Quick Q on 550 Wheel Options
05-15-2017, 11:32 AM
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Quick Q on 550 Wheel Options
I read through some threads but there was a bit of conflict so I thought I should ask...
One of my customers is looking into buying an '09 GL 550 but, as many of you are aware, the wheels are notorious on them. Haven driven the one he has in mind, and knowing the paces he'll probably put the car through, I'm recommending that he looks into replacing the 21s with 19s. I suspect he'll blow a few on his back country roads over the years and dealing with the tire costs for the 19s is much more reasonable.
But I do want to confirm that 19" rims WILL fit over the GL 550 brakes?
Last time I had wheels off of one was a few years back but I tend to remember there was no difference in rotor/caliper size from the 450s and 550s, meaning a 19" should be fine.
As it stands, that would make 275/55R19 which is a pretty reasonable tire to replace and shouldn't look too out of place in those big wells.
But do you guys have any other ideas? Honestly they're still very wide/noisy tires with out a lot of point so I'm open to anything.
Thank you!
(First time poster on this forum. I'll be taking care of this 550 for many years to come so I plan to spend a good deal of time sniffing around and asking questions. Thanks!)
One of my customers is looking into buying an '09 GL 550 but, as many of you are aware, the wheels are notorious on them. Haven driven the one he has in mind, and knowing the paces he'll probably put the car through, I'm recommending that he looks into replacing the 21s with 19s. I suspect he'll blow a few on his back country roads over the years and dealing with the tire costs for the 19s is much more reasonable.
But I do want to confirm that 19" rims WILL fit over the GL 550 brakes?
Last time I had wheels off of one was a few years back but I tend to remember there was no difference in rotor/caliper size from the 450s and 550s, meaning a 19" should be fine.
As it stands, that would make 275/55R19 which is a pretty reasonable tire to replace and shouldn't look too out of place in those big wells.
But do you guys have any other ideas? Honestly they're still very wide/noisy tires with out a lot of point so I'm open to anything.
Thank you!
(First time poster on this forum. I'll be taking care of this 550 for many years to come so I plan to spend a good deal of time sniffing around and asking questions. Thanks!)
05-15-2017, 11:34 AM
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Oh and another quick question, I saw in other threads that the resale value of the 21" is pretty crummy because of cracking issues. Having looked at the car as-is, it's very pristine so I'm hoping he can recoup at least a bit of the cost for the new rims.
Aside from Craiglist and EBay (which are both fine), do you folks have any thoughts where to post these things for sale? Any other active MB boards I should consider?
Aside from Craiglist and EBay (which are both fine), do you folks have any thoughts where to post these things for sale? Any other active MB boards I should consider?
05-15-2017, 12:02 PM
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Lot's of suitable 21" tires on the market. I would either go to a 20" or 22" wheel if he wanted.to find a more readily available replaceable tire.
05-15-2017, 06:06 PM
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We have the 21" wheels on our 2010 550 and have never had a problem with cracking/bends/etc. AND, it's the wife's ride...so look out curbs, pot holes, etc!
The AMG 21" wheels make the vehicle look so good, especially with the factory fender flares. Be advised, the replacement wheels you are looking at might not "stick out" as much as the OEM units and may look a little silly. Just recently is seems the price of the few tire choices have dropped dramatically. I'll be purchasing a new set early next month (probably the Conti DWS again).
So, I don't think there's too much of a risk staying with the 21" wheels AND it might not look as good otherwise.
Good luck!
The AMG 21" wheels make the vehicle look so good, especially with the factory fender flares. Be advised, the replacement wheels you are looking at might not "stick out" as much as the OEM units and may look a little silly. Just recently is seems the price of the few tire choices have dropped dramatically. I'll be purchasing a new set early next month (probably the Conti DWS again).
So, I don't think there's too much of a risk staying with the 21" wheels AND it might not look as good otherwise.
Good luck!
