Gl ride on 20" wheels
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 24
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GL450
Gl ride on 20" wheels
I just purchased a 07 Gl 450 with the oem 18" wheels. I was interested in upgrading to 20" but didnt want to sacrafice ride quality. Any one out there made this switch and noticed a significant loss of ride quality?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,097
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From: San Francisco, CA / Middlebury, CT
600 SWB
I have standard 20" wheels on my 2010 GL350, including RFTs. The ride is sharp and a little less compliant on rough roads, however, on a smooth stretch of freeway the car rides superb...almost like my S550. BTW, I usually run 35 psi in front and 39 psi in the rear.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 516
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From: Oakville, ON
'12 ML350
Agree the 20" with the Goodyear EMTs that came with my GL has a sharper ride than the non-EMT tires with the standard non-Appearance Package fitment.
When I test drove the GL, it was the standard 19" non-EMT and the ride was definitely more compliant in suburban settings where the roads are not perfectly smooth.
Overall though, it's not a big negative and I think the EMTs will continue to improve in technology so that the ride, despite its super stiff sidewalls, will become more comparable with the conventional tires.
When I test drove the GL, it was the standard 19" non-EMT and the ride was definitely more compliant in suburban settings where the roads are not perfectly smooth.
Overall though, it's not a big negative and I think the EMTs will continue to improve in technology so that the ride, despite its super stiff sidewalls, will become more comparable with the conventional tires.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 158
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From: Elk Grove, CA
2013 Land Cruiser, 2007 GL450 [SOLD], 2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 4x4 Limited, 2009 Corolla LE
we upgraded from 18" to 20" while back. I did not notice any difference. your speedo will be slightly off depending on what tire size you choose.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 516
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From: Oakville, ON
'12 ML350
The Tire Rack has always provided very good suggestions to me on the alternatives - or in the case of my '10 GL, the lack of alternatives in non-EMT tires with the 20" wheel diameter.
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
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2008 GL 320
Ride Change
My 2008 320 came with 18 inch wheels. I purchased a set of 20 inch for summer wheels, as I live in Canada with icy roads and we tend to have lots of winter and ice. If you travel rough roads at highway speeds and alot of in city stuff, the you will find a huge diference in ride, with the 20 inch being rough and very harsh thru our Canadian pot holed highways. Fuel economy is appro 10% less with the 20 inch as well. The 20 inch are great on smooth roads, not a noticable difference between either size.
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 59
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2011 GL350 Bluetech, 2000 Porsche 911 C2, 2005 Honda S2000
Adjustable suspension setting
If you are configuring your own car and it is not a GL550, you can still purchase the option to have sport & comfort settings. The car comes with air springs which are adjustable so adding the option to have a button on the dash costs only $775 (called ADS Adaptive Damping System) unlike $3000-4000 on an X5 or Q7 because the std suspension is not air based. Comfort setting with 20" rims is smooth but that's all relative.
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 146
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From: The Great North West USA
2015 E400 Cab - 2013 GL350 - 2013 ML350 - 2006 E350 - Old Jeep
I put my 20" RF away for trade in time.
Put factory 18" with 285-60-18
Ride is much improved.
Many more brands & prices available in 18" than 19".
Put factory 18" with 285-60-18
Ride is much improved.
Many more brands & prices available in 18" than 19".
Last edited by HamMan; Sep 3, 2010 at 09:28 PM.
