20" vs 21" AMG wheels?
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From: Atlanta
2022 Mercedes EQS 580
20" vs 21" AMG wheels?
I am looking at some GLEs but it seems the best options I can find have the 20" AMG wheels instead of the 21" which I prefer.
My main reasons for preferring the 21" is both aesthetic, and also the fact that the rear tires are wider (315 vs 275). I can probably live with the aesthetic.
If I go with the 20" AMG twin spoke wheels, would I notice any loss in lateral traction/cornering grip versus the 21s? Or would the driving experience be similar but the 20s have better ride quality?
Also if I were to buy the 21" wheels later (either multi spoke or double-spoke), what do you think the cost recovery would be if I sold the 20s with tires?
My main reasons for preferring the 21" is both aesthetic, and also the fact that the rear tires are wider (315 vs 275). I can probably live with the aesthetic.
If I go with the 20" AMG twin spoke wheels, would I notice any loss in lateral traction/cornering grip versus the 21s? Or would the driving experience be similar but the 20s have better ride quality?
Also if I were to buy the 21" wheels later (either multi spoke or double-spoke), what do you think the cost recovery would be if I sold the 20s with tires?
Last edited by stealth.pilot; Jan 18, 2020 at 05:38 PM.
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GLC63S
I am looking at some GLEs but it seems the best options I can find have the 20" AMG wheels instead of the 21" which I prefer.
My main reasons for preferring the 21" is both aesthetic, and also the fact that the rear tires are wider (315 vs 275). I can probably live with the aesthetic.
If I go with the 20" AMG twin spoke wheels, would I notice any difference in lateral traction versus the 21s?
Also if I were to buy the 21" wheels later (either multi spoke or double-spoke), what do you think the cost recovery would be if I sold the 20s with tires?
My main reasons for preferring the 21" is both aesthetic, and also the fact that the rear tires are wider (315 vs 275). I can probably live with the aesthetic.
If I go with the 20" AMG twin spoke wheels, would I notice any difference in lateral traction versus the 21s?
Also if I were to buy the 21" wheels later (either multi spoke or double-spoke), what do you think the cost recovery would be if I sold the 20s with tires?
I thought you couldn’t wait and buying that BMW?
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From: Atlanta
2022 Mercedes EQS 580
the space in the back of the X5 isn’t great. Also I dislike the split tailgate.
I have a one month car rental till feb 5th so that’s the deadline. If I find a GLE by end of month I’ll do GLE otherwise X5 as fall back.
I have a one month car rental till feb 5th so that’s the deadline. If I find a GLE by end of month I’ll do GLE otherwise X5 as fall back.
Last edited by stealth.pilot; Jan 18, 2020 at 04:15 PM.
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
20" vs 21" wheels
I am looking at some GLEs but it seems the best options I can find have the 20" AMG wheels instead of the 21" which I prefer.
My main reasons for preferring the 21" is both aesthetic, and also the fact that the rear tires are wider (315 vs 275). I can probably live with the aesthetic.
If I go with the 20" AMG twin spoke wheels, would I notice any loss in lateral traction/cornering grip versus the 21s? Or would the driving experience be similar but the 20s have better ride quality?
Also if I were to buy the 21" wheels later (either multi spoke or double-spoke), what do you think the cost recovery would be if I sold the 20s with tires?
My main reasons for preferring the 21" is both aesthetic, and also the fact that the rear tires are wider (315 vs 275). I can probably live with the aesthetic.
If I go with the 20" AMG twin spoke wheels, would I notice any loss in lateral traction/cornering grip versus the 21s? Or would the driving experience be similar but the 20s have better ride quality?
Also if I were to buy the 21" wheels later (either multi spoke or double-spoke), what do you think the cost recovery would be if I sold the 20s with tires?
The 20s should be pretty marketable. Do you live where you need Winters (add to your profile)? You could use them for that.
