and cons to upsizing, but I’ve never driven on wheels that large, so I’m a bit hesitant.
Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences — should I stick with 18" or consider moving to the recommended 20"? Thanks in advance!
The difference between the 245/45ZR18 100W and the Michelin 245/45R18 100Y Pilot Sport 5 is the speed rating, and won't matter for normal driving. The original 20" setup was a staggered arrangement (different front/rear tire widths), and apparently the prior owner installed 18" wheels & tires wanting a softer ride, less expensive tires, less wheel damage from potholes and the ability to rotate the tires front to back. IMO, you'll be happier sticking with the 18" setup, and your tire dealer will likely agree. If you want to play around with size options, however, see tiresize.com for an easy to use calculator and comparison tool.
I upsized my wheels from 18s to 20s a few weeks ago. The ride is a little rougher over bumps but cornering and handling is better. I plan to run the 18s in the winter.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by paulatsydney
Hi everyone,
I recently purchased a used W213 E400 wagon and am looking to upgrade the tires for a better driving experience. Based on my research, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 from Costco seems like a solid choice.
My current tires are 245/45ZR18 100W (see picture 1). If I go with the Michelin 245/45R18 100Y Pilot Sport 5, will it be a direct fit?
Also, I noticed a label on the car (picture 2) showing the recommended tire and rim sizes as 245/35ZR20 (front) and 275/30ZR20 (rear) — which really surprised me. I understand there are pros and cons to upsizing, but I’ve never driven on wheels that large, so I’m a bit hesitant.
Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences — should I stick with 18" or consider moving to the recommended 20"? Thanks in advance!
I agree with both W205C43PFL's and streborx's posts: Stay with the 18" wheels!
Do not know if you are US based, but in the US Costco tires come with a 5 year road hazard warranty. I just installed a pair of Bridgestone's on my 2019 E450 with 18" wheels. I stayed with RF and the Bridgestones come with a 65,000 mile rating and are all season - which I need.. My car came with Pirelli P7 Centurato RF. Excellent tire but at 20,000 miles, with at least 1/3 tread left, I had sidewall bubbles and they had to be replaced. With the Costco road hazard warranty I would have been covered.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by JTK44; May 21, 2025 at 06:23 PM.
Reason: correction
Can we assume that you do not have the original 20" rims. Upsizing would add substantial cost if you have to buy rims. As far as ride quality, it's been debated frequently. I went from 18" run-flat to 20" performance (non RF), and the decline of ride quality is minimal. And the 20s look soo much better
I agree with both W205C43PFL's and streborx's posts: Stay with the 18" wheels!
Do not know if you are US based, but in the US Costco tires come with a 5 year road hazard warranty. I just installed a pair of Bridgestone's on my 2019 E450 with 18" wheels. I stayed with RF and the Bridgestones come with a 65,000 mile rating and are all season - which I need.. My car came with Pirelli P7 Centurato RF. Excellent tire but at 20,000 miles, with at least 1/3 tread left, I had sidewall bubbles and they had to be replaced. With the Costco road hazard warranty I would have been covered.
Hope this helps.
Side wall bubble is not uncommon on run-flats, I heard about quite a few : (
Can we assume that you do not have the original 20" rims. Upsizing would add substantial cost if you have to buy rims. As far as ride quality, it's been debated frequently. I went from 18" run-flat to 20" performance (non RF), and the decline of ride quality is minimal. And the 20s look soo much better https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...2ac7852e6a.png
It does look better for sure thankfully you don't live in a pothole city and have to deal with constant wheel damage?
Can we assume that you do not have the original 20" rims. Upsizing would add substantial cost if you have to buy rims. As far as ride quality, it's been debated frequently. I went from 18" run-flat to 20" performance (non RF), and the decline of ride quality is minimal. And the 20s look soo much better
I can't see my wheels and tires from the driver's seat, but I can feel them.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by Cao Black
Can we assume that you do not have the original 20" rims. Upsizing would add substantial cost if you have to buy rims. As far as ride quality, it's been debated frequently. I went from 18" run-flat to 20" performance (non RF), and the decline of ride quality is minimal. And the 20s look soo much better
As the saying goes: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!"
From my perspective, while the 20" wheels might be better looking, totally subjective, the lack of sidewall on the 20" vs. 18" makes to me a weird sight: I like more sidewall!
Just my $.02 and everyone is entitled to their own opinion especially when it comes to design!
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Side wall bubble is not uncommon on run-flats, I heard about quite a few : (
Thanks.
If it is more common with RF than non RF, all the more reason to get RF from Costco or other tire distributors who give you a 5 year road hazard warranty!
I recently purchased a used W213 E400 wagon and am looking to upgrade the tires for a better driving experience. Based on my research, the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 from Costco seems like a solid choice.
My current tires are 245/45ZR18 100W (see picture 1). If I go with the Michelin 245/45R18 100Y Pilot Sport 5, will it be a direct fit?
Also, I noticed a label on the car (picture 2) showing the recommended tire and rim sizes as 245/35ZR20 (front) and 275/30ZR20 (rear) — which really surprised me. I understand there are pros and cons to upsizing, but I’ve never driven on wheels that large, so I’m a bit hesitant.
Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences — should I stick with 18" or consider moving to the recommended 20"? Thanks in advance!
Costco will only sell you OEM direct replacements in terms of tire size.
The Pirelli P7 RF were OEM on my 2019 E450. They have a road rating of 100.
I had Costco put on the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus RF. They have a load rating of 96.
No problem or discussion. Costco just put the tires on.
What problem and/or problems did you have with Costco? Can you be more specific?
Just my $.02. and experience.
Absolutely, due to liability. I was told that on different occasions years apart. I just had new tires installed last couple weeks ago. Whatever the OEM size is, that’s only what they will install. The speed rating you mentioned is a bit different than size. They will vary on speed ratings, but not too far apart.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by kingscorpian27
Absolutely, due to liability. I was told that on different occasions years apart. I just had new tires installed last couple weeks ago. Whatever the OEM size is, that’s only what they will install. The speed rating you mentioned is a bit different than size. They will vary on speed ratings, but not too far apart.
The speed rating is by letters, H, V, W and Y, etc.
That has nothing to do with the load rating which OEM for the W213 is 100 and the tires Costco put on were 96 - so my experience is that Costco will put on a tire that is different than OEM.
Did you actually experience where Costco refused to put on a different tire from OEM or only heard about it? That makes a difference.
The speed rating is by letters, H, V, W and Y, etc.
That has nothing to do with the load rating which OEM for the W213 is 100 and the tires Costco put on were 96 - so my experience is that Costco will put on a tire that is different than OEM.
Did you actually experience where Costco refused to put on a different tire from OEM or only heard about it? That makes a difference.
My apologies on the speed ratings vs load ratings, they will do different load/speed ratings but not size. My initial comment specified size. Were the tires you had installed a different size than the OEM? This happens to be my experience from different people at Costco, in person and on the phone years apart.
Last edited by kingscorpian27; May 21, 2025 at 11:23 PM.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by kingscorpian27
My apologies on the speed ratings vs load ratings, they will do different load/speed ratings but not size. My initial comment specified size. Were the tires you had installed a different size than the OEM? This happens to be my experience from different people at Costco, in person and on the phone years apart.
As the saying goes: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!"
From my perspective, while the 20" wheels might be better looking, totally subjective, the lack of sidewall on the 20" vs. 18" makes to me a weird sight: I like more sidewall!
Just my $.02 and everyone is entitled to their own opinion especially when it comes to design!
Guys want their women tall and thin, but want their tires short and fat -- go figure (lol).
Guys want their women tall and thin, but want their tires short and fat -- go figure (lol).
I’m still running 17”, came with the car, changed rims and stayed with 17”. Might not be as attractive as 18’s or 19’s, however in my opinion, rides better because of additional sidewalls, no rim or tire issues. Also got rid of run flats after 2 years of having to replace the fronts due to wear. Got 5 years out of non-run flat tires and have a full sized spare in my trunk
Last edited by kingscorpian27; May 22, 2025 at 09:49 AM.
Absolutely, due to liability. I was told that on different occasions years apart. I just had new tires installed last couple weeks ago. Whatever the OEM size is, that’s only what they will install. The speed rating you mentioned is a bit different than size. They will vary on speed ratings, but not too far apart.
This is true, and it makes ordering a set of tires online difficult as some sites won't allow ordering a set of tires without specing the target vehicle. When I changed out my X7's staggered 22" setup for a 20" square, I ordered a wheel & tire package from Discount Tire. When advised that wheels & tires had arrived, I took the set of TPMS sensors I had purchased separately to DT, had everything installed and balanced, took them home and mounted them on my car myself. The liability issue seems to be what they'll install on your car, not what they'll sell you to mount on your wheels.
My 2023 E450 came with 18" wheels and I use the stock 18" wheels for my winter snow tires (non run flat) and i went with a set off take off 19" wheels i found with also non run flats for the summer (Pirelli high performance all season tires). I find the 19" wheels/tires to be a great compromise for the crappy Western NY roads. They look better than the 18s and just a bit of extra sidewall over the 20s. I have noticed no deterioration in ride quality and an improvements in the "looks" department .
This is true, and it makes ordering a set of tires online difficult as some sites won't allow ordering a set of tires without specing the target vehicle. When I changed out my X7's staggered 22" setup for a 20" square, I ordered a wheel & tire package from Discount Tire. When advised that wheels & tires had arrived, I took the set of TPMS sensors I had purchased separately to DT, had everything installed and balanced, took them home and mounted them on my car myself. The liability issue seems to be what they'll install on your car, not what they'll sell you to mount on your wheels.
Makes sense, sell vs mount, I wouldn’t have a way to mount 4 tires/wheels so never inquired about just purchasing vs purchasing for installation.
With Costo warranty covers rotating every 7,000 miles. If that’s not done and documented, then you’ll definitely have and issue with warranty should an issue arise. I just had an issue with Michelin warranty because my dealer failed to rotate my Michelin tires replacement for the run flat tires came with the car. This is even after requesting that the rotated tire on annual maintenance service
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