Tire/Wheel advice...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Tire/Wheel advice...
Thinking of changing the 19'' wheels/tires on my 2011 Gl450 to the 18" size . Just does not seem to be much in the way of tire options in the 19" size and I need a tire with more winter grip than the Conti or Michelin 19 availability. There are a couple others out there, but the overall reviews are not so good. Tons more available in the 18" size...... Any issues I should be aware of in "downsizing" the wheels? Thanks...
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
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From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
On my '08 I did exactly what you are proposing and for the same reasons. Bought a set of OEM 18" rims from ebay, a set of Michelin tires from tire rack and all of a sudden I didn't have any more cruise control 'cut outs' because of hydroplaning! I had no issues (you do have to remove the TPMS senders from the old wheels and put them on the 18's).
Good Luck
Good Luck
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
On my '08 I did exactly what you are proposing and for the same reasons. Bought a set of OEM 18" rims from ebay, a set of Michelin tires from tire rack and all of a sudden I didn't have any more cruise control 'cut outs' because of hydroplaning! I had no issues (you do have to remove the TPMS senders from the old wheels and put them on the 18's).
Good Luck
Good Luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,118
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
No issues going to 18"s...just take your tpms off the 19's and invests in a stem kit (they're easy to fong up when removing). Currently running Yokohama geolandars, good tires but a little noisy. A plethora of tires to choose from on 18's...
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Thanks for the advice.....I like the 19's that came with the vehicle but the Conti tires just don't hold for very long and are next to nothing on snow. I had the geolanders 18 on previous 07 and they gripped much better..... I agree on the noise......... I have heard a lot of good things about Hankooks 18 ( yeah, its a strange name ).... they also have 19's in the same tire BUT... currently no supply in the USA! Not expecting any till January and that's too late for me. Beyond that.... its pretty much all "summer/sport" in the 19 size.