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From: Orange County
16 GL550
i also doubt the extra width is going to do much difference to the performance. i have 21s on the car, not my first choice when i got the car but they definitely look very good (especially with the amg package). the 20s sits much more inboard especially the rear, but at the same time i am sure i won't be impressed when i have to replace the tires
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From: Atlanta
2022 Mercedes EQS 580
i also doubt the extra width is going to do much difference to the performance. i have 21s on the car, not my first choice when i got the car but they definitely look very good (especially with the amg package). the 20s sits much more inboard especially the rear, but at the same time i am sure i won't be impressed when i have to replace the tires
i was a little concerned about that.
happy to swap wheels and give you the $1000 option price back!
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From: Plano, TX
2017 C300 Coupe (C205)
We chose the 20s over the 21s for our 450 b/c, with the miles we intend to put on it, the cost of not being able to rotate them would be expensive over time.
I'm sure once I see the 21s in person, I'll be bummed.
I'm sure once I see the 21s in person, I'll be bummed.
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2020 GLE580
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Thread Starter
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From: Atlanta
2022 Mercedes EQS 580
It appears to me that although the tires are the same size all around with the 20" tire package, the wheels have a different offset from front to rear. The 19" package has the same wheels and tires front to rear and the 21" package has different tire and wheel sizes front and rear. If this is true, you may not be able to do a traditional rotation even with the 20" package.
Another reason I don't like the 20" setup.
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From: Boston, MA
25 GLE53, 24 Macan, 15 GLK350
It appears to me that although the tires are the same size all around with the 20" tire package, the wheels have a different offset from front to rear. The 19" package has the same wheels and tires front to rear and the 21" package has different tire and wheel sizes front and rear. If this is true, you may not be able to do a traditional rotation even with the 20" package.
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From: Atlanta
2022 Mercedes EQS 580
That's true. But unless you have an alignment problem there is no benefit from doing that.
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
It appears to me that although the tires are the same size all around with the 20" tire package, the wheels have a different offset from front to rear. The 19" package has the same wheels and tires front to rear and the 21" package has different tire and wheel sizes front and rear. If this is true, you may not be able to do a traditional rotation even with the 20" package.
As far as 20’s vs 21’s....IMO it’s a matter of personal preference (aesthetics) rather than performance. Larger tires might be more prone to hydroplane in heavy rain. The 21’s will cost more to replace-there will be fewer replacement tire options-they won’t last as long-but we didn’t buy a Mercedes to worry about a few bucks.
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
20" vs 21" wheels
... but at the same time i am sure i won't be impressed when i have to replace the tires
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Whee/tire rotation
It appears to me that although the tires are the same size all around with the 20" tire package, the wheels have a different offset from front to rear. The 19" package has the same wheels and tires front to rear and the 21" package has different tire and wheel sizes front and rear. If this is true, you may not be able to do a traditional rotation even with the 20" package.
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From: Orange County
16 GL550
from the chart, 21" rear width is 11" +49
for 20", you have either 8.5" +42 or 9" +44
If we extend the width of the 20" to 11" while maintaining the outboard boundary (which means all the widths go to the inside)
8.5" +42 would need 2.5" (63mm) inside, effective offset would become +75
9" +44 would need 2" (51mm) inside, effective offset would become +69
So even with the more aggressive 20" setup, the rear wheels are more inset by 20mm, which is almost 0.8". that is a lot by wheel offset standard. and this is even worse if the car has the AMG appearance package where there are rear fender flares.
I have seen GLE350 with AMG appearance package but with 20" wheels, the look of the rear wheel setup is very different than the 21"
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
20" vs 21" wheels
i don't know where you got the 0.6" information from.
from the chart, 21" rear width is 11" +49
for 20", you have either 8.5" +42 or 9" +44
If we extend the width of the 20" to 11" while maintaining the outboard boundary (which means all the widths go to the inside)
8.5" +42 would need 2.5" (63mm) inside, effective offset would become +75
9" +44 would need 2" (51mm) inside, effective offset would become +69
So even with the more aggressive 20" setup, the rear wheels are more inset by 20mm, which is almost 0.8". that is a lot by wheel offset standard. and this is even worse if the car has the AMG appearance package where there are rear fender flares.
