I bought a 2016 GLC300 4Matic a few months back and now that I'm acclimated with it, I would like to know if anyone has done any offroad-specific modifications to make it better off the beaten path. For reference, I previously owned a 2001 ML320 which I added 33" tires to and enjoyed on several offroad excursions (Hungry Valley SVRA, Cleghorn, and a few others). I decided to switch to the GLC because of the better driving dynamics and much better fuel economy. I understand that the GLC won't be nearly as capable as the ML320, and even that wasn't the most capable vehicle, but I'd like to know if anyone has done anything to make these X253s just a little bit better on dirt trails. Happy to hear any feedback, but I am specifically interested in these questions:
- Has anyone run 30" or 31" tires on their GLC? If not, what would realistically be the largest diameter tire one could fit (width doesn't matter too much to me, as I am really just looking for better minimum ground clearance)?
- Has anyone used lift kits to raise their GLC?
- Has anyone outfitted underbody protection?

Please feel free to post any related offroad/overlanding setups; thanks in advance!

I’m looking at doing the same with my 2018 Glc the biggest issue I’ve run into are the front spindles and brakes. The way everything is set up the perch for the upper wish bone hangs over the tire about an inch and the brake pad balancing tabs don’t allow for smaller than 18” wheels. This being said I have the OE 18” wheels and 295/70r18s which gives about 27” and any bigger and I’ll be rubbing the tires on the spindles.

So I installed the TEMA 4x4 30mm lift kit myself and it took some work. You need to get the rear shock spacers with the kit to increase the articulation, because the shock will limit it otherwise. I also had to cut the rubber of the rear shock spacers a bit to make them fit, but other than that, I’m happy with the improved ground clearance. No noticeable changes in vehicle dynamics or fuel economy. Now I’m on to determining the largest tire diameter and width I can fit. Looking at a 245/60r18 or even a 255/60R18.

Oh nice I have been looking at that 30mm kit as well. Can you post some pics?
I recently had to do my brakes and got the front ones without the added harmonic weights ( I believe that’s what they are called) so now I can fit 17” wheels on the front. When I get some time I’m going to try and put my friends 17” wheels on and see how it looks.

I was able to throw on some 245/60R18 Nitto Nomad Grapplers that have performed super well on and off-road so far. They’re much heavier than the all seasons I had, but lighter than standard all terrains. The lift spacers definitely did something, but I do wish they were taller. There isn’t much space left, but it still might be possible to mount 255/60R18 if you’re okay with it being very close. I can just barely fit my index finger between the top of the tire and the control arm nut. Let me know how the 17s work out for you!