I have seen GLE350 with AMG appearance package but with 20" wheels, the look of the rear wheel setup is very different than the 21"
from the chart, 21" rear width is 11" +49
for 20", you have either 8.5" +42 or 9" +44
If we extend the width of the 20" to 11" while maintaining the outboard boundary (which means all the widths go to the inside)
8.5" +42 would need 2.5" (63mm) inside, effective offset would become +75
9" +44 would need 2" (51mm) inside, effective offset would become +69
So even with the more aggressive 20" setup, the rear wheels are more inset by 20mm, which is almost 0.8". that is a lot by wheel offset standard. and this is even worse if the car has the AMG appearance package where there are rear fender flares.
I have seen GLE350 with AMG appearance package but with 20" wheels, the look of the rear wheel setup is very different than the 21"
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From: Atlanta
2022 Mercedes EQS 580
If you look at this picture you can see the inset of the rear wheel is horrible.
Obvious rear wheel inset stance issue
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From: Orange County
16 GL550
something is not right about that chart calculation (given my experience in wheel setup), it's off my 5mm. but for sure we can agree on the appearance, when it comes to wheel offset, 15-20mm is very big difference
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2015 S550, 2017 GLS450
Unless somehow you need 21" wheels to clear larger brake calipers, go with the smaller wheel for ride quality and decreased risk of cracked rims. It is not going to make a significant difference in performance. The only reason to go with larger wheels in a practical sense (except to show off some bling) is to clear large brake calipers. You will be rewarded with less wheel damage and a more comfortable ride. I go for the smallest wheel possible that will clear my brakes. This means the smallest wheel that the manufacturer offers.
Last edited by bkdc; Jan 23, 2020 at 10:18 AM.
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2020 GLE450
Unless somehow you need 21" wheels to clear larger brake calipers, go with the smaller wheel for ride quality and decreased risk of cracked rims. It is not going to make a significant difference in performance. The only reason to go with larger wheels in a practical sense (except to show off some bling) is to clear large brake calipers. You will be rewarded with less wheel damage and a more comfortable ride. I go for the smallest wheel possible that will clear my brakes. This means the smallest wheel that the manufacturer offers.
With that said, if I was being more practical, I would be purchasing a Kia instead of a MB.
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
I took the more practical approach and went with 20’s. My winter wheel set is also 20 and looks almost identical to the 21” Mercedes. One more reason to go with 21’s is they almost always have the best looking wheel in the larger size. The wider tires look nice but I’m not sure how many people even notice.
I have a friend with a Mercedes and 21’s that hit a pot hole in remote Southern Nevada and blew two tires and bent a wheel. He spent 6 hours getting a tow to a town with facilities to make the repair. They ended up flying home and left the car for about 2 weeks while they found the only matching wheel in the US, the tires weren’t quite as bad. That’s probably a worst case example but it could have been worse if he hadn’t been 125 miles from Vegas or the wheel had to ship from Europe. He figured he was out over $5000 counting just his out of pocket expense and the better part of 3 days.
I have a friend with a Mercedes and 21’s that hit a pot hole in remote Southern Nevada and blew two tires and bent a wheel. He spent 6 hours getting a tow to a town with facilities to make the repair. They ended up flying home and left the car for about 2 weeks while they found the only matching wheel in the US, the tires weren’t quite as bad. That’s probably a worst case example but it could have been worse if he hadn’t been 125 miles from Vegas or the wheel had to ship from Europe. He figured he was out over $5000 counting just his out of pocket expense and the better part of 3 days.
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From: Fredericksburg, VA
2020 Mercedes GLE350 4Matic; 2023 Tesla Model Y
Hi all, new to MB forum, and to Mercedes in general. I'm looking to purchase either a loaded 2020 GLE or rather base GLS in the Mar - Apr time frame. First let me say what an awesome forum you have, the best I've come across. This site is extremely helpful and informative, thanks to all who take the time to post.
This thread was eye-opening. If I understand correctly, the only way to be able to rotate all 4-tires (without removing the tires from the rims), is to get a vehicle with 19" wheels? If you get the 20'"wheels, the tire size is the same but the rim offsets are different (different RT distances), and if you get the 21-22" wheels both tires and rims are different.
That's nuts, is there anyway to get Mercedes 20" rims that have the same tire & rim offsets so you can rotate all 4 tires without removing the tires from the rims...and suffering the inevitable damage to the rims from rushed tire techs? Anyone know if you can special order if you do a custom build?
This thread was eye-opening. If I understand correctly, the only way to be able to rotate all 4-tires (without removing the tires from the rims), is to get a vehicle with 19" wheels? If you get the 20'"wheels, the tire size is the same but the rim offsets are different (different RT distances), and if you get the 21-22" wheels both tires and rims are different.
That's nuts, is there anyway to get Mercedes 20" rims that have the same tire & rim offsets so you can rotate all 4 tires without removing the tires from the rims...and suffering the inevitable damage to the rims from rushed tire techs? Anyone know if you can special order if you do a custom build?
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Hi all, new to MB forum, and to Mercedes in general. I'm looking to purchase either a loaded 2020 GLE or rather base GLS in the Mar - Apr time frame. First let me say what an awesome forum you have, the best I've come across. This site is extremely helpful and informative, thanks to all who take the time to post.
This thread was eye-opening. If I understand correctly, the only way to be able to rotate all 4-tires (without removing the tires from the rims), is to get a vehicle with 19" wheels? If you get the 20'"wheels, the tire size is the same but the rim offsets are different (different RT distances), and if you get the 21-22" wheels both tires and rims are different.
That's nuts, is there anyway to get Mercedes 20" rims that have the same tire & rim offsets so you can rotate all 4 tires without removing the tires from the rims...and suffering the inevitable damage to the rims from rushed tire techs? Anyone know if you can special order if you do a custom build?
This thread was eye-opening. If I understand correctly, the only way to be able to rotate all 4-tires (without removing the tires from the rims), is to get a vehicle with 19" wheels? If you get the 20'"wheels, the tire size is the same but the rim offsets are different (different RT distances), and if you get the 21-22" wheels both tires and rims are different.
That's nuts, is there anyway to get Mercedes 20" rims that have the same tire & rim offsets so you can rotate all 4 tires without removing the tires from the rims...and suffering the inevitable damage to the rims from rushed tire techs? Anyone know if you can special order if you do a custom build?
Edit- Or have the Dealer do it at first service interval.
Last edited by Ron.s; Jan 26, 2020 at 11:57 AM.
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Posts: 6,770
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Wheel/tire options
Hi all, new to MB forum, and to Mercedes in general. I'm looking to purchase either a loaded 2020 GLE or rather base GLS in the Mar - Apr time frame. First let me say what an awesome forum you have, the best I've come across. This site is extremely helpful and informative, thanks to all who take the time to post.
This thread was eye-opening. If I understand correctly, the only way to be able to rotate all 4-tires (without removing the tires from the rims), is to get a vehicle with 19" wheels? If you get the 20'"wheels, the tire size is the same but the rim offsets are different (different RT distances), and if you get the 21-22" wheels both tires and rims are different.
That's nuts, is there anyway to get Mercedes 20" rims that have the same tire & rim offsets so you can rotate all 4 tires without removing the tires from the rims...and suffering the inevitable damage to the rims from rushed tire techs? Anyone know if you can special order if you do a custom build?
This thread was eye-opening. If I understand correctly, the only way to be able to rotate all 4-tires (without removing the tires from the rims), is to get a vehicle with 19" wheels? If you get the 20'"wheels, the tire size is the same but the rim offsets are different (different RT distances), and if you get the 21-22" wheels both tires and rims are different.
That's nuts, is there anyway to get Mercedes 20" rims that have the same tire & rim offsets so you can rotate all 4 tires without removing the tires from the rims...and suffering the inevitable damage to the rims from rushed tire techs? Anyone know if you can special order if you do a custom build?
As I have opined before, I don't think lack of rotation is a big deal. My last 4 BMW M3/M4s all had staggered setup. You may need to replace one end before the other, but that is okay. And the all wheel drive does even out wear slightly, as opposed to my M4.
